This book is a collection of articles which focus on various aspects of middle and junior high school science. The first section gives a philosophical background to teaching in the middle or junior high school, addressing questions about the special demands of teaching at this level. The second section provides background information on the developmental characteristics of the early adolescent, emphasizing the cognitive and social/emotional aspects of this development. The third section presents articles that focus on the methodology of teaching science. Several concentrate on the different aspects of teaching 10- to 15-year-olds and discuss such topics as managing the classroom, organizing the laboratory, assessing a science program, and utilizing a variety of teaching resources and methods. The last section gives examples of some very creative and often overlooked answers to the "what to teach" question. Sample activities or unit ideas from the life and physical sciences, many stressing scientific thinking or science process skills, are featured. (JN)