Science courses employ instructional strategies that are based on lecture, drill, and practice to help students memorize collections of facts and procedures of increasing complexity. These strategies emphasize the acquisition of knowledge through the development of logical-mathematical skills employed in problem solving and verbal-linguistic…

A set of web-based stereochemistry tools which help students use virtual 3D models to translate Newman projections and chair conformations and assign "R/S" labels to stereocenters from 2D dashed-wedged structures is described. These tools are unique in the way they link 2D dashed-wedged structures to 3D models to help students develop…

Comprehension of the 3D structure of objects usually represented in 2D is a critical part of understanding molecular geometries. The frequency with which students actually get hands-on with 3D molecular structures is often limited to a singular laboratory session. We sought to develop a set of molecular shapes that were inexpensive enough not only…

The greatest difficulty that is encountered by students in thermodynamics classes is to find relationships between variables and to solve a total differential equation that relates one thermodynamic state variable to two mutually independent state variables. Rules of differentiation, including the total differential and the cyclic rule, are…

In this article, the authors present a laboratory exercise in data collection and statistical analysis in biological space using clustered stomates on leaves of "Begonia" plants. The exercise can be done in middle school classes by students making their own slides and seeing imprints of cells, or at the high school level through collecting data of…

Describes three microcomputer programs that allow geology students to deform two-dimensional images on a computer screen and then to measure changes in angular relationships. Two of the programs simulate pure and simple shear and the third simulates variations in shear strain that occur in shear zones. (ML)

Examines the hypothesis that there are preliminary stages in problem solving that are often neglected in teaching chemistry. Discusses correlations calculated between the student's ability to handle disembedding and cognitive restructuring tasks in the spatial domain and ability to solve chemistry problems. (TW)

Described is a pilot course which includes a designed set of exercises to instruct students in procedures for creating solid models. A detailed description and analysis of students' various approaches used in completing a final design project are included. (KR)

Described is a course that offers students the opportunity to learn the graphics language of computers in conjunction with the traditional engineering design graphics concepts. The course objectives, course description, course administration, and advantages to using the dual approach are included. (KR)

Described is the evolution of a multimedia approach for teaching Computer Aided Design (CAD). The presentation includes video tapes, a computer, an overhead camera, and hard-copy handouts containing class notes and CAD assignments. Also described is a complete "on-demand" training system for future use. (KR)

Although women comprise the majority of the population, fewer than 9 percent are employed as scientists and engineers. Research indicates that girls have poorer attitudes toward science, enroll less often in science courses, demonstrate lower achievement levels in science, and have fewer experiences with science materials or instruments. Among the…