Procedures for dying and mordanting wool fibers and for preparing dyes from red onion skin, purple cabbage, pine needles, and purple lilac are presented. Information on the history of dyes and on how dyes work is included. (JN)

Fifth- and sixth-grade students (N=154) participated in a study which found that cooperative learning situations, compared to individualistic ones, promoted more positive cross-sex and cross-handicap relationships. It was also found that males achieved higher and had more positive attitudes toward science than did females. (Author/JN)

Suggests a simple technique for collecting and observing human hair roots to compare structure, function, and variation. Students extract their own hair samples and view them using a 40-power microscope objective. Differences between active/inactive phases of hair growth are readily observed. (The activity can be adapted for younger students.) (DH)

Investigated whether differences existed between gifted (N=25) and nongifted (N=25) fifth graders and between the sexes and related subgroups with respect to attitudes toward science. Although results indicated that gifted students had more positive attitudes than nongifted students and boys had more positive attitudes than girls, the findings…

Five items requiring use of proportional, probabilistic, and correlational reasoning were administered to students (N=391) in grades 6, 8, 10, and 12. Argues that successful qualitative reasoning arises as a consequence of equilibration and influences selection of course work and that specific instruction may initiate the equilibration process.…

This teacher guide presents a unit on plate tectonics and introduces hands-on activities for students in grades 6-8. In each unit, students act as real scientists and gather evidence by using science process skills such as observing, graphing, analyzing data, designing and making models, visualizing, communicating, theorizing, and drawing…

This book was designed for middle and junior high school science classes and focuses on island biogeography, ecology, and evolution. Sections include: (1) "Galapagos: Frame of Reference"; (2) "Ecology and Islands"; and (3) "Evolution." Nineteen standards-based activities use the Galapagos Islands as a running theme…

Describes a unit on the physical properties of minerals. The unit, based on the learning-cycle approach, encourages students to move from single to more complex reasoning patterns. Concepts fostered are orderlines, quantification, and replication. (JN)

Contained in this issue is a variety of creative crafts involving nature. Each of the 17 ideas contains directions, a list of materials, and an illustration of the finished craft. A final section lists different craft books and includes an index to NatureScope and Ranger Rick crafts. (CW)

Examines 52 fifth graders' written and oral responses to determine the impact of a scientific demonstration on their understanding of air pressure. For one-third of the children, the demonstration reinforced previous understanding. Recommendations for using demonstrations to promote children's scientific understanding are presented. (ZWH)

Asserts that educational assessment drives the curriculum. Thus, assessment is very important in contemplating reform in science education. Assessment should be an integral part of the instructional process, utilizing diagnostic testing, monitoring, and summative evaluations. (PR)

Describes teacher activities for a unit on birds and the stations for performance-based assessment of student learning. Activities include predicting a birds habitat based on the foot shape, predicting the food of a bird based on its beak, identifying a bird by its song, and identifying bird skins using a field guide. (PR)

Describes the three phases of the learning cycle (exploration, conceptual invention, and expansion) and explains how they can be used in educational assessment. The use of semantic mapping, concept mapping, and mental modeling in the evaluation of student learning is described. (PR)

Features a color poster entitled "Electricity Serves Our Community" and describes how the poster can be used to help teach about energy, electricity concepts, and types of electrical generation. Explains how teachers can obtain other resources such as posters, lesson plans, and kits from the National Energy Foundation. (PR)

Describes how electrochemical cells exploit reduction-oxidation (redox) reactions to produce electric current. Presents an activity using a paper clip, copper wire, an apple, and a voltmeter where students can measure the voltage from an apple cell. Describes variables that can be changed to assess the impact on the voltage produced. (PR)