Describes construction of two flashing light sources: an adjustable-rate battery-powered flasher and a neon tube powered by a 60-hertz electrical outlet. Both devices may be used for a variety of activities, including studies of free-falling object, pendulum period variation, and acceleration due to gravity. (JN)

Presented are several classroom activities using fish. These include gyotaku (Japanese fish printing), use of a dichotomous key to classify fish, "invent-a-fish" activities, and others. Includes discussion of fish facts and copies of fish key and invent-a-fish cards. (JN)

Compares science education in the United States to that in Germany, France, Japan, People's Republic of China, Soviet Union, Thailand, and the United Kingdom. Includes a list of science education endeavors in each of these countries to stimulate discussion of how to improve the situation in the United States. (JN)

Two descriptive chemistry experiments are presented which foster development of students' skills in making observations and deductions. In addition, the experiments are designed to stress the importance of chemical behavior and clear presentation of experimental findings. (JN)

"The Most Important Nine Months of Your Life" is a program that zeroes in on causes and prevention of birth defects. Program content and instructional strategies are discussed. Topics covered include: birth defects, genetic causes of birth defects, errors during development, environmental influences, and development. Includes list of preventive…

Suggestions for writing computer programs for instructional purposes are provided. Program listing for displaying a bar graph on a TRS-80 computer and listings for two subroutines (advancing frame and entering name on Apple computer) are included. (JN)

Suggests cooperative learning projects if only one microcomputer is available for a large class. An example of such a project using a program dealing with correlating sedimentary rock layers through cross-sectional analysis is described. Instructional strategies and academic objectives of the three-module program are included. (JN)

Describes an inexpensive device (around $8.00) for measuring light. The circuit used includes five resistors, three small capacitors, a cadmium sulfide light sensor, two integrated circuits, and two light-emitting diodes. The unit is constructed on a small perforated circuit board and powered by a 9-V transistor radio battery. (JN)

Describes classroom activities using algae, including demonstration of eutrophication, examination of mating strains, and activities with Euglena. Includes on algal morphology/physiology, types of algae, and field sources for collecting these organisms. (JN)

Describes laboratory activities using algae as the organisms of choice. These include examination of typical algal cells, demonstration of alternation of generations, sexual reproduction in Oedogonium, demonstration of phototaxis, effect of nitrate concentration on Ankistrodesmus, and study of competition between two algae in the same environment.…

Activities are provided for calculating speeds of celestial bodies. These focus on how fast earth rotates on its axis, how fast planets travel around the sun, and how fast the solar system is traveling with the Milky Way. (JN)

Electrography is a technique in which unknown metals are identified by the precipitates they form with known electrolytes. The technique illustrates both electrochemistry and precipitation reactions. Describes the technique, suggesting its use in science and forensic science classes. (JN)

Suggests incorporating three-phase learning cycle into laboratory teaching to foster formal reasoning skills. Describes five types of laboratories, each of which offers experiences necessary for the initial phase of the learning cycle. Indicates importance of presenting concepts in a way that progresses from concrete to abstract. (JN)

Describes activities (demonstrations/experiments) used to introduce history of periodic properties--without electrons, orbitals, filling shells, or any conception of atoms beyond Dalton's model. Activities supplement first chapter in a currently available chemistry text. Indicates potential danger of experiments if proper safety precautions are…

Describes development of K-12 aerospace education materials. The ninth-grade component, adopted as a pilot program, consists of four parts: history, applications (principles of flight, weather, navigation), spin-offs of research, and careers/organizations. Program evaluation results are reported. (JN)