Applies the concept of entropy to aging, evolving systems, inanimate systems such as corporations, and structural complexity for classroom teaching. Presents many mathematical expressions as well as explanations. Lists 37 references. (YP)

Discusses the use of an electronic network in an introductory college biology course as a medium for students to actively participate in learning biology through interaction with K-12 teachers and students while completing an extra-credit project. (MKR)

This study investigated what constitutes exploratory learning and what effects instructional support measures have on it. Among the conclusions were that students were reluctant to apply learning processes that are considered characteristic for exploratory learning. Students had problems with the process, especially with the process of generating…

Presents a diagnostic test for measuring college biology students' understanding of diffusion. Three general steps were used: (1) defining the content boundaries; (2) collecting information on students' misconceptions; and (3) instrument development. The split half reliability was 0.74, difficulty indices ranged from 0.23 to 0.95, and the…

A study of 200 medical students' records at Albany Medical College (New York) found that quantity of science-based undergraduate premedical education, either in its entirety or in subdivisions (specific subjects), did not materially affect performance in preclinical years of medical school. (Author/MSE)

Explains a generative theory of textbook design and describes three experiments that compared college students' solutions on transfer problems after reading science texts with illustrations adjacent to corresponding text and including annotations, and illustrations separated from text without annotations. (LRW)

Reviews research relevant to the problem of unsatisfactory student problem-solving abilities and suggests a teaching strategy that addresses the issue. Author explains how she uses teaching aloud problem solving (TAPS) in college chemistry and presents evaluation data. Among the findings are that the TAPS class got fewer problems completely right,…

Reports a study investigating the utility of 52 items, selected from a readily available item pool developed for instructional purposes, when the items are used to measure critical thinking abilities of biology students. The items had reasonably good internal consistency reliability and good concurrent validity. (PR)

Describes a college course that provides a challenging learning experience in science based upon famous experiments and observations dating from the time of Aristotle to the present day. Presents information concerning (1) the course organization, structure, laboratory development, and expectations; (2) course content by quarter; (3) evaluation of…

Describes the author's methods to establish what students enrolled in an introductory biology course for nonmajors know about biology prior to instruction. The project also compared preinstructional knowledge to postinstructional knowledge. Beginning students knew the least about plant transport/chemical control and cellular metabolism. Students…

Describes a college course that integrates science and literature. The primary focus is on the role of metaphor in scientific and literary thinking. Discusses literary works used and how they are related to science instruction. Describes the class format and rules for conducting the class. Student reaction to this course was strongly positive. (PR)

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…

Discussed is the blurring of humans and machines into a Conscious Technology civilization. Discussed are the leading indicators of this trend, the explosion of human consciousness, policy implications of this view, and this view as a criterion for policy analysis and future product development. (KR)

Presented is a collection of poems from the seventeenth through nineteenth centuries that have asked questions about the social consequences of science and technology. Discussed are the beliefs of poets toward scientific knowledge and advances in technology. (KR)

Described are the idea of chaos and the ability to control the chaotic behavior of a real-world physical system. Included is an explanation of the methodology and applications in biology and chemistry. (KR)