Describes an apparatus (called the "Rainbow Cup") used for demonstrating the colored rings produced by constructive interference in soap films. Discusses construction of the Rainbow Cup and gives hints for its use in the classroom, especially in relation to classroom humidity. (JM)

The Search for Excellence in Science Education (SESE) project gives national recognition to outstanding science programs. Descriptions of five high school physics programs selected by SESE are provided. Unique aspects of the programs, instructional strategies, and other areas are included. (BC)

Presents numismatic experiments that cover a range of topics that tie physical science and chemistry to society and history. Discusses measuring length; measuring mass; metals, alloys, and amalgams; reactivity of metals and electrochemistry; reactions of metals with acids; money to burn; magnetic properties of coins; inertia; refraction;…

Describes a chemistry club project. Explains the three goals: to enhance hands-on science in elementary classrooms, to encourage females to enter the field of science, and to encourage high school students to consider teaching as a career choice. Provides an outline and examples of the characters and demonstrations. (RT)

Presents performance assessments, written by a team of Wisconsin science teachers, designed to see if students know, have practiced, and are able to perform the skills associated with science problem solving. (JRH)

Presents the National Science Education Standards as an exceptionally well researched tool intended to assist teachers in curriculum development. Describes an activity that meets the standards and encourages students to work together. (JRH)

Presents an activity in which students investigate the formation of solid ammonium chloride aerosol particles to help students better understand the concept of acid rain. Provides activity objectives, procedures, sample data, clean-up instructions, and questions and answers to help interpret the data. (MDH)

Describes an easy and inexpensive method of preparing experimental growth media that high school students can use for plant cloning investigations. (PR)

Discusses the training and preparation for the transition to block scheduling. Provides a summary of some of the aspects of the four-by-four block schedule and describes strategies employed to modify instruction and curriculum. Includes two sample interdisciplinary activities. (DDR)

A team of teachers, scientists, and high school students at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston has developed activities to teach concepts in learning through an inquiry-based laboratory method. The Learning Education and Research Network (LEARN) activities were field tested at the Society for Neuroscience Conference, in the…

Scientific knowledge is tentative and open to revision. This sense of tentativeness, or changeability, is missing in the way textbooks and teachers often portray the nature of science (NOS). Instead, students are left with the impression that the scientific method produces sure knowledge and that they can uncritically accept the knowledge because…

Lab safety begins with the teacher. Teachers must make learning how to be safe an integral and important part of their professional development and work. Teachers who are unfamiliar with laboratory instruction should take whatever steps necessary to prepare for the unique challenges associated with safety in conducting laboratory investigations…

Shows how model rocketry can be included in physics curricula. Describes rocket construction, a rocket guide sheet, calculations and launch teams. Discusses the relationships of basic mechanics with rockets. (CW)

Discusses a unicellular component of hytoplankton that can easily be collected and studied in the classroom. Describes how to construct and use a diatometer. Suggests activities that can be done with diatoas collected outdoors or grown in an aquarium. (CW)

Reviews a National Science Foundation funded workshop ("Investigations in the Natural Sciences") for science teachers on how to use laboratory centered materials developed by the Science Education Center at the University of Oklahoma. Presents the results of a survey of the participants. Highlights the program's strengths. (CW)