Describes how a group of teachers of high school and university physics in the Chicago area exchange new ideas and teaching techniques with each other. (HM)

This experiment demonstrates the reduction of inorganic sulfate to sulfide in the pore water of estuarine muds. Procedures involve the incubation of mud samples for varying amounts of time followed by gravimetric determination. (Author/SA)

Describes an undergraduate automatic controls course in which the teaching-learning process is regarded as a closed loop feedback system. The three basic components of the system: the controller, the plant, and the learning sensors are identified as the teacher, the student, and student feedback respectively. (SMB)

Presents results of a survey of undergraduate physics students which was conducted at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in order to ascertain the students' career goals, perceptions of the job market in physics, and reasons for pursuing a degree in physics. (HM)

Compares changes in attitudes toward science and open-mindedness in treatment and nontreatment groups of preservice elementary teachers enrolled in an inquiry-oriented methods course and an expository freshman physics course, respectively. Concludes that course design effects a difference in attitude and open-mindedness. (CS)

Tests Suggestology as an appropriate teaching-learning method for college juniors and seniors in an elementary science methods course. Results indicate higher levels of achievement in the Suggestology classes than in the traditional teaching-learning method classes. (CS)

Outlines two examples of the use of matrices to describe optical systems in introductory physics courses. Teaching packages on these two topics which have been developed at the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom for A-level and undergraduate students are also described. (HM)

Describes an experiment, designed for use in the undergraduate laboratory, that measures the bond energies of molecules using a small commercial mass spectrometer and low-cost digital voltmeters. (BT)

Describes an undergraduate chemical engineering course which has been offered at the Georgia Institute of Technology. The objectives, structure, instructional materials and content of this course, which emphasizes the structure and usage of computer-aided design systems, are also included. (HM)

The laboratory curriculum of an introductory physical geology course which emphasizes a peer-learning approach is discussed. (Author/SA)

Poses some questions and practical answers to help teachers and students use computers effectively in science classes. Sample questions include: Does the increased use of computers in classrooms inhibit any student's progress toward scientific literacy? How do males and females respond differently to computer use in science classrooms? and How can…

Describes the reform of an introductory biology curriculum to reverse high attrition rates. Objectives include fostering self-directed learning, emphasizing process over content, and offering laboratory experiences that model the way to acquire scientific knowledge. Teaching methods include discussion, group mentoring, laboratory sections, and…

Describes a writing-intensive ecology course designed to foster the development of writing and critiquing skills early in the semester and immerse students in the peer-review process toward the end of the course. By critiquing other scientific papers, students gain insight into the effectiveness of their own writing while also increasing their…

Explores how research on how people think, learn, and remember can be used as a guide in redesigning higher education, especially science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. Asserts that such research suggests against lectures, "canned" laboratory work, and frequent testing. (EV)

Described is an undergraduate interdisciplinary project encompassing physics, computer science, and geology and involving a number of students from several academic departments. The project used the topic of the occurrence of in-home radon. Student projects, radon sampling, and results are discussed. (CW)