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…

This Likert-type attitude questionnaire was developed to evaluate the attitudes of secondary school students toward science. The questionnaire contains 5 subscales each comprising 12 item (6 positive, 6 negative). The subscales relate to the following 5 attitude objectives: interrelationship between sciences, relationship of science to other…

Four ways in which microcomputers can be turned into laboratory instruments are discussed. These include adding an analog/digital (A/D) converter on a printed circuit board, adding an external A/D converter using the computer's serial port, attaching transducers to the game paddle ports, or connecting an instrument to the computer. (JN)

Describes the Packard's Falling Body Apparatus, invented by John C. Packard, which is essentially an inclined plane combined with a simple and elegant method of measuring the relative time of descent of a steel ball. (JRH)

Describes a way to use computers in teaching chemistry, in this case in a demonstration lesson on supercooling using a thermister in a game port to interface the computer with cooling phenyl salicylate. Discusses the advantages over the traditional method of instruction. (CW)

Piaget's formal operational stage is related to the teaching of science by focusing on the development of paper and pencil tests for determining students' cognitive level of development and on procedures for helping concrete operational students improve achievement and become more formal in their thinking. (JMF)

Presents an anthropological approach used in French research and the theory of instrumentation developed in cognitive ergonomics. Shows how these frameworks allow an approach to the educational use of CAS technology, focusing on the unexpected complexity of instrumental genesis, mathematical needs of instrumentation, status of instrumented…

Provides construction details for a simple reflectometer that can be utilized for the observational technique known as reflectance spectroscopy. Includes background discussion, applications, calibrating techniques, and typical results. (JJK)

This paper, intended as an introduction to attitude scale construction, outlines the theory behind attitude measurement and describes the Thurstone and Likert methods of attitude scale construction. The methodology is illustrated with examples from the construction of a scale the authors developed to measure attitudes to technology and industry.…

Designs a testing situation to examine the presence of combinatorial analysis, to establish construct validity in the use of an instrument, Combinatorial Analysis Behavior Observation Scheme (CABOS), and to investigate the presence of the schema in young adolescents. (Author/GA)

Provides the electronic circuit schematic for the construction of a green vegetation sensor, the directions for its use, and suggestions for student projects. (JJK)

This report provides results of Phase I of a project that researched the occupational area of instrumentation technology, established appropriate committees, and conducted task verification. These results are intended to guide development of a program designed to train instrumentation technicians. Section 1 contains general information: purpose of…

States that bass players should be allowed to play chamber music because it is an essential component to all string students' musical development. Expounds that bassists can successfully enjoy chamber music through participation in a bass ensemble. Gives suggestions on how to form a bass ensemble and on the repertoire of music. (CMK)

This manual is part of a series dealing with skills and information needed by students in dental assisting. The individualized student materials are suitable for classroom, laboratory, or cooperative training programs. This student manual contains four units covering the following topics: local anesthesia; dental office emergencies; oral hygiene;…

Described is an exercise which examines the effect of reading aloud a technical passage of science material while the heart is monitored by a computer. The experimental setup, design, and data analysis are discussed. (CW)