Examines the rates of attrition for undergraduate engineering students by addressing the following issues: ease of transition from high school to college; relevance of basic science coursework to engineering curricula; emphasis on management within general education component; improvement of academic advising schemes; development of universal…

Describes an undergraduate course in chemical engineering that details the technology of immobilized enzymes and cells. Includes the course rationale and purpose; the course outline when offered as an engineering elective in the biotechnology area; and discussion of appropriate text, selected real-world applications, and laboratory presentations.…

Compares and reviews currently available brands of steel construction sets that are useful to physics teachers for building demonstrations, prototypes of mechanisms, robotics, and remote control devices. (ZWH)

Discussed is the renewed attention given in the education of engineers to documentation and information. A framework for training in the command of specialized or professional information is presented. The objectives that should be pursued in terms of training for the command of specialized information are described. (KR)

Examined factors that would predict both academically successful and at-risk freshmen engineering students. Found 12 variables were correlated with grade point ratio for the 114 participants in first year of study. Applied algorithm for predicting students at risk developed in first year to 317 students and found that it more accurately assigned…

An approach that may be used to introduce the fundamental ideas of thermodynamics using a mathematical background with the knowledge of the behavior of matter is described. The physical background, conservation of energy, predicting the behavior of a system, and solving problems are topics of discussion. (KR)

The results of a nonrandomized experiment indicated that the group of students who observed the static presentations of graphic images achieved slightly higher scores on the paper-and-pencil performance tests, whereas the group of students who viewed the dynamic presentations made greater gains on the mental rotation tests. (JJK)

"Exploring Career Options in Engineering and Science" at the Stevens Institute of Technology (New Jersey) introduces talented female students (entering grade 11 or 12) from all over the country to engineering and science in a 2-week residential program involving hands-on laboratory work; on-site visits and seminars; and student research.…

An understanding of the motives behind teaching and research is developed and the harmonies and dissonances they can create are described. The relationship between intrinsic and external motives for both research and teaching are discussed. (KR)

Discussed are means of enhancing engineering education and the process of bridging the gap between industry and academe. The change in the corporate culture is described. Partnerships between schools and industry are advocated. (CW)

Discussed are the objectives, program development, program operation, seminar format, topics, faculty participation, attendance, and pitfalls and problems associated with this seminar series. A list of selected titles is provided. (CW)

Describes the Academic Excellence Workshops program at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, as a potential model for an academic support system specifically designed for underrepresented students in math-based disciplines. (PR)

Addresses the need to alert undergraduates in engineering to the idea that excellence in the classroom is only half the equation in preparing to be an effective professional. Recommends that students learn in the workplace as well. (DDR)

Describes the changes in teaching methods in engineering classrooms over the last 60 years and implementations by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) in curriculum not only of mathematics, science, and engineering fundamentals, but also communication and lifelong learning skills. Lists ABET Engineering Criteria required…

Describes the development of a program for providing young girls at an all-girls school opportunities to problem solve by constructing their solutions using tools and materials unlikely to be part of their home or school experiences. The program combines analytical and problem solving skills with basic engineering concepts. Notes problems…