In the Spring 2017 semester, an instructional designer, a writing center coordinator, and a director of distance library services initiated a pilot project for a seven-campus, eight-satellite center, public university system to cross-train virtual writing tutors in baseline research skills. This case study describes the collaborative pilot…

The research reported is intended to provide a body of information on technical-scientific shop and laboratory education in the field of technological education. The study seeks to address the dearth of organized information on the utilization of laboratories in the technical education context. Various programs involving use of laboratories are…

Sensitivity to the sounds and noises affecting the operation of industrial arts and vocational education programs is imperative for the professional educator. All teachers need to develop the capacity to "tune-in" on noises or sounds which signify prompt reaction to a hazardous condition or an unsafe act. (CT)

A federal audit which began in June 1982 and should be completed by November is being conducted to determine possible extravagance, misuse, waste, fraud and abuse of laboratory equipment purchased on federal contracts and grants. A list of waste and abuse found mostly at industrial labs is included. (JN)

Described is a procedure for assessment of student performance in laboratory work (practical work) in Advanced Level Biology in England. Some historical background is included. (PB)

Discusses a National Research Council report which summarizes what laboratories need to know about Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Transportation regulations that apply to laboratory waste. The report provides guidelines for establishing and operating waste management systems for laboratories and gives specific advice on waste…

Offers suggestions and outlines ten easy steps for assuring a safer science classroom environment. Includes such recommendations as: scheduling a safety inspection; displaying safety posters; enforcing a laboratory dress code; establishing a safety reference library; and updating safety report forms and procedures. (ML)

Describes three videocassette formats comparing their technical characteristics to determine which is most suited for a given application. Discusses duplication problems and international exchange of tapes, advising about world standards and conversion from one to the other. Gives guidelines to selecting the proper hardware for different video…

Discusses danger of explosions with molten salts baths, commonly used as heat-transfer media. One such explosion involved use of a bath containing 3-lb sodium nitrite and 1-lb potassium thiocyanate. Although most commercially available mixtures for heat transfer contain oxidizers, a reducer (thiocyanate) was included which possibly triggered the…

Discusses a laboratory exercise simulating the paths of light rays through spherical water drops by applying principles of ray optics and geometry. Describes four parts: determining the output angles, computer simulation, explorations, model testing, and solutions. Provides a computer program and some diagrams. (YP)

Traces the development of college physics laboratories. Discusses the motivating forces that produced these laboratories, sources of experiments and the first and most influential laboratory manual prepared by E. C. Pickering for use at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. (JN)

Discusses the missing water on Mars. Describes five experiments simulating conditions on Mars: (1) behavior of dry ice; (2) low-pressure vacuum; (3) freezing point depression; (4) water in hydrated minerals and clay; and (5) properties of carbon dioxide. (YP)

From a safety point of view, there is a need to ensure that science teachers are appropriately qualified to teach their subject. Opportunities for accidents in school laboratories are legion and acquisition of skills and competence to obviate them is essential. (Author/RE)

Reported is a national survey of laboratory animal facilities and resources conducted by the Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources (ILAR) at the request of the Animal Resources Program Branch of the NIH Division of Research Resources. Two earlier surveys (1964 and 1970) had been conducted by ILAR at the request of NIH. Since these reports were…

Focuses on attributes of microcomputer systems which affect their usefulness in a laboratory environment. In addition to presenting general concepts, comments are made regarding the implementation of these concepts using a microprocessor-based data acquisition system developed at the University of North Carolina. (CO)