A device is described to assist in designing prototype interfaces between a minicomputer and an external device. This device is especially useful in undergraduate student projects, where time is limited. (BB)

Past experimental projects in education such as television teaching, teaching machines, and open classrooms have for the most part been abandoned, but they gave recognition to the virtue of more informal teaching and attention to children's individual needs. (JD)

The contract learning laboratory program utilized during the 1974-75 academic year is described, including specially-designed experiments and typical results. A student evaluation of the program is also given. (LBH)

The effects of presenting objectives to students in a graduate computer-managed course were investigated. The hypotheses, based on previous laboratory studies, that objectives would decrease test-item-latency, increase study time, and facilitate performance on unit tests was tested. (Editor/RK)

Through projects established with funds from the National Development Programme in Computer Assisted Learning, about 20 science and engineering departments in institutions of higher education are developing the use of Computer Assisted Learning (CAL) in Great Britain. The purposes and processes of CAL exercises in science education are discussed.…

Discusses the laboratory portion of a beginning noncalculus physics course that uses concrete examples of abstract concepts. Describes the use of coffee cans to explain oscillations and plastic darts to illustrate collisions. (MLH)

Earlier generations of developmental psychologists, seeking to make their discipline a normative science, stressed experimental study of children, method over subject matter, and fundamental laws underlying behavior. By contrast, the generation of psychologists after 1970 is inclusive in its research methodology, concerned with the connection…

Describes a laboratory experiment for secondary school chemistry students utilizing the classic reaction between the iron(III) ion and the thiocyanate ion. The experiment also works very well in other chemistry courses as an experience in spectrophotometric analysis. (PVD)

Used a pretest-posttest control group design to study the effects of interactive storybook software on the verbal development of 60 kindergarteners from low income families. Found that, for the 25 children who interacted with the software a minimum of 300 minutes over 7 weeks, there was a significant increase in verbal ability. (Author/KB)

Describes an approach to a demonstration of the Golden Penny Experiment for high school students in which the teacher assumes the disguise of an alchemist and invites the students to devise ways of determining whether the penny has really turned to gold. (DDR)

Describes the recent history, chemistry, and educational uses of the Orange Juice Clock demonstration in which a galvanic cell is made from the combination of a magnesium strip, a copper strip, and juice in a beaker. Discusses the chemistry basics, extensions for more advanced students, questions for student/teacher workshop participants, and…

Presents a collaborative learning exercise intended to teach the unfamiliar terminology of experimental design both in biology classes and biochemistry laboratories. The exercise promotes discussion and debate, develops communication skills, and emphasizes peer review. The effectiveness of the exercise is supported by student surveys. (SOE)

Two experiments examined problem solving in 16-month-olds' adaptive locomotion (crossing bridges of varying width with/without handrail). Findings indicated that toddlers attempted wide bridges more than narrow ones. Attempts on narrow bridges depended on handrail presence. Toddlers had longer latencies, examined bridge/handrail more closely, and…

Presents a real life shark attack story and studies arm reattachment surgery to teach human anatomy. Discusses how knowledge of anatomy can be put to use in the real world and how the arm functions. Includes teaching notes and suggestions for classroom management. (YDS)

Describes a sea-water analysis project that introduces qualitative and quantitative analysis methods and laboratory methods such as gravimetric analysis, potentiometric titration, ion-selective electrodes, and the use of calibration curves. Uses a problem-based cooperative teaching approach. (Contains 24 references.) (YDS)