An infrared (IR) thermometer lab offers the opportunity to give science students a chance to measure surface temperatures, utilizing off-the-shelf technology. Potential areas of study include astronomy (exoplanets), electromagnetic spectrum, chemistry, evaporation rates, anatomy, crystal formation, and water or liquids. This article presents one…

Qualitative analysis schemes are used in undergraduate laboratory settings as a way to introduce equilibrium concepts and logical thinking. The main component of all qualitative analysis schemes is a flame test, as the color of light emitted from certain elements is distinctive and a flame photometer or spectrophotometer in each laboratory is…

This document reports on the evaluation study of the Federal Coordinating Council for Science, Engineering, and Technology (FCCSET) 1993 Summer Institutes that provided opportunities for teachers from around the country to participate in hands-on education programs in areas such as environmental and ecological studies, material science, space…

In order to avoid the projected shortfall of a half a million science and engineering professionals by the year 2010, many believe that we must find ways to increase the number of minorities and women who choose the sciences as a discipline of study. This study, involving 500 high school students, explores the collective relationships among…

An environment appropriate for activity-oriented science is one that contains sufficient work space, equipment, and materials for students to practice and master the essential elements. This publication was developed to aid Texas school administrators, teachers, and architects to upgrade existing science facilities or plan new ones for…

Twelve technicians and research support specialists employed in two laboratories of a university biotechnology center were observed and interviewed for 1 year to compile data on their job duties, knowledge, and status. Although the university differentiated technician and research support specialist positions across nine pay grades that were…

Recently, some researchers are considering the effects of classroom environment on student achievement and attitudes. Due to the concerted effort of a number of educators, remarkable progress has been made over the last quarter of a century in conceptualizing, assessing and researching this area of concern. However, today there is growing concern…

What makes a good teacher? What makes a good curriculum? While these two questions are intimately related, they are different. This author states that when he reflects on his best teachers, he cannot separate the person from what the person taught. On the other hand, when designing a curriculum, it is important to figure out what to teach and how,…

Presented is a pilot study focusing attention on problems of deteriorating physical plants and inadequate/obsolete equipment contributing to the current crisis in engineering education. Data are reported from a survey instrument (included in an appendix) from 26 colleges/universities, representing 168 programs out of a national total of 1212…

This is the final report of the evaluation of Project CAUSE, a three year project to improve the laboratory portions of undergraduate physics courses at North Texas State University. The report is divided into six sections. Included in the overview are goals and purposes, the instructional format, and the evaluation plan. Demographic profiles…

This paper relates philosophical and psychological concerns in formulating a theory of teaching and learning. The laboratory exercise is shown to be a paradigm case of the theory, and a means by which students can be taught to think. The laboratory exercise is presented as a means to demonstrate a facet of the conceptual nature of science and to…

GUIDELINES FOR THOSE WHO ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR AND DIRECTLY CONCERNED WITH THE IMPROVEMENT OF SCIENCE INSTRUCTION ARE PRESENTED. PROBLEM AREAS RELATIVE TO SCIENCE INSTRUCTION IN GRADES 7-12 ARE--IDENTIFICATION OF ESSENTIAL IDEAS EMPHASIZED IN MODERNIZED COURSES, DELINEATION OF THE LABORATORY AS CENTRAL IN SCIENCE LEARNING AND INVESTIGATION PRACTICE,…

THE DESIGN OF COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY BUILDINGS USED FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND EDUCATION IS DISCUSSED IN TERMS OF LABORATORY SAFETY AND BUILDING CODES AND REGULATIONS. MAJOR TOPIC AREAS ARE--(1) SAFETY RELATED DESIGN FEATURES OF SCIENCE LABORATORIES, (2) LABORATORY SAFETY AND BUILDING CODES, AND (3) EVIDENCE OF UNSAFE DESIGN. EXAMPLES EMPHASIZE…