Describes how student learning from a series of laboratory practicals was improved using small group methods and a structured learning cycle that encouraged reflection on group performance and investigative techniques. Discussion includes evaluation of learning benefits by means of written records, a questionnaire, observation, and the role of…

Investigated the relationships among gender, prior academic performance, beliefs, and student attitudes toward biology laboratory experiences of (n=294) 10th, 11th, and 12th graders. Gender, prior academic experience, and beliefs were significant predictors of attitudes. (24 references) (Author/MKR)

Surveys of (n=179) department chairs showed 47% of secondary science teachers did not use microcomputers during instruction, but 76% indicated microcomputers have had an impact on science laboratory activities in their school. Most frequent applications were simulations, graphing packages, and probes for collecting laboratory data. (17 references)…

Authors discuss how computer laboratory interfacing has revolutionized their nonscience-major introductory chemistry course. Discusses the advantages of doing away with the "cookbook" approach to laboratory experimentation. Presents an evaluation of the course approach including the finding that over 75 percent of the students felt that…

Reassess the influence of the Commission on Undergraduate Education in the Biological Sciences (CUEBS) upon current undergraduate biology instruction, 20 years after making its findings public. Emphasizes the importance for the new generation of biology educators to reattempt the achievement of CUEBS goals despite past failures. (24 references)…

Discussion of mathematical modeling, particularly for high school physics curricula, focuses on software that is connected with laboratory work and the inference of mathematical models based on measurements of physical quantities. Fitting procedures are described, and user interface is explained. (Contains nine references.) (LRW)

This article describes a program providing a school district's most able high school students with advanced laboratory experience through access to facilities in an area university. Subjects studied include electronics, nutrition, and microbiology. Professors working with the students are interviewed and other experts comment on this approach. (PB)

Describes the use of an inexpensive device consisting of a plastic soda bottle and a modified plastic cap in a range of demonstrations and experimental activities having to do with the behavior of gases. (Author/WRM)

Presents an active-learning technique in which students design their studies that was found to be successful in an animal behavior laboratory course. Divides the laboratory course into three components: (1) structured and technique-oriented exercises; (2) open-ended and student-designed investigations; and (3) independent projects. Explains…

Analyses the ways in which university-entrant science students carry out and communicate experimental activities, and identifies a model to explain characteristic communication practices. Observes the investigative strategies of participant students who have a lack of experience with laboratory work and scientific writing. Uses laboratory reports…

Considers the extent to which educational computer programs can affect educational results and what their usefulness is in the process of learning physics. Presents experimental research concerning the dependence of the level of students' cognitive activity in learning physics with computer programs, particularly learning by doing in the…

Describes a laboratory-based program in physics designed to help students build effective links between the mathematical equations used to solve problems in mechanics and the real world of moving objects. Conducts the study among senior college students and points out the value of laboratory work in science education for development of thinking…

Compares the academic performance of students exposed to either "wet" practical classes or "simulated" practicals. Assessed practical write-ups from pharmacology students using a simulation showed a mark significantly better than those doing the "wet" practical. Simulations can provide an aid to learning which is as effective as "wet" practicals,…

Discusses the issues related to animal dissection and explains the alternative options to dissection like anatomical models or virtual dissections. (YDS)

A laboratory practical examination was used to compare the investigative skills developed in two different types of general-chemistry laboratory courses. Science and engineering majors (SEM) in the control group used a traditional verification approach (SEM-Ctrl), whereas those in the treatment group learned from an innovative, inquiry-based…