Issues related to sex education programs in public schools are addressed, focusing on public support, opposition by special groups (frequently religious groups), "crash" programs to reverse such trends as teenage pregnancy, requisites for effective family life programs, and values clarification in sex education programs. (SK)

Provides information on collecting and maintaining termites and for using these insects in behavioral studies (trail following, recognition, food choice, reproductive behavior, and behavior in a magnetic field) and termite control experiments (preventive construction techniques, termite repellents, using soil or wood pretreatment, and the bait…

Describes four functions served by student attitudes (instrumental, ego-defensive, value expressive, and knowledge) and discusses various ways to foster positive attitudes including using principles of cognitive dissonance. Also discusses various types of attitude measures. (SK)

Implications for science curriculum and instruction are addressed based on a comparison of attitudes of seventh- and eleventh-grade students toward the study of science as reported in the third assessment (science) of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). (SK)

Describes an inexpensive (about $1,500) direct-readout ground station for use in secondary school science/mathematics programs. Includes suggested activities including, among others, developing map overlays, operating station equipment, interpreting satellite data, developing weather forecasts, and using microcomputers for data storage, orbit…

Four guiding principles are offered to develop scientific literacy in all students and to attract and challenge students who want to pursue science careers. (Author/SK)

Describes three main areas of computer application in science classrooms, discusses problems of selecting microcomputers (hardware) and programs (software) for classroom use, and evaluates the prospects for successful use of computers in science teaching. (Author/JN)

Discusses various issues in science curriculum/instruction and proposes that the National Science Teachers Association assume the responsibility for establishing quality science instruction. Topics/Issues include, among others, competencies science teachers will need in the future, computer oriented programs, and interdisciplinary science…

Suggests public relations strategies which science educators can adopt to spread the word about the importance of good science teaching. These include preparing a fact sheet summarizing a project/course/organization, tips on creating a newsworthy event (awards, displays at a mall, and others), and what to submit to the news media. (Author/JN)

Describes a "High School Science Bowl" organized by the University of Tennessee at Martin Chapter of American Chemical Society Student Affiliates. The contest consists of two parts: a preliminary written test of 25 objective questions from biology, chemistry, general science and an afternoon session patterned after television's "College Bowl."…

Describes a general chemistry course which encourages students to investigate the applications of chemical concepts to everyday situations. Commercially available products are analyzed and the accuracy of manufacturers' claims are evaluated. For example, students compare different aspirin brands, calculating percentage of active ingredients and…

Twenty-five years of research comparing student performance in NSF-funded science curricula to student performance in traditional courses was examined as part of a comprehensive synthesis of science education research. These curricula were found to be consistently more effective, suggesting that their philosophies/strategies/materials be…

Explores changes that occur in surface area and volume as an object increases in size and examines the implications these changes have for living things. Students can discover and extend many surface area/volume relationships by arranging and rearranging blocks and then applying relationships they discover to living things. (Author/JN)

Discusses how the science faculty at one rural Massachusetts school responded to the state mandate requiring basic competency testing for all students. The approach taken (includes unit on Connecticut River) does not call for major changes in science course format, only in broadening definition of the responsibilities of science teaching.…

Some individuals have muscles that contract extremely rapidly, while others have ones that contract more slowly. Recent research in muscle physiology which explains this phenomenon is discussed. (Author/JN)