Seventh-graders (n=160) were assessed before and after a 9-week industrial technology course: 67 in traditional labs with old equipment, 65 in modular labs, and 28 in contemporary, updated labs. The contemporary lab produced the greatest achievement gain, significantly better than the modular approach in a number of areas. (SK)

Examines the thinking processes of 16 eighth grade science writers during laboratory report writing and explores the possibility that writing can contribute directly to science learning. Five students exhibited no mental reflection during writing whereas nine students demonstrated scientific problem solving including hypothesis and evidence…

Investigates the content and structure of the undergraduate curriculum in psychology by analyzing 500 college catalogs. Reveals that introductory, statistics, and a capstone are the common required courses, laboratory experiences are not integral to required courses, prerequisites are recommended, and the traditional model is the most popular…

Lists directions for creating some laboratory equipment that makes it easier for students to assess the rate at which an enzyme is modifying its target (substrate). (WRM)

Presents an activity that involves dropping spherical party balloons onto a sonic motion sensor to show that the force associated with the air resistance is proportional to both the square of the velocity and the cross-sectional area of the balloon. (Author/WRM)

Discusses the importance of feasibility studies when renovating a university science facility. Outlines how to establish a team, set goals, and develop the program. Describes some of the key issues in the process, such as carefully analyzing the existing space, and offers some considerations regarding costs. (RJM)

As a case involving forgotten goggles shows, negligence lawsuits take a damaging toll in terms of money, time, emotion, and self-worth. Educators' best defense is consistently discharging their duties to students in a reasonable, prudent manner. Science teachers should secure all dangerous chemicals, provide adequate supervision, develop proper…

Details laboratory procedures that enable students to understand the concept of how differences in water potential drive the movement of water within a plant in response to transpiration. Students compare transpiration rates for upper and lower surfaces of leaves. (DDR)

Presents a chemistry report on methamphetamine synthesis downloaded from the Internet and asks students to point out errors and answer questions about the text. Discusses the methods of methamphetamine synthesis and major issues in writing a case study. (YDS)

Presents an authentic semi-guided student research project. Studies the impact of a regional invasion of non-indigenous worm species on decomposition in forest soils. Describes the experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation of the data. (Contains 16 references.) (YDS)

Presents an experiment on mouse behavior in which students learn to observe, pay attention to details, record field notes, and ask questions about their observations. Uses a white mouse to eliminate the risk of disease that a wild rodent might carry. Lists materials, set up, and procedure. (YDS)

Describes the use of an oven bag as a sterile chamber for culture initiation and tissue transfer. Plant tissue culture is an ideal tool for introducing students to plants, cloning, and experimental design. Includes materials, methods, discussion, and conclusion sections. (SAH)

Describes the development of an electronic language laboratory at the State University of New York College at Old Westbury. Topics include the selection of hardware and software, two English-as-a-Second-Language programs, integration into the classroom curriculum, and benefits of computer-assisted language instruction. (LRW)

Describes the development of a Staff Creativity Lab at the University of Arizona library that was designed to help foster an atmosphere that encourages creative thinking by learning to use different microcomputers and new software and to develop new skills over networks. The selection of hardware and software is also discussed. (Contains eight…

Describes changes initiated in the Level-Three laboratory course of the chemical engineering curriculum at the University of Adelaide that were useful in fostering higher-level skills and reducing the reliance on reports handed down from previous years. Highlights report writing and data analysis workshops and the laboratory project design…