The Toxics Geography Exercise was developed as an application-oriented exercise to develop skills in critical analysis in groups of undergraduate students from widely diverse academic backgrounds. Students use publicly available data on industrial activities, history of toxic material disposal, basic chemistry, regulatory approaches of federal and…

Mastery learning is an instructional method based on the idea that students learn best if they fully understand, or master, one concept before moving on to the next and has been shown to be extremely effective in math and science curricula. Competency-based grading is an evaluative tool that allows the faculty member to determine the level of…

In order to be effective competitors in the marketplace, students must be able to think critically, communicate complex ideas through writing, collaborate with peers, and apply their knowledge of biological science to generate solutions for issues facing society. In this paper we examine the nature of the instructional tools, strategies, and…

The authors sought to better approximate the practice of "real" science in our classrooms by having students study a newly built storm-water remediation wetland on campus. The wetland was meant to gather and clean storm water running off of student parking lots--thus students had ownership in the problem and potential solution. Participating…

Discusses the percentage of science teaching faculty over 50 years old and the percentage of early retirements. Questions the effects of early retirement of faculty on course offerings, programs, and departmental research. (YDS)

The authors teach upper-level science courses in cell biology, genetics, and biochemistry at a public, four-year "community university" that serves a demographically diverse population of traditional and nontraditional students. In this article, they describe some of the issues they have found to be particularly significant at their "community…

In this article, the author discusses how iPods are being used in a variety of teacher-centered and student-centered ways. Since today's students are characterized as social, highly competent multitaskers, who expect immediate results and feedback and seek stimulation and interaction, iPod and podcasting are seen as tools for teaching such…

Indicates that research can be an important part of undergraduate teaching and that joint participation by faculty and students can effectively cultivate the creativity and enthusiasm of each. (GS)

Describes the formation and organization of a statewide energy consortium consisting of faculty from 19 campuses of the California State University and Colleges system. Also describes three major consortium activities and reasons for its success. (SK)

Discussed are some of the ways that community colleges may assist school districts and individuals with inservice teacher education. A program at Valencia Community College (FL) is described. Cooperation between the public school and the college is stressed. (CW)

Reported are highlights of a workshop related to the geosciences sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF). Discussions include recommendations for the NSF's undergraduate education programs including support for individual students, laboratory activities, faculty enhancement, curriculum, courses, and underrepresented groups. Precollege…

Presented are the highlights and an analysis of The Neal Report on undergraduate science education. Included are an overview of the report and discussions and recommendations on laboratories; curriculum; industry/academic coupling; centers for instructional research and development; faculty exchange; teaching internships; and undergraduate women,…