Scientific reasoning, argumentation, and problem-solving are essential skills in 21st century. They help people solve problems in daily life. This study aimed to investigate the effect of local-based teaching materials on student's argumentation, scientific reasoning, and problemsolving skills using Science Project-based Learning (SPjBL).…

Demands are placed on undergraduate courses in chemistry to develop transferable skills, such as teamwork, alongside subject content and technical skills. Such skills can be developed by implementing pedagogies which involve students working together. Such pedagogies can, however, pose various challenges, including unfavourable student perceptions…

Undergraduate students are increasingly aware of complex global challenges and have a strong desire to take action and create change. Course-based undergraduate research experiences can offer a wide range of students the opportunity to gain skills needed to address these challenges. At a small liberal arts college in New England, we developed the…

This article describes learner and tutor reports of a learning network that formed during the completion of investigative projects on a residential field course. Staff and students recorded project-related interactions, who they were with and how long they lasted over four phases during the field course. An enquiry based learning format challenged…

This book is intended as a final report on those activities and institutions supported through the National Science Foundation's College Science Improvement Programs (COSIP A & B), and as a reference to current developments in undergraduate science education. In the first major subdividion of this work are included project abstracts for the…

Describes the objectives, assignment structure, requirements, and results of a team project in a junior-level transport course. Provides tables of rules, projects list, and a group member evaluation form. (YP)

Investigates the potential for carry-over of prior learning from one scenario to the next at various parts of the hard-soft spectrum in a control engineering context. Discusses hard-soft systems, input-output analysis, law of industrial dynamics, decision-making, developing models, model sensitivity analysis, and educational programs. (YP)

One definition of creativity is the conviction that each and every existing idea can be improved. It is proposed that creativity in an engineering design process can be encouraged by the adoption of Total Quality Management (TQM) methods based on a commitment to continuous improvement. This paper addresses the introduction and application of TQM…

Describes a project on the application of the laser which aims to stimulate the interest of undergraduate students in applied physics and to demonstrate the interaction between light and ultrasonic waves by building a simple laser communication system. (SK)

Describes a method to detect the presence of microgram quantities of nearly any metal in samples of alloys, minerals, water, and air. This chemical-spot testing technique requires no elaborate equipment and can be done by an amateur. (SK)

This study was an ethnography of high school students working as apprentices in university solid state physics labs, as part of a summer science program. It was designed to explore the learning potential for high school students in such an environment. It examined the social interactions between scientists and students and how these…

Describes a program that involved classroom instruction in advanced mathematics, a visit to the Mathematical Sciences section of Oak Ridge Laboratory, talks by faculty members on their interests, work with mentors on student research activities, and various recreational activities. Includes a list of projects and students participating. (RT)

Examines the effect of solar radiation on colored shingles. Describes the experimental procedure, results, and discussion. Presents a picture of the experimental arrangement and three graphs of data measured at different dates. (YP)

Describes the National Sea Grant Program and eight types of education programs. Examines funding patterns from 1976 through 1987. Assesses current status of education within the Program using a director's survey. Discusses some implications for science educators. Provides the conceptual scheme for aquatic studies and a directory of the programs.…

The Prime Minister's Committee on Natural Science in Education in Great Britain reported in 1918 that "...in many schools more time is spent in laboratory work than the results obtained can justify." Seventy years later this conclusion can often still be drawn. This is particularly a problem in open distance education where laboratory practicals,…