The reform movement in science education as characterized by the development of new science curricula in the 1960s is analyzed in this information bulletin. An overview of the historical context and the financial extent of the movement is presented. Perspectives on the curricula are offered in a question format. The questions include: (1) what did…

The future of the universe is discussed in terms of several models. These include the closed, open, and critical models of the universe. Black holes and speculation on what may happen to life in the cosmological models are also discussed. (JN)

The ERIC Clearinghouse for Science, Mathematics, and Environmental Education (SMEAC) screens, abstracts, and indexes a variety of published and unpublished documents in science education. Suggestions for tapping the resources of the ERIC system are provided: computer searches, manual searches, and use of ERIC fact sheets and other materials.…

Clarifies the basic structure of a science, technology, and society (STS) course for using a tool to evaluate the course. Reports empirical data about an STS examination from 16-17 year-old British students. (Author/YP)

Provides a running commentary on a chemistry instructor's first day in a first course in chemistry. Focuses on the use of fire and chemists' attempts to explain this phenomenon. Provides the ongoing descriptions of the experiments, a summary of the observations, and the key comments made by the instructor. (TW)

Discusses findings from report "Maintaining America's Scientific Productivity: The Necessity of the Liberal Arts Colleges" produced at Oberlin College. Characterizes science majors, faculty, and state of facilities at such schools, and speculates on needed financial support to maintain and enhance their current position. (JM)

Presents recent findings obtained by the Voyager 2 mission on Uranus. Updates information on the planet's moons, rings, atmosphere, and magnetic field. Illustrations and diagrams of selected aspects of Uranus are included. (ML)

Traces the development of college physics laboratories. Discusses the motivating forces that produced these laboratories, sources of experiments and the first and most influential laboratory manual prepared by E. C. Pickering for use at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. (JN)

The author describes specific examples of the use of technology in science such as fiberoptic spectroscopy to observe galaxies and conduct three-dimensional maps of the universe. Adduces the following examples of technology influencing scientific investigations: gene cloning, gene sequencing, radioimmunoassays, patch-clamping of neurons, scanning…

Traces some astronomical history and considers how astronomers have arrived at their current knowledge of distance, size, and time as it applies to objects in the night sky. The information is provided as background to a discussion of the Hubble constant and its relationship to the age of the universe. (JN)

The author predicts trends in science education in the 1990s and gives suggestions to science educators. The four suggestions deal with the following: (1) organization, (2) guided discovery and multimodality instructional approaches, (3) time spent on science instruction, and (4) integration. (18 references) (PR)

Describes the construction and use of an inexpensive, homemade polarimeter which can analyze optically active compounds. Ideas for activities using the apparatus are suggested. (JN)

Mathematical modeling problems encountered in many disciplines are discussed in terms of the modeling process and applications of models. The models are classified according to three types of abstraction: continuous-space-continuous-time, discrete-space-continuous-time, and discrete-space-discrete-time. Limitations in different kinds of modeling…

A thermal oscillator is a self-sustained, nonlinear oscillating system. One part of the system vibrates continuously because of the transfer of heat. Four such devices, two new and two demonstrated in the 19th century are described. Although each depends on the periodic redistribution of heat, they are all quite different. (Author/JN)

Highlights current information on the martian surface. Topics include a planetary overview (atmosphere, dust storms, water vapor/ice, soil analysis) and surface features (craters, volcanoes, canyons/channels, polar regions, wind-related features). Similarities/differences between Mars and Earth are also discussed. (JN)