Assesses student responses to and evaluates effectiveness of exercises designed to develop critical and analytical reasoning skills in the biological sciences. In answering exercises consisting of problems in a multiple-choice format, students are required to write out justifications for acceptance/rejection of each choice. Significant improvement…

Describes a two-semester laboratory program designed to motivate students. The program consists of computer-oriented modules and discovery approach laboratory exercises. Students complete similar computer/laboratory material during the first semester but elect one of three tracks during the second semester (computer, every-day life, and…

Discusses problems professional teachers had in producing videotape materials for an organic chemistry course. Indicates that the tape program is a valuable addition to the organic lab course--its projected long lifetime compensating for the considerable task of its preparation. (Author/JN)

Describes a cooperative venture between a college faculty member and elementary school students/teachers. Each year the faculty member presents two basic physics assembly programs at the school (one for upper and one for lower grades). Includes examples of assembly activities and summary of 1977-1982 teachers' evaluations of the program. (JN)

Describes an exercise (using Apple microcomputer) which provides an introduction to computer simulation as a biological research tool. Includes examples of students' modeling programs and partial program listings for programs developed by students from an original model. (JN)

Describes a project designed to develop 50 tutorial lessons for students having difficulty with specific types of physics problems. Because the intent was to tutor problem solving rather than teach physics concepts, lessons were designed for use after classroom instruction had occurred. Includes project goals, development, implementation, results,…

Reports on an explosion that occurred using Tollens' reagent, emphasizing that students should prepare the reagent immediately before use and discard it immediately after use by flushing it down the drain. States that under no conditions should Tollens' reagent be stored. (Author/JN)

Discusses the origins, objectives, and benefits resulting from "State-of-the-Art-in-Biology" (SOTAB) Symposia for professional biologists and college professors. Provides examples of the topics addressed in the sessions and outlines the impacts of the program for education. (ML)

Describes the approach and programming emphasis of the National University of Distance Education (UNED). Specifically explains the university's summer residential workshops that focused on basic physics phenomena that were laboratory oriented. Includes examples of the course requirements and samples of the participants' opinions about the course.…

Provides a description of a concentrated four-week term course that provided students with opportunities of association with applied science and engineering professionals. Reviews the program's organizational structure, project requirements, and summarizes students reactions to the course. (ML)

Highlights the programs and educational offerings of the Center for History of Physics in New York City that was established by the American Institute of Physics. Reviews the variety of resources associated with the facility and outlines the specific services provided for educators and the public. (ML)

Reviews the efforts made in Michigan's plan of improvement in mathematics and science education. Assesses the progress attained in preservice and inservice programs, developing partnerships, attracting outstanding students, and increasing the quantity and quality of science and mathematics teachers. Includes a description of the operating…

Describes the philosophical orientation and methodology employed in a laboratory chemistry program at Princeton University. Discusses the program's approach and use of challenging experiments, teaching assistants, and mastery teaching. (ML)

Describes how the "Ascent of Man" television series serves as a basis for discussion with nonscience honors students in an undergraduate course at Michigan State University. Explains the format, major themes, and system of evaluation of the course. Presents samples of topics, suggested reading, and the "Ascent of Man" film titles. (ML)

Discusses the results of a study on the limitations of short-term memory in terms of its implications for the teaching of chemistry and problem-solving skills. Also includes a description of the Saskatchewan life skills program for disadvantaged adults for coping with change. (ML)