Lab components of undergraduate science courses typically have students complete highly directed cookbook-like laboratory activities. These experiences rarely engage students in a meaningful manner and do not accurately convey what the work of science entails. With funding from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), we have created more…

This article describes the implementation of high-altitude balloon (HAB) research into a variety of undergraduate atmospheric science classes as a means of increasing active student engagement in real-world, problem-solving events. Because high-altitude balloons are capable of reaching heights of 80,000-100,000 ft (24-30 km), they provide a…

Quantitative reasoning is a key intellectual skill, applicable across disciplines and best taught in the context of authentic, relevant problems. Here, I describe and assess a laboratory exercise that has students calculate their "carbon footprint" and evaluate the impacts of various behavior choices on that footprint. Students gather…

This paper discusses a novel structure for providing a high-impact, first year experience for science students. ASTER (Access to Science Through Experience in Research) is an extracurricular certification program designed to introduce our students to the research culture via seminar attendance, journal clubs, book clubs, and lab visits.…

Planetarium presentations at Ball State University have been integrated into a science and society course titled Colloquium in Science and Mathematics. A brief description and educational objectives for six of the presentations are provided. (JN)

Briefly described is the Computer Managed Instruction (CMI) package used in the college chemistry program at El Centro College, Dallas, Texas. (PEB)

Discusses science education activities at the National Science Foundation (NSF), focusing on a new NSF activity ("Research in Undergraduate Institutions"--RUI) designed to support faculty research in settings where the primary emphasis is on undergraduate education. Related issues and concerns are addressed. (JN)

Describes the effectiveness of offering a large number of one-credit science courses during the reformation of a college science program, thus catering to students with a need for courses supporting their major fields as well as providing socially relevant courses. (AL)

Describes a science seminar program designed for a small science department in a two-year college. Presents a list of topics covered. (GS)

A method of utilizing a basic audio-tape format within a supervised self-instructional learning center was developed to provide students with the individualized approach to learning in courses with large student enrollments. (DF)