Discusses how minicourses offered to elementary school teachers can provide background information and experiences in topics such as aquatic biology and environmental education. Presents results of a questionnaire that evaluates the effectiveness of this approach in aiding elementary school teachers to teach science. (CS)

A ten-day minicourse in consumerism is described which utilizes outside speakers, experiments, audiovisual material, and field trips to local stores. This is a junior high school course but is adaptable elementary, secondary, or college level. (BB)

Describes a five-day summer camp which provided 12 children, ages 9-14, with a complete flying experience. The training consisted of ground school and one hour actual flying time, including the basics of aircraft control and a flight prepared and executed by the students. (MLH)

An approach to teaching biology to mixed ability groups which primarily relies on individualized instruction is described. (BR)

Discusses course titled "Perspectives on Technology" offered at Yale University. The course organization, built around minicourses, is described, and one minicourse, on microelectronics, is presented. (JM)

A ten-day minicourse is described in which seventh graders build, install, and observe a bird house. (BB)

Reports how a school district's elementary science curricula and in-service programs were improved through a series of minicourses. Appraises the procedure, components, and requirements of this approach. Also describes the science loan kit program that was implemented to facilitate hands-on instruction. (ML)

Provides a listing of readily available sources of materials for secondary earth science teachers desiring to develop their own instructional modules. (SL)

Describes a four- to six-week minicourse featuring topics from language arts, law, history, sociology, mathematics, art, and woodworking in addition to botany, zoology, genetics, ecology, and evolution. Student study is divided into five phases: tree-ring analysis; forest history; seedling competition; genetic improvement and cloning; and a…

Describes two workshop models used at the Oregon Institute of Technology for new and adjunct faculty in engineering and engineering technology. Provides a breakdown of the percentage of time devoted to the various topics and methodologies addressed in the workshops, along with outlines of both sessions. (TW)

Describes an interdisciplinary minicourse on dinosaur fossils, morphology, ethology, and energetics. Suggests and provides examples of hands-on activities for junior high school- through college-level students. (DS)