Describes the redesign of the first semester general chemistry laboratory at the college level. An organic component is included in the redesign and it provides students with explicit examples of several types of operations in which chemists engage. Contains 16 references. (DDR)

Examines the effects of investigative, open-ended, and inquiry-based labs on students' ability to ask high-level and open-ended questions. Recommends combining direct instruction in questioning with increased background information to improve students' questions. (Contains 19 references.) (YDS)

Shares knowledge about the administrative audience, what the authors wish they had known when they were directors of writing centers and writing programs. Addresses how they could have negotiated for more dollars, more space, more options for expanding and improving services. Notes that administrators are part of the institution and can be…

Examines the relationship between the foremost writing program director at a college or university and the writing center director. Compares the nature and status of the two positions and the background of the people who hold them. Finds program directors enjoy a more privileged place in institutional structures and that the professionalization of…

"How the World Works" is an interdisciplinary science and mathematics course in which students design and perform their own experiments, analyze the data, and present their results orally and in writing. Evaluations indicate that most students learn how to do science and gain a better appreciation for science as a process. (SAH)

Examines Photo CD as a possible standard storage medium. Functionality within the system is explored, including future-proofing implications and application hints for practitioners; two case studies illustrate typical applications, one at the University of Aberdeen (Scotland) and one at a commercial image archive laboratory. (Author/LRW)

Describes a series of 14 hands-on, low-cost exercises in plant sciences developed to support biology teaching and maintain student interest. Each exercise includes education objectives, biology background, detailed procedures, and topics to stimulate discussion and critical thinking. (DDR)

Argues that misunderstanding about the purpose of the salt bridge probably arises from a lack of explicit and adequate information in textbooks. Suggests a detailed teaching approach that describes the purpose of the salt bridge on the microscopic level. (DDR)

This study of computer laboratory courses at Curtin University of Technology (Western Australia) focused on whether students' perceptions of the computer laboratory environment are associated with achievement and attitudes towards computers and the course. Describes use of the Computer Laboratory Environment Inventory and the Attitude to Computers…

Indicates the difficulties in performing a high quality lab, especially in integrated courses, because of limited supplies and expenses. Introduces a program in which a high school collaborates with the community. Makes recommendations for the implementation of this type of program to other high schools. (YDS)

Investigates the reasons for data fabrication among undergraduate and graduate students. Presents several examples of getting misled by the candle and tumbler demonstration. Concludes that presented facts, concepts, or principles increase the incidence of data cooking. (YDS)

Presents an experiment in which students use laboratory data to calculate the interphase mass transfer coefficient for a fluid passed over a sphere and obtain correlations for solid-gas mass transfer. Students develop a realistic mathematical model to describe the sublimation process. (DDR)

Recommends the use of a model of DNA made out of Velcro to help students visualize the steps of DNA replication. Includes a materials list, construction directions, and details of the demonstration using the model parts. (DDR)

Discusses Knob's solution, which was considered the ideal plant growth solution in 1865, and recommends eliminating Knob's solution from active teaching. Describes solution culture basics including nutrient solutions, containers and aeration, and plants and light. (Contains 12 references.) (YDS)

Introduces a chemistry course developed at Northeastern University and discusses the improvements to increase the quality of education offered to graduate students. (Contains 20 references.) (YDS)