Discusses topics to aid in understanding animal behavior, including the value of the biological approach to psychology, functional systems, optimality and fitness, universality of environmental effects on behavior, and evolution of social behavior. (DS)

Describes the formation, chemical structure, and several uses of coal. The history of coal usage, production processes, coal tar products, and production of petroleum and other hydrocarbons from coal are also described. (DS)

Provides a brief history and description of a field test in the United States and Canada of the National Association for the Advancement of Humane Education's humane education curriculum guide for grades 1-6. (CS)

Discusses various issues in science curriculum/instruction and proposes that the National Science Teachers Association assume the responsibility for establishing quality science instruction. Topics/Issues include, among others, competencies science teachers will need in the future, computer oriented programs, and interdisciplinary science…

Describes a series of experiments monitoring household energy use and expense being developed as part of a course in an adult education program at Wayne State University. The experiments are used in a one-semester workshop course in which resources, consumption patterns, and future outlook are discussed. (Author/SK)

Describes a cooperative effort made to create a representative international network of centers for integrated science education and an instrument (given in the appendix) to describe integrated science education programs so they can become available to more users and adaptors. Some problems encountered in the instrument's development are…

This essay by a Harvard evolutionist presents viewpoints concerning the creationists' arguments against evolutionary biology. Semantics regarding "facts" and "theory" of evolution are examined, examples are cited of creationist argument, and arguments for evolution are presented. (CS)

Evaluates a new course for prospective elementary teachers entitled Basic Science Skills, designed to give students background in science, to show use of science materials and methods, and to promote positive attitudes toward science and science teaching. Math anxiety is suggested as a confounding factor in interpreting the results. (CS)

Proposes the use of schoolyard activities as a viable alternative to extended field trips for field investigations in biology. Describes and provides examples of different approaches including a problem oriented technique, Outdoor Biology Instructional Strategies (OBIS), and a sourcebook sponsored by the Council for Elementary Science…

Suggests that current approaches to mechanics following Newton's laws will not improve by better presentations due to conceptual difficulties of the approaches. Offers an alternative way of setting up mechanics which avoids some of the conceptual pitfalls but still requires mathematical ability. (Author/SK)

Two presentations at the 1981 International Conference on Chemical Education are summarized: (1) current and future rationales for chemistry instruction and use of Gowin's V for more effective chemistry teaching and (2) creative adaptability toward challenges of chemistry content, society, and the individual, focusing on learning chemistry by…

Lists concerns and recommendations of secondary school chemistry teachers related to: (1) safety; (2) curriculum development; (3) chemistry teaching profession; (4) multi-national problems (such as greater prestige for chemistry teachers in their community); and (5) student characteristics. (JN)

Describes an interdisciplinary classroom activity to explain the effect of the ocean on local weather incorporating principles from physics, chemistry, mathematics, and meteorology. (DS)

Explores several options and advantages of using microcomputers in science teaching. Describes programs for calculating pH, Maxwell-Boltzman distribution of velocities in a gas, atomic orbitals, and lattice energies. Also suggests use of microcomputers in the areas of simulations, scoring tests, and controlling stock. (DS)

Outlines a multidisciplinary course which comprises fundamental, practical, and experimental aspects of heterogeneous catalysis. The course structure is a combination of lectures and demonstrations dealing with the use of spectroscopic techniques for surface analysis. (SK)