Investigated career planning characteristics of beginning engineering students (N=1229), focusing on instances in which male/female ethnic-minority students and two underrepresented groups (Black and Hispanic Americans) differ. Results are provided as related to career planning process, self-perception of abilities, socio-economic indicators,…

Surveyed 640 engineering students, 119 college placement counselors, and 305 employers to identify needs of engineering students making the transition to employment. Results showed the majority of respondents supported the expanding help of college career development and placement offices, although most thought employee orientation was an…

Recent studies indicate that industries desire college graduates who are able to perform scientific technical skills. As a result, colleges are attempting to produce graduates with a hybrid course of study emphasizing skills and traditional theories. Programs in chemistry, ecology, urban planning, and science technology have been developed…

This document examines the need to reform education in America. The goal of the United States is to double the number of science, technology, engineering and mathematics graduates with bachelor's degrees by 2015. A core set of recommendations are reviewed: (1) Build public support for making science, technology, engineering and math improvement a…

This document reports on the results of an ad hoc workshop called "S.E.E.ing the Future: Science Engineering and Education" Held at Dartmouth College in November of 2000 and sponsored by Dartmouth, the National Science Foundation, the Dow Chemical Company, and Science Service of Washington, DC. This transdisciplinary conference was one of a series…

The goals of the Trans European Mobility Program for University Students (TEMPUS) project include developing curriculum and implementing language and culture training programs with a focus on German and Japanese, and training engineers who have a global perspective. This document contains an executive summary in addition to the full length report…

This paper summarizes lessons learned from the creation and operation of a National Science Foundation-sponsored Engineering Education Coalition, the Southeastern University and College Coalition for Engineering Education (SUCCEED). Specific operational issues addressed include planning, organization, leadership, operations, support, participant…

The paper describes the changes in the higher education system in the Czech Republic after 1989. The reasons for the decrease in the interest in studying engineering fields are analyzed. The ways of improving this situation, used at the Technical University of Brno, are mentioned. In particular, the new interdisciplinary study program in…

For supporting the teaching activities on linear system theory, a World Wide Web-based laboratory is being developed. It integrates both simulation and implementation aspects in the same framework. Modules covering the main topics of the linear system analysis are developed using a colloquial language approach in order to attract and retain the…

This book discusses topics related to undergraduate education including science education for all students; preparation of future K-12 and undergraduate teachers of science, mathematics, and technology; retention of science, mathematics, engineering, and technology (SME&T) majors; making teaching community property; and obligations of the…

On a biennial basis since 1986, the National Science Foundation (NSF) has collected data on issues related to Science and Engineering (S&E) research facilities at U.S. colleges, universities, and biomedical institutions. This report presents the major findings from the 1998 survey and provides a summary of the changes that took place between…

In this activity, students experiment and observe the similarities and differences between human-made objects and nature in small groups. Students compare the function and structure of hollow bones with drinking straws, bird beaks and tool pliers, and bat wings and airplane wings. A classroom discussion can be held to discuss similarities and…

Towers have been a part of developing society for centuries. In this activity, students investigate towers that serve a variety of purposes. Student groups build three types of towers, engineering them to hold an egg one foot high for 15 seconds. This activity requires a 60-minute time period for completion. (Author/SOE)

In this activity, students learn about composite materials, tension as a force, and how they act on structural components through the design and testing of a strip of plastic chair webbing. This activity requires a 60-minute time period for completion. (Author/NB)

This book describes the TYC21 project (Two-Year Colleges in the Twenty-First Century: Breaking Down Barriers), which provided a framework to implement reform in science, engineering, and physics education at two-year colleges via the cooperative efforts of faculty in cross-educational activities. The project sought to increase the quality of…