Describes amber and its hardened form called copal. Explains how amber is formed and where it comes from. Discusses possibilities of obtaining DNA from insects caught in amber. (PR)

Explores the issue of physics laboratory work for engineering students and discusses the design, implementation, and evaluation of a laboratory program developed for first year engineering students. (DDR)

Offers guidance on selecting appropriate seating furniture for outdoor facilities, arenas, auditoriums, and lecture rooms. Considerations such as beam mounting systems to facilitate laptop computer and campuswide networking use by students and chair durability and ergonomics are discussed as are tips for choosing a seating remanufacturing company.…

Reviews prior research, updates recent research, and comments on directions for future research on the baccalaureate origins of women doctorates. Examines physical-science- and engineering-doctorate productivity in particular. Contains 28 references. (DDR)

Describes an innovative science program for girls developed by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Girl Scouts of America (GSA). Presents results from the model project. (DDR)

Discusses the rise of posture-related discomfort and injury in children using computers in their classrooms and explores the research in the area. Recommends greater effort in encouraging school furniture manufacturers to create ergonomically appropriate computer workstations. Advice on what children can do to lessen musculoskeletal discomfort…

An engineering design group in Australia collaborates with industry partners through a staged liaison model that includes short-term undergraduate projects and longer-term product design and development opportunities that may include training for industry clients. (Author/SK)

Explores the prevalence of ideas among 16 to 19 year-old students about the application of the rapidly expanding technology of genetic engineering to food production. Findings suggest that more females were cautious about these foodstuffs than were males. Contains 20 references. (DDR)

An integrated pedagogic model is needed in engineering education that will not only convey managerial skills to engineering majors, but will enable the development of a neodiscipline with solid viability. Contains 25 references. (DDR)

Describes major changes that have occurred in the chemical industry over the last 50 years including trends in the development of products and processes, changes in chemical manufacturing, the globalization of business, and modifications of research laboratory practices. Discusses implications for chemistry education and predictions for future…

Describes students' reactions to a university physics class for engineering majors that was built around cooperative learning activities. Finds that student feedback supports research claims made about the learning benefits of this teaching method. (WRM)

Explores the influence of attributional style on women's persistence in engineering majors after controlling for academic ability. Female students (n=255) previously or currently enrolled in an engineering program completed measures assessing their attributions for science, mathematics, and engineering academic events, and thoughts of changing…

Discusses the applicability of the definition, principles, and underlying strategies of total quality management (TQM) for engineering education. Describes several tools and methods for the implementation of TQM and its suitability for a variety of school activities. Presents a TQM course outline combining lectures, discussions, suggested…

Discusses methods for analyzing case studies of failures of technological systems. Describes two distance learning courses that compare standard models of failure and success with the actuality of given scenarios. Provides teaching and learning materials and information sources for application to aspects of design, manufacture, inspection, use,…

Examines the current status of existing curricula, accreditation requirements, and new developments in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering education in the United States. Discusses the emerging needs of the maritime industry in light of advances in information technology and movement toward risk-based, reliability-centered rule making in the…