Traces the history and development of the physics textbook from 1870-1980. Areas discussed include extrinsic (bibliographical and biographical components) and intrinsic textbook properties. Among topics considered in the latter are subject structure and content, indicating a concern related to excess text material over syllabus requirements. (JN)

In November 1982, 10 college physics teachers visited universities and other sites in the People's Republic of China. Discusses this tour, focusing on the quality of life in China and physics at Chinese universities. The latter discussion includes various aspects of physics curriculum, instruction, and research. (JN)

Describes a graduate-level tectonics course which includes the historical basis for modern tectonics concepts and an in-depth review of pros/cons of plate tectonics. Tectonic features discussed include: ocean basins; volcanic arcs; continental margins; continents; orogenic belts; foreland fold and thrust belts; volcanic/plutonic belts of orogens;…

Reported is a series of curriculum research studies carried out in Papua New Guinea between 1972 and 1980 into the effects of formal schooling, with compulsory component of science instruction on attitudes toward investigation, control, and manipulation of natural phenomena and toward traditional religion. (MNS)

This study assessed the current state of energy knowledge among students in grades 4, 7, and 10-12 in order to identify areas in which future instruction would be most beneficial. Sex differences were also investigated. (MNS)

The legal tests that are applied to the issue of state mandates to provide creation instruction in public schools, and the implications of the mandates, are discussed. This issue is compared with other curriculum mandates and requirements to illustrate the difficulty of the problem. (MSE)

Lists physics courses at universities and colleges of technology in Scotland. Includes honors degree courses, course structure, special entry requirements (if any), special notes, and name of contact person. (SK)

Students in two Camden County high schools planned and built a space shuttle project to send ants into space to examine the effects of weightlessness on a life colony. The experiments, tests, colony design, development of a computer-controlled environment, and production are described. (CM)

Highlights activities and curriculum at the Bronx High School of Science (New York). The curriculum, which includes independent research projects, is designed to give students direct experience in science. Includes comments by and about current and former students (including several Nobel prize winners). (JN)

Discusses advantages of incorporating descriptive chemistry into the high school curriculum and strategies to facilitate teaching both theoretical and descriptive chemical concepts. Also provides lists of chemistry goals for all students and more demanding goals in theoretical/quantitative aspects of chemistry for science-oriented students. (JN)

Describes a self-paced geology course utilizing a diversity of instructional techniques, including maps, models, samples, audio-visual materials, and a locally developed laboratory manual. Mechanical features are laboratory exercises, followed by unit quizzes; quizzes are repeated until the desired level of competence is attained. (Author/JN)

Most articles on creationism focus on whether or not creationism should be included in science courses, on equal footing with evolutionary theory. However, positive influences that the debate can have on biology teaching should also be considered, this could lead to a deeper understanding of evolution and of science itself. (Author/JN)

Traces development of chemical physics as a distinct discipline and reviews its position as a subject for study in United Kingdom universities. Reports results of a survey of chemical physics courses and graduates (1975-1980), including employment data on these graduates. (Author/JN)

Details are provided of a recent project in North Carolina funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The information includes data from a survey that looked at the statewide status of handicapped science education. Four recommendations are made, based upon observations of the project and the survey results. (MP)

Discusses reasons for including industrial chemistry into the college chemistry curriculum. One reason is that chemistry students, and students generally, should appreciate the role of the chemical industry in our history, economy, and culture. Problems associated with teaching industrial chemistry are addressed and a British university/industry…