Shows that the reality of Robert Moore and his University of Illinois Writing Clinic is far more complex than previously assumed. Offers a history that is a familiar narrative about the politics of writing centers and writing programs designed to meet the needs of under-prepared students. (SG)

Presents the concept of directiveness (regarding the behavior of a consultant/tutor in a writing conference) as a continuum that can be defined in terms of particular characteristics. Examines students' and tutors' attitudes regarding the directiveness of tutors. Finds perceptions between consultants and students differed considerably on a number…

Investigates how participant expectations are enacted in tutorial conversations and in self-reported role perceptions. Considers how tutors, tutees, and course instructors perceived the tutor's role. Examines the tensions implicit in expectations they hold of the tutor's role(s), especially as they compare to those of the course instructor. (SG)

Describes an hour-long activity to illustrate the properties and use of cylindrical concave mirrors. Appropriate for non-science majors or high school students. (WRM)

Considers how allowing developmental students to incorporate some of their language and culture into their writing helps them become more proficient writers. Suggests that the best way to teach basic writers is through both process and a respect for the social discovery that ensues as one composes. (SC)

Applies chemistry to earth science, uses rocks in chemistry laboratories, and teaches about transition metal chemistry, oxidation states, and oxidation-reduction reactions from firsthand experiences. (YDS)

Explores the ways in which mailing list technology help constitute the specific community of the Writing Center. Attempts to contribute to the practical and theoretical needs of writing centers. Concludes that understanding how these virtual spaces function as a significant part of the rhetorical context of writing centers will provide insight…

Conducts an action research investigation to determine which type of student benefits more from inquiry-based science laboratories. Designs two labs on diffusion and osmosis using both traditional and inquiry-based approaches and assesses student learning in these settings. (YDS)

Describes how to adopt a Science Writing Heuristic (SWH) in an introductory college chemistry laboratory to promote a more positive attitude in students and better conceptual understanding of laboratory reports. (Author/MM)

Discusses the importance of environmental chemistry and the use of laboratory exercises in analytical and general chemistry courses. Notes the importance of lab work in heightening student interest in coursework including problem-based learning in undergraduate curricula, ready adaptability of environmental coursework to existing curricula, and…

Attempts to dispel rumors concerning contact lenses and tries to supply prudent-use practices for allowing contact lenses in industry and laboratories. Discusses federal regulations that impact the use of contact lenses in industry, policy statements from medical organizations on use of contact lenses in industrial environments, and the…

Presents an activity on building a structure with Lego blocks and points out the importance of laboratory records. Includes instructor information and a student worksheet. (YDS)

Describes a laser refractometry experiment to estimate the refractive index of various liquids. (YDS)

We have been using robots in our artificial intelligence course since fall 2000. We have been using the robots for open-laboratory projects. The projects are designed to emphasize high-level knowledge-based AI algorithms. After three offerings of the course, we paused to analyze the collected data and to see if we could answer the following…

Disoriented children could use geometric information in combination with landmark information to reorient themselves in large but not in small experimental spaces. We tested fish in the same task and found that they were able to conjoin geometric and non-geometric (landmark) information to reorient themselves in both the large and the small space…