Discusses the perceived importance of practical components in natural science undergraduate programs in distance and residential universities in the Netherlands. Surveys of faculty responsible for undergraduate practicals rated general and specific learning objectives. (Contains 26 references.) (SLW)

Discusses the idea that hands-on science education should give credit to the scientists who originally conducted the experiments now repeated in classrooms. Plant experiments originally done by Stephen Hales are described and given as examples. (KR)

Described is a high-resolution, interactive 3-D atlas of human/animal anatomy that students will use to learn the structure of the body and to understand their own bodies in health and disease. This system can be used to reinforce cadaver study or to serve as a substitute for institutions where it is not practical to use cadavers. (KR)

Presents an exercise that describes the direct extraction and purification of DNA from a small soil sample. Also discusses the subsequent amplification of a 343-bp Tn7 transposate A gene fragment (tnsA) from a strain of Pseudomonas aureofaciens 3732RNL11. Contains 21 references. (DDR)

Presents a pre-lab exercise, an experimental setup, and discussion of computer-generated graphs that can be used to study the motion and energy of a bouncing ball. (WRM)

Presents a problem-based, discovery-oriented activity on sickle-cell anemia that has been used for five years with more than 3000 secondary-level students and 200 teachers. (WRM)

Perceptions of students in a Year 10 classroom were compared with those of their teacher at each of six schools with regard to the aims, regularity, conduct and assessment of laboratory work. Students in five of the schools had statistically different views from their teacher about the relative importance of 10 aims of laboratory work,…

Describes using a computer statistical software package called Minitab to model the sensitivity of several microbes to the disinfectant NaOCl (Clorox') using the Kirby-Bauer technique. Each group of students collects data from one microbe, conducts regression analyses, then chooses the best-fit model based on the highest r-values obtained.…

Discusses the demand for distance education opportunities in engineering and science and considers delivery methods for theoretical content and for laboratory work. Explains the Real-Time Internet Mediated Laboratory Experiments (RTIMLE) that use the World Wide Web, and suggests that RTIMLE may be most appropriate for students who already have…

Describes a classroom experiment in which students see how competitive markets underproduce in the presence of a positive externality. States that this experiment is used in a principles of economics course to introduce the idea of market failure. Explains that participants take the role of buyers of education, sellers of education, or interested…

Introduces the analysis of a river as an excellent way to teach geochemical techniques because of the relative ease of sample collection and speed of sample analysis. Focuses on the potential sources of sample contamination during sampling, filtering, and bottle cleaning processes, and reviews methods to reduce and detect contamination. Includes…

Describes the operation of the Minolta SPAD-502 Leaf Chlorophyll meter. Presents five sample activities for using this technology in high school or college science classes. (WRM)

Presents the floral foam activity which explores the relationship between volume and mass. Focuses on helping students to enhance their critical thinking skills. (YDS)

The author's favorite way to start the new school year is to perform a science demo for students. At the beginning of the period, he discusses the importance of making accurate observations. He tells them that he will perform a short demonstration that they are to carefully watch and then record their observations. They each have a sheet of paper…