A phenomenological explanation of this effect is provided. Suggestions for the inclusion of pyroelectric effects into a unit on electrostatics are given. (CW)

Explains how radiographs (from X-rays) can be used in elementary and middle-school curricula. (PR)

In this two-year study with elementary teachers, using a supplemental science instructional resource, "Superscience," it was found that teachers' internal beliefs about what will benefit their students are linked to the external constraints of their students' interests and the expected curriculum. Teachers were not likely to use the…

Surveyed 232 college students in an introductory biology course on their attitudes and perceptions on aspects of biology that they should have covered in high school science. Results indicated majority of students felt very or somewhat familiar with the topics covered in the survey. A sizable majority of students were only somewhat familiar with…

Presents a series of exercises to help students understand the importance of the limits of taxonomic keys and to identify the appropriate levels. Introductory activities include having students classify screws, "gummy bears," and beans. (PR)

Survey results contrast teachers' (n=159) knowledge and understanding with the understanding levels expected by England's science National Curriculum. Teacher's understanding with respect to the concepts of force, energy, and changes in materials are discussed. (Contains 29 references.) (MDH)

Describes the "Physics by Inquiry" course that is designed to address student misconceptions. Explains how the course was taught at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro for teachers and how it was taught at Ohio State University for elementary-education majors. Concludes the course is exportable to many different environments…

Rebuts the case made by Donald Williams in "Making a Case for the Science Specialist." Argues that using science specialists gives the impression that science is only for certain people. Considers points made by preservice teachers in Williams' article concerning attitude, curricular concerns, and teaching science using real-life…

Describes scientific and technical accomplishments of the Chinese in developing earthquake detection procedures, paper making, and medicine and of Islamic people in developing astronomy and mechanical engineering. (PR)

Investigates the assumption that girls will benefit from performance-based or hands-on science classrooms, by examining changes in students' attitudes toward science over the school year. Contains 46 references. (DDR)

Describes how to measure the penultimate laboratory speed, a stress wave velocity in a solid rod. Also includes background information on stress waves, apparatus, and procedures. Employs a homemade interface for the IBM platform. (DDR)

Describes a mystery unit designed for a heterogeneous grouping of eighth-grade students that involves the disciplines of science and language arts. Addresses students' interests and connects naturally with language arts and science curriculum. (DDR)

Addresses the needs of higher education institutions relative to the Key Skills which will be established across the revised National Curriculum being introduced by the British government in September 2000. (WRM)

Focuses on an experimental vegetable garden project in which grade eight students test their hypotheses on plant growth under variable soil conditions. Provides opportunities to integrate various scientific topics. (DDR)

Argues that visual images can act as conceptual pegs for concepts or complicated procedures and help students perform better in the cognitive, affective, and manipulative domains of the laboratory. Conclusion was based on a study of chemistry laboratory students (N=83). (DDR)