Discusses the use of simulations to study complex real-life systems in engineering. Describes some of the limitations of using simulations. Identifies some situations in which computer simulations are practical and useful tools for the design, analysis, and evaluation of systems. (TW)

Presents an approach for building an inexpensive control engineering laboratory to support control courses in an undergraduate engineering program. Outlines the use of simple amplifier circuits and small personal computers in performing control experiments. Proposes an optimum configuration of the laboratory for minimum servicing and adequate…

Discusses the importance of teaching about enzymes in chemistry. Mentions several applications of enzyme technology to other fields. Describes an experiment involving the immobilization of yeast cells as a biocatalyst for the ethanol production from glucose. Argues for more biotechnology to be integrated into basic chemistry courses. (TW)

Presents several perspectives on what quality chemistry teaching is, including the need for chemistry educators to communicate the positive contributions of chemistry to society. Describes a hierarchy of teaching/learning activities, characteristics of good teachers, and examples of how to be aware of the learner's perspective. (TW)

Contrasts the elementary and secondary education of students in the People's Republic of China with that of the United States. Describes the chemistry program at Lanzhou University. Lists the required and elective courses taken for a bachelor's degree along with the instruments and equipment available to students, and the careers the graduates…

Presents six brief articles dealing with the use of computers in teaching various topics in chemistry. Describes hardware and software applications which relate to protein graphics, computer simulated metabolism, interfaces between microcomputers and measurement devices, courseware available for spectrophotometers, and the calculation of elemental…

Assesses the current state of engineering education, citing both strengths and deficiencies of current curricula. Poses questions about extending programs beyond four years and dual-level accreditation (bachelor's and master's) programs. Presents four alternative solutions to the future evolution of accreditation, voicing a need for a national…

Politicians, academics, and business and community members all seem to be raising concerns that America is not as globally competitive as it once was. This is due, in part, to the fact that public schools in America are not producing high school graduates with the math, science, and technical skills to succeed in higher education or be employed in…

Discusses rationale for developing the Exploratorium at San Francisco's Museum of Science, Art, and Perception. Describes typical exhibits, hands-on nature of exhibits, and function of Explainers. Presents information about Exploratorium workshops (currently oriented toward upper elementary/junior high teachers), emphasizing the nature of science…

Presents a critical review of laboratory adaptations for visually impaired students in general science, biology, chemistry, and physics over the past 30 years. Learning modes used by these students (since these are considered when making adaptations) and ways students benefit working independently in a science laboratory are discussed. (JN)

Summarizes papers presented during a symposium at the Seventh Biennial Conference on Chemical Education (Stillwater, Oklahoma 1982). Topics addressed included history of summer institutes and high school CHEM Study Program, educational activities of American Chemical Society (ACS), and activities of ACS Committee on Professional Training and…

Highlights six papers presented at the Seventh Biennial Conference on Chemical Education (Stillwater, Oklahoma 1982). Topics addressed included college course using various instructional strategies, American Chemical Society services for secondary teachers, abstract reasoning unit for gifted elementary students, biographies of crystallographers,…

Highlights various issues/trends in geology/earth science education. These include financial support, teacher salaries, teacher supply (indicating decline in numbers of faculty going from academic to industry), audiovisual aids, geology/earth science publications, minority programs, industry support, and support of geology/earth science education…

Examines changes in the broad cultural background which provide the context for thinking, and how such life-style changes may have influenced the decline of reasoning skills and styles fundamental to the sciences. Considers peasant/rural farming, new world, and postaffluent society life-styles and science education in the latter. (Author/SK)

Results from meta-analysis of studies on student attitudes toward science are discussed. Includes description of meta-analysis techniques, discussion of attitudes toward science (with a proposed definition), a theoretical framework for studying attitudes which provides a structure for synthesis studies, and recommendations, including those related…