This paper discusses innovations developed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) librarians to reduce the information query cycle time for teams planning low-cost, planetary missions. The first section provides background on JPL and its library. The second section addresses the virtual information environment, including issues of access, content,…

This collection of four essays examines the ways in which biology, as a discipline, reflects ongoing scholarship on gender, race, ethnicity, social class, and sexual orientation. In "Natural Sciences: Molecular Biology," Bonnie B. Spanier examines common ideological distortions in biology, including superimposing stereotypical gender attributes…

Reports on research and development (R&D) spending and manpower, emphasizing R&D in chemistry and chemical engineering. Data are presented in tables and graphs related to the federal government, industry, universities and colleges, and a total look at United States R&D efforts. (SK)

Presents highlights of Chemical and Engineering News survey of the employment picture for chemical professionals. Focuses on the question of needing a Ph.D.; employment opportunities; salaries; and career planning, including the names and addresses of many employers of chemists and chemical engineers. (SK)

Reports results of a survey of 149 undergraduates (persisters - 73 White, 9 Black) and former undergraduates (nonpersisters - 35 White, 32 Black) indicating how their perceptions of their college environment affected the decision to remain at or leave the Speed Scientific School, University of Louisville. (SK)

Describes a pilot project in Philadelphia which introduced seventh- and eighth-grade minority students to computers as a means of building their self-confidence and encouraging them to pursue careers in engineering and computer science. Includes partial course outline, evaluation methods, and tips for success. (DC)

Describes a course using the prospect of living in space for motivating students to learn basic physics as well as differences between pure science and technology. Includes course content and a sample final examination. (Author/JN)

An engineering professor tells of his experience in acquiring a leave of absence to work in industry for one year. He describes the projects with which he was involved, the salient features of the arrangement, the working conditions, and the positive results of the program. (SA)

The authors update an article on intervention, discussing career development, communications, feedback, financial, human development, information, instructional, labor relations, measurement and evaluation, quality improvement, resource, reward and recognition, and selection systems; documentation and standards; ergonomics and human factors;…

Describes a project at the University of Michigan in which Information and Library Studies (ILS) students served as mentors to first-year students in an introductory engineering course. Engineering librarians served as lecturers to the engineering students and as back-up for the ILS students. Analysis of student projects and evaluations by…

Describes a sequence of five experimental courses in chemical engineering that are designed to meet the needs of students with various learning styles. The courses use a variety of teaching methods and are designed to develop and enhance creative problem-solving. (DDR)

Classroom communication system (CCS) technology makes it easier to give students immediate feedback on concept tests and to manage peer and class discussions in large classes. This study compared the effects of two different CCS discussion sequences on students' experiences of learning engineering. The results demonstrated that the type of…

Examines Black underrepresentation in American science and engineering and barriers to Black participation. Describes programs sponsored by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, including Linkages and the Black Churches Project, encouraging science and mathematics programing for Black and other minority students. Reaffirms Black…

A study of the effects of an academic support program for educationally disadvantaged, mostly Black engineering students found the interventions were effective in improving academic achievement, particularly when used early in the college experience. Implications for admissions, identification of potentially high-risk students, and intervention…

Discussion of instructor's methods compared with those intended by the instructional designer focuses on a study of undergraduate engineering students that was designed to investigate whether instructor delivery of the program as recommended regarding homework would yield higher student achievement. Treatments for the experimental and control…