Statistical methods are indispensable to the practice of science. But statistical hypothesis testing can seem daunting, with P-values, null hypotheses, and the concept of statistical significance. This article explains the concepts associated with statistical hypothesis testing using the story of "the lady tasting tea," then walks the…

This column includes activities inspired by children's literature. When learning about a topic, scientists refer to documents from past researchers. This month's trade books include nonfiction and historical fiction selections that help to demonstrate similarities and differences "then and now" while incorporating engineering design…

In 2013, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released its fifth report, attributing 95% of "all" climate warming--from the 1950s through today--to humans. Not only did the report--like previous IPCC reports dating back to 1990--accredit global warming to anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions, but over time the vast…

The commentaries on Downey and Condron found in this issue help advance an overdue conversation about schools and inequality. This paper considers two questions that are prompted by the comments from the authors' colleagues: (1) Would we make more progress reducing socio-economic and racial achievement gaps by reforming schools or by reforming the…

An analysis is presented of the varieties of activities that have been recognized in the Nobel Prizes in chemistry. Five different varieties are identified: exploration, description, synthesis, theorizing, and measurement. Prizes in chemistry have been distributed roughly equally among these five categories. The number of awards in each category…

It's not every day that scientific researchers need to defend themselves against charges of destroying humanity. And yet a group of several dozen physicists associated with the Large Hadron Collider may be getting pretty good at it--and, at the same time, actively engaging in public education and debate in ways that university scientists have…

The use of interactive virtual expeditions in classroom learning environments is an effective means to engage learners in understanding science as an inquiry process, infusing current research and relevant science into the classroom, and positively affecting learner attitudes towards science as a process and a career. A comparative analysis of the…

Summarizes the activities, contents, and overall outcomes of an international seminar organized jointly by two working groups of SEFI--the Working Group on Women in Engineering and the Working Group on Information and Communication Technologies. Replaces traditional teaching methods and concentration on narrow technical contents with a more…

Discusses philosophical connections between traditional librarianship and the nontraditional online professional and describes similar and different skills used in the two professions (sales/motivational skills, investigative reference skills, needs assessment, ability to handle details). Factors to consider in choosing an online-industry job and…

Investigates whether students' perceptions of scientists as being white, male, and dressed in laboratory coats is changing. Results from picture drawings made by 132 secondary school students indicate that the image pupils have of scientists is changing to show less gender bias and to be more realistic. (GR)

Compares libraries at three historically disadvantaged universities (University of the Western Cape, University of Durban-Westville, University of Fort Hare), three historically white universities (University of Cape Town and the University of Natal in Durban and in Pietermaritzburg), and the University of Botswana. Discusses the legacy of…

Addresses the multidimensional nature of cross-cultural research along with challenges of cross-cultural, comparative studies. Focuses on validity of constructs, appropriateness of measures, and suitability of methodologies. Discusses three studies accommodating the cross-cultural context and a study conducted in indigenous Australian communities…

In the first of two National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded workshops, 30 professors of biology and computer science from 18 institutions met at Wheaton College in Norton, Massachusetts, on June 6-7, 2002, to share ideas on how to incorporate genomics research into undergraduate curricula. The participants included nine pairs or trios of…

An overview of the membership of nine societies that comprise the American Institute of Physics is presented, with attention to demographic characteristics, employers, work activity, salaries, physics subfields, and differences among the societies. Comparisons are made to surveys since 1979, and highlights on 1983 salaries are included. One…

Information is presented on the composition of the 1979 membership of the American Institute of Physics (AIP). Questionnaires were administered to members of the nine independent societies of the AIP to determine demographic and employment information. Background characteristics of the membership include the following: more than half identify…