Information related to the history of optics with emphasis on the classical and medieval periods is presented. Notes are included on experiments dealing with refraction at a plane interface between two media; refraction by transparent spheres; light, color, and reflection by transparent spheres. (Author/SA)

The life and work of Isaac Newton and his investigations of light and color are described in detail. Notes include preliminary observations of chromatic dispersion; dispersion by an equilateral prism; the "Experimentum Crucos" or the composite nature of white light; the nature of colored light and illumination; transmissions and…

Presented is information related to the life and work of Charles Coulomb as well as detailed notes of his measurements of the distribution of electricity on conductors. The two methods that he used (the large torsion balance, and the timing of "force" oscillations) are described. (SA)

Reported is the history of the National Science Foundation's Minority Institutions Science Improvement Program from 1972-1980. Also included are appendices of program data, 1972-1980, including data related to awards by year, by predominant minority group, by state, to two-year institutions, to four-year institutions. (PB)

This research report focuses on an experimental study comparing two laboratory approaches to a college level physical science course for non-majors. An approach using contemporary topics was compared to an approach using standard topics. The three dependent variables were achievement of subject content, scientific attitude, and understanding the…

Presented are analyses of data gathered from the evaluation of the National Science Foundation's Comprehensive Assistance to Undergraduate Science Education (CAUSE) program projects funded between 1976 and 1978. Broad focus techniques were used, which include both a survey of 201 CAUSE project directors and the content analysis of 273 funded CAUSE…

Results of a preliminary study that examined various factors relating to achievement in introductory level biology, chemistry, and physics classes at a public junior college are presented. Background variables, including age, sex, college major, grade point average, SAT-Verbal and SAT-Quantitative, and the sixteen-part scores of Academic…

This paper reports a study which investigated student characteristics for predicting success in an independent, open laboratory. Data were gathered from introductory biology students (N=98) enrolled in a public, two-year college near Atlanta, Georgia. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was used to determine the effects of age, sex, laboratory…

This publication provides data on scientific and engineering (S/E) personnel employed in private industry, which employs about 75 percent of the total work force and over 60 percent of the work force of scientists and engineers. Information on the supply, training, employment, and other personal and professional characteristics of S/E personnel is…

This guide was developed for use by individuals with little or no botanical training who wish to identify native ferns of New York, New England, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. A random access key, developed by the author, provides multiple pathways for identification of 60 species in 29 genera of ferns. (CS)

This book contains 65 physics experiments. The experiments are for a college-level physics course for music and art majors. The initial experiments are devoted to the general concept of vibration and cover vibrating strings, air columns, reflection, and interference. Later experiments explore light, color perception, cameras, mirrors and symmetry,…

Described is the development of computer assisted learning packages for nonscience major undergraduate students. The equipment needed to run the packages is described as well as the role and value of the packages. Several examples of the kind of computer graphics used in the computing laboratory are illustrated. The problems associated with the…

This study attempted to measure the functional availability of knowledge and skills acquired in high school biology as they affect the achievement of students in a first year university course. The study, referred to as retrospective curriculum evaluation, uses a self-assessment instrument, the Knowledge and Prior Study Inventory (KPSI). An…

This study provides support for the hypothesis that science process skills instruction and information on Black scientists can alter the belief systems of close-minded individuals. Preservice teachers were assigned to two experimental groups based on their median Rokeach Dogmatism Score, which also served as a pretest. One of the experimental…

PROCEEDINGS OF AN INTERDISCIPLINARY CONFERENCE ON UNDERGRADUATE COLLEGE SCIENCE TEACHING ARE REPORTED. SPECIFIC AREAS IN WHICH COOPERATION AMONG VARIOUS SCIENTIFIC DISCIPLINES COULD RESULT IN MORE EFFECTIVE INSTRUCTION AT THE UNDERGRADUATE COLLEGE LEVEL WERE DISCUSSED. PARTICIPATING SCIENTISTS REPRESENTED THE FIELDS OF BIOLOGY, CHEMISTRY, PHYSICS,…