This USMES unit challenges students to collect and maintain a variety of animals in the classroom. The teacher resource book for the School Zoo unit contains five sections. The first section describes the USMES approach to student-initiated investigations of real problems, including a discussion of the nature of the USMES "challenges" and of…

THE TWELFTH IN A SERIES OF 17 VOLUMES, THIS VOLUME PROVIDES THE SEVENTH GRADE TEACHER WITH A GUIDE TO THE REORGANIZED SCIENCE CURRICULUM OF THE MINNEAPOLIS PUBLIC SCHOOLS. THE MATERIALS ARE INTENDED TO BE AUGMENTED AND REVISED AS THE NEED ARISES. THE SEVENTH GRADE SUPPLEMENT IS IN TWO VOLUMES. VOLUME 7A CONTAINS INTRODUCTORY MATERIAL, A BRIEF…

THE SIXTH IN A SERIES OF 17 VOLUMES, THIS VOLUME PROVIDES THE FOURTH GRADE TEACHER WITH A GUIDE TO THE REORGANIZED SCIENCE CURRICULUM OF THE MINNEAPOLIS PUBLIC SCHOOLS. THE MATERIALS ARE INTENDED TO BE AUGMENTED AND REVISED AS THE NEED ARISES. THIS FOURTH GRADE SUPPLEMENT IS IN TWO PARTS. PART 4A CONTAINS THE INTRODUCTORY MATERIAL, THE CONCEPTS…

EVALUATED WAS THE CONSERVATION CONTENT IN ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL TEXTBOOKS ADOPTED BY THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA IN THE AREAS OF SCIENCE, HEALTH, HISTORY, GEOGRAPHY, AND LITERATURE. THE EVALUATION WAS PERFORMED BY AN AD HOC COMMITTEE COMPOSED OF JUNIOR COLLEGE TEACHERS, SECONDARY AND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHERS, AND A CONSULTANT. CONCLUDED…

Prepared to assist those planning the construction of new science facilities on the elementary, intermediate, or secondary school level. Standards are outlined and specifications detailed. A statement of fifteen general pricniples for planning science facilities in secondary schools precedes a discussion of--(1) special facilities for different…

Two-column objectives are listed for an integrated science curriculum (grades K-12), often subheaded according to science area (biology, physical science), and grade level. Choices of environmental topics such as weather, conservation of natural resources, and the interdependence of organisms and environment dominate objectives written for grades…

Discusses the basic issue between biology and the religious right, focusing on the strategies creationists use. Proposes formation of a symposium on the relationship between science, religious beliefs, and politics, outlining purposes of such a symposium and questions which might be addressed. (JN)

Provides a general overview of humor and its use in educational settings and makes specific suggestions to educators who want to include or increase its use in their classroom. Discusses characteristics, benefits, categories, student perceptions, stages of humor, sources and forms of humor, and pacing. (DC)

Reviews biology education from 1950 to the present and highlights major assessments of past efforts and current needs (emphasizing "critical elements" in biology curriculum/instruction noted in "Project Synthesis"). The historical perspective and data provided by the assessments are used to seek solutions for the remaining…

Reviews the major points of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) challenge to the Arkansas bill "Unbiased Presentation of Creation Science and Evolution Science Bill." (SK)

Analyzes the current evolution/creationism controversy by reviewing court cases and what scientists and educators are doing to prevent creationism from being taught as science or included in school curricula. Includes viewpoints of scientists, educators, and creationists. (JN)

The concepts of "animal" held by some New Zealand primary, secondary, and college students were explored, using both an interview (N=39) and multiple-choice survey (N=150) approach. The results indicate that many students of all ages have a restricted concept of "animal" compared with that of a biologist. (Author/DC)

Reviewed are computer software packages: "Where in Time Is Carmen Sandiego,""The Bio Sci Videodisc," and "Bio Sci Stacks." Included are hardware requirements, costs, emphasis, grade level, and availability. Functions of the packages are discussed including strengths and weaknesses and teaching suggestions. (CW)

Activities from the book "Connecting with Nature" are presented. Topics include experiences, connecting, the affinity-sensation network, and microorganisms. Students are led through activities and are asked to sense, enjoy, validate, match, resonate, appreciate and honor, trust, and celebrate a particular nature area. (KR)

The results of a National Research Council report on the status of biology education in the United States are discussed. Poorly trained and supported teachers, a curriculum that seems designed to snuff out interest, inappropriately used standardized tests, and textbooks that are often inaccurate and misleading were found. Recommendations are…