Using data available at the NSF Search Awards site, Biology REU Site awards made from 1987 to 2014 were analyzed. During this time, there was an average of 30.8 new REU Site awards per year with an average duration of three years. Total funding for Biology REU Site awards increased for each four-year period analyzed since 1995-1998 in actual…

This article analyzes 21 in-depth interviews of engineering and atmospheric science faculty at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) to determine faculty data management practices and needs within the context of their research activities. A detailed literature review of previous large-scale and institutional surveys and interviews…

Makerspaces supply a venue for students to construct a variety of real-world products at the collegiate level using science and technology standards. The maker movement is sweeping the science learning community by storm in the library setting with remarkable success. The maker movement provides an opportunity to transform the library into a…

The purpose of this short article is to (a) briefly summarize the findings of two important recent resources concerning the future of biology in the 21st century; one, Vision and Change, A Call to Action [AAAS, 2009. AAAS, Washington, DC], concerned with undergraduate education in biology, the other, A New Biology for the 21st Century [National…

In 2005, West Virginia science and education leaders developed a strategic plan entitled: "Vision 2015: The West Virginia Science and Technology Strategic Plan." The plan is comprised of five (5) target areas for infrastructure development, with 14 goals for action by designated leaders from higher education, state government, and…

This article summarizes our experience at McGill University in developing a strong connection not only with a large number of students but also with the general public. This has led to the establishment of a cooperative team to deliver useful information about chemistry and science broadly via the radio, television, the Internet, lectures,…

In Australia, Indigenising the curriculum is increasingly acknowledged as a possible avenue for addressing Indigenous under-representation in tertiary science education in a culturally appropriate and relevant manner. While no Australian university has implemented such a program, there is much to be learnt about the inherent complexities of…

Understanding the scientific method fosters the development of critical thinking and logical analysis of information. Additionally, proposing and testing a hypothesis is applicable not only to science, but also to ordinary facts of daily life. Knowing the way science is done and how its results are published is useful for all citizens and…

To help those concerned with the present shortage of funds, the Council on Education for the Geological Sciences (CEGS) has compiled this list of possible sources of support for undergraduate geology programs. The $1,200 fund sources included have been subdivided into five ranges, according to last known annual amounts given for all purposes.…

The declining level of government support for research has provoked concern regarding the impact on British science and scientists' morale and has triggered the formation of a lobbying group called Save British Science. Major issues (including financial considerations) are reported and discussed. (JN)

ACS Structure of Chemistry Panel reports (a) on the wide scope of chemical research and study, (b) on the relationship of theory and the need for new models in research, (c) on factors that stimulate or inhibit advances in chemistry, (d) on recommendations to reorganize fields of interest, and (e) on factors that should be considered in funding…

Reports on an experiment in institutional funding. Grants were awarded to universities with detailed plans for developing their science programs. Major findings of the study are reported in the areas of faculty size, faculty mobility, scholarly productivity, graduate student enrollment, Ph.D. production, postdoctorate employment and geographical…

The first part of this two part volume includes articles relating to engineering education. Topics included are personalizing instruction, individualizing instruction, programed instruction, rewarding good teaching, and the use of different approaches to improve teaching. Part II contains descriptive data from 201 engineering colleges concerning:…

Reviews topics and issues discussed at a Council on Undergraduate Research conference on research at four-year colleges. The increasing value of such research and potential sources of support (including that from the National Science Foundation) are addressed. (JN)