The article argues that science assessment should change from an item-driven to a construct-driven practice and pay more attention to disciplinary scientific reasoning. It investigates assessment scales developed from a novel theoretical rationale, describing scientific reasoning as three fundamental practices (hypothesizing, experimenting, and…

Presents a simple experiment to compare the performance of the PASCO Introductory Dynamics System with that of an Ealing student air track. Discusses the relative advantages of both. Concludes that for a wide assortment of motion activities in a low friction environment, or studies of frictional forces, the PASCO Introductory Dynamics System is a…

Discusses the use of student-generated rubrics in science classes where students design their own laboratory activities to solve open-ended problems. Promotes careful consideration of what constitutes open-ended work. Presents certain rubrics and grading criteria. (JRH)

The experimental use of interactive computer systems in a secondary school and the evaluation of this program are described. (SD)

The Laboratory Structure and Task Analysis Inventory (LAI) is an instrument designed to facilitate the analysis of laboratory investigations in secondary school science. It yields a quantitative picture of the kinds of activities required of a student in performing laboratory investigations. The report includes guidelines for the use of the…

Describes an interactive game used in conjunction with traditional laboratory work, group discussions, student presentations, and writing exercises to provide an enjoyable and motivating dimension to a university seminar/lab course in historical geology and paleontology. The game is designed for a university setting but can easily be modified for…

To determine the effectiveness of an audio-tutorial technique in vocational agriculture, six treatment schools and six control schools were randomly selected from 48 Iowa high schools qualifying for participation in the study. While each school was provided the same reference material and teaching outline for the 14-day experimental period, the…

Discusses the value of laboratory work, suggesting that it is not superior to other aids such as computer simulated experiments (CSE). Advantages of and problems related to use of CSE in the classroom, responses to criticisms of simulated laboratory work, and evaluation of CSE as a teaching aid are considered. (JN)

Described is a procedure for assessment of student performance in laboratory work (practical work) in Advanced Level Biology in England. Some historical background is included. (PB)

Compares between the component and the modules (system) approaches which are used to teach electronics at Croydon High School, Australia. The author presents some personal views from his experience of teaching both ways. (HM)

Describes an investigation of the associations between students' perceptions of laboratory environment and their attitudinal, cognitive, and practical performance outcomes. Assesses student outcomes in three distinct areas: (1) student attitudes; (2) achievement on a written examination; and (3) practical performance, specifically in the biology…

Describes the development of an innovative, multimedia, interactive CD-ROM aimed at helping teachers tackle the problem that students have with evaluating science laboratory work. (Author/WRM)

Presents performance assessments, written by a team of Wisconsin science teachers, designed to see if students know, have practiced, and are able to perform the skills associated with science problem solving. (JRH)

Instruction in Scientific Inquiry Skills (ISIS) is part of a seven-year Air Force effort--the Fundamental Skills Training Project--to design, build, evaluate, and transition advanced computer-aided instruction to the education community. This report describes ISIS 2.0 and presents the results of an initial field evaluation of the software during…

Discusses a phenomenon called Extrasensory Perception (ESP) whereby information is gained directly by the mind without the use of the ordinary senses. Experiments in ESP and the basic equipment and methods are presented. Statistical evaluation of ESP experimental results are also included. (HM)