Summarizes the objectives of nine private foundations related to education, scientific research, public and cultural affairs, and social studies. Indicates that an acquaintance with foundation trends and goals allows science educators not only to make use of foundation support but also to detect changes in social attitudes toward higher education.…

Presents ten brief reports of recent innovation in college science teaching, involving study courses, educational programs, demonstrating experiments, laboratory instruction method, and teacher preparation programs. (CC)

Discusses 10 fundamental ideas that are useful in teaching chemistry at the high school and college levels. Also provides background information, including the role of problem solving. (JN)

Surveyed college teachers about teaching modes, use of instructional aids, conditions relevant to teaching, changes that could optimize teaching, and ways professional organizations can help. Selected results (based on 873 forms returned out of 2,050 mailed-response rate of 43 percent) are presented and discussed. (JN)

Focuses on pseudoscience by: (1) discussing sources of misinformation; (2) presenting results of a survey on students' (N=186) comprehension of scientific topics; (3) discussing implications of these results for science educators; and (4) considering the scientific creationism movement. (JN)

Determined student opinion of the investigative laboratory by surveying both students who had completed an introductory biology course using this format and another group of more advanced students who had taken other courses since this one. Results show that a majority of students feel the format improved their problem-solving skills. (JN)

Approximately 500 nonscience major university chemistry students were surveyed to record their interpretations of specific chemical symbolism before presenting modern concepts of atomic and molecular structure, in an attempt to understand the thought processes entering students use as they interpret symbolism. Results are reported and discussed.…

Discusses the experiences and activities of a six-person team of science educators during their six-week stay in Thailand. Also considers the cultural adjustment, sightseeing excursions, teacher education in Thailand, travel preparations, and other topics. (JN)

Discusses the use of electronic spreadsheets for classroom grading practices, indicating that they add such optional procedures as weighting elements of the grade and determining standard deviation. Instructions for setting up a simple gradebook and a discussion of limitations are included. (JN)

Describes a micromanipulator that is inexpensive, simple to build, rugged, and capable of several modes of operation beyond those of other types. It can, for example, be used with its controls quite remote from the tool holder and microscope or be controlled by computer. (JN)

Biology teachers at Ithaca College have developed a course in experimental methodology and instrumentation that teaches beginning biology students the need for accuracy and precision in measurement. This course is described. (JN)

The use of sodium acetate solution to show supersaturation is a favorite among lecture demonstrations. However, careful adjustment of the solute-to-water ratio must be made to attain the most spectacular effect--complete solidification of the solution. Procedures to accomplish this are provided and discussed. (JN)