Reflections on the Socratic Method

I have noticed the Socratic method is a term often used in academic circles in a variety of syntactical contexts. I began to wonder how the nature of the Socratic method has changed over time. Would Socrates approve of the various meanings associated with his name today? I conducted a detailed analysis of the historical text Alcibiades, seeking contemporary relevance. There is evidence that Socrates did not actually have a method, as it may appear. An analysis of the text shows that Socrates’ genius lies in his openness to adapt to the changing landscape of dialogue. In doing so, he and his student, Alcibiades, participate in the process of askesis, or self-cultivation. As Socrates demonstrates, engaging in askesis is equally important for the teacher and students

Science Notes - Scholarships Available to Minority Students

The American Physical Society (APS) is offering Corporate Sponsored Scholarships for Minority Undergraduate Students Who Major in Physics

Science Notes - Olympic Field Seminars

The United States Department of the Interior will hold Olympic Field Seminars between June 26 and October 4. The 1987 schedule includes seminars at Olympic National Park, Mount Rainier National Park and Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument (in Gifford Pinchot National Forest)

Science Notes - Chemistry Project Booklet Available

An informative booklet entitled A Chemistry Project from Start to Finish has been made available by the American Chemical Society

Science Notes - American Geological Institute Offers Careers Brochure

The American Geological Institute (in cooperation with the American Association of Petroleum Geologists and the Geological Society of America) is offering its brochure titled Careers in the Geosciences free of charge to interested educators

Science Notes - Packet Available

The Humane Society of the United States has made available its most recent edition of Alternatives to Dissection. Developed by the National Association for Humane and Environmental Education, the packet is described as designed to provide an educationally sound alternative to dissection in the classroom

Science Notes - 1989 Swackhamer Prizes Student Essay Contest

All high school seniors are invited to submit essays to the 1989 Swackhamer Prizes Student Essay Contest. The contest annually seeks student suggestions for constructive approaches to the problems of war and peace. The topic title for this year\u27s competition is \u27\u27What is the Importance of the Nuremberg Principles to Peace in the Nuclear Age

Science Notes - Free Materials about Laboratory Safety

The Laboratory Safety Workshop at Curry College (Milton, Massachusetts) has released its Selected Laboratory Safety Bibliography. Included in the listing are the following free materials

Science Notes - IAS Excellence in Science Teaching Award Nominations

The Iowa Academy of Science is currently accepting nominations for its Excellence in Science Teaching Awards. Each year, Iowa teachers are chosen to receive the award in six categories: biology, chemistry, earth science, physics, elementary science and junior high science

Editor\u27s Corner - Last Thoughts

It hardly seems possible that I have been the editorial assistant for the Iowa Science Teachers Journal for six years now. What seems even more impossible is the fact that I am leaving the Journal