Discusses computer simulations in science education and presents the results of a study of 39 ninth-grade earth-science students to determine the effects of computer-simulated mineral identification activities on test performance. Results indicated no difference in test scores between the group using real minerals and the group using a computer…

Outlines a laboratory group program for engaging large numbers of undergraduate psychology students in faculty research at small liberal arts colleges with limited research resources. Participating in the group enhances the students' interest in and understanding of research and improves their chances of being accepted into a graduate program.…

A communicating science module was introduced into an advanced undergraduate physical chemistry laboratory course. The module was integrated into the course such that students received formal instruction in communicating science interwoven with the chemistry laboratory curriculum. The content of the communicating science module included three…

Based on current theories of chemistry learning, this study intends to test a hypothesis that computer modeling enhanced hands-on chemistry laboratories are more effective than hands-on laboratories or computer modeling laboratories alone in facilitating high school students' understanding of chemistry concepts. Thirty-three high school chemistry…

This book, addressed to students for their independent use as well as to teachers as a supplement to the standard texts, contains nearly 100 practical science experiments that cover a wide range of subjects at different grade and ability levels. It is designed to involve students in active scientific experimentation, demonstrations, and projects…

Describes a two-quarter chemistry course designed to enable civil engineers to perform water analysis studies. (PB)

This Chemistry-Materials Laboratory Project Book, assembled through a survey of science instructors in vocational-technical schools in Connecticut, is intended to meet a variety of needs. It can serve as an idea book, with the instructor taking from it as needed and adding or substituting material related to class interests; as a guide book for…

This Physics Laboratory Project Book, assembled through a survey of science instructors in vocational-technical schools in Connecticut, is an extension of the Chemistry-Materials Laboratory Project Book (see note) and is intended to meet a variety of needs. It can serve as an idea book, with the instructor taking from it as needed and adding or…

This preliminary report discusses a study designed to test whether improved organizational problem solving could be produced in a school faculty by training in interpersonal communication skills. The training intervention, in a junior high school, used exercises designed to increase awareness of interpersonal and organizational processes. Rather…

This report is one of a regular series on the status and progress of studies on the nature of speech, instrumentation for its investigation, and practical applications. The reports contained in this particular number are state-of-the-art reviews of work central to the Haskins Laboratories' areas of research. The papers included are: (1)…

Reports on the 9th Biennial Conference on Chemical Education sponsored by the American Chemical Society. The conference theme: "Chemistry: Learning, Instructing, Presenting," was addressed by numerous sessions. Highlighted were presentations calling for an increase in process-oriented chemistry teaching, reduction of "science…

Describes an experiment which uses the Gran plot for analyzing free ions as well as those involved in an equilibrium. Discusses the benefits of using Gran plots in the study of acids, as well as other analytes in solutions. Presents background theory along with a description of the experimental procedures. (TW)

Describes the use of simple projects to help freshmen-level chemistry students develop chemical knowledge and an aptitude for the research process. These projects pose a new problem to students without presenting a detailed experimental procedure. Guiding questions help students design their own experiments and stimulate students to think…

Provides a rational for, and describes the implementation of, a psychology department requirement that students must accrue three units of research participation as part of their course grade. Discusses the specifics of reporting credit for participation. Provides an evaluation of the procedures from the viewpoint of experimenters, instructors,…

Examined student behaviors during laboratory activities and the amount of time involved in each behavior. Approximately 89 percent of the student time was spent interacting with others. The amount of time spent on various activities appeared to be dependent on the nature of the activity and on the make up of the laboratory group. (YP)