Highlights activities of the National Science Teachers' Search for Excellence in Science Education (SESE) program. The program involves searching for exemplary programs which can become models for designing new programs. A list of six SESE exemplars chosen for onsite study is provided. (JN)

Suggestions are provided for using animals (particularly snakes) as the focus of studies and activities in the science classroom. For example, cages with animals can serve as a learning center on various aspects of the animal. A list of suggestions for the care and feeding of snakes is provided. (JN)

Discusses the current concern about nuclear war, suggesting reasons for that concern and what implications may follow for science teachers. Offers resources for those who want to increase their understanding of the issue and the technology that underlies it. (Author/JN)

"Health Occupations" is a second biology course that focuses on exploring health occupations in the community. A description of the course and suggestions for initiating field trips to local hospitals and other health-related facilities are provided. (JN)

Four ways in which microcomputers can be turned into laboratory instruments are discussed. These include adding an analog/digital (A/D) converter on a printed circuit board, adding an external A/D converter using the computer's serial port, attaching transducers to the game paddle ports, or connecting an instrument to the computer. (JN)

Activities on the nutritional value of school lunches are provided, focusing on government nutritional guidelines and how the school cafeteria tries to meet them. Students learned nutrition and rationale/complexities behind putting together appetizing and nutritious school lunches. Includes lists of agencies providing nutrition information to…

Macrolab (located at New Jersey Institute of Technology) develops devices, training models, and experiments for the scientific education of handicapped students. The construction and operation of a spectrophotometer for blind and visually impaired students are discussed. Construction details are available from authors. (JN)

Describes experiments on diffusion of gases, volumetric approach to water of hydration, and toxicity of chemicals in the laboratory. Also describes an inexpensive automatic pipette, overhead projection of chemical reactions, and an alternative method for demonstrating flame tests. (JN)

Discusses instructional strategies related to the traditional classroom electroscope demonstration. These include developing ideas focusing on the nature of observation; placing discovery in its historical context; examining the nature of science; and considering the relationship between scientific knowledge and the practical application of that…

Describes classroom use of a computer program originally published in Creative Computing magazine. "The Nuclear Power Plant" (runs on Apple II with 48K memory) simulates the operating of a nuclear generating station, requiring students to make decisions as they assume the task of managing the plant. (JN)

Stresses the importance of energy education and discusses various aspects of and trends related to energy in the United States. These include energy costs, recession and energy conservation, the nuclear debate, environmental concerns (including acid rain), solar energy, technological developments, energy policy/politics, and projection of energy…

Instructions for constructing cross staffs and quadrants are provided. Astronomy teaching methods using the two devices are discussed. These include locating common constellations with the cross staff and following a star (or moon, sun, or planets) by reading the altitude and azimuth with the quadrant. (JN)

Estimated supply of secondary biology, chemistry, physics, general science, earth science, and mathematics teachers by state (including American Samoa and Puerto Rico) for 1980-1982 are provided. Data, obtained from state science supervisors, indicates surplus, slight surplus, shortage, critical shortage, or no response in each category for each…

Discusses seven propositions which set a framework for reorganizing science education. Suggests that education resulting from such a curriculum will be more humane, diversified, individualized, and stimulating. This will require new, broader criteria for success and new teacher roles, requiring increased competence and training. (Author/JN)

Identifies proportionality as a powerful problem solving tool that students can apply in familiar situations but cannot apply in unfamiliar contexts. Gives an operational definition of proportionality from examples in introductory chemistry. Provides examples of direct proportions and how to evaluate variables to teach proportional reasoning. (CW)