Compared the effects of participation in six extra credit activities for teaching the concept of matter on female preservice elementary school teachers (n=9) to a control group (n=8). Pre- and posttests to assess changes in the students' understanding of phenomena associated with matter indicated significant changes in experimental students'…

Presents an activity in which models help students visualize both the DNA process and transcription. After constructing DNA, RNA messenger, and RNA transfer molecules; students model cells, protein synthesis, codons, and RNA movement. (MDH)

Describes a four-week laboratory module for an introductory chemistry course that focuses on the analysis of trace levels of xenoestrogenic pesticides in local drinking water and a comparison of the molecular shapes of these pesticides to the hormone estrogen. (WRM)

First-year students in genetics at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, attend two general biology modules, one in each semester. Teaching involves four formal lectures per week of 45 min each, one 3-h practical, and one lecture period tutorial. These students, graduating from secondary education, are well schooled in rote learning but…

Background: Behavioral genetic studies provide strong evidence that attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has a substantial genetic component. Yet, due to the complexity of the ADHD phenotype, questions remain as to the specific genes that contribute to this condition as well as the pathways from genes to behavior. Endophenotypes, or…

This paper reports the design and evaluation of small-scale teaching interventions addressing the epistemology of science as part of the regular high school science courses followed by English students. Although there is a growing consensus that the curriculum should include aspects of the nature of science, there is a limited body of knowledge…

Our main goal in this study was to explore whether the use of models in molecular genetics instruction in high school can contribute to students' understanding of concepts and processes in genetics. Three comparable groups of 11th and 12th graders participated: The control group (116 students) was taught in the traditional lecture format, while…

Provides background information on rocks and minerals, including the unique characteristics of each. Teaching activities on rock-hunting and identification, mineral configurations, mystery minerals, and growing crystals are provided. Reproducible worksheets are included for two of the activities. (TW)

Addresses the requirements of high school students and noncrystallographers in lectures on crystals, diffraction, and structure analysis. Discusses basic understanding and a sequence that addresses these requirements. Suggests visual and descriptive teaching methods used in this effort. (CW)

Describes a crystallography experiment using both diffraction-angle and diffraction-intensity information to determine the lattice constant and a lattice independent molecular parameter, while still employing standard X-ray powder diffraction techniques. Details the method, experimental details, and analysis for this activity. (CW)

Provides a framework of the disciplines of materials science and engineering as they have developed. Discusses the philosophy, content, and approach to teaching these courses. Indicates the range of crystallographic topics contained in the materials science and engineering curriculum at the Massachussetts Institute of Technology. (CW)

Presented is a classification of polymers according to physical condition. Considered are molecular structure and arrangements. Described are demonstrations using polarized light and the mechanical properties of polymers. (CW)

Describes five computer software packages; four for MS-DOS Systems and one for Apple II. Included are SPEC20, an interactive simulation of a Bausch and Lomb Spectronic-20; a database for laboratory chemicals and programs for visualizing Boltzmann-like distributions, orbital plot for the hydrogen atom and molecular orbital theory. (CW)

Discusses ways of teaching students about how to assign R (rectus) and S (sinister) labels to enantiomers by using their hands as models. The chirality of the human hands follows the Cahn-Ingold-Prelog Rules for assigning enantiomers and infers the correct chirality of molecules shown in two-dimensional drawings. (TW)

Describes the metabolic processes of complex lipids, including saponification, activation and transport, and the beta-oxidation spiral. Discusses fatty acid degradation in regard to biochemical energy and ketone bodies. (TW)