The first science education digest for 1985 focused on data obtained by use of meta-analysis techniques on research studies of science instruction. Instruction seldom takes place without instructional materials, so this second digest is a companion one containing a discussion of science education research on instructional materials. Data are shown…

This publication collects representative and varied curriculum activities in the area of nutrition education. Aimed at stimulating thought and activities related to nutrition among both teachers and their 9- through 12-year-old students, the booklet suggests to teachers the ease with which nutrition information can be incorporated into the…

Audio-tutorial teaching, originated at Purdue University, employs an audio tape as a vehicle for guiding the student through a series of learning experiences. The student may be directed to use his textbook for an explanation of a diagram, to refer to his laboratory manual, or to observe the specimens and experimental materials prepared for his…

The results of five projects are presented in this report. Project 1, "An Exemplary First Grade Reading Program," attempted to establish an exemplary first grade reading program over a two-year period. The first year involved grouping as opposed to non-grouping. The second year a non-graded primary was established. The findings indicated…

Describes a technique used extensively in the chemical industry to find and control unanticipated safety hazards. Discusses how a team of individuals can consider how equipment or processes operate and deviations from normal conditions. Suggests this technique could be used in educational laboratories. (TW)

Describes a program in which six experiments in chemistry were used in an elementary school science program. Discusses the problems encountered in initiating the program, and some of the ways the problems were solved. Lists the six experiments, along with the reaction or process being studied, and the application of each. (TW)

Describes the use of bubble-type plastic packing material to make "pop-and-sniff" materials that contain common smells from chemicals such as amyl acetate (banana smell). Discusses how these materials can be used by elementary school teachers to enhance thinking skills. (TW)

Describes and provides suggestions for organizing a gemology course for both geology and non-geology undergraduate majors. Includes a sample outline for the course and identifies equipment needed and specimens. Lists recommended supplementary course materials. (TW)

This is a two-part curriculum package for the teaching of chemistry and the periodic table. The first part, the Teacher's Guide, contains information necessary for using the equipment in a typical classroom including learning goals, vocabulary, math skills, and sample data for each activity. The second part of the package consists of photocopy…

The need for accurate and current scientific information in the fast paced Internet-aware world has prompted the scientific community to develop tools that reduce the scientist's time and effort to make digital information available to all interested parties. The availability of such tools has made the Internet a vast digital repository of…

Presents laboratory procedures, classroom materials/activities, and demonstrations, including: vapor pressure of liquid mixtures and Raoult's law; preparation/analysis of transition metal complexes of ethylammonium chloride; atomic structure display using a ZX81 (includes complete program listing); "pop-up" models of molecules and ions;…

Describes a study conducted in the United Kingdom that assessed recall and comprehension scores of elementary and secondary school children following the viewing of two prime-time science television programs. Predictor variables including age, sex, linguistic fluency, prior television viewing, and reading habits were investigated. (Contains 13…

Described are some commonly encountered chemistry experiments that have been modified for computerized data acquisition. Included are exercises in radioactivity, titration, calorimetry, kinetics, and electrochemistry. Software considerations and laboratory procedures are discussed. (CW)

Activities designed to teach children about solar distance and size are presented. These include a classroom-sized model, an outdoor model, a read-aloud activity, and follow-up activities. Available resource materials in print and on film are listed. (CW)

The impact of enhanced observation or enhanced prediction on scientific reasoning about heat energy and temperature problems was investigated. Instruction was successful in improving prediction and observation skills in the microcomputer-based laboratory environment. (CW)