In November 1982, 10 college physics teachers visited universities and other sites in the People's Republic of China. Discusses this tour, focusing on the quality of life in China and physics at Chinese universities. The latter discussion includes various aspects of physics curriculum, instruction, and research. (JN)

Describes a college-level course designed to increase students' scientific, technological, and ethical literacy. The course has no prerequisites and satisfies either a science or humanities elective. Course content and teaching methodology are included. (JN)

Planetarium presentations at Ball State University have been integrated into a science and society course titled Colloquium in Science and Mathematics. A brief description and educational objectives for six of the presentations are provided. (JN)

Describes an interdisciplinary, lecture/laboratory course titled "Origins of Life." Includes rationale for the course, course objectives, course outline, list of developed laboratories, and results of course evaluation. (JN)

Describes general interest courses in physics, discussing enrollment patterns, philosophy and structure of the course, course goals, teaching methods, and student performance. Includes an outline of the laboratory syllabus for the course dealing with physics and the automobile. (JN)

Discusses how college science faculty members can play a leading role in relieving student science anxiety. Emphasis on the role of University College (University of Maine at Orono) mathematics/science laboratories which allow students to "drop in" for assistance with specific skills. (JN)

A variety of problems, ranging from vocabulary to pre-existing belief structures, prevent efficient learning among biology students. Several of these problems are discussed, with implications for teaching college level biology addressed. (JN)

Shows how a simple diagram of instructional concepts (concept map) can help the teacher to organize class material and reduce the likelihood of rote memorization. The example provided is used for sequencing of instruction for a unit on the nervous system. (JN)

The use of Beilstein ("Handbuch der Organischen Chemie") in the early stages of a second-year, one semester course in organic chemistry is described. Student literature projects, evaluation, use of ancillary literature, and a sample search are included. (JN)

Discusses topics and issues related to government role in undergraduate science and engineering research, considering: (1) foreign students; (2) precollege education; (3) National Science Foundation funding activities; (4) faculty participation; (5) hearings on education; (6) budget reallocation; and (7) partnerships and cooperative arrangements.…

Discusses activities involved in a six-hour workshop program on creativity. Also describes: (1) sources of background information on creativity; (2) ways to evaluate skills in creativity; (3) articles and ideas on creativity and problem-solving, including predictors of problem-solving success; and (4) how to find time to teach problem-solving. (JN)

The case study technique allows students to understand the social impact of science-related decisions; it lets them experience historic events as recorded when they occurred. Presented are tips for developing case studies as well as two examples suitable for use in college science classrooms. (JN)

By using pseudoscientific examples to show what science is not, instructors can generate a healthy skepticism in students while making them understand how science applies to their daily lives. A course incorporating such pseudoscientific examples (including extra-sensory perception -- ESP) is described. (JN)

Describes use of the Participative Learning System (PLS) in college teaching. The PLS, a highly simplified modification of Hill's discussion technique, significantly enhances learning, as students spend considerable time using and developing synthetical and evaluative skills. PLS is adaptable and can be effective with or without participation of…

Tips on lesson planning for college teachers are offered. A sample lesson plan cover sheet and sample lesson plan are included. (JN)