The Earth's primary atmosphere, which was similar to that of the gas giant planets, was soon lost, and a secondary atmosphere was established by outgassing from the early Earth and from colliding debris. The composition of this atmosphere was probably similar to present-day volcanic emissions but with a tiny percentage of photochemically produced…

The UK Government has considerably increased its targets for recruiting chemistry and physics teachers, with a view to increasing the number of students taking separate sciences and to boost science uptake post-16. This article charts the establishment of the science disciplines, rejecting a hierarchy of subjects and the simple splitting of…

Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) are fully fluorinated hydrocarbons that are used as blood plasma substitutes, in medical imaging and in the cosmetics industry. Most are inert and can also be used as tracers for applications such as air flow. However, because of their C-F bonds and their longevity in the atmosphere, PFCs have large global warming…

Uses microcomputer-based laboratories (MBL) to teach Newton's second law and the impulse-momentum relationship with a high degree of precision and accuracy while applying forces that change in an arbitrary way. (YDS)

Describes an investigation of the effectiveness of a role-play activity used to help secondary science students learn about color subtraction. Finds that pupils were better able to understand the abstract scientific concepts after the activity. (Author/WRM)

Lists directions for creating some laboratory equipment that makes it easier for students to assess the rate at which an enzyme is modifying its target (substrate). (WRM)

Presents six selected middle school science notes which could be used in school science courses. Each includes the name of the author and a description of activities presented. (HM)

Presents six short articles on middle school science activities. Each includes the name of the author and a description of activities suggested. (HM)

Outlines some recent developments in test-item analysis which are based upon a model of educational measurement developed by the Danish mathematician Georg Rasch. Illustrations of how science teachers in the United Kingdom can use the Rasch model are also included. (HM)

Presents the use of quantity calculus in calculations arising in volumetric analysis and in the more general field of chemical stoichiometrics. (HM)

Describes experiments, demonstrations, activities and ideas relating to various fields of chemistry to be used in chemistry courses of secondary schools. Three experiments concerning differential thermal analysis are among these notes presented. (HM)

Presents experiments, demonstration, activities and ideas relating to various fields of physics to be used in physics courses in secondary schools. The use of a programable pocket calculator in A-level physics courses is among the activities described. (HM)

Presents seven science experiments and activities for the junior high school level relating to electrostatics, electronics, magnetism, electricity and other areas of science. (HM)

Presents seven selected middle school science activities which could be used in school science courses. (HM)

Presents eight selected middle school science notes which could be used in school science courses. Each includes the name of the author and a description of activities suggested. (HM)