In recent years there have been concerted efforts among water science educators to increase the number and quality of interactive classroom, field, and lab experiences in undergraduate water resource courses. This article reviews the transformation of a traditional lecture-based hydrology course with a global emphasis to a field-based, integrated…

Creates an advanced biochemistry laboratory course that focuses on the development of experimental design and troubleshooting skills which provide students with the opportunity to design and evaluate their own experiments through semester-long independent projects with a common theme. Indicates that students were often frustrated but felt that the…

Describes the philosophical orientation and methodology employed in a laboratory chemistry program at Princeton University. Discusses the program's approach and use of challenging experiments, teaching assistants, and mastery teaching. (ML)

Provides a course description of a geology/ecology program for nonscience students based in the Canadian Rockies. Reviews on-campus preparations and includes samples of discussion topics and essay questions used during the trip. Student evaluation responses are also presented. (ML)

Describes a field-based course for science teachers which focuses on Appalachian geology. Provides an overview of the course's objectives, organization, itinerary, and requirements and describes an evaluative study of the program. Also includes a rationale for field instruction. (ML)

Describes a high school astronomy course oriented around activities and designed to be fun-centered.'' The course is presented in packet form in order to keep the units of study short and comprehensible. Modular scheduling systems and field work are utilized to stress the activities approach. (JR)

Reports on the modification of a microbiology course to provide the laboratory component at the beginning of the time slot, tailor the lecture topics to relate to the laboratory component each night, and add an outside reading component. Reports that, following this format change, the retention rate increased from approximately 50% to 80%.…

Assesses the value of a practical course in pollen analysis in the education of geography undergraduates. Discusses the difficulties and potentialities of the technique. Concludes that the course provides students with a better appreciation of past environments and environmental processes. (Author/CW)

Provided is a description of a volunteer program that offers experience to premedical college students through working in a large hospital. The volunteer experience is followed by the nursing assistant training program. The benefits of both are discussed. (Author/SA)

Describes a course for nonscience students which aims to teach quantitative modes for investigating natural phenomena by specific oceanographic applications to Long Island Sound. Highlights aspects of the course's lecture series and field study program. Identifies resources needed for the course and discusses problem areas and student evaluation.…

Provides a description of a concentrated four-week term course that provided students with opportunities of association with applied science and engineering professionals. Reviews the program's organizational structure, project requirements, and summarizes students reactions to the course. (ML)

Artificial Intelligence for Technology, a distance learning course at the Open University, is based on a learning model that combines conceptualization, construction, and dialog. This allows a practical emphasis which has been difficult to implement in distance education. The course uses commercial software, real-world-based assignments, and a…

Describes the approach and programming emphasis of the National University of Distance Education (UNED). Specifically explains the university's summer residential workshops that focused on basic physics phenomena that were laboratory oriented. Includes examples of the course requirements and samples of the participants' opinions about the course.…

The development of a spaceflight simulation program as part of a research and development course is described. Topics such as space exploration, design, propulsion, aerodynamics of space craft, robotics, communication, construction, medicine, lasers, hydroponics, geology, chemistry, and space physiology are emphasized. (KR)

Describes an introductory course required of all engineering students at the Ecole Polytechnique de Montreal (Canada). Discusses the design of the course, including its emphasis upon the facets of engineering careers, direct experience, and written and spoken communication. (TW)