Ranger Rick's NatureScope is a creative education series dedicated to inspiring in children an understanding and appreciation of the natural world while developing the skills they will need to make responsible decisions about the environment. The topic of this issue is "Let's Hear It for the Herps!" Contents are organized into the…

Describes the science program devised by Cantonsville Community College to provide nursing and other paramedical students with an adequate knowledge of science. The program recognizes and attempts to remedy the weak science backgrounds of many students training for paramedical careers. (JR)

Describes an interdisciplinary, month-long minicourse project focusing on the gypsy moth. The project provided students with opportunities to develop analytical and problem-solving skills while studying content from entomology, botany, chemistry, toxicology, ecology, math, art, law, political science, history, English, consumer studies, and…

Paul Hurd, Professor Emeritus of Stanford University, addresses the subject of improving the quality of life in the future by developing a more humanistic approach in biology teaching. (SA)

Describes a study using experimental and control classes to test the effect of exercises in creative thinking. The tenth-grade students were able to increase their ability to think creatively. (Author/SA)

Provided are details for a game designed to help secondary school or college students understand the types of problems encountered in applied hydrobiology and the financial and time constraints involved in their solution. (PB)

This article is the first of three articles in a series on the acid rain problem in recent years. Discussed are the causes of acid precipitation and its consequences for the abiotic and biotic components of the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, and for man-made materials. (Author/SA)

This is a review of important news stories of 1980 as reported in the pages of "Science News." References are divided into specific science areas and are listed after each item referring to the volume and page number in which the main article on the subject appeared in "Science News." (DS)

The books appearing in this bibliography were selected from books published in 1979, considered to be outstanding trade books for children. An annotation appears with each book and the appropriate grade level is given in parentheses. (Author/SA)

A series of ten secondary-level, winter ecology experiences developed to accompany the BSCS Green Version is discussed. Results from a review by a panel of experts and ratings from experimental teachers are presented. (SA)

The science and technology advisor to the President of the United States presents the challenges facing Americans today in the fields of science and technology. The major topics focused on are people and development, agriculture, biomass and bioconversion, and regulation. (SA)

Suggestions are given for safety precautions in the secondary school science laboratory. Emphasis is placed on fire safety and identification of particularly hazardous situations. (SA)

At the introductory level, the computer provides an effective alternative to using animals for laboratory teaching. Computer software can simulate the operation of multiple organ systems. Advantages of software include alteration of variables that are not easily changed in vivo, repeated interventions, and cost-effective hands-on student access.…

Evaluates the effectiveness of an interactive computer-assisted learning program for undergraduate students that simulates experiments performed using isolated, everted sacs of rat small intestine. The program is designed to offer an alternative student-centered approach to traditional laboratory-based practical classes. Knowledge gain of students…

Discusses strategies to make life science classes more fun by planning activities that include preserved and live specimens. Discusses field trips and collections. (JRH)