Describes two working models of moths that can be used to test the eyespot function as an aversive property. Uses simple mechanical and electrical models as the "moths" and wild birds as the predators. Includes diagrams, methods, models, validation statements, and a discussion. (RT)

Outlines the Cosmic Background Explorer (COBE) mission to measure celestial radiation. Describes the instruments used and experiments involving differential microwave radiometers, and a far infrared absolute spectrophotometer. (YP)

Discusses the change in pressure as a balloon expands. Describes the pressure change in a spherical soap bubble and a rubber membrane on the tube. Provides demonstrations when two balloons are connected by a tube. Lists five further reading materials. (YP)

Court rulings have established three basic responsibilities school systems must meet in science programs: (1) inform students about the hazards they might encounter in a science class; (2) provide a safe learning environment and properly maintained equipment; and (3) ensure adequate supervision. Outlines a four-point school safety plan. (MLF)

Examines college students' perception of an interactive videodisc learning system as an alternative to the conventional laboratory for learning biology skills and concepts taught under classroom laboratory conditions. Reports that the videodisc instruction gave more experimental and procedural options and more efficient use of time than the…

Presents a procedure by which cytokinins are used to induce a population of dividing and differentiating cells on the cut surface of the roots of an intact plant. Includes the method used, results, and suggestions for a variety of variables that may be tested. (RT)

Investigates the nature of catastrophic volcanism and the rifting process. Describes two kinds of evidence: quantitative descriptions of rock melting and a wide range of observations. Discusses examples of continent growth in the North Atlantic, India and the Seychelles islands, and the South Atlantic. (YP)

Described is the construction and use of an osmometer that is low in cost, easy to make, and durable. Materials needed and procedures are outlined. Diagrams show an assembled instrument and individual parts. (RT)

Makes use of distinctions between experiment and demonstrations to resolve a paradox for the sociology of scientific knowledge. Describes two public tests which illustrate these themes. Discusses types of core-set distortion and suggests a partial solution. (YP)

Discusses how laboratory skills or experiences learned in a chemistry course can be used to help students to better understand physics. (ZWH)

Presents a procedure that students can use to determine the center of mass of a thin (two-dimensional), homogenous object experimentally, analytically, and numerically. Requires students to use three distinctly different approaches to a single problem and necessitates a combination of laboratory skills, a knowledge of fundamental calculus, and…

Uses the Science Process Skills Inventory (SPSI) to analyze student efforts at writing experimental designs. Results indicate that explicit, incremental development of the science process skills of formulating hypotheses and identifying variables, together with model examples, may be a means to facilitate student success in designing science…

Discusses concerns regarding the assessment of scientific investigations in the National Curriculum. Presents observations and assessment advice and guidance. (JRH)

Presents experiments that use the Mattel's Hot Wheels Top Speed toy set to show that work is a measure of energy transferred to or from a system. (JRH)