Describes an exercise in which students convert lithostratigraphic columns into chronostratigraphic columns, infer paleolatitude using paleomagnetic data, interpret depositional environments, determine the timing of deformation and terrane collision, construct models, and synthesize the results into a geologic history. Background data, procedures,…

Describes a computer program which represents the first merger of an expert system and imaging technology into a tool to assist in learning mineral identification. Presents a discussion of the system's development, evaluation of effectiveness, and future modifications. (RT)

Describes the usefulness of glyphosate for a demonstration of its herbicidal properties. Includes a list of the materials, preparation of solutions, procedures, data collection and analysis for three activities involving this chemical. (CW)

Finding ways to demonstrate microscopic phenomena and contending with life science students' lack of interest in physical principles are two problems in laboratory courses. Describes a clinical laboratory test for parasite infection that can be used to effectively solve both of them. (RT)

Describes a lab investigation designed to introduce students to soil compaction and help them to learn to design and adapt procedures that scientists use when they plan and conduct controlled investigations. Provided are objectives, a list of materials, procedures, and a sample student handout. (CW)

Describes an activity designed to allow secondary students to practice pattern recognition using the proof-of-purchase scanning lines found on many consumer products. Provided are a list of materials, procedures, and student activity sheets. (CW)

Describes the development and integration of UDEMOG, a computer-assisted instruction system for teaching demographic related topics that was designed at the University of Delaware. Software programs and spreadsheet data files are described, hardware based on IBM equipment is discussed, and use in the classroom and in computer laboratories is…

Describes the use of instructional technology at Western Middle School (Kentucky), an inner-city school that serves low-income neighborhoods. Highlights include computer labs; laptop computers to sign out for class projects; MacCSILE, Computer-Supported Intentional Learning Environment with Macintosh computers; and improvement in students' test…

Summarizes alternatives to using live animals for the teaching of veterinary medicine both currently and over time. Advantages of using teaching alternatives include low cost, accessibility, completeness, psychomotor skill training, ease of repetitive use, and humanness to both the animal and the person. (Author/MDH)

Defines a few major reasons for the frequent failure of laboratory instructional methods and outlines some modes of thinking that seem to promise greater effectiveness and firmer justification for maintaining the laboratory as an essential component of physics teaching. (MVL)

Highlights assessment issues which the Department of Biological Sciences at the Manchester Metropolitan University has addressed in developing an integrated approach to course provision, in particular for implementing first-year laboratory practical units. Beneficial outcomes and some continuing problems are also considered. (LZ)

Focuses on the tutorial function of writing centers. Describes the uniqueness of the tutorial relationship. Claims that this relationship makes possible knowledge about writing unavailable in more institutionalized settings. Analyzes extensive excerpts from student comments concerning tutorial experiences. (HB)

Details a study of the need or wisdom of universities and colleges to include lab sections of courses that are offered to teach software. No significant difference was found in the knowledge gained for those students who participated in the lab in addition to the lecture/demonstration, but the students who participated in the lab completed their…

Examines how the contributions of animal research are presented in eight of the most widely used introductory psychology textbooks. The authors show that, with the exception of principles of conditioning and learning, the contributions of animal research are often not explicitly acknowledged or are obscured to look like they had been obtained with…

Working with high school instructors previously identified as master laboratory teachers, a research institute was created to share as much information on laboratory instruction as possible with participants who experienced several laboratory sessions as students. Provides details of the workshop so that others interested in enhancing laboratory…