This study explored the impact of cooperative learning in a college level laboratory science course by comparing classes taught by a conventional lab-lecture technique. Students in a basic science skills course for preservice elementary teachers participated over a 14-week period. Instruments used were the Science Attitude Survey, Test of Logical…

The importance of experiential aspects of biological study is addressed using multi-dimensional classroom and field classroom approaches to student learning. This document includes a guide to setting up this style of field experience. Several teaching innovations are employed to introduce undergraduate students to the literature, techniques, and…

Stressing the importance of engineers to the growth of the economy, the building of national defense, and the preparation of future generations for a technological age, this report examines the changes in engineering degree awards from 1972-1984. The document describes these changes from four perspectives. The role of graduates from United States…

The council for the Understanding of Technology in Human Affairs (CUTHA) is a broad-based educational group whose purpose is to promote the understanding of technology and its relationships to society. Provided in this document is a summary of CUTHA's third curriculum workshop which focused on technology for the liberal arts student. The major…

Perspectives on the conditions of academic research facilities and the various funding mechanisms proposed for modernizing them are offered in this report on the University Research Facilities Revitalization Act of l985 (H.R. 2823). Major components of this bill include: (l) the creation of a university and college research laboratory…

An instructional framework which provides opportunities for students to synthesize knowledge and recognize general approaches to problem representation and solution is advocated and discussed in this paper. The need for a combination of an interdisciplinary approach with the new technologies of the information age is emphasized. Major ideas…

Sustained investment in science and engineering research and education in universities in the United States is advocated as a means of progressing economically. Information related to economic advancement is provided through summaries of recent trends in research, education, and economics. Ideas and data are reviewed in reference to: (1) the need…

Designed to address conceptual problems associated with ecology, this module can be used with high school students or college nonscience majors including those in elementary education. The materials offer guidance to teachers in diagnosing student deficiencies, in creating dissatisfaction with misconceptions, and in providing opportunities for…

Suggestions for instructional improvement are offered to science teachers in this compilation of research summaries which addresses specific areas of science education. This series examines the topic areas of: (1) computer use in science instruction (reviewing five categories of computer use which focus on the learner); (2) the role of the…

Designed to address the major conceptual problems associated with respiration and photosynthesis, this module can be used with high school students or college nonscience majors including those in elementary education. It is one in a series developed by the project Overcoming Critical Barriers to Learning in Nonmajors' Science Courses. The…

A number of studies have reported that there is a strong tendency to ignore base-rate information in favor of individuating information, except when the former can readily be incorporated into a causal schema. In this study, students in eight undergraduate classes were given problems in which the base-rate information was either causal or…

New techniques have expanded the field of biotechnology and awarded scientists an unprecedented degree of control over the genetic constitutions of living things. The knowledge of DNA science is the basis for this burgeoning industry which may be a major force in human existence. Just as it is possible to move genetic material from one organism to…

Uneven economic growth, rapid population increases, and high costs of fossil fuels have caused much of the human race to experience an energy crisis. For the world's poor people the energy requirements consist mainly of firewood. This crisis will be aggravated further as population trends begin to overwhelm natural resources. Future demands for…

The Mathematics and Science Relicensing Project provides out-of-license mathematics and science teachers with an opportunity to complete the required coursework needed to qualify for the appropriate licensing examination. In 1986-87, a pilot program offering a Master's Degree in science education was begun. It allows participants to accumulate…

The imbalance between the supply and demand for new knowledge is a very important feature with regard to science and engineering. Whereas the supply of new knowledge appears unlimited, the demand for new knowledge is much greater. In the years to come, more knowledge will be needed to cope with world problems. Knowledge is a most important…