The development of a computer program, called UC SIGNAL, that permits a student to develop a diagram of a control system configuration using an IBM AT or a PS/2 computer is described. The features of UC SIGNAL and its contribution to process control instruction are discussed. (KR)

An activity in which students obtain a growth curve for algae, identify the exponential and linear growth phases, and calculate the parameters which characterize both phases is described. The procedure, a list of required materials, experimental conditions, analytical technique, and a discussion of the interpretations of individual results are…

Describes an assessment procedure that allows the students to share in the responsibility and judgment of evaluating their own learning and achievement. As applied in an introductory biochemistry course at the University of Sao Paulo, the method consists primarily of a double, independent correction procedures for the students' examinations. (JJK)

Beginning physics students (n=42) were constrained to analyze mechanics problems according to a hierarchical scheme that integrated concepts, principles, and procedures. After five one-hour sessions, students increased their reliance on the use of principles in categorizing problems according to similarity of solution and in writing qualitative…

Changing ideas about the origin of the Silurian Clinton oolitic ironstones in eastern United States provide an instructive example of how interpretations develop as knowledge increases. (PR)

Describes a course, "Great Ideas in Science," for undergraduate nonscience major students. The course emphasizes a few key overarching concepts in physics, chemistry, geology, and biology to introduce students to the essential aspects of science without getting involved in the complex vocabulary or rigorous mathematical derivations. (PR)

The principles of magma addition and liquid layering in magma chambers can be demonstrated by dissolving colored crystals. The concepts of density stratification and apparent lack of mixing of miscible liquids is convincingly illustrated with hydrous solutions at room temperature. The behavior of interstitial liquids in "cumulus" piles…

The efforts to enlarge the awareness, scientific knowledge, and political skill of people, to promote pro-environmental attitudes and support, through the development of science/technology/society (STS) courses are described. The STS program found in the secondary schools and colleges of Quebec is described. (KR)

The forces and torques experienced by the spine are examined to understand, and possibly avoid, low back pain. The structure, degrees of freedom, forces and torques when lifting objects, an experimental study, and other factors affecting the back are discussed. (KR)

An activity that introduces students to the correct handling of bacterial recombinants, antibiotic sensitivity testing, insertional inactivation, plasmid DNA isolation, restriction endonuclease digestion, agarose gel electrophoresis, Southern blotting, hybridization, and autoradiography is presented. A list of needed materials, procedures, safety…

Explored are ways in which spreadsheets can be used in the teaching of chemistry. Some of the limitations of using algebraic modelling tools are highlighted. Several example applications are provided. (CW)

Described is a systematic plan for implementing a national curriculum development effort in science education in Pakistan. The stages, curriculum tasks, and evaluation tasks of the six-year program are included. Implications for other developing countries are addressed. (KR)

Discussed is the use of concept mapping as a tool to enhance meaningful learning for college autotutorial biology students. Student attitudes toward concept mapping is described. The correlation between SAT scores and concept mapping was investigated. (KR)

Presented is an approach to the study of nutrient cycling in the school laboratory. Discussed are obtaining, processing, and incubating samples; extraction of ions from soil; procedures for nitrate and ammonium analysis; data analysis; an example of results; and other aspects of the nitrogen cycle. (CW)

Discussed are expert systems development and teaching, the representation and processing of knowledge, knowledge representation in chemical engineering, and expert systems in chemical engineering. The seven phases of expert system development are illustrated. (CW)