This study was designed to determine the effect of high school physics, the frequency of high school physics laboratory use, and high school mathematics background on the success of students taking first semester physics. Data were obtained from undergraduates (N=248) at Mississippi State University. The final letter grade in the first semester of…

Determined: (1) if traditional variables predict performance of black Americans in first-year chemistry at a traditionally black institutions (if so, what is the predictive procedure?); (2) if predictive power for males differs from females; and (3) what implications can be drawn from comparison of this study with past investigations. (JN)

Investigated predictors of success in organic chemistry and how well freshmen chemistry predicts grades in other science courses (biology and physics) and success in entering medical school. Subjects were 254 freshman enrolling in freshman chemistry at Columbia College (the all-male undergraduate division of Columbia University) in 1978. (JN)

Described is an activity designed to make the concepts of experimentation, independent variables, and dependent variables easy to understand by using observable characteristics of several rods to illustrate these concepts. (DS)

Describes a project in which fingerprint patterns were identified and analyzed to determine whether any positive relationship existed between pattern type and academic ability. (LS)

Analyzes the relationship between allied health students' (N=304) performance in general chemistry and the American Chemical Society's Toledo Exam (Form 1974), mathematical Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores, and high school chemistry grade. Also discusses use of findings to identify students who had a high risk of receiving low grades. (JN)

This study was undertaken to determine whether a biology preparatory course, given at an urban community college, was helping students to develop the proper skills and background necessary for them to successfully complete follow-up courses in biology. From this case study, it was discovered that only 16% of the initial group of preparatory…

Analyzes data presented in a recent article (EJ 328 649) examining the relationship between A-level physics and mathematics and degree performance in engineering or physics. A grade of A in A-level physics predicted first class degree performance. (JM)

Designed to examine the factors that contribute to student achievement, this study focused specifically on the relationship between physics achievement and selected teacher characteristics, student characteristics, and school and district characteristics. Questionnaires and attitude surveys were completed by 39 randomly selected Mississippi…

Reviews studies related to problem solving in science education. Discusses findings in the areas of investigative methods, improvement of problem-solving abilities, task variables (puzzles, problems), and subject variables (cognitive structures, developmental factors, disposition). (ML)

Reports on a study of engineering students at the Technical University of Norway (NTH) which focuses on the factors that influence women to become students at NTH. Compares study results to national and international studies concerning women and work. (ML)

Reviews a study that attempted to obtain baseline data on variables that may be related to the nuclear attitudes of students. Presents survey results of the attitudes of college students, secondary school age students, and members of an anti-nuclear action group toward the generation of electricity from nuclear energy. (ML)

Discusses a study which examined the attitudinal and subjective norm variables which impact the behavioral intentions of preservice elementary teachers. Results suggest that measuring preservice teachers' attitudes toward science cannot adequately predict nor provide a satisfactory explanation of their science teaching behaviors. (ML)

This paper identifies predictor variables for physics achievement in Nigerian high schools. Nine student variables (age, gender, home language, word knowledge, interest in physics, study habits, attitude, mathematical ability, and test anxiety) accounted for 63 percent of the total variance. Mathematical ability appeared to be the best predictor.…

Examined the influence of selected factors on secondary student's performance in practical chemistry for a sample of students and teachers from 39 Nigerian schools. Student participation in laboratory activities and students attitudes to chemistry were identified as being the most important factors affecting performance in chemistry. (ML)