When Congress created the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) 25 years ago, it directed that information derived from the agency's pursuit of knowledge through space exploration and aeronautical research be made available to all Americans. This has been accomplished through a series of scientific and technical publications. One…

Three papers and two responses comprise this section comparing the degree to which research is utilized among various professions. Christine H. McGuire, in "Diffusion and Application of New Knowledge in Medicine," states that, because the medical profession must serve people with clearly perceived problems, these practitioners are under…

This report on Federal agency research and development (R&D) is based on the FY 1983 Presidential budget which continues the economic revitalization policies initiated in the previous year's budget. While the report emphasizes analyses of detailed data on R&D performers, fields of science, and geographic distribution of R&D, it also…

Magnetic Information Technology (MINT), which involves use of magnetic techniques and materials to store information, is a critical growth industry in the United States. However, experts from both industry and academe forecast the inability of the United States to meet demand in this area. According to these experts, growth of magnetic information…

A study was conducted to determine if more frequent adult basic education (ABE) teacher participation in inservice programs is related to greater job satisfaction or if such factors as age, sex, years of experience, or degree attainment and coursework in adult education play a greater role. A random sample of 150 ABE teachers in Pennsylvania was…

There is a growing need for a workforce that can apply engineering principles to molecular based discovery and product development in the biological sciences. To this end, Tulane University established a degree program that incorporates molecular and cellular biology into the chemical engineering curriculum. In celebration of the tenth anniversary…

This instructional unit deals with broadly based appreciation training in a range of skills that are appropriate to a wide sector of occupations, including safety, engineering drawing, engineering materials, bench fitting, sheet metal work, turning, milling, welding, and electricity/electronics. The materials presented are intended for instructors…

This background paper focuses on the end point of educational preparation for science and engineering careers--undergraduate and graduate study. It places the issue of the supply of scientists and engineers in the broad cultural context of changing demographics, labor market adjustments, and intervention policies. The first chapter discusses the…

This paper focuses on the special considerations affecting professional schools seeking to assess the nature, quality and effects of their undergraduate programs. Advocating a comprehensive effort as the most promising means by which assessment can positively influence teaching and learning, the discussion addresses the unique characteristics of…

Electrochemical phenomena play a fundamental role in providing essential materials and devices for modern society. This report reviews the status of current knowledge of electrochemical science and technology and makes recommendations for future research and development in this multidisciplinary field. The report identifies new technological…

Many young women must contend with social and psychological barriers that prevent them from pursuing careers in science and mathematics. Because of lack of confidence, misconceptions, lack of preparation, and discrimination, many women self-select themselves out of as many as 75 per cent of all careers before they reach college age. This series…

Historically in the United States, few people with disabilities have enrolled in science-related courses or entered scientific careers in part because high schools and colleges have not offered accessible training to this population. This document is the teaching and resource guide that accompanies a 40-minute video program in career development…

This report describes the complexities of the process of developing National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) in Britain. It identifies many of the organizations and agencies that are involved in the establishment of a new framework of vocational qualifications. Issues, such as progression and credit accumulation, assessment of open access and…

Designed to serve as a complement to the Unesco Technical Papers in Marine Science, this report concentrates on theoretical and practical problems of geological mapping of the sea floor. An introduction is given to geological mapping procedures at continental margins as well as some practical recommendations taking as an example the African region…

Noting that technically competent graduates of professional schools need additional skills to function effectively in an increasingly complex and global society, this paper describes an innovative program in technical writing developed for undergraduate engineering students at the Colorado School of Mines. The paper first provides background…