This is the report of a conference which was initiated by the National Science Foundation's Office of Computing Activities and which explored and summarized current thinking about the role of the computer for undergraduate curricula in the physical and mathematical sciences. The conference focused on deciding which goals of the existing…

Four audio-tutorial units were developed as part of this study to determine the effectiveness of the use of advanced organizers, based on Ausubel's theories, for meaningful learning experiences. In this study an advanced organizer was developed and given to half of the subjects prior to the instructional sequence. A series of micro-learning tasks,…

Reported is an assessment of a competency-based physics course designed to develop concepts through an activity-centered approach incorporating the processes of science. It was assumed that such a strategy would enhance a future teacher's understanding of science concepts and processes in addition to developing more positive attitudes toward…

Discusses the current state of space-related research and manufacturing techniques. Focuses on the areas of spectroscopy, materials processing, electrochemistry, and analysis. Provides examples and classroom application for using these aspects of the space program to teach chemistry. (TW)

Discusses some difficulties presented by the use of clock reactions with large numbers of students in illustrating the determination of rate laws and the deduction of a mechanism. Suggests the videotaping of a clock reaction without narration to be used with students in stages so that observations can be recorded. (TW)

Reported is a survey designed to assess the relationship between essential competencies as perceived by faculty, and job needs as perceived by graduates of the agronomy department at Pennyslvania State University. Results indicated that while various competencies were valued differently, raters did not disagree on what were important competencies.…

Discusses the use of computer assisted instruction in the medical education program of the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (Missouri). Describes the animation techniques used in a series of simulations for microbiology. (TW)

Discusses some of the problems associated with teaching report writing to undergraduate chemical engineering students. Introduces a simplified cribsheet for writing formal reports and describes the Fog Index, which can be used to determine the sophistication of the writing. Includes a checklist for grading report writing. (TW)

Describes how to construct a simple photometer. Outlines experiments in which this device can be used to demonstrate basic electronic principles, the use of Beer's Law to determine the concentration of an analyte in solution, and the effect of molar absorptivity on the sensitivity of photometric procedures. (TW)

Presents a topical outline for a course in chemistry for students in the health professions, as recommended for use by a committee of the American Chemical Society. States that there are several appropriate texts written for courses of this type. (TW)

Describes the priorities and programs supported by the new assistant director for science and engineering education at the National Science Foundation (NSF). Collaboration among academic institutions and the private sector, teacher training efforts, and scientist/engineer professional involvement are stressed. (DH)

Discusses some of the advances made by engineering educators in the development and use of instructional television (ITV). Provides suggestions on how new ITV satellite linkages between universities, industry, government laboratories, and technical societies can offer opportunities for faculty development. (TW)

Argues that four years of undergraduate studies in engineering is inadequate. Proposes the replacement of the undergraduate degree with the establishment of the doctor of Engineering (Eng.D.). Distinguishes between the needs for the bachelor of engineering technology degree (B.E.T.), the Eng.D., and the doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees. (TW)

Describes a report by the National Science Foundation that deals with the field of chemistry. Indicates that chemical research funding has grown, women chemists are entering the field more rapidly than ever, and chemists expect to report some type of research and development as part of their work. (TW)

Describes a statics course developed at Texas A&M University in the engineering curriculum which utilizes computer-assisted instruction. Discusses the organization and management of the team that developed the course, the selection of the hardware and software used, and the implementation model and lesson prototype developed for the course.…