Integrating reading and science education: On developing and evaluating WEE Science

Two studies of a new science programme called WEE Science were conducted in two fifth-grade classrooms. The studies lasted for seven days in one of the classrooms and nine days in the other. At the beginning of the programme the students chose a science trade book from among the many that were selected and brought to the classroom. The students then formed groups based on the topics of the books and asked questions (Wondering) about the content. After choosing one of the 'wonderments' to pursue further, the students formed and implemented a plan for investigating (Exploring). In each classroom, each student explored, working in cooperating groups of two or more. The students then explained (Explaining) to a group of their peers what they had wondered and what and how they had explored. The students' wonderments, activities, plans, and explanations were recorded in a science notebook that had been designed for that purpose. In addition, the classrooms were videotaped while WEE Science was in progress. While the studies were successful in that most students eagerly participated in all phases of the project, some problems were encountered which created another round of wondering for the researchers. Some of these were: evaluating students' work, responding to science misconceptions of students, teaching some students to record observations in their notebooks, deciding where WEE Science would fit best in the curriculum, and anticipating its reception in the science education community.     

A follow-up study of recent special education graduates of learning disabilities programs

This study investigated the postschool vocational and community adjustment of recent special education graduates from a southwestern metropolitan school district. Sixty-four students with learning disabilities (LD) who had attended self-contained classes at 12 high schools were randomly selected. A questionnaire, administered either via the telephone or in person, was the source of data. Thirty-eight of the LD sample were in competitive employment. In general, the LD students received very few community services. For the most part, they received no agency support after graduation. Most of the LD subjects lived with parents or other relatives and most had a driver's license and car. Implications for postsecondary services and future research are discussed.     

The human dimension of development in India

This paper provides an overview of the level of economic development in India, with a brief explanation of the factors that have impeded rapid growth of the economy. Against this background information, the paper focuses on some social programs undertaken by government and non-governmental agencies to help the most vulnerable segments of society to deal with the adverse effects of industrialization and urbanization and to share in the benefits of economic development.     

Infrared Absorption Spectra of Serpentine Cat＇s Eye from Sichuan Province of China

Infrared （IR） absorption spectra and X-ray powder diffraction （XRD） patterrns of sexpenfine cat＇s eye from Sichuan Province have been investigated, and infrared absorption bands of the serpentine have been assigned in this paper. The results indicate that the bands near 3 600 - 3 700 cm^-1 belong to the stretching absorption band VOH, the bands in 948 - 1 100 cm^-1 axe assigned to the stretching vibraling band Usvo, and the bands at 600 570 and 440 cm^-1 respectively belong to the bending vibration band VOH, δMg-O and δSi-O. The serpentine cat＇ s eye includes two types： chrysotile and antigorite. Chrysotile has a sharp and intensive band at 3 688 cm^-1 and a weak band at 3 643 cm^-1 , while antigorite has only one intensive band in the region. At vibration band VSi-O, chrysotile and antigorite have a similar feature at 1 071 cm^-1, but the band at 980 cm^-1 in anfigorite has been split into two bands in chrysotile - a strong one at 1 027 cm^-1 and a weak one at 949 cm^-1. In addition, antigorite has a characteristic bending vibrating band δMg-O at 570 cm^-1. Based on the analysis of the feature of crystal structure, their IR differences axe well explained.     

Vacuum interrupter, high reliability component of distribution switches, circuit breakers and contactors

The use of vacuum interrupters(VIs)as the current interruption component for switches,circuit breakers,reclosers and contactors operating at distribution voltages has escalated since their introduction in the mid-1950’s.This electrical product has developed a dominating position for switching and protecting distribution circuits.VIs are even being introduced into switching products operating at transmission voltages.Among the reasons for the VI’s popularity are its compactness,its range of application,its low cost,its superb electrical and mechanical life and its ease of application.Its major advantage is its well-established reliability.In this paper we show how this reliability has been achieved by design,by mechanical life testing and by electrical performance testing.We introduce the“sealed for life”concept for the VI’s integrity.We discuss this in terms of what is meant by a practical leak rate for VIs with a life of over 30 years.We show that a simple high voltage withstand test is an easy and effective method for monitoring the long-term vacuum integrity.Finally we evaluate the need for routine inspection of this electrical product when it is used in adverse ambient environments.