Presents the science demonstration assessment as an authentic- assessment technique to assess whether students understand basic science concepts and can use them to solve problems. Uses rubrics to prepare students for the assessment and to assign final grades. Provides examples of science demonstration assessments and the scoring of rubrics in the…

A new model for problem solving is broken down into four overlapping and interactive processes: Problem Posing, Problem Approach, Problem Solutions, and Communication. Figures illustrate the skills used in this new image of science problem solving, and a ninth-grade science investigation employing the processes is described. (LZ)

Describes one school's efforts to collaborate with community businesses, technical schools, and universities, to provide increased educational opportunities through student projects at a time when funding for school science programs has diminished. (LZ)

Discusses the changes in science instruction resulting from one school's move to block scheduling. Longer class periods were found to increase the amount of concepts taught and time for activities. Figures contain a sample student schedule, goals for restructuring, rationale for block scheduling, and a sample density experiment. (LZ)

This article describes some typical 90-minute lessons in biology and chemistry designed for use with block scheduling. The lessons illustrate the benefits of block scheduling to science instruction. Contains an example of one day's block scheduling of science and mathematics courses. (LZ)

Discusses the utility of educational Earth science field trips to local, undeveloped sites that demonstrate the characteristics of the surface of the Earth. Outlines the process that teachers can use to evaluate a potential field trip site. Provides notes taken for one lesson plan during a site evaluation. (LZ)

This article describes the content of a high school forensic science course. Discusses the definition of forensic science; how the course was started; the course strategy; invited speakers' and the use of mock crime scenes. Provides a sample outline of seven forensic science units. (LZ)

This article examines the issue of scientific integrity and gives several activity suggestions and four sample dilemmas for class discussions. Reviews several famous scientific hoaxes. (LZ)

This article stresses the value of science teaching in multicultural classrooms and examines assumptions that are often made about student learning abilities. Puts teacher expectations into a multicultural perspective and provides a racial identity development scheme for whites and African Americans. (LZ)

Contains three demonstrations to help students develop an adequate understanding of the nature of science. Two use the inquiry method to show students the importance of evidence in formulating explanations, and the third uses the history of science to show that science is tentative as well as based on evidence. (LZ)

Discusses reasons for implementing multicultural science education in classrooms across the country. Examines classroom demographics, the need for a more scientifically literate populace, the demand for more scientists and engineers, and the demand for social justice. Contains 16 references. (LZ)

The technique called Sheltered Instruction (SI) is designed to help the monolingual English-speaking science teacher with students who understand little English. Describes the technique which can help students understand science concepts and acquire English at the same time, with a goal of mainstreaming into regular English-speaking classes. (LZ)

Discusses one approach to addressing lack of exposure to science for African American students, the Saturday Academy of Clark Atlanta University. Areas of interest are laboratory activities, hands-on science, and social engagement. Presents a review of related literature and a study of the program. Contains 16 references. (LZ)

This activity attempts to address a lack of emphasis in most science curricula on the microbial activity that determines soil's health. Presents an experiment that involves students in seeing how the enzyme assay is used as an indicator of soil quality and microbial activity. Contains procedures and discussion questions. (LZ)

One method of helping teachers critically examine their work involves the use of case studies. Leads the reader through an example peer review that involves case writing for teachers. (LZ)