Research Findings: Engineering play is a new framework for understanding constructive block building as a design process. The current study examined associations between engineering play with wooden unit blocks and mathematics and spatial skills of children with and without disabilities. Participants included 110 preschoolers (44% female; 25%…

The international mobility of academics is one of the key mechanisms through which university internationalization occurs; yet, fewer studies have investigated the impact that it has on academics' teaching, research, and service. This study investigates the relationship between short-term international mobility and changes in academics' research…

The author notes that the sciences are now something one must latch onto early and successfully as a teenager, and endure against all odds. This pivotal point requires maturity and even myopia--delayed gratification and voluntary dorkiness--traits not common in the young. As a nation, Americans are losing their hegemony in the sciences. In just…

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to share the content and early results from an interdisciplinary sustainability curriculum that integrates theory and practice (praxis). The curriculum links new topical courses concerning renewable energy, food, water, engineering and social change with specialized labs that enhance technological and…

Researchers have begun tracking a group of high ability high school students from high school into college study. These students indicated an interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) content areas, and specifically ocean sciences, through participation in a regional or national academic competition in high school--The…

The text of an interview with Erich Bloch, National Science Foundation (NSF) director, is provided. Among the topics/issues explored are NSF's role in policy research, mission and goals of NSF, establishment of NSF Engineering Research Centers, and national security issues involving access to supercomputers in universities that NSF is funding. (JN)

Indicates that the National Science Foundation (NSF) will emphasize technology to spur United States competition in technological development by raising support for engineering staff, research, and equipment. Includes a list of areas on which proposed engineering research centers should focus. (JN)

This document reports results of a review of estimated 1977 federal research and development (R&D) funding and requested 1978 federal R&D funding. Highlights include: 1978 estimated R&D total is $26.3 billion, an increase of 7.6% over 1977; average annual R&D growth rate for the period 1974-78 has risen to 10.9% compared to 1.5%…

Discusses issues related to the access of and training of university researchers in using supercomputers, considering National Science Foundation's (NSF) role in this area, microcomputers on campuses, and the limited use of existing telecommunication networks. Includes examples of potential scientific projects (by subject area) utilizing…

Presents "Undergraduate Faculty Development in Science: A Report to the Congress by the National Science Foundation," recommending low priority for this program. Although two years old, the issues in the report are of paramount concern to planners charged with improving undergraduate science education. (Author/JN)

Summarizes a National Science Foundation study of patterns in government research and development (R and D) funding for the fiscal years 1978-1980. Defense received a smaller percentage of the R and D funding while energy, biomedical research, and basic research received a larger percentage of said funding. (Author/DS)

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is currently putting an intense focus on national strength in the physical sciences to cope with challenges of tomorrow's high technology future. Includes comments by NSF director (Edward Knapp) on NSF role/operation, science education, and other areas. Also includes highlights of NSF accomplishments under…

Describes several National Science Foundation programs which encourage interaction between industries and universities. They include engineering research centers, Presidential Young Investigator Awards, and programs in the Industrial Science and Technology Innovation Division. Indicates that industry's pressing need for solutions often adds…

Discusses topics and issues related to government role in undergraduate science and engineering research, considering: (1) foreign students; (2) precollege education; (3) National Science Foundation funding activities; (4) faculty participation; (5) hearings on education; (6) budget reallocation; and (7) partnerships and cooperative arrangements.…

Summarizes President Carter's 1982 budget proposal for research and development (R and D) in science, technology, and related areas, with largest increases going to defense, and NASA. Indicates that R and D money could be affected by the Reagan Administration budget cuts. (SK)