Creativity continues to be an important goal for 21st century learning. However, teachers often have difficulties fostering creativity in their classrooms. Current creativity research suggests that the act of making can enhance the teaching of creativity. Hands-on engineering design lessons are ideal contexts for studying this effect. Through…

Since its founding in 1863, the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) has occupied a special niche in the complex ecology of advice-giving in the United States. Established as a small, private organization with special responsibilities and obligations vis a vis the American people and government, the Academy has expanded considerably in the past…

The purpose of this study was to examine the variables which influence a high school student to enroll in an engineering discipline versus a physical science discipline. Data was collected utilizing the High School Activities, Characteristics, and Influences Survey, which was administered to students who were freshmen in an engineering or physical…

The topic of alternative energy is not only relevant to a multitude of issues today, it is also an effective vehicle for developing instruction that applies across a variety of content disciplines and academic standards. Since many of the issues associated with alternative energy are open-ended, alternative energy also lends itself to…

Describes an experimental engineering education program being conducted at the University of North Dakota which integrates freshmen students into upper class activities. Emphasis is on real engineering problems considered to be important. (SL)

Reviews the programs and department of Chemical Engineering at Pennsylvania State University. (SL)

This interpretive study of a Year Six classroom in North Queensland, Australia focuses on how two contrasting groups of children designed ill-defined engineering structures. The collaboration processes within the research team are explored. Classroom-related findings are also reported. (AIM)

This document is a synopsis of the National Academy of Engineering's (NAE) first ten years; its formation, development, and work. This document is not intended to serve as a definitive history of the NAE, but rather to outline its development and to introduce the Academy to the interested reader who may be unfamiliar with its work and to provide…

Discussed is the establishment of a Center University of MassachusettsIndustry Research on Polymers (CUMIRP) at the University's Amherst campus. CUMIRP involves the university, a group of 13 corporations, and the National Science Foundation working together to forge closer research ties between unversities and industry. (Author/DS)

Describes the historical development and programs of engineering education at the University of Rwanda in cooperation with a Belgium university. Provides lists of courses for electromechanical and civil engineering programs. (YP)

Data for this report on the National Science Foundation's research and development (R&D) expenditures were collected from a sample of 460 institutions of higher education in the United States and outlying areas. Institutions were selected from the universe of 595 schools that grant a graduate science or engineering degree or perform activities…

Describes the recent historical development, main features, and results of an engineering graduate program in Tunisia. A description of the civil service program for young university graduates and the hierarchy of university staff is provided. (YP)

Discussed is the graduate Reentry Program for Women at the University of Central Florida. Six components of the program are described: (1) mathematics review courses; (2) the program coordinator; (3) orientation meetings; (4) professional development day; (5) co-op jobs; and (6) social events that emphasize information. (YP)

Describes the development and courses of an annual nine-month professional training program in urban management. Evaluates the experience of the nine sessions organized for this program. (YP)

The Supplemental Instructional Program (SIP) is an academic support program of Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville (SIU-E). It was started in response to the needs of minority disadvantaged students, who showed a high attrition rate in science and engineering. It aimed to prepare these students for survival in the system by providing a…