Presented is a report on a course for undergraduate students which is designed to increase their intellectual abilities early in their college careers. The report gives the characteristics of concrete thought and formal reasoning, followed by an explanation of the process involved in data collecting and the data itself. The authors suggest that…

The coauthor and developer of Logo (a computer programming language for children) describes (1) the changes in his responses to debates about computers in education, (2) some of the uses of the new LogoWriter in the classroom, and (3) how one fifth-grade class used LogoWriter in a biology unit. (IW)

Examines students' problem solving performance on linear and logarithmic estimation tasks using a microcomputer. Results are discussed in terms of performance data and strategy used. Students were able to estimate faster and more efficiently for the linear estimation task but experienced difficulty on a logarithmic scale. Discusses reasons for the…

Describes a program developed by the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) which includes an engineering/science outreach program designed to enrich the science experiences of fifth and sixth grade students and encourage them to aspire to careers in scientific and technological fields. (TW)

Promotes the use of computer-based simulations in the pre-clinical medical curriculum as a means of providing students with opportunities for problem solving. Describes simple simulations of skeletal muscle loads, complex simulations of major organ systems and comprehensive simulation models of the entire human body. (TW)

This curriculum guide provides resources that teachers and trainers can use to help learners improve their ability to apply technology problem-solving skills in the workplace. The instructional strategies and practice problems in the guide are patterned after those of the American College Testing (ACT) Work Keys System. Gains in skill levels can…

Presents examples of physics activities using common objects such as a tuning fork, umbrella (for double diffraction patterns), and a toy car. Provides questions designed to stimulate student curiosity/interest and which provide models for developing additional units on everyday objects and toys. (JM)

Presents two multiple-lesson activities that integrate science and mathematics. Lessons involve hands-on activities for grades 4-5 to develop the notion of average around building a racer; and accurately estimating and measuring crystal growth in grades 8-12. (MDH)

Describes an honors general physics course designed to demonstrate to students that physics is vital to their understanding of physiology, medicine, the human body, rehabilitation, and other health fields. Presents evidence that indicates that active group learning and connections to real-world applications help students learn physics and apply…

Discusses the use of analogies and other instructional strategies (problem solving, demonstration, group labs, and large group discussion) in dealing with students' preconceptions in physics. (PR)

Presents integrated activities for mathematics and biology appropriate for various levels from grades five through eight. Explores interesting aspects of human fingernails and hair growth and their mathematical relationship to time. Provides suggestions to integrate the activities with technology. (MDH)

Forms and characteristics of small group physics instruction in the Russian university are examined and in some cases, compared to those used in Britain. Topics discussed include the lecture method, classroom communication during lectures, postlecture discussion, specialized small-audience lectures, problem solving, individual research projects,…

Describes a three-week workshop involving 20 teachers and 40 female students, grades 3 through 8, who worked in small groups to use the LEGO TC logo program, an approach that integrates mathematics and science instruction. Discussion includes the impact of single-sex, small group work on student attitudes toward mathematics and science. (six…

Describes a program developed at City University of New York (CUNY) Medical School that was designed to facilitate learning and retention of difficult concepts and principles in first-year biology and chemistry courses. Topics addressed include small group interaction, cooperative learning, mastery learning, interactive technology, and information…

Presents an exciting way to acquaint students with current methods to clean up oil spills. Students also have the freedom to create new clean-up methods as they think through the problem and experiment to find effective solutions. (PR)