Between 1817 and 1838 professors at the University of Pennsylvania, South Carolina College, Yale College, and Columbia College published six syllabi for earth science courses. All stressed geology. These syllabi give unique insight into classrooms of almost 200 years ago. The greatest difference between the six syllabi involved historical geology.…

Traces the development of electrical engineering (EE) from its roots of academic physics in the 1890s to a discipline with its own priorities and departmental structure. Includes a description of the first EE course offered at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). (JN)

Discusses the use of Kranzberg's Laws in a history of technology course at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Lists the Laws and describes how certain reference materials are used in the course. (TW)

Describes a course taught at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in which the process of technological change along with cultural and societal responses to these changes are explored. Includes a thematic course outline and the list of course requirements. (TW)

Describes a chemical engineering course for liberal arts students that is taught from a scientific, social, and symbolic perspective. A summary of the early days of oil refining is included as representative of one of the major content segments of the course. (ML)

A model to illuminate and relate various twentieth-century philosophical perspectives on key questions about the nature of scientific theories and, therefore, aspects of the structure and development of postmodern science is described. The Scientific Theory Profile model then forms the basis for a course for science teachers in perspectives on the…

Presented in this document are essays related to a research project focusing on conceptual obstacles which confine and inhibit scientific understanding (conceptual barriers). These include a short summary of research activities; research methodology; outline of a theory and summary of supporting evidence related to conceptual barriers encountered…

Discussed are some of the reasons for and arguments against teaching the history of physics to physics majors. The course goals, philosophy, and content are described. Sources of material are listed. An outline of the course content, and a bibliography used to develop the course are included. (CW)

Describes an interdisciplinary science laboratory course for non-majors that uses the history of science as a curricular guide. Profiles two sample projects that consider the importance of teachers to classroom dynamics and the institutional political context. (Author/WRM)

Describes a one-semester course designed to examine the relationship between science and technology in Western civilization during the period between the earliest organized social life and the inception of the Industrial Revolution. Includes a list of readings, schedule of topics and assignments, and student requirements. (TW)

Describes a one-semester course designed to examine the relationship between science and technology in Western civilization during the 19th and 20th centuries. Includes a list of required readings, the schedule of topics and assignments, and a description of the student requirements. (TW)

Summarizes the history of underwater acoustics and describes related research studies and teaching activities at the University of Birmingham (England). Also includes research studies on transducer design and mathematical techniques. (SK)

A nonmajors course entitled Ideas and Concepts in Physics that surveys the conception and development of ideas in classical and modern physics is described. Details of the syllabus and suggestions for incorporating an historical approach into the physics curriculum on both the precollege and college levels are provided. A bibliography of materials…

Provides the syllabus for an undergraduate course on "Technology and Society" offered at the University of Missouri (Kansas City). Includes a general description of the course goals, required media log, and student mini-projects. Contains the list of assigned readings and a weekly breakdown of topics and assignments. (TW)

Describes a minicourse on experimental hypotheses. The courses which treats the investigative nature of biology as a major theme, teaches nonrigorous problem-solving and engenders the excitement of self-discovery. Manipulation of variables in relation to controls, the principles of deduction and induction, and their application to selected…