This column presents ideas and techniques to enhance science teaching. In this month's issue an upper elementary Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) challenge brings an engineer into the classroom while emphasizing cooperation, communication, and creativity. STEM activities come in various shapes and sizes. Some are quite involved…

The Next Generation Science Standards call for the integration of science and engineering. Often, the introduction of engineering activities occurs after instruction in the science content. That is, engineering is used as a way for students to elaborate on science ideas that have already been explored. However, using only this sequence of…

With some simple metal samples and common household liquids, teachers can build wet cell batteries and use them to teach students about batteries and how they work. In this article, the author offers information that is derived from some simple experiments he conducted in his basement workshop and can easily be applied in the classroom or lab. He…

Technology Engineering is an innovative component of a much larger arena of teaching that effectively uses interactive technology as a method of enhancing learning and the learning environment. Using this method to teach science and math content empowers the teacher and enhances the curriculum as the classroom becomes more efficient and effective.…

Explores a graduate level bioprocess engineering course in protein purification and downstream processing. Designed to provide students with hands-on training in the design and implementation of product processing for the biotechnology industry. Includes syllabus and plan of study. (MVL)

Demonstrates one method for finding parallel tangents to a cylinder based on geometric properties of the three dimensional representation of the cylinders. Uses rotational transformations to obtain a three dimensional view. Provides a starting point for those studying geometric methods as a lead into computer assisted drafting. (CW)

Discusses coordinate systems, units of measure, scaling and levels as they relate to a database generated by a computer in a spatial rather than planer location. Describes geometric-oriented input, direct coordinates, transformations, annotation, editing and patterns. Stresses that hand drafting emulation is a short-sighted approach to…

Suggests a method of integrating teaching microcomputer graphics in engineering curricula without encroaching on the fundamental engineering courses. Includes examples of engineering graphics produced by commercial programs and others produced by high-level language programing in a limited credit hour segment of an educational program. (CW)

Describes the process of planning, designing and implementing a computer-assisted design laboratory to serve both a freshman engineering graphics and a sophomore engineering design course. Discusses some of the impact that this development had on other college facilities. Includes goals, testing, installation, current use, examples of assignments,…

Discusses the similarities, differences, advanced features, applications and number of users of five microcomputer computer-aided design (CAD) packages. Included are: "AutoCAD (V.2.17)"; "CADKEY (V.2.0)"; "CADVANCE (V.1.0)"; "Super MicroCAD"; and "VersaCAD Advanced (V.4.00)." Describes the…

This book presents a collection of best practices in using instructional technology from 42 college campuses. In 93 brief, informal, and practical vignettes, professors show how they transformed courses with technology, discuss how the technology affects teaching and learning, and distill important lessons learned. The book is divided into two…