As evidence-based reform becomes increasingly important in educational policy, it is becoming essential to understand how research design might contribute to reported effect sizes in experiments evaluating educational programs. The purpose of this study was to examine how methodological features such as types of publication, sample sizes, and…

The problem of obtaining the apparent equation of motion and shape of a moving body from its arbitrary given equation of motion in special relativity is considered. Also the inverse problem of obtaining the body's equation of motion from a known equation of motion of its image is discussed. Some examples of this problem solution are considered. As…

The purpose of this study was to determine the concerns of Texas science teachers about the 40 percent laboratory time rule just prior to enforcement and at the end of its first year of implementation. The methodology, results of the first and second years, conclusions, and implications for teaching science are discussed. (KR)

Describes two new exercises in classical conditioning that use earthworms and houseflies. The animals are available year-round and pose no risk to the students or instructor. The conditioned stimuli are odorants. These elicit a conditioned response of contraction in worms or proboscis extension in flies. (MJP)

Describes the Tardigrada as a group of animals suitable for close study in project work. Gives reasons for their suitability and an illustrated identification key. Discusses possible investigations into the ecology and physiology of tardigrades. (Author/CW)

Reviews a study which sought to obtain a quantitative metabolic map of the neurons mediating a specific memory. Research results support notions of cooperative processes in which nonrandom behavior of high ensembles of neural elements mediates the integration and processing of information and the retrieval of memory. (ML)

This investigation showed no sex difference between boys and girls with regard to practical work at the end of their first year of secondary school and no difference between schools and groupings (all boys, all girls, mixed schools with mixed science classes, and mixed schools with single sex science classes). (JN)

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…

Outlines a laboratory exercise that makes use of Beer's Law plots of cysteine constructed at several pH values over a broad range of wavelengths to estimate the tautomeric ratio (R) of two singly charged ionic forms, calculate the microscopic constants, and construct ultraviolet spectra for both light absorbing species. (CW)

Investigated the role of "a priori" ideas in planning experiments and data processing leading to inferences. Thirty-one students (ages 11-13) observed a "combustion/candle in a closed container" experiment and were asked to interpret sets of measurements. Findings, among others, show that children preferentially experiment on…

Determined student opinion of the investigative laboratory by surveying both students who had completed an introductory biology course using this format and another group of more advanced students who had taken other courses since this one. Results show that a majority of students feel the format improved their problem-solving skills. (JN)

Provides information appropriate for introductory lectures on photoelectric effects in membranes. Describes the apparatus and supplies required for laboratory exercises. Outlines typical laboratory exercises. Identifies the chromophores known to induce photoelectric effects. Concludes that this topic can provide useful subjects for undergraduate…

Examines the usefulness of cyclic voltammetry to the determination of a complex compound's stoichiometry. Discusses the experimental design, laboratory equipment, and results. (CW)

Introduced is a notation to map out an experiment as an active process in a real-world environment and display the human aspect written out of most narratives. Comparing maps of accounts can show how knowledge-construction depends on narrative reconstruction. Emphasized are nonverbal and procedural aspects of discovery and invention. (KR)

Perspectives, policy issues, and options for Congressional action that relate most directly to the development and implementation of alternatives to animal use in research and testing are addressed in this report. Testimonies and reports include those from the Office of Technology Assessment, the National Institute of Health, and the Food and Drug…