Sixth graders find out the do-it-yourself way of learning pays off when they construct their own instruments in their study of simple machines. Three machines were constructed. (EB)

Discusses a book to encourage children to make more accurate observations and to gain further insight into the wonders of nature. Considered most successful when used with second to fourth graders. A selection of pages are described. (EB)

Presents few ideas and tips on demonstrations for secondary school teachers; the concept of one part per billion, the running flame tests, models of atoms and molecules. Supplies the names of some useful high school science books. (GA)

The article discusses a hands-on, multisensory science curriculum developed from the adaptation and merging of two curricula for handicapped elementary students (ages 9-13): Science Activities for the Visually Impaired (SAVI) and Science Enrichment for Learners with Physical Handicap (SELPH). The nine modules comprising the SAVI/SELPH materials…

Justifies including dinosaurs as a topic in the curriculum for young children if approached from the inquiry processes of science exploration. Suggests that this topic encourages observational, classification, and communication skills and the ability to compare, hypothesize, and derive conclusions. (AS)

Reports on an investigation of 31 introductory geology textbooks indicating that the concept of contact between bodies of rock is only rarely discussed. Data collected pertaining to 15 related terms demonstrated that many are either omitted or inadequately covered. (TW)

Provides directions for interfacing the Lehman seismograph through an analog/digital converter. Discusses potential modifications and applications of this approach. (ML)

Provides a compilation of recommended field guides which deal with birds, mammals, trees, and wildflowers. Each recommended volume is described, noting its distinguishing features and evaluating its organization, photography, and text. Includes the author, publisher, and suggested retail price. (TW)

Describes a study of student understanding of the nature of physics in Hungary before and after curricular reform in 1985 similar to Nuffield physics in Great Britain. Concludes that students taking non-science courses do not readily adopt a physical style of thinking. (CW)

Discusses a typical food chain and the interrelationship between plants and animals. Describes the "Food Chain Pit" game which can be used to help students create food chains of different habitats. (RT)

Investigates the effects of using scientific apparatus versus household objects on the accuracy of primary school children in a simple titration exercise. Indicates no significant difference between the accuracy obtained using the two types of apparatus at the beginning, but improved performance for children using scientific apparatus by the end.…

Describes a new laboratory technique for working with small samples of compounds used in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis. Demonstrates how microcells can be constructed for each experiment and samples can be recycled. (TW)

Describes a quantitative experiment designed to demonstrate buffer action and the measurement of buffer capacity. Discusses how to make acetate buffers, determine their buffer capacity, plot the capacity/pH curve, and interpret the data obtained. (TW)

Suggests criteria to be used in selecting problem-solving activities and criteria to be considered in choosing media, exercises, and problems for the development of problem-solving skills. Provides perspectives on developing creativity and includes a chart on how thinking and attitude components relate. Also lists related reference materials. (ML)

Examines the effect of prior knowledge activation on sixth-grade readers' comprehension of compatible and incompatible text. Results support the notion that prior knowledge may intefer with, rather than facilitate, reading comprehension under certain conditions. (HOD)