Discusses issues related to the missions of national laboratories as well as to the quality of their staffs. Indicates that although dilemmas exist within these institutions, an examination of such issues as management problems and institutional goals and activities may lead to an improvement of these national resources. (JN)

Although critical thinking and developing student confidence are common objectives of courses in laboratory experimentation, a study of one Australian engineering course showed little progress toward these goals and that efforts to develop critical thinking conflicted with development of confidence. More attention to these objectives within course…

Describes an audiovisual teaching unit on the chemical laboratory technique of recrystallization which was developed along problem-solving lines and based on observation of student laboratory behavior. Discussion includes usual procedures for developing such units, how this unit solves problems typically associated with teaching, and its general…

The usual apparatus for demonstrating Boyle's law produces reasonably accurate results, but is not impressive as a demonstration because students cannot easily appreciate the change in pressure. An apparatus designed to produce a more effective demonstration is described. Procedures employed are also described. (JN)

A study was conducted to quantify the laboratory time-on-task behavior of students enrolled in selected programs of vocational horticulture and to relate variables to time-on-task behavior. Standing idle was the most frequent reason for coding behavior off task. Male pupils had higher time-on-task scores than female pupils. (CT)

Describes a coriolis simulator which uses a carbon paper trace technique and a simple specific-heat apparatus, emphasizing instructional considerations. Also indicates that a variac and an ordinary electric drill can be used to wind coil if a lathe or coil winder are unavailable. (JN)

A modified Winkler method for determining dissolved oxygen in water is described. The method does not require use of a burette or starch indicator, is simple and inexpensive and can be used in the field or laboratory. Reagents/apparatus needed and specific procedures are included. (JN)

In 1975 all four-year and two-year colleges in the country offering two or more foreign languages were surveyed regarding use of videotape in language instruction. Questions were asked regarding types of equipment, use and acceptability, and answers indicate great interest in videotape potential and pedagogical value. (CHK)

This paper sketches the reasons for the tremendous increase in university expenditure on research out of internal funds including changes in federal indirect cost reimbursement policies and the growing cost of start-up funds for new faculty. It presents evidence, based on a survey of department chairs, deans, and vice presidents for research at…

This American Association of Physics Teachers/Physics Teaching Resource Agents (APPT/PTRA) spiral-bound manual features labs and demos physics teachers can use to give students hands-on opportunities to learn about impulse and momentum. "Make-and-take activities" include AAPT Apparatus Contest winners "An Air Impulse Rocket," "A Fan Driven…

"Focus on Basics" is the quarterly publication of the National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy. It presents best practices, current research on adult learning and literacy, and how research is used by adult basic education teachers, counselors, program administrators, and policymakers. "Focus on Basics" is dedicated to…

This book is a compilation of biology labs that are safe, simple, dependable, economical, and diverse. Some of the 25 investigations contained within this book involve organisms that are free for the taking and returned to the environment unharmed following the investigations. Students gain experience in making observations, forming hypotheses,…

This CD-ROM is designed to spark the interest of students with science activities and demonstrations similar to "Jake's Attic" and "Mr. Wizard." This first volume of the "Whelmers" collection engages students in science process thinking. The activities are meant to "whelm" the students, not overwhelm them.…

There are two main ways in which the practical component of computer science and information systems courses, the computer laboratory class, may be organized. They may be closed laboratories, which are scheduled and staffed in the same way as other classes, or open laboratories where the students come and go as they please. In U.S. universities,…

The Human Use Regulatory Affairs Advisor (HURAA) is a Web-based facility that provides help and training on the ethical use of human subjects in research, based on documents and regulations in United States Federal agencies. HURAA has a number of standard features of conventional Web facilities and computer-based training, such as hypertext,…