The use of taxonomic scales to assess the level of student cognitive development and thinking skills, and to structure instruction is discussed. One instructor's method is presented. Perry's taxonomy is graphically illustrated. Sources for five assessment instruments are listed. (CW)

Discussed are some of the reasons for and arguments against teaching the history of physics to physics majors. The course goals, philosophy, and content are described. Sources of material are listed. An outline of the course content, and a bibliography used to develop the course are included. (CW)

Described is a program for two-week, tuition-free courses offered twice a year dealing radiation and radioactivity. Laboratory exercises, tours, schedules, enrollment and accreditation, and staffing are discussed. (CW)

Described is a capstone experiment which can be used to improve student skills and to illustrate for students the strong connections between chemistry and biology. Procedures and explanations for the three parts of this activity are included. Ten follow-up questions are provided. (CW)

The Individualized Eclectic Examination is described. The format, design, and philosophy of the examination that emphasizes problem solving are discussed. Sample questions, student projects, and an illustration of the implementation of the exam are included. (CW)

Described is a method of teaching laboratory report writing to undergraduate students. The sections of student lab reports are reviewed and compared with scientific papers. The writing process including drafts and peer review is discussed. Results of the use of this method are provided. (CW)

Described are teaching strategies used to minimize visual communication gaps. Discussed are one-page outlines, outline spinoffs, and the management of a unit of material. A sample outline is included. (CW)

Presented are studies which confirm the idea that factors related to the format, the order of items presented, and the presentation style can affect the impact of information and student recall. Discussed are dynamic presentations, enumerated items, impact and timing, pairing of items, data summaries, and information load. (CW)

Examines ways in which students collaborate to construct, use, and revise conceptual and strategic knowledge as they solve complex genetics problems. Concludes that students used three types of knowledge during model revision: knowledge of genetics, knowledge of the process of model revision, and knowledge of their own problem-solving strategies…

Characterizes specific spatial abilities required in geology studies through the examination of the performance of high school students in solving structural geology problems on the geologic spatial ability test (GeoSAT). Concludes that visual penetration ability and the ability to perceive the spatial configuration of the structure are…

Examines gender differences in fifth- and sixth-grade students' self-reports of confidence, motivation goals, and learning strategies in whole-class and small-group sessions. Overall, results reveal few gender differences and indicate that students report greater confidence and mastery motivation in small-group lessons. Contains 55 references.…

Investigates the patterns of students' conceptual restructuring within the theoretical framework of biologic evolution. Results indicate that many conceptions in this content are closely interwoven, so that a change in one conception requires a change in many others. Reports four patterns of conceptual change: cascade, wholesale, incremental, and…

Identifies and describes characteristics of science teachers in classrooms in which an ethic of caring was perceived to exist. Describes the emergence of teacher-student-content relationships and illustrates the importance of these relationships. Contains 38 references. (JRH)

Presents responses to five recommendations offered by Frances Lawrenz and Douglas Huffman regarding the use of structural modeling. (JRH)

Compares the authors cited in the index of the Handbook of Research on Science Teaching and Learning with those cited in the chapter on "Research on Teaching in the Natural Sciences" in the Second Handbook of Research on Teaching. Concentrates on the frequency of author citations and inferences that can be made on the basis of such data. (JRH)