This experiment, mixing solutions of potassium iodide and lead nitrate to give a bright yellow lead iodide precipitate, often leads students into other topics such as making paint from the precipitate. (BB)

Suggestions of what to look for in the summer sky are given so that students and teachers alike might sharpen their astronomical awareness. A constellation chart is included. (MR)

Describes a community interest short course in physics developed to increase awareness of the methods and principles of science. (SL)

Reviews scientific research and research projects which have been undertaken by secondary level students. (SL)

Discusses the need to instill in students reasons to justify learning chemistry. (SL)

Discusses the need for additional research pertaining to cognitive preferences in science. (SL)

Investigated were factors affecting student choice of academic orientations in science in secondary schools of Israel. Selection of a physical science stream of course work was found to be related to socioeconomic background. (SL)

Introduces 12 activities for teaching science. Includes one way to begin the school year, peristalsis demonstration, candy-coated metrics, 3-D constellations, 35-mm astrophotography, create an alien organism, jet propulsion, computer programs for pendulum calculations, plant versus animal, chocolate chip petroleum, paper rockets, and…

Examines the relationships between environmental influences and adolescent's attitudes toward science. Designed as a part of a large longitudinal, multidimensional study, this research focused on the role that self, family, and classroom environment had in attitude formation. All variables indicated a positive relationship, with classroom…

Describes research on the effectiveness of "3-2-1 CONTACT," a Public Broadcasting System children's television science series. In the study, 15 of the shows designed for the series' second season were pilot-tested with fourth and fifth graders (N=192) by examining changes in student knowledge using pre- and post-tests. Conclusions are…

Statistical findings show that factors other than personal preference influence choice of secondary science subject. Both boys and girls who "dislike" a particular science course were found to take the course anyway, and girls who "like" a science course (either physics or chemistry) were found often to drop the course. (CS)

This inquiry-based activity discusses the development of a glovebox like those used on the International Space Station and Space Shuttle. A glovebox is a box used for experimentation in which the user inserts hands into gloved access holes in order to work in the box. Activities concerning the study of liquid droplets are included to give students…

This educational brief discusses observatory stations built by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for looking at the universe. This activity for grades 5-12 has students build paper models of the observatories and study their history, features, and functions. Templates for the observatories are included. (MVL)

This brief discusses the basics of flight using a model of the first supersonic aircraft. This activity for grades 5-12 has students build a glider and learn how to change the flight characteristics of the glider. A template for the glider is included. (MVL)

This book describes the nature and extent of science learning in America with particular attention to the innumerable sources of science education existing outside the formal education system. Examples are provided from research and practice on how to better understand, facilitate, and communicate about free-choice science learning including…