Provides an overview of the objectives of Virginia's Science Education Program Assessment Model (SEPAM). Describes the kinds of data collected in the program, how the data are analyzed, and how the data can be used in implementing components of an effective support system for science education. (ML)

Describes how a secondary science teacher was able to transform a classroom into a minimuseum. Reviews the procedures and products of the project. Explains how the effort was made possible by a grant from the Growth Initiatives for Teachers (GIFT) program. (ML)

Reviews some of the ways researchers estimate readability with a focus on multiple choice test items in science. Presents criteria to consider for minimizing readability problems in test items. Examines samples from the National Assessment of Educational Progress test bank for readability. (ML)

Upholds the importance and need for including visuo-spatial skill exercises in science lessons. Provides suggestions for improving students' visualization skills and reviews the approaches that have been successful with students who were poor in visual skills. (ML)

Reviews the goals and methodology of an investigative unit on ecology which focuses on pond studies. Provides specific examples of the activities and involvements of the students. (ML)

Explains the Every Teacher a Researcher (ETR) program and invites teachers to participate in classroom research on students' problem-solving abilities. Reviews previous approaches taken to investigations of problem solving in science. Identifies characteristics of successful and unsuccessful problem solvers. (ML)

Points out the health and legal implications related to laboratory substances that could cause allergic reactions. Presents a list of potential cosmetic allergens and irritants. Includes precautionary measures dealing with allergy situations. (ML)

Proposes that a classroom visit from a Nobel laureate should be attempted to be secured by science teachers. Provides suggestions for attracting a laureate and includes a listing of some laureates in physiology, physics, and chemistry by name, field of study, year of award, and address. (ML)

Describes a laboratory activity on plate tectonics which focuses on the connection between plate tectonics and the different types of volcanoes. Provides questions for discussion and includes suggestions for extending the activity. (ML)

Points out that discrepancies exist in secondary and college level teachers' perceptions of what is essential for student success in college science. Stresses that more research is needed and offers participation in the National Science Teachers Association "Every Teacher A Researcher" program as one means of addressing the concern. Includes a…

Reviews a study which examined high school biology students' (N=58) understandings of the concepts of food chain and ecosystem. Discusses the evaluation scheme and relates how this approach can be used in classifying student responses. It was found that most of the students failed to understand the targeted concepts. (ML)

Describes an activity in which students collect airborne particles using a common vacuum cleaner. Suggests ways for the students to convert their data into information related to air pollution and human health. Urges consideration of weather patterns when analyzing the results of the investigation. (TW)

Argues that cookbook chemistry laboratory experiments do little to teach scientific inquiry. Suggests providing students with laboratory experiences that follow the introduction of a concept and challenge students to investigate that concept through an experiment involving very few initial instructions. Lists some such challenges used in chemistry…

Discusses some of the benefits of having students work cooperatively toward a shared goal. Suggests that teachers become involved in research in this area and become associated with the National Science Teachers Association's Every Teacher a Researcher (ETR) program. Lists various types of research projects teachers could undertake. (TW)

Describes several field activities students can do in a typical woodlot. Focuses on the determination of the amount of lumber (in board feet) available in a predetermined section of a forest. Discusses the use of a Biltmore stick in making simple measurements. (TW)