This article discusses the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) Teaching and Research (STAR) Leadership Program, developed at Austin College, which engages students in activities integrated into undergraduate STEM courses that promote the development of leadership behaviors. Students focus on interpersonal communication,…

In order to be effective competitors in the marketplace, students must be able to think critically, communicate complex ideas through writing, collaborate with peers, and apply their knowledge of biological science to generate solutions for issues facing society. In this paper we examine the nature of the instructional tools, strategies, and…

The International Polar Year-Research and Educational Opportunities in Antarctica for Minorities (IPY-ROAM) program was designed to increase minority participation in polar science by immersing participants in an academic program that included a trip to Antarctica. The IPY-ROAM program was focused on increasing public understanding of the polar…

Preservice preparation courses for elementary teachers of science can provide opportunities to build pedagogical content knowledge. One common concern of preservice teachers is how to cope with a preplanned lesson that does not proceed as planned. Providing opportunities for preservice teachers to experience the unexpected actually immerses them…

The use of Data Sets in instructional programs as supplements to firsthand experiences is described. A segment of one Data Set related to microbiology is given. (SA)

Describes a course designed to familiarize students with alternative sources of energy, with emphasis on problem-solving strategies. Includes list of major topics/subtopics addressed and list of textbooks and recommended readings on alternative energy sources. (JN)

Explains how a simple three-step algorithm can aid college students in solving synapse transmission problems. Reports that all of the students did not completely understand the algorithm. However, many learn a simple working model of synaptic transmission and understand why an impulse will pass across a synapse quantitatively. Students also see…

Argues that students are conditioned by years of multiple-choice testing to use only simple recall and view knowledge as an uncataloged museum full of independent facts that are collected, recited, and left to gather dust. (DDR)

Describes the function, management and facilities of the Physics Tutorial Center (PTC) at North Carolina State University. A primary function of the PTC is to provide immediate and individualized response to learning problems identified by the students. The operational philosophy is to guide the student to the solution by asking questions and not…

Provides guidance and some guidelines for those trying to gain support for classroom innovations. Includes a chart of some influencing strategies and research-based accounts of some methods that can be employed to garner support. (DDR)

Describes a course developed for undergraduate students that includes an environmental science lecture and laboratory section. Focuses on the laboratory section as the critical component with activities that are real-world related, hands-on, problem solving-based, and use cooperative learning approaches. (Contains 12 references.) (Author/YDS)

In guided design, students are led through the process of solving open-ended problems in "slow motion." Steps in the decision making involved in and examples of guided design projects in a physical science course are outlined and discussed. Comments on student evaluation of the course are included. (JN)

Describes a college course that provides a challenging learning experience in science based upon famous experiments and observations dating from the time of Aristotle to the present day. Presents information concerning (1) the course organization, structure, laboratory development, and expectations; (2) course content by quarter; (3) evaluation of…

The Individualized Eclectic Examination is described. The format, design, and philosophy of the examination that emphasizes problem solving are discussed. Sample questions, student projects, and an illustration of the implementation of the exam are included. (CW)

Students crave problem-solving strategies that promise increased achievement on tests. Student ambitions seem to align with teacher goals, yet students resist using these strategies for various reasons. We seek to establish a pedagogy modifying student behavior so they are more likely to use any strategy a teacher deems useful. (Contains 1 figure…