Presents descriptions of three experimental procedures for physics classes: forced oscillations, measuring the refractive index of perspex, and measuring the critical potentials of helium. (SA)

This sourcebook for chemical activities is designed to be used as a student laboratory book for both junior and senior high school students. The student's role as a knowledgeable consumer and informed citizen is stressed. Each activity includes a list of needed materials, procedures, reactions, questions, and notes for the teacher which include…

Provides guidelines for translating university science laboratories into middle school science activities. The need for guidelines is based on the authors' discovery that teachers teach what they were taught. Discusses six expected outcomes of middle school science activities: developing science concepts; practicing process skills; quantitative…

Surveys secondary school teacher and student perceptions of chemistry laboratory activities. Reports the frequencies of perceived advantages of laboratory activities in four categories: affective, psychomotor, cognitive, and process. Perceived disadvantages were categorized into five categories: time, expense, safety, management, and content. (YP)

Associates science teacher "bad days" with the inability to answer the questions asked by students. Proposes that publications focus on providing the answers to recurring questions experienced by science teachers. (CP)

Many aspects of string theory are abstract and difficult for even theoretical physicist to fully comprehend. The activities in this guide are designed to help teachers and students better understand some of the basic concepts underlying particle physics and string theory. A list of additional resources and a glossary are also included. Each…

Describes a three-week summer program teaching selected chemistry faculty how to incorporate polymer chemistry into chemistry courses. In addition to lectures, the program conducted many experiments and provided a trip to industry laboratories. (YP)

This report evaluates a project for secondary school education teachers in northeastern Texas. The objectives of the project were to: (1) train the secondary and middle school teachers of special education to use the Science Activities for the Visually Impaired/Science Enrichment for Learners with Physical Handicaps (SAVI/SELPH) curriculum; (2)…

Reviews research on the purpose and effectiveness of laboratory activities. Discusses epistemology, problem solving, cooperative learning, student involvement, assessment, and teachers as researchers. (YP)

Civil lawsuits brought for injuries to students are a source of growing concern for teachers, and especially for science teachers. This paper outlines some basic principles by which science teachers may protect themselves from lawsuits, before and during the time that students are engaged in experiments or lab work. Courts in this country have…

Reviews a National Science Foundation funded workshop ("Investigations in the Natural Sciences") for science teachers on how to use laboratory centered materials developed by the Science Education Center at the University of Oklahoma. Presents the results of a survey of the participants. Highlights the program's strengths. (CW)

Describes the manufacturing method for a high-temperature ceramic superconductor. Presents detailed procedures and pictures showing the manufacturing process. (YP)

This handbook is based on a list of essential topics that should be mastered by the student who subsequently plans to pursue college chemistry. Chapters include: (1) "Introduction" (describing a position paper and the background of the handbook); (2) "Essential General Topics and Objectives"; (3) "Testing Students"…

This study explored the impact of cooperative learning in a college level laboratory science course by comparing classes taught by a conventional lab-lecture technique. Students in a basic science skills course for preservice elementary teachers participated over a 14-week period. Instruments used were the Science Attitude Survey, Test of Logical…

Advocates using classic lectures in chemistry as guidelines for good teaching. Uses quotes from an 1848 book of lectures by John Scoffern to illustrate teaching principles relating to teacher enthusiasm, relevant materials, simple demonstrations, good laboratory experiences, nomenclature, and practical applications. (TW)