This paper reports on the outcomes of a pilot project to support secondary teachers of science in rural and regional Tasmania. The pilot project involved eight regional schools and was based on the provision of a kit of materials and an associated learning program that used brine shrimp or "sea-monkeys" to test for water quality. The…

This study was designed to evaluate: (1) the content of the primary I-III science curriculum in Somalia; (2) the instructional materials that back up the content and methodologies; and (3) the professional competence of the teachers in charge of teaching this subject. Data were collected by means of a questionnaire, observations, and unstructured…

Updates papers published ten years ago listing suppliers of polymer samples and literature for classroom use. Provides names and addresses of societies and trade associations that will provide literature on polymers free of charge. Includes a table listing companies that provide samples of polymers or recycled polymers. Another table listing…

It is important to be able to describe instructional practices accurately in order to support research on "what works" in education and professional development as a basis for efforts to improve practice. This report describes a project to develop procedures for characterizing classroom practices in mathematics and science on the …

Describes the methods that have been developed to blend descriptive chemistry and principles in a first-year chemistry course. The key is active teaching of the subject using the periodic table as a template. Inorganic chemistry is taught using a group approach: developing trends that help teaching and learning become obvious if all elements of…

Many believe that children begin to learn science from the moment they start to perceive their environment. They have an innate need to make sense of what happens. Little by little, they form a useful model of the world around them. Before children go to school, they exercise their natural curiosity daily. School can expand a child's understanding…

Suggests using National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) criteria documents as a source for special topics material in chemistry. Presents a list of selected NIOSH documents, ordering information, and reviews one document on formaldehyde in some detail. (SK)

Describes several sources of computer programs for secondary school chemistry. Provides an example of a computer package (RANALD I) on quantitative inorganic analysis suitable for O/A-level pupils as a supplement to laboratory work. (DS)

Describes resources for teaching about dinosaurs. These include audiovisual aids (models, posters, jigsaw puzzles, filmstrips, 35mm slides, resource pack, worksheets, templates, tracing sheets, and films/video materials), books (for young and older students), and exhibits. Includes sources for all materials described. (JN)

Presents facts concerning major metals and minerals including existing reserves, existance in the human body, and amounts present in oceans. (SL)

This document consists of activities and references for teaching astronomy. The activities (which include objectives, list of materials needed, and procedures) focus on: observing the Big Dipper and locating the North Star; examining the Big Dipper's stars; making and using an astrolabe; examining retograde motion of Mars; measuring the Sun's…

This curriculum supplement aims to bring cutting-edge medical science and basic research discoveries from the laboratories of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) into classrooms. The supplement was designed to complement existing life science curricula at both the state and local levels and to be consistent with the National Science Education…

Provides list of mineralogy, petrology, and geochemistry computer programs. Each entry includes a brief description, program name and language, availability of program listing, and source and/or reference. (JN)

Presents a variety of educational resources with ordering information. Resources include reading programs, literacy posters and bookmarks, communication skills, integrated art activities, science books and hands-on activities, environmental activities, classroom management, disability awareness, mathematics contests, science contests, and…

Designed for quick, easy identification of some of the most commonly encountered organisms found in and around the school ground, this illustrated guide identifies by a picture and a short biological description the common animals and plants found in and around school lawns, house lawns, parks, fence rows, flower gardens, vacant lots, and…