The results of an investigation concerned with sequential reasoning in interpreting the current flow in d.c. electric circuits are presented. Analysis of the results of a questionnaire completed by 236 college sophomores shows the presence of a common misunderstanding based on a "local" interpretation of the current flow. A copy of the…

Describes the Sacred Mountains Scholars Program, a collaborative training program of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Northern Arizona University that gives American Indian undergraduates the opportunity to explore engineering, business, and space science careers during summer on-the-job…

An investigation of alternative methods of managing lower division graphics courses is described. Nonexam grading time was reduced to nearly zero, creating time for professional growth, proposal development, and meaningful research. Grade profiles and attitudes of students taking the altered course are discussed. (KR)

Reviews of the disciplines of law, medicine, engineering, and math/science teaching in Australia examined five issues concerning continuing professional education: (1) importance; (2) purpose; (3) relationship to preservice training; (4) mandatory/voluntary options; and (5) delivery. (SK)

Honest errors appearing in textbooks, articles, and instructor-generated assignments are used as meaningful vehicles of instruction. Missing information, corrected printing errors, deliberate errors, and difficult written passages are discussed as sources of errors. How to use errors in assignments, classroom examples, examination questions, and…

A demonstration used in a heat and material balances class that explains how a reusable heat pack works is described. An initial homework problem or exam question is provided with its solution. A discussion of the solution is included. (KR)

VITAL (Vision Impaired Task and Assignment Lexicon) is an integrated computerized system that performs workplace design tasks for visually impaired workers. VITAL consists of three modules: ergonomics consultation, disability index, and work measurement. Evaluation indicated that VITAL could be used as a tool to help nonprofessional vocational…

Describes an outreach program designed to expose high school students to cutting-edge science. High school students are provided with hands-on experience in molecular biology (polymerase chain reaction, restriction mapping, chromatography, gel electrophoresis, human DNA sequencing, etc.) and may have an opportunity to participate in the Human…

Describes the Meyerhoff Scholarship Program at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, that is designed to increase the number of African Americans, especially males, who enter and succeed in undergraduate, doctoral and professional programs. (PR)

Describes the interactions and applications of three models of learning: Bloom's taxonomy, the Jungian or Myers-Brigg's Typology, and William Perry's model of attitude toward learning. (PR)

Considers why college engineering programs might freeze out women while focusing on gendered learning styles and sources of advice. Recommends several changes in current engineering-education practice. Contains 41 references. (DDR)

Describes a course for talented high school students that focuses on DNA science and technology. Employs Cold Spring Harbor's DNA Science laboratory manual. Engages students in performing sickle-cell anemia and thalassemia tests in rabbits. (DDR)

Describes the use of a simple inexpensive model of a five-legged table in a physics course for industrial-design students to spark useful discussion about several aspects of statics. (WRM)

Presents a conceptual framework of positions on women in science, engineering, and technology (SET) designed to show a chronological progression of the main approaches to explaining women's underrepresentation in SET during the past 20 years. Describes the key findings of "Winning Women," a project designed to address the problem of…

Presents an assessment of 10 years' experience with the certificate course in English for Industry and Commerce offered by the Fachhochschule Munchen as an additional language qualification to its applied-science students. The Fachhochschule is an application-oriented university offering degree courses particularly in engineering, design, business…