Students' reactions and performances were examined when taught engineering geometry concepts using a standard microcomputer-aided drafting software package. Two sample groups were compared based on their computer experience. Included are the methodology, data analysis, and conclusions. (KR)

Proposed is a hierarchy of visual learning giving three primary stages of visual learning as well as seven hierarchical stages. A clarification of terms associated with visual learning is presented. (KR)

An explanation of 3-D Computer Aided Design (CAD) usage to teach spatial geometry concepts using nontraditional techniques is presented. The software packages CADKEY and AutoCAD are described as well as their usefulness in solving space geometry problems. (KR)

Action researchers teaching a required preservice physical science course attempted to develop feminist pedagogy for science instruction that reduces female students' apprehension and insecurity about science, tests methods of stimulating greater interest in science, and counteracts the inherent gender-bias in the discipline of science. (38…

Ways in which students are allowed to choose, based on their curiosity at the moment, which way they will move through a lesson are described. Available software for interactive biology programs and available authoring software for developing interactive programs by teachers and students are listed. (KR)

Described is an assignment in which students read and write reviews of four journal articles chosen from preselected biology topics. Suggestions to help achieve maximal effectiveness are included. Directions for grading the review articles are provided. Discussed is how this assignment can help students develop more sophisticated writing skills.…

In introductory physics courses at the Pennsylvania State University, student preparation outside class was inadequate to meet course needs. The plan-do-check-act cycle of the Total Quality Management approach was successfully used in this situation to evaluate instructional changes and help balance increased student assignments with increased…

A new classification of rocks that requires no tools other than a hand lens and that is both comprehensive and informative is described. Each of the three main rock groups is treated in two-dimensional, rectangular charts with additional appended boxes that provide optional mineralogical and textural terms that can be used in rock names. (PR)

Requiring students in one introductory college course on weather/climate to keep logs with articles from popular media was found to produce three types of log topics with three kinds of relationship to course content. The technique helped students think more actively and provided the teacher with new course material. (MSE)

Describes a lesson on pseudoscience for a teaching methods course that promotes active student participation, is not a laboratory activity, and follows the sequence of the three phases associated with the learning cycle model. Contains a true-false science questionnaire to be administered to students as a bridge to discussion. (PR)

Describes school science as a rite of passage, and exposes problems in school science that are made visible through the use of this metaphor. (PR)

Describes a simulation exercise developed for an introductory biology course for nonmajors. The simulation focuses on the control of western spruce budworms in forests of the western United States. A nonlinear, multivariate simulation model is used. (PR)

Students' conceptions of three major artificial intelligence concepts used in the modeling of systems in science, fuzzy logic, neural networks, and genetic algorithms were investigated before and after a higher education science course. Students initially explored their prior ideas related to the three concepts through active tasks. Then,…

This study compares frequencies of instructional practices across differing scheduling plans (Traditional and Block plans), and explores the association between high school scheduling plans and college science preparation, using introductory college science grades as the outcome measure. More than 7000 students enrolled in introductory college…

Many have called for reform of the science curriculum to incorporate the process of inquiry: this has been shown to improve student understanding of biological concepts. Laboratory activities provide excellent opportunities to incorporate inquiry in to the curriculum. This study used a modified version of the Laboratory Task Analysis Instrument…