Two studies were conducted to describe how students perform direct current (D-C) circuit problems. It was hypothesized that problem solving in the electricity domain depends largely on good visual processing of the circuit diagram and that this processing depends on the ability to recognize when two or more electrical components are in series or…

Project SET (Science and Engineering for Technicians) developed a series of study guides designed to teach generic science and engineering skills to students interested in becoming technicians. An entire 2-year curriculum is encompassed by these guides, geared for 2-year college students. Described in this final report are the project's rationale,…

Presented in this document are essays related to a research project focusing on conceptual obstacles which confine and inhibit scientific understanding (conceptual barriers). These include a short summary of research activities; research methodology; outline of a theory and summary of supporting evidence related to conceptual barriers encountered…

The pre-college entrance variables of freshmen computer science majors (N=256) were reviewed to determine which variables were related to persistence in the major. Students who persisted in computer science, engineering, or another science differed from those students who left for an academically dissimilar goal in their SAT-Math and SAT-verbal…

Transcripts of four panel discussions are presented in these proceedings of a symposium held by the Congressional Black Caucus to review implementation of the Science and Technology Equal Opportunities Act of 1980. Topics and issues discussions include the underrepresentation of women and minorities in science and engineering (S/E); participation…

Chemistry textbooks on the market during 1979-80 designated for non-majors were read and analyzed to determine references of value judgments made on social, political, or economic issues. Textbooks included those used in general education courses, first-year chemistry courses, and in terminal introductory courses such as those in allied health…

Two experiments were conducted to characterize the system of beliefs that make up the naive impetus theory of motion and to determine what effects physics instruction has on students' conceptions of motion. Thirteen college students were asked to solve several quantitative problems and were interviewed about their answers in the first experiment.…

The National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Association of American Universities are conducting an experiment in research grant administration designed to respond to the perceived needs of universities for more flexibility while assuring appropriate accountability for Federal research funds. The experiment delegates most grant administration…

Students (N=49) enrolled in a physics course for elementary teachers were evaluated for their abilities to use: (1) combinatorial logic; (2) separation and control of variables; (3) proportional reasoning; and (4) reciprocal implications. Performance of four Piagetian tasks during interviews was treated as a measure of the degree to which students…

Current interest in the content and methodology of college physical science instruction stems from a recently adopted general education program for Montgomery College, a two-year comprehensive community college. It is contended that physical science should play a major and vital role within the science component requirements of a student's program…

The mathematical skills possessed by students taking introductory biology courses were investigated. A list of 23 mathematical competencies was identified as part of the development of a 46-item multiple-choice test to measure the extent to which students possessed these competencies. The Biomathematics Skills Test (BST) was administered to…

This report presents priorities for new facilities and new capabilities at existing facilities with initial costs of at least $5 million. The new facilities in order of priority are: (1) a 6 GeV synchrotron radiation facility; (2) an advanced steady state neutron facility; (3) a 1 to 2 GeV synchrotron radiation facility; and (4) a high intensity…

In spring 1980, a study was conducted to determine the present level of course activity in community colleges in the areas of science and society, technology and society, environmental studies, the history of science and/or technology, or other science, technology, and society (STS) fields. In addition, the study sought to encourage contact…

Designed to serve as a resource for science teachers, kindergarten through college, this publication contains 10 chapters, each focused on a topic of interest to science teachers working in the 1980's. Chapter titles and their authors are: (1) Understanding Science as a Cultural Phenomenon - Mission for the 80's, Drew Christianson; (2) What…

Four courses in extractive metallurgy (Pyrometallurgy, Hydrometallurgy, Electrometallurgy; and Physical Chemistry of Iron and Steel) were prepared in a modular, self-paced format. Development of the course materials included: (1) preparation of course outlines by unit coordinators and advisory committees; (2) approval of course outlines (included…