Justifies including dinosaurs as a topic in the curriculum for young children if approached from the inquiry processes of science exploration. Suggests that this topic encourages observational, classification, and communication skills and the ability to compare, hypothesize, and derive conclusions. (AS)

Traces the major developments and trends in contemporary popular science. Identifies magazines, television shows, and newspaper sections devoted to popular science and discusses their status and impact. Comments on the rise, fall, and future of the "science boom." (ML)

Reports on gender differences in achievement, attitudes, preferences, learning experiences and study habits of four groups of Israeli 12th grade students, three of which specialized in the sciences and one group which studied no science. Concludes that girls are generally less interested in studying science and have less positive attitudes toward…

This brief discusses human movement and robotic human movement simulators. The activity for students in grades 5-12 provides a history of robotic movement and includes making an End Effector for the robotic arms used on the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station (ISS). (MVL)

This brief discusses X-gliders and flight research with experimental gliders. In this activity, designed for grades K-4, students will learn how to change the flight characteristics of a glider using scientific inquiry methods. Glider plans and a template are included. (MVL)

This brief discusses the space shuttle and the docking procedures used with the International Space Station (ISS). Using this activity designed for grades 5-12, students demonstrate and identify procedures for determining the best method for completing the docking activity. Students will also study and identify Newton's Laws of Motion. A mockup…

Describes a classroom activity designed to interest and motivate students in science. By comparing scientific experimentation to the processes employed in planning, playing, and analyzing the results of a football match, students become more aware of the similarity between activities in their lives and in science. (JR)

Traces the development and discusses the advantages of an instrument to measure student attitudes towards science. The instrument's sub-scales determine: enjoyment of science/science lessons; social implications of science; attitudes toward scientific inquiry; attitudes toward scientists/normality of scientists; career interests in science; and…

Compares the editorial policy and appeal of the "National Enquirer" to the "Skeptical Inquirer" which is published by the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal. Presents an overview of the common sense approach of the latter, its format, topics, and sample content. (DC)

Hypothesizes that superior performance by males in science could be related to their greater ability to perform well on tests of spacial visualization and mechanical aptitude. Suggests activities to improve science achievement with females. (Author/DS)

Outlines a five-week chemistry program designed by university faculty for junior high students with a strong interest in science. (CS)

A mother describes the achievement and successes of her 11-year-old deaf daughter. Included in the discussion are her growth of language, social and psychological growth, math and science interests, and reading ability. (SA)

Provides a poster describing how oil is made, discovered, recovered, distributed, and used with suggestions for using it. Includes cards for an oil vocabulary game with its playing instructions and seven oil scramble words. Gives three addresses of sources for additional information. (YP)

Provides several reasons for the lack of the classroom teacher's involvement in science education research. Explains the purposes, advantages, involvements, and kinds of research. States that without teachers as researchers, there is an inability to put knowledge to practice. (RT)

Introduces an interdisciplinary activity using a cola drink. Describes the lesson plan, including objectives, procedures, evaluation, projects, and conclusions. Provides two laboratory sheets containing problem, hypothesis, materials, procedure, observations, and conclusions, vocabulary table, and data table. (YP)