Presents two experiments that demonstrate phase changes. The first experiment explores phase changes of carbon dioxide using powdered dry ice sealed in a piece of clear plastic tubing. The second experiment demonstrates an equilibrium process in which a crystal grows in equilibrium with its saturated solution. (PVD)

Describes in detail a one-to-one writing conference between a graduate student tutor and a basic writer in a writing center. Raises questions of problem identification, the university context, learning disabilities, tutor training, professional development, and what constitutes good tutoring. (RS)

Recommends that teachers avoid cookbook-type exercises and predescribed protocols for laboratory work and instead engage students in research that can teach critical thinking, problem solving, and analytical skills. (DDR)

Offers a short history of how one writing center integrated technology into its practices. Relates how the center kept pace with changing times, while maintaining the integrity of its writing-center philosophy of student-directed pedagogy. Describes how its classroom presentations/workshops used technology to extend classroom conversations, to…

Examines how some links among various models of individual and family relationships begin to constitute a science of intimate relationships. Examples from a theory of personality socialization in the family are given to illustrate how links between theory and practice can be achieved through various methods. (Author/MKA)

Discusses the complexity of chemistry concepts and the identification of instructional barriers in terms of current learning theories. Recommends teaching to improve students' conceptual understanding. Contains 34 references. (WRM)

Examines the history of the white lab coat in scientific and medical practice and discusses the recognition of it as a cultural symbol. Contains 11 references. (WRM)

Seventh-graders (n=160) were assessed before and after a 9-week industrial technology course: 67 in traditional labs with old equipment, 65 in modular labs, and 28 in contemporary, updated labs. The contemporary lab produced the greatest achievement gain, significantly better than the modular approach in a number of areas. (SK)

Examines the thinking processes of 16 eighth grade science writers during laboratory report writing and explores the possibility that writing can contribute directly to science learning. Five students exhibited no mental reflection during writing whereas nine students demonstrated scientific problem solving including hypothesis and evidence…

Investigates the content and structure of the undergraduate curriculum in psychology by analyzing 500 college catalogs. Reveals that introductory, statistics, and a capstone are the common required courses, laboratory experiences are not integral to required courses, prerequisites are recommended, and the traditional model is the most popular…

Lists directions for creating some laboratory equipment that makes it easier for students to assess the rate at which an enzyme is modifying its target (substrate). (WRM)

Presents an activity that involves dropping spherical party balloons onto a sonic motion sensor to show that the force associated with the air resistance is proportional to both the square of the velocity and the cross-sectional area of the balloon. (Author/WRM)

Discusses the importance of feasibility studies when renovating a university science facility. Outlines how to establish a team, set goals, and develop the program. Describes some of the key issues in the process, such as carefully analyzing the existing space, and offers some considerations regarding costs. (RJM)

As a case involving forgotten goggles shows, negligence lawsuits take a damaging toll in terms of money, time, emotion, and self-worth. Educators' best defense is consistently discharging their duties to students in a reasonable, prudent manner. Science teachers should secure all dangerous chemicals, provide adequate supervision, develop proper…

Details laboratory procedures that enable students to understand the concept of how differences in water potential drive the movement of water within a plant in response to transpiration. Students compare transpiration rates for upper and lower surfaces of leaves. (DDR)