In response to increasingly diverse student groups in U.S. schools, educational researchers have developed curricula that respond to students' unique needs, cultures, and experiences. Curricula that embrace a pedagogy of empowerment are known as Culturally Responsive Curricula (CRC), and such curricula specific to science are referred to as…

A simple electronic system for the measurement of high values of resistance is shown. This system allows the measurement of resistance in the range of a few megohm up to 10[superscript 9] [omega]. We have used this system for the evaluation of CdS thin film resistance, but other practical uses in the basic physics laboratory are presented.…

Creating slime fascinates students. Unfortunately, though intrigue is at its peak, the educational aspect of this activity is often minimal. This article describes a chemistry lab that closely relates to the slime lab and allows high school students to explore the concepts of chemical bonding, properties, and replacement reactions. It involves the…

Active and collaborative learning instruments were introduced into an introductory electrical and computer engineering course. These instruments were designed to assess specific learning objectives and program outcomes. Results show that students developed an understanding comparable to that of more advanced students assessed later in the…

Describes the development of new laboratory-based assessments to promote the professional development of technicians in education. Discusses defining standards, the new Scottish/National Vocational Qualifications, and awarding Arrangements. (JRH)

Discusses revisions in general chemistry laboratory to include group project work. Describes evaluation techniques and sample projects. (MKR)

Conducts an action research investigation to determine which type of student benefits more from inquiry-based science laboratories. Designs two labs on diffusion and osmosis using both traditional and inquiry-based approaches and assesses student learning in these settings. (YDS)

Presents an active-learning technique in which students design their studies that was found to be successful in an animal behavior laboratory course. Divides the laboratory course into three components: (1) structured and technique-oriented exercises; (2) open-ended and student-designed investigations; and (3) independent projects. Explains…

Describes the investigative learning method for use in college-level biology courses. Discusses the graduate teaching assistants' roles and the strategies they need to examine such as teaching and assessment. Uses qualitative and quantitative approaches for the evaluation of the program. (Contains 16 references.) (YDS)

An observational instrument called the Laboratory Interaction Categories-Student (LIC) is described. The LIC is an easily understandable and usable tool for assessing pupil laboratory performance. (MP)