Engineering design is an ideal perspective for engaging students in college science classes. An engineering design problem-solving framework was used to create a general chemistry lab activity focused on an important environmental issue--dead zones. Dead zones impact over 400 locations around the world and are a result of nutrient pollution, one…

Well-developed, problem-solving skills are essential for any student enrolled in a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) course as well as for graduates in the workforce. One of the most essential skills is the ability to monitor one's own progress and understanding while solving a problem. Successful monitoring during the…

A modified model of cooperative learning known as the GIG model (for group-individual-group) designed and implemented in a large enrollment freshman chemistry course. The goal of the model is to establish a cooperative environment while emphasizing greater individual accountability using both group and individual assignments. The assignments were…

This article describes a new instructional model called Argument-Driven Inquiry (ADI). This model is designed to promote student engagement in processes of investigation design and scientific argumentation. In this study, the ADI instructional model is compared with a more traditional approach to instruction across 16 laboratory sections of…

Undergraduate research experiences (UREs) have been endorsed as a powerful instructional tool in higher education; however, relatively little is known about the long-term effects of participation in these programs. The purpose of this study was to investigate the educational enhancements of URE participation from the perspective of practicing…

Core concepts can be integrated throughout lower-division science and engineering courses by using a series of related, cross-referenced laboratory experiments. Starting with butane combustion in chemistry, the authors expanded the underlying core concepts of energy transfer into laboratories designed for biology, physics, and engineering. This…

Explains paradigm changes and gives the example of the periodic table's evolution historically, starting from the 1800s. Questions whether students are aware of this paradigm change. (Contains 15 references.) (YDS)

Addresses the issue of the semantics of chemical symbolism in introductory chemistry texts and lectures. Argues that understanding the historical context, the personal struggles of those who mapped the territory of chemistry, and how the meaning of the chemical symbols they used evolved over time are important for building a foundation for…

Discusses the use of models as an instructional method in science classrooms and makes suggestions on how to use models more effectively. (Contains 28 references.) (Author/YDS)

Presents a detailed discussion of the "Drinking Duck" toy and its use to illustrate scientific and technical issues in thermodynamics. Numerous illustrations and equations are included. (MA)