An interdisciplinary group of faculty members from Tufts University developed an undergraduate civic science course designed to help students better understand and interpret the broad, sociocultural impacts of science. The course teaches principles of civic science and was designed around four facets of learning. These facets lay groundwork for…

Retaining college-level science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) students remains a priority in higher education. A variety of methods have been shown to increase retention, including mentorship, tutoring, course enhancements, community building, and engagement in high-impact practices such as undergraduate research. In 2011, an…

Describes a natural science program that offers twenty-five or more different topics each semester. Presents examples of the topics available and outlines the advantages of this approach. (GS)

Describes a two-semester laboratory program designed to motivate students. The program consists of computer-oriented modules and discovery approach laboratory exercises. Students complete similar computer/laboratory material during the first semester but elect one of three tracks during the second semester (computer, every-day life, and…

Describes a general chemistry program involving small groups of students working together toward the mastery of performance objectives. Explains the administrative procedure for the program and provides an evaluation in terms of professor time, student attitude, and student achievement. (GS)

Argues against a type of program evaluation of undergraduate institutions that assumes students are products. Proposes that if students are products, then students are raw materials. Discusses the philosophical problems of considering students as raw materials. (DDR)

Discusses a physical science course developed for college nonscience majors. This course, which is approached from an interdisciplinary perspective, investigates how muscles operate using the process of inquiry. Course content, instructional strategy, and course assessment are also discussed. (HM)

Focuses on the response of the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the congressional authorization committees to the NSF sponsored precollege science programs. The article also summarizes and analyzes some of the results of the survey conducted by the Research Triangle Institute (RTI), North Carolina. (HM)

Discussed are similarities between college courses described as exemplary by the Society of College Science Teachers. Various strategies used to teach problem solving based on a three-stage model are highlighted. The process of identification of exemplary programs is discussed. (CW)