Describes the introduction of some fundamental concepts of strain in beginning structural geology courses through the use of "card-deck models. Suggests this technique as a bridge between the visual, but qualitative, and the mathematical aspects of these fundamental concepts. (BC)

Presents a systematization of the mathematical formulae in thermodynamics. From the set of thermodynamic variables, four equations are derived which contain the total mathematical jargon of thermodynamics. (LC)

Merging science and writing to enhance both subjects was the objective of a venture known as "Plant Notes." At first, teacher-written notes served as the inspiration for this writing assignment. Later, eclectic student-written novellas, poems, song lyrics, mnemonic devices, and field trip recollections made their way into "Plant Notes" and stole…

At Miami University, the attrition rate in the year-long organic chemistry sequence for pre-medical majors typically ranges from 30-50%. To decrease attrition, the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry developed an innovative, spiral curriculum. Unlike a traditional organic chemistry course that moves sequentially through the material, the…

The aim of this study was to elicit students' conceptions about big bubbles in boiling liquids (water, ethanol and aqueous CuSO[subscript 4] solution). The study is based on twenty-four students at different ages and grades. The clinical interviews technique was conducted to solicit students' conceptions and the interviews were analyzed to…