Analyzes changes and developments in the primary science curriculum in Botswana from 1969-1989. Discusses the objectives, basic concepts, and reasons for change during three time periods: 1969-1982, 1982-1989, and 1989-present. Identifies discovery teaching as the recommended method of instruction. (Contains 17 references.) (Author/YDS)

Describes a unit on biodiesel from a socio-critical chemistry teaching approach aimed at improving student participation and decision making. Explores the use of biodiesel (chemically changed vegetable oils), especially in Europe. The unit proved to be successful as students participated enthusiastically and social and scientific goals were…

Explains that mercury is a dangerous substance to use in school science laboratories and gives several examples of mercury poisoning. Lists some precautions that should be taken in case of mercury spillage in the lab. Advocates using non-mercury laboratory equipment and limiting student access to mercury to prevent dangerous situations. (YDS)

Presents an historical perspective of science education in the United States to explain current teaching and curriculum approaches. (YDS)

Discusses the problems of science education in Thailand and presents a hands-on teaching approach in science and mathematics as a revolutionary approach to these problems. (YDS)

Presents two components of a piece of experimental equipment, the optical training ground and the electrical panel, which can be used to construct and test different electrical circuits and study laws of electricity, experimental problem solving, and basic light phenomena. (YDS)

Discusses the quality of textbooks, worksheets, and laboratory manuals and presents Project 2061's review of science and mathematics textbooks in the United States. (YDS)

Investigates the difficulties that teachers experience in Japan and the United States when they attempt to move to a more constructivist approach in their teaching. (Contains 14 references.) (YDS)

This article describes the theory of successful intelligence and how it can be applied to gifted education. It discusses the inadequacy of notions of IQ or general ability for fully characterizing intellectual giftedness and presents evidence in favor of the statistical validity and usefulness of the successful intelligence theory. (Contains…

This article describes an enrichment cluster approach designed to create highly challenging learning opportunities that allow high potential students to identify themselves. The enrichment clusters focus students' attention on authentic learning applied to real-life problems. Guidelines for enrichment clusters are discussed, along with the teacher…

This article examines the theory and practice of developing futures study for high ability students. It provides a brief history of the development of futures study, examines why futuristic thinking is particularly applicable to high ability students, and discusses specific strategies for developing futuristic thinking. (Contains references.)…

Results of two studies support the contention that teaching metacognitive strategies with the aid of software packages can enhance positive transfer of reading comprehension and writing skills in very able fifth (n=140) and seventh (n=136) grade learners in Israel. Students receiving metacognitive instruction and using writing-skills software…

This article examines creativity and talent of individuals that can be identified from perceptions of themselves. It describes two instruments that may be used to measure such predispositions. Several problems studied with these instruments are presented and a number of uses for the instruments are suggested. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

This article analyzes some of the difficulties that occurred during the process of extending the activities of a successful program for middle-class Brazilian gifted students to a low-income population. It presents some preliminary results of a study that highlights the problems related to the use of traditional evaluation procedures. (Contains…

A case study of four Hong Kong schools investigated the perceptions of gifted students towards the regular classroom environment before and after they attended enrichment courses. The schools examined had not developed explicit policies and most pupils were dissatisfied with regular classroom learning, particularly after attending enrichment…