The visuo-spatial centers of the right brain are crucial to being able to problem solve or conceptualize (two abilities necessary for success in understanding science). Yet, current educational format is almost exclusively a left-brain undertaking. Reasons why educators should emphasize right-brain understanding in educational curricula at all…

Provides 45 guidelines useful in selecting college-level textbooks. The guidelines are presented under five major categories: (1) course strategy and tactics; (2) point of view; (3) accuracy of content; (4) currency of content; and (5) packaging information. (JN)

An easily constructed apparatus that models the effect of penicillin on the structure of bacterial cells is described. Background information and procedures for using the apparatus during a classroom demonstration are included. (JN)

Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis developed the Weekend College, a program specially planned for working adult learners. Describes this program (which offers courses on Saturdays and Sundays) and a five-credit laboratory course in human physiology. Instructional strategies used and advantages/disadvantages of weekend courses are…

As an alternative to traditional science projects, students in introductory organic and inorganic chemistry were given the opportunity to produce an "audiovisual" term paper. Rationale for the project, responses from student self-evaluation questionnaires, and comments on implementing the project (including cost and time factors) are included. (JN)

Compared the effectiveness of using guided-design or traditional approaches to study the energy problem in America. Examined to what extent students: (1) actually learned material; (2) perceived they learned the material; and (3) became more involved in discussing and considering solutions to energy problems. Includes course and guided-design…

Determined the possible long-term effects of a precollege Student Science Training Program (SSTP) conducted at Syracuse University from 1961 to 1974. Responses from completed questionnaires (N=114, representing a 33 percent response rate) were overwhelmingly enthusiastic and positive about SSTP. Includes actual student comments about SSTP and its…

Four papers are reviewed. They include a description of how instructional modules and small group problem-solving (PS) in a second-year plant anatomy course produced excellent PS skills and various ideas on PS in the context of chemistry. Also reviews guided-design as a strategy to help develop PS skills. (JN)

Contends that current efforts to resolve the crisis in science education will have very little impact on the problem as a whole. Suggests that preservice and inservice teacher education programs focus on helping teachers grasp subject matter and their capacity for abstract, logical reasoning. (JN)

An interdisciplinary approach to problem solving, planning, and implementation is the key to Xerox Corporation's development program for new engineers. The three major phases of the program are discussed. (JN)

Suggests that algebra, geometry, and recent history can be combined in lessons pertaining to an ongoing, relevant controversy related to paper sizes. Early paper sizes, International Standards Organization (ISO) paper sizes, the "golden rectangle," and paper sizes in the United States are discussed. (JN)

A Rapid City newspaper supports a question-answer column on science-related questions from local readers. Discusses development of the column, mechanics of setting it up, and why starting similar columns in other papers may help in getting science to the public. Sample questions with answers as they appeared in the newspaper are included. (JN)

Stereology is the study of three-dimensional objects through the interpretation of two-dimensional images. Stereological techniques used in introductory botany to quantitatively examine changes in leaf anatomy in response to different environments are discussed. (JN)

Describes the rationale for and objectives of a strategy in which students display projects in lieu of a final examination. Although no grading is attached to the "walk-through," participation is required for the course grade. Sample student projects reflecting the variety of display formats are also described. (JN)

Describes a strategy designed to alleviate two major problems of the lecture system in chemistry. The strategy involves presenting "station breaks" of historical and practical information during lectures to reduce boredom and the ignorance of the history and commercial importance of chemistry. (JN)