In Life Sciences education internationally, including South Africa, the study of animal and organ morphology has traditionally involved dissections since the early nineteenth century. The major purpose of this study was to investigate how the engagement of learners with animal organ dissections may influence the development of problem-solving…

Examples of scoring protocols, reliability data, and the relationship between components of a laboratory examination are reported. Differences between BSCS and non-BSCS biology students are examined. (AL)

Describes a project-type experiment in which students each try to find the color indicator present in a particular flower. The philosophy of conducting such an experiment and procedures used are included. (JN)

Reported the development and validation of an integrated model of performance on chemical concept-volumetric analysis. Model was tested on 265 chemistry students in eight schools.Results indicated that for subjects using algorithms without understanding, performance on volumetric analysis problems was not influenced by proportional reasoning…

Describes the use of a performance test developed to assess students' problem solving ability and some practical skills in chemical analysis. (Author/AL)

Definitions for the terms open-ended, problem solving, and investigations are considered. The interaction between these terms and teaching styles are discussed. Student influences over the learning process in this type of investigation are examined. (CW)

Reviews research on the purpose and effectiveness of laboratory activities. Discusses epistemology, problem solving, cooperative learning, student involvement, assessment, and teachers as researchers. (YP)

Described is an interdisciplinary unit on pseudoscience which combines interest in unidentified flying objects (UFO's), physics, astronomy, art, and english composition. The different phases of the lesson, assignments, and evaluation are discussed. A list of books available on UFOs is provided. (CW)

Presents an algorithm for solving problems related to multiple allelic frequencies in populations at equilibrium. Considers sample problems and provides their solution using this tabular algorithm. (CW)

Lichenometry is described for use in the study of biology and physical weathering. Discussed are lichens in general and an outline for studying growth and ecology. A problem solving format is used. (CW)

Presented are 27 science activities for secondary school science instruction. Topic areas include microbiology, botany, biochemistry, genetics, safety, earthquakes, problem solving, electricity, heat, solutions, mechanics, quantum mechanics, flame tests, and molecular structure. (CW)

Described is a program in which students learn about spectroscopy and instrumentation to solve a chemical forensic mystery. Infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, refractometry, and chromatographic techniques were used. An example of a mystery case is included. (KR)

Discussed are the results of a teacher training workshop on problem solving and classroom demonstrations. The materials and topics used in the workshop are listed. Suggestions for using problem solving and classroom demonstrations are provided. (CW)

Estuarine Oceanography is one in a series of single-topic problem modules intended for use in undergraduate and earth science courses. Designed for those interested in coastal oceanography or limnology, the module is structured as a laboratory supplement for undergraduate college classes but should be useful at all levels. The module has two…

Argues that cookbook chemistry laboratory experiments do little to teach scientific inquiry. Suggests providing students with laboratory experiences that follow the introduction of a concept and challenge students to investigate that concept through an experiment involving very few initial instructions. Lists some such challenges used in chemistry…