Summarizes ideas for new demonstrations, experiments, and science-in-society topics for teaching chemistry. (WRM)

The purpose of this study was to examine Edward Lorenz's psychological processes and other environmental aspects in the discovery of chaos at that time. The general concept of chaos is discussed based on relations with previous scientific theories such as Newtonian physics and quantum mechanics. The constraints of discovery in terms of available…

This guide for environmental science is intended to make students aware of the problems they will be facing in their environment, and of alternative measures to solve these problems. The course is designed to use scientific principles to study the processes of the environment; examine changes within the environment from a broad perspective;…

Develops a realistic group problem-solving exercise to analyze information, make deductions from presented facts, draw conclusions, and communicate these processes to others. Describes the national education system of New Guinea, the exercise, and some comments. Provides a technical and economic report and a worksheet for the exercise. (YP)

Describes scientific and technical accomplishments of Africans in developing the calendar, surgery, and gynecology and of Native Americans in developing astronomy, architecture, and agriculture. (Contains 93 references) (PR)

Traces the history of legal rulings leading up to the Edwards vs. Aguillard decision by the Supreme Court that it is unconstitutional to mandate "balanced treatment" and "equal time" for teaching creationism along with evolution in school science classes. Contains 17 references. (WRM)

Describes a study of Greek high school students' (n=116) perceptions of the ozone layer. Finds that students have a good understanding of the position and purpose of the ozone layer in terms of protection from ultraviolet rays, but students also hold misconceptions linking the ozone layer to the greenhouse effect and other forms of local…

Quantitative and qualitative studies of public understanding of science conducted in many countries provide important insights into the extent to which lay citizens understand important scientific concepts, and the ways in which they seek and use scientific knowledge. Identifies some dimensions of "citizen science" and examines their implications…

Describes the physical and chemical structure of zeolites and presents a series of experiments demonstrating some of the properties of these chemicals, including investigations of the hardness of tap water and the water-softening capabilities of various laundry detergents. Contains 13 references. (WRM)

Results of a multiple choice instrument, (sample of convenience, n=45 education students), indicate that preservice and inservice science teachers had similar views. Views are classified as "Naive,""Has Merit," and "Realistic." The majority (79%) of the inservice teachers and the largest percentage of the preservice…

Describes the development, implementation, and evaluation of a module called "Energy and the Human Being" within the framework of a program aimed at non-science-oriented students in senior high schools in Israel. Finds that students' attitudes toward science were positive and their understanding of the scientific concepts involved was…

Based on the premise that knowledge of evolutionary theory is essential for understanding the natural world, this document was designed to assist science teachers and others as they consider the issues that influence the teaching of evolution. The position is taken that there is no conflict between data and sound theories based on science and…

For a variety of reasons, too many adults--especially parents and teachers--feel inadequate in science, particularly in physics. This book represents an attempt to help parents and elementary school teachers strengthen their conceptual knowledge of physics. Cartoons are used throughout the reading to illustrate and reinforce concepts. This…

This 23-minute videotape gives children, grades K-4, a close-up look at the moon in order to answer the following questions: (1) Why does the moon appear different every night? (2) What does the moon look like up close? (3) What is it like to walk on the moon? and (4) Could we live on the moon someday? A hands-on activity designed to demonstrate…

This 23-minute videotape aims to give children, grades K-4, a broad understanding of the center of our solar system, the sun. It explains how the sun provides us with life-giving light and heat, how it's responsible for our seasons and weather, and why it's the primary source of energy on Earth. A hands-on activity in which children create their…