Replies are given to students' complaints about their physics textbook, "PHYSICS, Principles and Problems" (Merrill, Bell & Howell). Indicates wrong answers to some of the problems in the book. Discusses several topics identified by the students. (YP)

Discusses the selection of gloves for the chemistry laboratory. Provides checklists for the purposes of the gloves, and the factors including permeation rate, breakthrough time, friction, and cost. Lists eight rules for preventing skin exposure and minimizing area contamination. Lists six references. (YP)

Examines science textbook language and determines some characteristics of them: distant authorial voice, concern for precision, limited context, limited syntax, and rhetorical model. Suggests three further researcher needs. (YP)

Examines the possibility that part of the problem in the teaching of physical science may lie in teaching-learning materials. Selects 14 chemistry textbooks and 14 physics textbooks in Australia. Analyzes them based on learning theory and scientific literacy. (YP)

Features the concepts of optics and geometry of eclipses. Presents the "eclipse rule," suggesting classroom activities in which students derive this rule. Includes some triangles activities for outdoors that illustrate eclipsing and sighting phenomena. (ET)

Compares and reviews currently available brands of steel construction sets that are useful to physics teachers for building demonstrations, prototypes of mechanisms, robotics, and remote control devices. (ZWH)

The role played on shallow and deep levels of comprehension by text changes aimed at improving relationships within text ideas or producing better links with the reader's knowledge were studied with 67 Spanish 10th graders. Both textual changes contributed separately to recall, but problem solving increased only when the two were presented…

Teachers who have Spanish-speaking students in their science class, will likely be interested in learning about the recent releases of Spanish trade books for children. From appealing paperback series about colors, opposites, shapes, and numbers to smooth Spanish renditions of Isaac Asimov's engaging overview of the universe, these books are just…

Children in South Africa learned to do fascinating activities when they were introduced to the "Spider's Place" materials and, in the process, learned valuable science skills and knowledge. "Spider's Place" was initially a series of 13 science programmes for primary-age children from the South African Broadcasting Corporation…

This guidebook sets forth five different methods for analyzing curricula. It is designed to be used primarily by teachers, curriculum supervisors, and administrators but may also be used by parents, students, and community members as they select materials for use in the classroom. The analytic methods are: (1) TIMSS Curriculum and Textbook…

In an attempt to determine the level of questioning according to Bloom's taxonomy, generated by test items that accompany selected fifth-grade science textbooks, an analysis of the tests provided by three of the most commonly used elementary science textbooks was completed. Additionally this analysis examined the extent to which each series…

Each issue in this set of newsletters is devoted exclusively to reviews of a science textbook. Each text is reviewed by two scientists and one science educator. Textbooks reviewed by issue are: (1) "Scott, Foresman Biology" (1988); (2) "Heath Life Science" (1987); (3) "Prentice-Hall Biology" (1987); (4) "Scott, Foresman Life Science" (1987); (5)…

During a seven year period science materials, designed to promote discovery learning for children aged five to thirteen, were developed and revised on the basis of a formative evaluation. Student and teacher data were analyzed in order to determine which curriculum materials contributed to cognitive and affective objectives. (BJG)

Describes four elementary school science games which are produced commercially. Reviews are of a descriptive variety providing an overview of the programs discussed. Bibliographical data are included. (Author/EB)