Advocates including environmental issues balanced with basic science concepts/processes to provide a sound science foundation. Suggests case studies of regional environmental issues to sensitize/motivate students while reflecting complex nature of science/society issues. Issues considered include: fresh water quality, earthquake predication,…

Discusses the geometry, algebra, and logic involved in the solution of a "Mindbenders" problem in "Discover" magazine and applies it to calculations of satellite orbital velocity. Extends the solution of this probe to other applications of falling objects. (JM)

Describes the 1983 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Teaching and the various activities and receptions for the 104 award winners. Includes lists of gifts given to teachers, as well as information for the 1984 competition. (JM)

Provides innovative ideas in biology, chemistry, and physics on the following topics: enzyme decomposition; chemical waste; time measurement; acid-base color magic; ball bouncing properties; heat; cell theory; and specimen boxes. Materials and procedures are listed when appropriate along with hints for expanding these ideas and investigations. (JM)

Reports results of a survey on textbook adoption procedures, examining if and how often a procedure is used, whether select local districts from a list, and whether the list covers grade K-12. Also reports results of state science supervisors' (N=26) attitudes about textbook adoption procedures. (JM)

Gives guidelines for using a microcomputer software evaluation instrument which focuses on policy issues, instructional quality, science subject-matter standards, and technical quality. The complete evaluation instrument is included. (JM)

Provides a chart to organize information needed in ordering science materials/equipment. Includes a checklist for such ordering considerations as approvals required, request route, funding (how paid), descriptions required, criteria related to "best buy," and others. (JM)

Illustrates common mistakes teachers usually make when discussing physical phenomena. Presents correct and incorrect explanations for five common science demonstrations. (SK)

Reports the findings of a survey on the numbers of secondary school science and mathematics teachers from 1974 to 1979. Indicates a decline in the number of teachers with majors and minors in science and mathematics. Recommends that professional organizations encourage more qualified persons to work as teachers. (SK)

Compares and contrasts the theories of creationism and evolution. Includes a National Science Teachers Association position statement on the inclusion of nonscience theories in science instruction. (SK)

Discusses a method to solve problems in stoichiometry which can also be applied to other problems involving relationships between constituents in a chemical reaction. Students with little prior knowledge of chemistry can successfully use the method. (Author/SK)

Describes the use of a 35-millimeter camera with color slide film to produce photographs of constellations, star trails, bright comets, aurorae, and meteor showers. Discusses film speed, lenses, f-stop settings, exposure times, and other items related to astrophotographic technique; provides ideas for use of slides in the classroom. (JM)

Reviews the historical development of the periodic table, examining major changes due to understanding of radioactivity, synthetic transmutation by bombardment, differences between transuranium elements and the lanthanide series, and the transactinide elements. Discusses the continuing work on atomic synthesis and its importance in extending our…

Explains the use of contingency tables as a tool in assessing variables to determine whether a relationship exists. Develops an example hypothesis step-by-step, noting the scientific processes and attitudes being addressed. Cautions that a large difference, which suggests a relationship, is not explanation since correlation does not guarantee…

Presents two models and two demonstrations targeted at student understanding of projectile motion as the sum of two independent, perpendicular vectors. Describes materials required, construction, and procedures used. Includes a discussion of teaching points appropriate to each demonstration or model. (JM)