This study seeks to develop a better understanding of the underrepresentation of women in science and engineering by analyzing the gender gaps (a) in the interest in pursuing a science degree and (b) on science achievement. We use national-level college admissions data to examine gender differences and to explore the association between these…

As part of a biomechanics course aimed at both upper-division Biology and Physics majors, this laboratory exercise introduces students to the ingenious ways in which organisms vary the composition and form of support and defensive structures such as bone and shell to maximize their strength while minimizing the energetic cost needed to produce…

This study examined university students' knowledge of and attitudes (n = 378) toward biotechnology in Slovakia, a conservative country where the distribution of genetically engineered products are banned by law. We found a significant positive correlation between attitudes and the level of knowledge; however, although students enrolled in biology…

THE HISTORIES, ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURES, MODES OF OPERATION, GOALS, AND SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES OF EIGHT COLLEGE SCIENCE COMMISSIONS ARE PRESENTED. THE GOAL OF THE EIGHT COLLEGE SCIENCE COMMISSIONS IS TO BRING UNDERGRADUATE SCIENCE INSTRUCTION CLOSER TO THE RESEARCH FRONTIER, UPDATE COURSES, AND FOSTER THE SPIRIT OF INQUIRY. INTERCOMMISSION…

Defines biological engineering and discusses why it is needed. Lists some interesting areas of biological engineering. Presents a table of four phases of scientific disciplines. (YP)

Discusses the major problems facing environmental geology programs today including the need for curriculum standardization and problems of poor student performance. (MA)

Gives an overview of a course in chemical engineering entitled "Cellular Bioengineering," dealing with how chemical engineering principles can be applied to molecular cell biology. Topics used are listed and some key references are discussed. Listed are 85 references. (YP)

Described are the idea of chaos and the ability to control the chaotic behavior of a real-world physical system. Included is an explanation of the methodology and applications in biology and chemistry. (KR)

PROCEEDINGS OF AN INTERDISCIPLINARY CONFERENCE ON UNDERGRADUATE COLLEGE SCIENCE TEACHING ARE REPORTED. SPECIFIC AREAS IN WHICH COOPERATION AMONG VARIOUS SCIENTIFIC DISCIPLINES COULD RESULT IN MORE EFFECTIVE INSTRUCTION AT THE UNDERGRADUATE COLLEGE LEVEL WERE DISCUSSED. PARTICIPATING SCIENTISTS REPRESENTED THE FIELDS OF BIOLOGY, CHEMISTRY, PHYSICS,…

Evolutionary theory serves as the fundamental cornerstone to all life science; yet students frequently possess misconceptions regarding evolution or resist learning the idea altogether. This study, which emerged from a larger project focused on informal reasoning, explores how college students' conceptions of evolutionary theory affect their…

SCIENCE EQUIPMENT, TEACHING AIDS, AND MODELS THAT HAVE BEEN OR ARE BEING DEVELOPED THROUGH THE NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION'S SCIENCE TEACHING EQUIPMENT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM ARE DESCRIBED IN THIS BULLETIN. REPORTS FROM ALL PROJECTS SUPPORTED UP TO MARCH 15, 1963, ARE INCLUDED. ITEMS ARE CLASSIFIED ACCORDING TO DISCIPLINE AND APPROPRIATE…

ELEMENTARY, SECONDARY, AND COLLEGE LEVEL SCIENCE COURSE IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS ARE DESCRIBED. INDIVIDUAL PROJECTS ARE CLASSIFIED ACCORDING TO INSTITUTIONAL LEVEL AND ACADEMIC DISCIPLINE. MANY OF THE PROJECTS REPRESENT COMPLETE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND INCLUDE SUCH MATERIALS AS STUDENT TEXTBOOKS, LABORATORY MANUALS, SUPPLEMENTARY READINGS, TEACHER…

The report discusses incorporating more math, physics, chemistry, engineering and computer science into classes and laboratory work and emphasizing independent research will help undergraduate education reflect real-world science. Schools, professional societies and funding agencies should develop new teaching materials and facilitate faculty…

Presented is a descriptive account of guided design, an educational strategy in which students work together in small groups to solve open-ended problems designed to provide experience in applying the subject matter content of a course. The essential elements of this instructional strategy are described, and the instructor's role clarified as…