Examines the psychology of learning and its application to work in the laboratory. States that the working memory capacity of students is limited; therefore the amount of information they can process needs to be controlled and "recipe following" in the laboratory is perfectly reasonable. (RT)

Discussion of explanations and knowledge representation within knowledge-based systems focuses on the development of an expert system for purification of proteins in a Swedish laboratory. Topics include domain conceptualization; a multiple-explanation construction model; a study of laboratory staff that investigated construed explanations; and…

Discussion of distance education activities at the University of the South Pacific focuses on chemistry courses that were developed for distance teaching. Problems with arranging a practical work component, including laboratory facilities, are addressed; the need for adequate tutorial assistance is discussed; and problems with slow turn-around…

Describes a performance assessment protocol that rates six goals: (1) methodology of research, (2) use of equipment, (3) accuracy in measurement, (4) application of concepts and formulas, (5) use of mathematics, and (6) completeness and clarity. Provides an example performance task evaluation sheet. (MVL)

Describes an exploratory study to identify determinants of elementary student's intentions to perform laboratory and nonlaboratory science activities. Fishbein and Ajzen's theory of reasoned action was used as the basis for the study. (PR)

Authors describe a set of controlled ecosystems that can be used to demonstrate the effects of herbivory on the health and growth of a plant population and of predation on the growth of a primary consumer population. The system also shows the effectiveness of biological pest control measures in a dramatic way. The construction of the ecosystems is…

Presents instructional methods biology teachers can use to make their presentations more interesting. Author describes variety of methods for introducing lesson on the heart and discusses use of metaphors, form, models, and fractals in instruction pertaining to circulatory system. Presents idea of using Capon's "The Supper of the Lamb"…

Presents information on a standards-based assessment for student laboratory work. Four criteria--planning and design, experimental execution, observation of changes, and interpretation and explanation--are presented along with standards for assessment of laboratory performance. Describes the benefits of teachers enunciating both criteria and…

This male-specific study examined the development of integrated process skill in the context of open-inquiry laboratory sessions. Findings from this qualitative study indicate that male students develop higher-order process skills through nontraditional laboratory experiences that provided the students with freedom to perform experiments of…

Describes an innovative, but not revolutionary, secondary education science program that is modeled after American graduate education. Discussions include a comparison of pedagogical approaches, implementation, the teacher, facilities, and teaching strategies. (ZWH)

Describes the construction of an inexpensive recirculating aquaculture system that can hold up to 46 pounds of fish, invertebrates, and mussels for classroom use. The system is versatile, requires little maintenance, and can be used for both teaching and research purposes. (WRM)

Reports on a study that examined the prior use of simulation on frog dissection in improving students' actual dissection performance and learning of frog anatomy and morphology. Finds that students who performed the simulation before dissection performed significantly better than students who performed dissection before using the simulation or…

Lists requirements of hazardous-substances legislation as it pertains to science laboratories with a summary of obligations under the Hazardous Substances Compliance Standard for manufacturers, importers, suppliers of hazardous substances, employers or principals, and employees. (AIM)

Introduces a cytology laboratory course consisting of experimental design, laboratory preparation, laboratory implementation, and scientific write-up. (Contains 11 references.) (YDS)

Shows how schools are establishing environmental-management systems to help them comply with stricter federal regulations. Topics addressed include hazardous waste management and use of third-party audits to prepare for Environmental Protection Agency inspections. Environmental guidelines for laboratories and special concerns confronting science…