Argues that the traditional chemistry laboratory manual is not inherently a cookbook and the modern course manual does not automatically eliminate the cookbook approach. Suggests that it is the nature of the teacher guidance that students receive before, after, and during the laboratory work that makes a chemistry program meaningful and effective.…

An approach to the understanding of history be letting students participate actively as historians. Topics researched were student family origins, aspects of the Civil War, Slavery, and school history. (AP)

This article describes controlled experiment sponsored by Bureau of Research, Office of Education, to determine whether it is better to present a demonstration before or after discussion of the theory involved, with the conclusion that skills were best taught by presenting demonstration before theory. (IR)

Work by Dutch and Belgian researchers on arithmetic problems involving addition and subtraction is reviewed, especially word problems. It is an attempt to synthesize the research on the relationship between instruction in the part-whole line diagram and the solution of problems. Both logical and psychological interpretations are discussed. (MNS)

Because of drawbacks to the traditional lecture method, general chemistry lectures were stopped at appropriate times to allow students to complete prepared worksheets on problems related to current lecture material. Discusses rationale for and mechanics of the approach, including sample-problem worksheets used. (JN)

Increased interest in mathematical problem solving and in the development of problem-solving ability have demanded that mathematics educators give greater attention to problem-solving instruction. A four-step model for solving problems is followed by sets of suggestions for instructional use. (MP)

Describes an instructional strategy to develop creative thinking. Students learn what information scientists had prior to formulation of an idea and attempt to devise their own solutions to the problem. However, no experimentally verified solution to the problem is known. Advantages to this approach are discussed. (Author/JN)

It is concluded: (1) elementary school students enjoy doing problems, but have trouble thinking them out; (2) students need to work on a variety of types; (3) calculator use can definitely help students become better; and (4) students need experience in group work. Details of the instructional approach used are provided. (MP)

Too many approaches to mathematics instruction at the elementary level focus only on the production of correct answers rather than on the development of mathematical thinking skills. Author urges encouragement of children's own thought processes. (Author/PGD)

Techniques have been described for using celestial spheres as data-generating devices. Descibes a variation, capitalizing on students' interest in activities related to Stonehenge. Following a movie, students determine whether or not astronomical alignments found at Stonehenge and related structures could arise by chance. Local buildings are used.…

The problems many students have on the senior high school mathematics functional literacy test in Florida are discussed. Instructional exercises designed to improve students' reading comprehension of word problems are noted, and prototypes of some of the exercises viewed as more useful are provided. (MP)