Describes the revamping of a high school physics course in which students are challenged by open-ended questions, assignments outside the classroom, guest speakers, a physics bowl and physics olympics. Reports on the increased enrollment in the course and the results of the students' test performance. (TW)

Describes the use of a precalibrated stainless steel thermistor, interfaced with an Apple computer, in chemistry experiments. Discusses the advantages of "instant" temperature readings in experiments requiring that readings be taken at certain intervals. Outlines such an experiment which investigates freezing point depressions. (TW)

Argues that the teaching of earth science is largely neglected in the elementary science curriculum. Provides examples of how more instruction in the earth sciences at all levels can enhance decision-making skills. Discusses the relationship between various learning theories and certain instructional strategies in earth science. (TW)

Describes a program for sixth grade students developed by the Methacton School District (Norristown, PA) Planetarium staff. Provides brief outlines of eight teaching units designed to provide students with hands-on activities in astronomy. Includes a reproducible worksheet for an activity which involves students in creating and decoding…

Promotes a reductionist approach to teaching about the endocrine system in high school biology and anatomy courses. Encourages the study of how hormones travel to the cells and affect them. Provides suggestions for activities and discussion questions, along with sample diagrams and flow charts. (TW)

Discusses the ISCS/FIRN Test Item Database, which contains 10,000 juried science questions that can help teachers prepare tests. Describes the process by which teachers can access the database and download certain questions into their own microcomputer. Provides lists from a sample search done using the various menus available. (TW)

Offers a model of a computer-based evaluation program that can assist in science fair judging. Explains the program's procedures for scoring and its capacities for identifying cases of inconsistent judging. Provides examples of program outputs. (ML)

Identifies the characteristics and components of a quality laboratory program for secondary science students. Suggests approaches, questions, and activities that aim to provide challenging experiences in the sciences. Also provides a listing of recommended laboratory standards and procedures. (ML)

Discusses the potential impact of the National Science Teachers Association's (NSTA) certification standards on the future of science teacher education. Delineates NSTA's involvement with the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and its role in the accreditation process. Outlines procedures of the review process. (ML)

Proposes that science curriculum include the history of science and case studies of science-technology-society issues. Recommends approaches that highlight the role of the imagination and the impact of value judgments. Also advocates examination of issues which focus on the strengths and limitations of the processes of science and technology. (ML)

Points out the instructional applications and program possibilities of a unit on model rocketry. Describes the ways that microcomputers can assist in model rocket design and in problem calculations. Provides a descriptive listing of model rocket software for the Apple II microcomputer. (ML)

Includes excerpts from a few of the highlights at the 28th National Science Teachers Association in Anaheim, California, March 21-24, 1980. (CS)

Provides data from a 1978 North Carolina state survey of secondary science teachers. Tables present data regarding subject(s) and student membership, certification areas, degrees held, and teaching experience. Several weaknesses in science in the junior high grades are discussed. (CS)

Cites 10 goals of career education. Makes suggestions regarding ways in which career education can be integrated into today's science curricula. Teacher attitudes are discussed as having a powerful influence on students. (CS)

Reports results of a longitudinal study of the effectiveness of career education for students within a 5-year period after graduation, part of an evaluation of a comprehensive K-12 career education program in the Pearl River School District. Describes the secondary program and the science-based health services cluster. (CS)