Introductory college science courses, particularly those intended for freshmen, are challenging to teach because teachers are trying to inspire student interest. Using visual aids, even homemade, listening carefully to students, understanding that some will fail, encouraging those who have special ability or potential, and developing course…

Students in the classroom, the faculty who teach courses for which a specific course is a prerequisite, and the employers of graduates present their ideas on the topic of what is good instruction. The top 10 characteristics of good instruction according to students and faculty are provided. (KR)

A course curriculum model that shows how modern engineering design graphics can be used to conceptualize, develop, analyze, and communicate engineering designs is presented. Background studies, early investigations, and a weekly curriculum outline of the course are provided. (KR)

Presented is a program where biochemistry students acquire hands-on experience through participation in an on-line computer literature search. The objectives of the program, example printouts, and a list of subtopics, authors, and sources used by students are included. (KR)

Described is the role of technology in the Human Genome Project. A poster of the human genome as is known in 1990 is provided with a list of representative genes and a glossary of terms. (CW)

Provided is an outline of laboratory activities involving a full year of student investigations of natural-resource ecology and an example of an activity, "Home Range Analysis." Objectives, background information, key vocabulary, skills, materials, procedures, extension activities, and evaluation of this three-lesson activity are discussed. (CW)

Salaries and demand for scientists and engineers are described. Comparisons of chemists and other scientists are provided. Resources for career planning in science and engineering are listed. (CW)

Computer assisted instruction (CAI) as an optional enrichment versus required component is described. Discussed are making CAI an integral component of freshman chemistry, program requirements, need for user modification of programs, staff and facilities, mode of operation, student evaluation, and effect on student performance. (KR)

Included are three demonstrations that include the phase change of ice when under pressure, viscoelasticity and colloid systems, and flame tests for metal ions. The materials, procedures, probable results, and applications to real life situations are included. (KR)

Presented is an experiment where the concentrations of three metal ions in a solution are simultaneously determined by ultraviolet-vis spectroscopy. Availability of the computer program used for statistically analyzing data using a multivariate linear regression is listed. (KR)

Explains the importance of introductory science courses and presents characteristics of exemplary courses. (PR)

Describes a computer program to teach the concepts that underpin genetic mapping using a three-point test cross. The program is used in a sophomore-level course for biology majors that presents a rigorous introduction to genetics. (PR)

Appreciation for the images used in biology can be deepened through iconographical studies (the study of the subject matter and meaning of works of art.) Describes iconographical studies of organisms and ideas beginning with T. H. Clarke's analysis of the iconography used for the rhinoceros. (PR)

Describes a field trip to Costa Rica by college students and an instructor in a tropical ecology course. (PR)

Describes an interesting field experiment examining the distribution and diversity of a single community using lichens and the animals living in them. Combining field experience and laboratory work reveals not only the biology of some unusual organisms, but also community ecology and diversity. (PR)