A teacher describes the procedures used by students to mount skeletons of small animals. Equipped with ziplock bags and papain, students can make the cumbersome task of mounting more time efficient and easy. (ZWH)

Investigated the relationships among gender, prior academic performance, beliefs, and student attitudes toward biology laboratory experiences of (n=294) 10th, 11th, and 12th graders. Gender, prior academic experience, and beliefs were significant predictors of attitudes. (24 references) (Author/MKR)

Surveys of (n=179) department chairs showed 47% of secondary science teachers did not use microcomputers during instruction, but 76% indicated microcomputers have had an impact on science laboratory activities in their school. Most frequent applications were simulations, graphing packages, and probes for collecting laboratory data. (17 references)…

Comparison and analysis of the restorative treatment recommendations made by dentists and dental school students for 63 patients found about 85% agreement on treatment plans. It is observed that the results provide some basis on which to assess how well dental school treatments reflect mainstream practice. (MSE)

Presents a transcript of an extensive interview with composition theorist and On-Line Writing Lab director Muriel Harris. Includes discussion of Harris's research, such as her work with online writing centers. (HB)

Describes two laboratory exercises corresponding to studies of statics and dynamics to illustrate the concept that the combination of real and simulated laboratory tools, with some real data being recorded in computer-aided form, can result in a very sound understanding of physical principles. (JRH)

Authors discuss how computer laboratory interfacing has revolutionized their nonscience-major introductory chemistry course. Discusses the advantages of doing away with the "cookbook" approach to laboratory experimentation. Presents an evaluation of the course approach including the finding that over 75 percent of the students felt that…

Describes study conducted at Memorial University to determine how students were using the Biology Microcomputer Resource Centre. The four main purposes of the survey were to determine (1) level of use of the center; (2) whether students benefited from this use; (3) characteristics of center users; and (4) influence of the instructor on center use.…

The purpose of this study was to determine the concerns of Texas science teachers about the 40 percent laboratory time rule just prior to enforcement and at the end of its first year of implementation. The methodology, results of the first and second years, conclusions, and implications for teaching science are discussed. (KR)

A trend at U.S. colleges and universities in teaching first-year science courses is discussed. An approach in the classroom and lab in which students engage in science through observation and hypothesis is emphasized. Hands-on science, experiential science, and constructing science through cooperative learning are discussed. (KR)

Reassess the influence of the Commission on Undergraduate Education in the Biological Sciences (CUEBS) upon current undergraduate biology instruction, 20 years after making its findings public. Emphasizes the importance for the new generation of biology educators to reattempt the achievement of CUEBS goals despite past failures. (24 references)…

Warns against the new model emerging for first-year writing programs that puts dogma before diversity, politics before craft, ideology before critical thinking, and the social goals of the teacher before the educational needs of the student. Discusses how this model came about, the threat it poses to first-year courses, and new possibilities for…

Discussion of mathematical modeling, particularly for high school physics curricula, focuses on software that is connected with laboratory work and the inference of mathematical models based on measurements of physical quantities. Fitting procedures are described, and user interface is explained. (Contains nine references.) (LRW)

The construction and stocking of an in-class pond is discussed. Suggestions for eight activities using the pond are provided. A list of 15 references is included. (CW)

A survey gathered information on methods of class II amalgam preparation taught in 59 dental schools. Focus was on the teaching and testing of proximal retention groove use, stated rationale for placing retention grooves, and the relationship of the instruction to board criteria for cavity preparation. (MSE)