Suggests the use of "action showcases" to attract student interest. These showcases require students to push a button to activate showcase material. Includes several ideas for demonstrating science phenomena. (DS)

Describes some common misconceptions of children about the way the world works. Ways for teachers and curriculum developers to become aware of these misconceptions are also included. (HM)

Indicates that atmospheric science is not just forcasting the weather. Gives an overview of current topics in meteorology including ozone depletion, acid precipitation, winter cyclones, severe local storms, the greenhouse effect, wind shear and microbursts. Outlines the Atmospheric Sciences Education Program at Purdue University to produce…

Nature's Classroom (Southbridge, MA), which provides field experiences, academic classes, and activities in the natural sciences, has been recognized as an outstanding program by the National Science Teachers Association's Search for Excellence in Science Education project. Various program activities (including building a geodesic dome) are…

Presents text of the testimony on March 3, 1981 of the President of the National Science Teachers' Association to a Subcommittee of the U.S. House of Representatives regarding the the Reagan Administration's Office of Management and Budget (OMB) proposed cuts in the science education budget of the National Science Foundation. (CS)

Presented is a list of over 50 commonly held misconceptions based on a literature review found in students and adults. The list covers earth science topics such as space, the lithosphere, the biosphere, the atmosphere, the hydrosphere, and the cryosphere. (KR)

Discusses a study of students' conceptualizations and misconceptions of how objects sink and float. Results showed little difference in the levels of understanding of the "sink and float" concepts by groups ranging from primary age to college. As age increased, terminology used by students varied, and misuse of terms increased. (TW)

Twenty-five years of research comparing student performance in NSF-funded science curricula to student performance in traditional courses was examined as part of a comprehensive synthesis of science education research. These curricula were found to be consistently more effective, suggesting that their philosophies/strategies/materials be…

In this article, the author describes how her high school environmental science students led third graders on a dynamic learning adventure as part of their first annual Outdoor Ecology School. At the water-monitoring site in a nearby national forest, the elementary students conducted field research and scavenger hunts, discovered animal habitats,…

Describes the development of and activities used with rubber powered paper vehicles as science projects and instructional devices in junior high and high school science classes. Includes plans and instructions for building the "Lou-Vee-AirCar." (CW)

Describes how students can construct kaleidoscopes to learn basic principles of reflection. Instructions are included for simple experiments using mirrors. Outlines more complicated constructions of kaleidoscopes with recommendations for variations of the experiments. (TW)

Reports results of the Energyport Project, which involved sixth graders of all performance levels in energy study. The project was designed to demonstrate the relationship between energy sources and their economic impact on the community and increase student awareness of the effects of different energy sources on the environment. (CS)

Discusses the ISCS/FIRN Test Item Database, which contains 10,000 juried science questions that can help teachers prepare tests. Describes the process by which teachers can access the database and download certain questions into their own microcomputer. Provides lists from a sample search done using the various menus available. (TW)

Focuses on public education about the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic. Discusses the problems of a second epidemic of fear and anxiety. Presents several questions for classroom discussion and analysis of the public fear of AIDS. Gives some statistics highlighting misinformation about AIDS. (CW)