Activities, experiments, computer programs, equipment, procedures, demonstrations, and teaching techniques are provided for a wide variety of topics in the biological and physical sciences. They include an improved apparatus for measuring rate of photosynthesis, procedures for making rainbows and measuring stomatal openings, and others. (JN)

A study of academic success among graduate students at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign examines the use of different measures of success, which take into account differences in aspiration and include students currently enrolled, in assessing the performance differences of men and women. (MSE)

This study investigates the fate of claims made by middle school science students working in collaborative groups in a multicultural urban classroom and the concomitant effects on engagement and understanding. Given problems of a complex and open-ended nature in a learning community setting, students were challenged to establish group positions…

This CD-ROM consists of simulation software that allows students to conduct countless experiments using 20 Java simulators and curriculum units that explore light and color, forces and motion, sound and waves, static electricity and magnetism, current electricity, the nature of matter, and a unit on underpinnings. Setups can be designed by the…

The Challenger Center for Space Science Education is a not-for-profit educational organization founded in 1986 following the Challenger 51-L space shuttle tragedy. This packet contains a variety of separate sheets and brochures providing information about the activities of the Challenger Center. Challenger Learning Centers provide hands-on,…

This report, covering 1,677 faculty in the field of physical science, general, is part of an annual national survey of faculty salaries. The survey consists of two parts: one covering public and one covering private four-year colleges and universities. Data for the baseline year 1995-96 and the 1998-99 trend year were collected for full-time…

Explained are the differences between and offered are examples of longitudinal and transverse sound waves. Described is the construction of the Crova's Disc, a device used in the teaching of the propagation and properties of sound waves. (DS)

Highlights first part of a two-year study assessing the quality of doctoral programs training scientists for research careers. Study (dealing with mathematics and physical sciences, including chemistry) evaluated programs according to size, quality of graduates, reputation, research support, and publications. Other volumes will focus on…

Describes the format and lists course content of a university-based workshop for elementary school teachers who require additional training because they may lack experience in performing experiments, demonstrations, and observations related to physics in elementary science courses. (Author/SK)

Described are experiments used in the "Physical Science and Man" course at Hartley CAE which enable determinations of efficiencies of two energy conversion processes, namely, electricity into heat and burning gas to produce heat. Activities for comparing the processes are suggested. (DS)

Describes a lecture demonstration illustrating Charles's Law with a balloon-balance thermometer. The technique allows a determination of the absolute minimum temperature to within an accuracy of 10 percent of the exact value: -273.15 degrees Celsius. (BT)

Several potential safety problems are identified relative to science teaching: the use of bottled gas or alcohol lamps as heat sources, the hazards of Millon's Reagent for testing for proteins, and the use of silicon tetrachloride to demonstrate properties of chlorides. Science teachers are also warned about potentially dangerous procedures…

Describes some common misconceptions of children about the way the world works. Ways for teachers and curriculum developers to become aware of these misconceptions are also included. (HM)

Presented is an analogy that can be used to explain the particle theory of matter. The three phases of matter are represented by preschoolers, yuppies, and senior citizens. The value of using analogies is discussed. (KR)

All analytical techniques depend on the use of calibration chemicals to relate analyte concentration to instrumental parameters. Discusses the preparation of standard solutions and provides a critical evaluation of available materials. Lists elements by group and discusses the purity and uses of each. (MVL)