Inquiry is a goal of science education reform. Middle school science teachers and their students can develop understanding of inquiry by using an experimental design format. Facilitating this format with the four-question strategy helps students to design their investigations. An example of varying concentrations of vinegar and water illustrates…

Described is the use of ordinary ceramic magnets to replace the more expensive bar magnets commonly used. Suggestions for 11 task cards to help introduce children to the uses and principles of magnetism are provided. (CW)

The 422 Presidential Science Honorees (1980-86) participated in a Delphi study composed of two surveys regarding their professional reading patterns including science education journals, general education journals, science indexes, and general education indexes. Demographic information about the respondents is provided. (Author/YP)

Presents two activities on acid rain for students in intermediate grades. Materials needed and procedures used are included. Also describes "chemical magic" shows performed by high school students for sixth-grade students in seven elementary schools in Altus, Oklahoma. (JN)

The purpose of this teacher's resource guide is to help science teachers incorporate the topic of acidic precipitation into their curricula. A survey of recent junior high school science textbooks found a maximum of one paragraph devoted to the subject; in addition, none of these books had any related laboratory activities. It was on the basis of…

Discusses how college science faculty members can play a leading role in relieving student science anxiety. Emphasis on the role of University College (University of Maine at Orono) mathematics/science laboratories which allow students to "drop in" for assistance with specific skills. (JN)

Explains reasons why students have misconceptions concerning pendulum swings. Presents a series of 10 pendulum task cards to provide middle-school students with a solid mental scaffolding upon which to build their knowledge of kinetic energy and pendulums. (PR)

The unit box concept is an inquiry-oriented unit of instruction which helps preservice students develop teachable science units based on commercially available teaching guides. The unit box (which utilizes appropriate concrete materials to encourage hands-on learning for elementary students) contains everything needed to teach a specific unit,…

Analyzes demographic data about secondary science methods faculty regarding the faculty member's professional preparation, content of the methods course, secondary teaching experience, and information about the individual. Some implications for teacher education are included. (YP)

Described is a study to determine the relationship between energy knowledge and gender. Differences in levels of energy understanding were related to both gender and geographical location. Also noted is a low level of energy literacy in general. (CW)

Discusses the use of literature webs in teaching marine concepts. Includes examples and strategies based on "Thy Friend, Obadiah," a picture storybook for children up to grade four. Examples relate to literacy awareness, art awareness, drama, personal response, writing, social studies, and science. Also includes a list of related…