The knowledge of the mechanical properties of polymers and other materials is essential for several tasks in the field of materials science, like component design and material development. The tensile test is one method of determining many of the material's most defining mechanical characteristics. However, the teaching of laboratory experiments…

Statistical inference involves drawing scientifically-based conclusions describing natural processes or observable phenomena from datasets with intrinsic random variation. We designed, implemented, and validated a new portable randomization-based statistical inference infrastructure (http://socr.umich.edu/HTML5/Resampling_Webapp) that blends…

Online course delivery has increased in prevalence, particularly due to the onset in 2020 of the COVID-19 pandemic. Biomedical engineering laboratory courses pose unique challenges when transitioning to a remote or hybrid space. Here, we describe a novel approach to online lab delivery to improve student learning and engagement in a required…

The result of additive colors is always fascinating to young students. When we teach this topic to 14- to 16-year-old students, they do not usually notice we use maximum light quantities of red (R), green (G), and blue (B) to obtain yellow, magenta, and cyan colors in order to build the well-known additive color diagram of Fig. 1. But how about…

Discusses under what conditions computer simulations should be used. Considers the aspects and qualities of computer simulations used in simulating science laboratory experiments. Provides suggestions for selecting or designing simulations. Examines the idea of transfer when using simulations. (MVL)

Twelve abstracts of papers presented at the 33rd Annual Fall Meeting of the American Physiological Society are listed, focusing on teaching materials/methods. Topics, among others, include trends in physiology laboratory programs, cardiovascular system model, cardiovascular computer simulation with didactic feedback, and computer generated figures…

Discusses the value of laboratory work, suggesting that it is not superior to other aids such as computer simulated experiments (CSE). Advantages of and problems related to use of CSE in the classroom, responses to criticisms of simulated laboratory work, and evaluation of CSE as a teaching aid are considered. (JN)

The techniques used for teaching college economics have remained relatively unchanged over the past few decades. These techniques do not give the students an opportunity to apply, to develop, or to practice the economic theory they read about and hear in lectures. They tend to reinforce student assumptions about the subject's "givenness"…

Describes a two-semester laboratory program designed to motivate students. The program consists of computer-oriented modules and discovery approach laboratory exercises. Students complete similar computer/laboratory material during the first semester but elect one of three tracks during the second semester (computer, every-day life, and…

Because advanced students had difficulty in interpreting cleavage patterns obtained by gel electrophoresis related to rapid sequencing techniques for DNA and RNA, several formats were developed to aid in understanding this topic. Formats included print, print plus scrambled print, interactive computer-based instruction, and high-resolution…

Describes the technical and pedagogical characteristics of the ESSOR system simulation on minicomputers, which allow the simulation of science experiments in the laboratory. Reflects on several years of use and development in the field of chemistry. (Author/DS)

Described is a practical resource that ties the specifics of classroom chemistry content to the specifics of teaching practice. Listed are 135 lessons found on three videodisks which have 700 pages of supporting written materials. Notes that the full gamut of the traditional high school curriculum is covered. (MVL)