This study was conducted to determine if embedding effective study strategies in a course would result in an increased use of these strategies and, therefore, increase success and retention in introductory-level science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) courses. An interdisciplinary team of STEM faculty members created study strategies…

The last decade has seen an explosion of new pedagogical programs, modules, and curricula in undergraduate STEM courses. Despite the importance of effective dissemination in spreading such programs to a broader community of users, relatively little attention is typically given to the needs of potential adopters. In this paper, we build on previous…

Recent science reform advocates for the inclusion of engineering design to teach science and represents a shift to so-called three-dimensional (3D) learning. This shift often requires science instructors to adapt their current curriculum to integrate 3D learning. To support this shift, the current study illustrates the collaborative development…

Education research provides a range of curricular reform options that can lead to improved student course outcomes. These options can appear easy to implement with the hope of immediate increases in student learning. In 2006 the Ithaca College Physics Department went down this path by moving all of their 100-level courses out of lecture halls and…

This article discusses the key components of a reform-based introductory undergraduate environmental science course for nonscience majors and elementary teacher candidates as well as the impact of such components on the participants. The main goals for the course were to actively engage the students in their learning and, in doing so, to enhance…

In the process of working through evaluation of efforts to transform undergraduate laboratory experiences at our institution, we developed a protocol for observing laboratory learning environments that could be used in varying institutional contexts. We began using the Instructional Practices Inventory and found many strengths in this protocol but…

Describes a five-week introductory medical science course designed for both science and nonscience majors through integration of physiology, organic chemistry, anatomy, and biochemistry. Suggests its use as a quarter-semester, a tri-semester, or a regular semester course for students including premed and medical technicians. (CC)

Biology curriculum was developed, for the first year biology students, with an emphasis on scientific processes and understanding of ecosystems and enzyme systems. Lab classes were very useful along with teachers and discussions. Faculty was highly convinced of objectives of the course. (PS)

Describes a workshop on the feasibility of disseminating chemical injurious information through instructional materials. Indicates the necessity of including basic principles in physiology, biology, and environmental courses at both secondary and undergraduate levels. (CC)

Describes a curriculum in Environmental Sciences adopted by the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Includes lists of lower-level courses for the first two years, required courses, and recommended electives. Discusses cooperative education/on-the-job training component, implementation, and evaluation. (Author/JN)

Discusses the implications of the Kellogg Commission's "Report on Curriculum". Presents an historical perspective of the engagement of institutions in curriculum development. Discusses the major changes promoted by the Kellogg Commission and evaluates environmental studies programs. Describes a prototype program by the Institute for Conversation…

Describes a summer program, funded by the National Science Foundation, focusing on environmental problems. (PEB)

A "nuclear arms race semester" achieved depth and breadth when several single-discipline approaches to nuclear studies were unified through an integrating seminar. Components included American history, freshmen composition, physics, and the seminar. The program was successful for students and faculty, supporting unified studies approach…

Examines current status of college science education in light of recent calls for reintroduction of science into liberal arts curriculum, presenting a course sequence as basis for discussion. Proposes advantages of and need for a committee to monitor courses in the sequence. Also lists advantages of increased exposure to science. (JM)