Provides the rationale for and examples of experiments designed to test the stability of protons and bound neutrons. Also considers the unification question, cosmological implications, current and future detectors, and current status of knowledge on proton decay. (JN)

Suggests using better materials in fire syringes to obtain more effective results during demonstrations which show the elevation in temperature upon a very rapid (adiabatic) compression of air. Also describes an experiment (using ignition temperatures) which introduces students to the use of thermocouples for high temperature measurements. (DH)

Discusses the "sudden explosion" of animal fossils during the Cambrian era, suggesting that the "explosion" is a result of organic evolution, leading to remarkably preservable calcareous skeletons. Suggests that earlier organisms were soft-bodied and consequently were poorly preserved in the fossil record. (JN)

Describes the specifics of instruction in thermodynamics using a problem-solving technique introduced in a previous issue of this journal. (CS)

Describes the Nobel Chemistry prize and categorizes the number of laureates per field of chemistry, country, and age in the history of Nobel Prizes. Explains who receives the award and laureates' effect on chemistry. (YDS)

Attempts to make explicit the recurrent tensions in debates about the purpose of science education and considers past frameworks for the aims of science education, arguing that no one element of the range of goals of science education should be over-emphasized at the expense of others. (Author/MM)

Discusses the unusual chemistry of the transuranium elements as well as their impact on the periodic table. Also considers the practical applications of transuranium isotopes, such as their use in nuclear fuel for the large-scale generation of electricity. (JN)

This report presents a new synthesis of statistical indicators and research findings on the quality of science and mathematics education in the United States. In more detail than any other report, it addresses the progress made toward the U.S. national goal of ranking first in the world in mathematics and science by the year 2000. It draws on…

The eight working papers presented in this compendium were prepared for the National Science Foundation (NSF) as one means to assist the Office of Science and Technology Policy with preparation of the Administration's Annual Science and Technology Report to the Congress, 1981. They focus on specific aspects of three central themes directly related…

The composition and dynamics of the earth's atmosphere are discussed, considering the atmosphere's role in distributing the energy of solar radiation received by the earth. Models of this activity which help to explain climates of the past and predict those of the future are also considered. (JN)

Curriculum planning, even in a developed country, is not without problems. Curriculum planners in developing countries are faced with dilemmas at almost every level of decision making. The revision of the Malaysian physics curriculum is detailed in this article. (PB)

Presents an insider's view of the judging process at science fairs from a former student participant who has performed as a judge at many science fairs. Discusses who the judges are, on what judges tend to focus, parental involvement, gifted students and outside help, the interview process, and the formal rules of judging. (JJK)

Five central scientific issues are critical to consideration of the treatment in school curricula of the origin and evolution of the universe and of life on earth. These issues are: (1) the nature of science; (2) scientific evidence on the origin of the universe and the earth; (3) the consistent and validated scientific evidence for biological…

Produced in response to the Science and Technology Policy Organization and Priorities Act of 1976, this two-volume publication was written to provide a look into the future in terms of relating the agenda of science and technology to the visible near-term problems of American society and its external responsibilities for stable peace and the…

Reviews the recently established curriculum for teaching chemistry in the Soviet Union. Examines guidelines for teaching methodology. Also looks at basic pupil knowledge and skills in several different areas of chemistry. (RKM)