A survey of Virginia technology education teachers (453 responses) indicated that nearly half teach in modular labs, mostly at middle-school level; a majority are licensed in technology education. They adopted modular technology education because of its approach to learning; a substantial number developed their own rather than buying commercial…

Describes a method for working with Coomassie Blue to analyze banding patterns of purified eukaryotic cell membrane proteins. (SAH)

Describes a laboratory experiment on the determination of the molecular weights of gases lighter than air. (YDS)

Presents an experimental procedure to measure the volume of a gas more accurately and which requires very common and inexpensive materials. (YDS)

Introduces a series of molecular genetics laboratories where students pick a single colony from a Drosophila melanogester embryo cDNA library and purify the plasmid, then analyze the insert through restriction digests and gel electrophoresis. (Author/YDS)

Presents the results of a wide-ranging survey of science technicians in schools and colleges that sought the views of heads of science via a telephone survey. Examines comments regarding technicians and the existing technician job structures. (Author/YDS)

Addresses bloodborne pathogen hazards in the laboratory. Provides specific recommendations for preventative measures and information about legal issues involved. (MM)

A teacher shares his experience and solutions when dealing with a poorly planned technology education facility. A checklist for developing computer-assisted design/computer-assisted manufacturing laboratories is provided. (JOW)

Discusses design and architectural features of two new science facilities at the Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, Florida, and a new graduate research tower the University of Wisconsin at Madison. Notes the important convenience associated with interior windows in these facilities, which allow researchers, faculty, and students to see…

Argues that despite the widespread endorsement of peer collaboration in writing center theory, graduate student tutors are an asset because (1) they have excellent tutoring abilities; and (2) they will provide future support for writing centers as professors in all fields. (NH)

Examines motivational methods among undergraduate chemistry students and identifies differences between methods of persuading students to prepare for laboratories. Methods include quizzes, scheduled presentations, unscheduled presentations, and a control method. (YDS)

Uses concept-based laboratory reports to incorporate technical writing into teaching. Features three paragraphs in the writing format: introductory paragraph, data paragraph, and conclusion. Recommends using this teaching method, especially in chemistry laboratories, because of the difficulties students have in understanding. (YDS)

Discusses the quality of textbooks, worksheets, and laboratory manuals and presents Project 2061's review of science and mathematics textbooks in the United States. (YDS)

Explains the qualities of a good laboratory experiment. (YDS)

Comparison of 39 Virginia technology teachers using modular laboratories and 26 using conventional laboratories showed they were similar in learning style. Modular lab teachers felt that modular labs were suited to implementing most of Virginia's middle school technology education curriculum. (Contains 51 references) (SK)