Examines student success in a freshman chemistry course that involves students who are at risk of failure. (Contains 14 references.) (YDS)

Describes an introductory astronomy course designed for non-science majors. Uses the project-based learning approach and requires students to construct 3-D models for three astronomical phenomena. (YDS)

Presents the Arizona Collaborative for Excellence in the Preparation of Teachers (ACEPT) which targets the implementation of reforms and the initiation of comprehensive and systemic changes in undergraduate science and math courses and curriculum for better education. Discusses science literacy and scientific literacy. (Contains 18 references.)…

Describes a project based on the collaboration of scientists, science educators, graduate and undergraduate students, and master teachers for the improvement of teaching introductory science courses. Uses action-based research teams (ABRTs) as the teaching tool to change the curriculum, which provides a mechanism for the implementation of changes…

Explains how hands-on science activities can be done in a class designed as a lecture setting. Uses the collapsing can activity to demonstrate the birth of a black hole. Evaluates student responses to the hands-on approach. (YDS)

Describes a course that mimics experiences in research laboratories, engages students in collaboration, and reflects trends in educational reform. (YDS)

Presents a jigsaw activity that encourages students to critically analyze the collected literature on a certain topic from different viewpoints. (YDS)

Points out the difficulties of the evolution to a sustainable agriculture curriculum, specifically at college level. Lists contrasting concepts of agricultural models. (Contains 18 references.) (YDS)

Points out the problem solving approach differences between experts and beginners' tactics. Recommends introducing new concepts into instruction to induce disequilibrium and force students to make new explanations. Uses chemical equilibrium as an example to explain the metaphor. (YDS)

Presents an activity on liquid chromatography that demonstrates the influence of mobile phase polarity on the separation of dyes with different solubilities. (YDS)

Presents a case of a baby born with the genetic condition holoprosencephaly in which students explore the "Sonic hedgehog" gene, signal transduction, and the ethics of body and tissue donation. Presents a two-part assignment that features students writing an informed consent document that explains the science behind this congenital abnormality,…

Presents a case in which a congressional staffer must weigh a number of competing needs, including the popular reaction to genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and the need to eliminate vitamin A deficiency, in deciding how to present information to her boss, an influential congressman drafting legislation to support agricultural research.…

Uses the story of Dawn Langley Simmons, who may have been misidentified as male at birth, to illustrate the developmental basis of human sexual dimorphism and how gender misidentification may occur. Considers the emotional, legal, and societal implications of gender misassignment and reassignment. (Author/ASK)

Tackles a tricky problem of probability based on the well-known carnival game Chuck-a-Luck which, at first glance, appears to favor the bettor. Presents an activity in which students correct a common fallacy in probabilistic reasoning and extend play to a gambler's ruin analysis. (Author/ASK)

Presents an activity in which students grapple with the complex issues surrounding the use of DDT to control malaria which affects millions of people in developing nations. Considers risk/benefit analysis and the pre-cautionary principle, two techniques used when making policy decisions involving the impact of science and technology on society.…