Examines scientific discoveries which underlie the atomic bomb and its technological development in the United States during World War II. Changing views, super-weapon development, early American efforts, production/dropping the bombs, and the Oppenheimer case are considered. (DH)

Recognizes three major problems for use of student achievement in measuring teacher effectiveness: (1) great variability in initial student capabilities; (2) teaching to the examinations; and (3) regression effects. Pretests/posttests and outside observers were shown (in a pilot study) to avoid such problems. (DH)

Advocates daily use of short statements, dilemmas, or questions which raise open-ended societal/ethical issues for students. Includes rationale for this strategy together with 12 examples for use by teachers in developing materials for their courses. Topics selected are appropriate for biology, chemistry, physics, and the social sciences. (DH)

Computer-assisted-instruction software was developed to supplement the conventional lecture-laboratory mode of instruction with another instructional aid for learning science in an individualized, nonthreatening environment. This development project was designed to teach physical concepts, mathematical techniques, and problem solving strategies.…

The "Research Vessel Westward" provides a sea-going research laboratory for students from various disciplines to learn oceanography concepts and research techniques while earning university credit. Descriptions of equipment, organizational structure, and student research responsibilities are presented. (DH)

Describes a course (Introduction to Numerical Techniques of Physics) which can be adapted to such courses as applied mathematics, numerical analysis, mechanical or electrical engineering, chemistry, and biomathematics. Course goals (including emphasis on the distinction between computing, programming and coding) and instructional strategies are…

Because a teacher and a student were seated on either end of a log (facing each other), there was direct, eye-to-eye, one-on-one communication. If properly used, computers can take the place of the log, establishing the eye-to-eye, one-on-one, two-way communication. Advantages occur because computers are interactive, individualized, modular, and…

The use of simple materials to illustrate complex biological concepts provides benefits to all students, particularly the visually handicapped. A list of materials needed and discussion of procedures used are given for (1) a nucleosome simulation and (2) a supercoiled model of condensed DNA. (DH)

Describes the nature and use of a "strategy", an organized approach that breaks down the overall mental task of problem-solving into stages, providing details of the McMaster Six-Step Strategy. Also provides instructions for working through a Whimby pair series of problems and the Schoenfeld management approach. (JN)

Science as a Way of Knowing is a project being developed by the American Society of Zoologists' education committee. The project, co-sponsored by several professional organizations, seeks to increase the effectiveness of college-level biology. A report on the project's goals, symposia, publications, reprints, and sponsorship needs is presented.…

Describes the priorities and programs supported by the new assistant director for science and engineering education at the National Science Foundation (NSF). Collaboration among academic institutions and the private sector, teacher training efforts, and scientist/engineer professional involvement are stressed. (DH)

Discusses issues related to the physics concepts/topics needed by health professionals, suggesting that medical students can better understand how the body works by completing meaningful physics courses. Also addresses related concerns expressed by medical students and faculty. A list of 41 physics topics cross-referenced to medical topics is…

Describes a Hebrew University program for academically disadvantaged students, focusing on a workshop component which emphasizes learning skills and study strategies. An evaluation of the workshop indicates that it leads to improved achievement in several academic fields (including the natural sciences). (DH)

Outlines activities and goals of the Iowa Lakes Community College club, along with strategies for achieving these goals. Also discusses several benefits which result from club membership, including the development of problem-solving skills and involvement with successful club projects. (DH)

Suggests that a literature survey can alert students to real-life ethical problems surrounding many organic compounds. Topic areas students could explore include: hazards in the workplace, toxic chemicals, and nerve gas structures. Background information and an extensive bibliography are given. (DH)