Maintains that having students estimate the size and width of a class waste paper can (placed on a desk) is a simple and effective way of illustrating perceptual distortion. Tests show that people will consistently overestimate the height of the can, allowing for a useful discussion on sensory distortion. (MJP)

Discussed are the two sides to the question of laboratory dissections. Alternatives to dissection are proposed as well as the importance of incorporating dissections in a science curriculum. (KR)

Reported is a profile of nonmajor instruction determined through a nationwide survey of college and university professors who teach introductory courses to non-science majors. The purpose of the survey was to identify the critical issues and problems that exist related to this population of students. (KR)

Discusses some of the contributions that high-speed computing is making to the study of science. Emphasizes the use of computers in exploring complicated systems without the simplification required in traditional methods of observation and experimentation. Provides examples of computer assisted investigations in astronomy and physics. (TW)

Reports on the results of a survey of college level instructors of quantitative analysis courses. Discusses what topics are taught in such courses, how much weight is given to these topics, and which experiments are used in the laboratory. Poses some basic questions about the curriculum in quantitative analysis. (TW)

The educational potential of agriculture stems from the diversity and tangibility of its components. As a science based human activity, it may provide the educator with a unique combination of educational opportunities in a context which is authentic and accessible to the pupil and to the teacher. (JHZ)

This monograph discusses the current practices associated with the conduct of a research and experimentation program in technology education. It describes the background and bases of the program, the role of the teacher of research and experimentation, and advantages of the program. Next, the environment of the program is addressed, including the…

Effects of microcomputer-based laboratory (MBL) exercises and level of cognitive development on high school biology students' ability to construct and interpret line graphs were investigated. Forty-six students enrolled in general biology classes at a rural high school volunteered to participate in the study. These students were administered…

Follows an experimental program where 30 trained high school science teachers used 6 to 10 students each to produce an original experimental environmental research project. Offers suggestions to improve science in high schools. Lists methodology of several of the projects and describes others. (ML)

The target of difficulty of the Educational Technology Center (ETC) Heat and Temperature Group is basic thermal physics, particularly the differentiation between heat and temperature. High school teachers often find that thermal concepts are very difficult for their students to master and attribute students' difficulties at least in part to the…

Argues that psycholinguistics relies on a number of methodologies that bear little relation to actual language comprehension. Maintains that computer software illustrating classic experiments in psycholinguistics can introduce students to these techniques. The software examines experiments concerning reaction time, reading time, and recognition.…

The education industry has obviously been influenced by the Internet revolution. Teaching and learning methods have changed significantly since the coming of the Web and it is very likely they will keep evolving many years to come thanks to it. A good example of this changing reality is the spectacular development of e-Learning. In a more…

Reports on a study which compared the effectiveness of microcomputer simulated experiences with that of parallel, hands-on laboratory instruction for teaching the concept of volume displacement to junior high school students. Results indicated that computer simulated experience were as affective as hands-on laboratory experiences. (TW)

Provided is an empirical method to train students to avoid physical disaster in their work experience. Discussed is a computer program, CHETAH, which can be used in advance of synthesis to classify the possible explosive nature of the products. Plosophoric and auxoplosive weights of many organic groups are listed. (MVL)

A learning cycle consists of three phases: exploration; conceptual invention; and expansion of an idea. These phases parallel Piaget's functioning model of assimilation, disequilibrium and accomodation, and organization respectively. The learning cycle perceives students as actors rather than reactors to the environment. Inherent in that…