Reports on a study of Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) programs that were considered to be of outstanding quality. Although programs (and individuals) are not identified, the article addresses their general geographic locations, departmental characteristics, curricula, lab courses, facilities, and their use of computers. (TW)

Lists articles, papers, and reports on engineering technology education that were published in 1986. Categorizes the citations under headings of administration, computers, curriculum, electronics, industry/government/employers, instructional technology, laboratories, liberal studies, manufacturing, mechanical, minorities, research, robotics, and…

Discusses the problems of increased noise levels when using microcomputers as interfaces to chemistry laboratory instruments. Describes how to properly connect a laboratory instrument to a microcomputer's A/D converter board. Suggests how to obtain an analog signal free of interference noise. (TW)

Discusses some of the difficulties involved with chemistry laboratory experiences and some laboratory manuals. Cites studies that indicate that part of the difficulty can be attributed to constraints relating to the short-term memory of the operational information and the assumption that students have a certain level of knowledge. (TW)

Gives a review of four software packages including "Science Toolkit: Module 3--Body Lab" for measuring heart rate, lung capacity, and response time; "Project Zoo: Adventures with Charts and Graphs" for developing process skills; "The Body Electric" for explaining electrical activity in the body; and "M-ss-ng…

Reports the results of a laboratory safety survey of 37 schools in the Washington, DC area. Discusses the contents of the survey and the status of safety instructions and standards in secondary school chemistry laboratories. Cites efforts to improve instruction in the United States. (CW)

This article gives a brief description of the process of the removal of corrosion and millscale from the surfaces of ferrous metals by acid pickling. It suggests an experiment to illustrate this process including the procedure and a discussion of the results. (CW)

Describes an experiment that provides a fundamental understanding of the kinetics of the enzyme papain. Discusses background, materials, procedures and results. Mentions analogous experiments that can be conducted with enzymatic contact-lens cleaning solutions. (CW)

Describes how to make a superconducting pellet for classroom use. Details two tests that can use the pellet to demonstrate superconductivity. Discusses some of the mechanics and chemistry of superconductivity. Lists materiads and equipment necessary for these activities. (CW)

Provides an overview of basic and applied studies for which primates are appropriate subjects. Summarizes the advantages, limitations, and constraints of using nonhuman primates in research. (RT)

Considers the applicability of the simple emersion/weight-gain method for predicting diffusion coefficients, solubilities, and permeation rates of chemicals in polymers that do not undergo physical and chemical deterioration. Presents the theoretical background, procedures and typical results related to this activity. (CW)

Suggests an approach and methodology for analyzing field and laboratory populations. Describes an experiment using mustard to show how competition and inequality can be assessed. Discusses the variables responsible for determining the abundance of organisms. (CW)

Discussion of the use of microcomputer-assisted instruction for advanced college writing courses emphasizes word processing exercises and programmed lessons. Topics discussed include computer writing labs, local area networks, commercially available software for writing instruction, teacher developed programs, and authoring languages and authoring…

Provides a running commentary on a chemistry instructor's first day in a first course in chemistry. Focuses on the use of fire and chemists' attempts to explain this phenomenon. Provides the ongoing descriptions of the experiments, a summary of the observations, and the key comments made by the instructor. (TW)

Recounts the experiences of a student with cerebral palsy in a college-level, first-semester chemistry laboratory course. Explains how a laboratory assistant worked with the handicapped student in assembling apparatus and manipulating some of the smaller equipment. Discusses the outstanding work performed by the student. (TW)