Many studies illustrate the positive influences of undergraduate research experiences on student learning, attitudes, and retention in the sciences. At our institution, over 90% of the biology majors surveyed reported a desire to participate in undergraduate research, but only 3% per year have the opportunity to work in a traditional…

This article provides some tips for success in facilitating teamwork. Working collaboratively is common in science and the functioning of teams has a large impact on both the implementation of a research project and student satisfaction with the experience. The strategies are divided into what can be done to minimize problems from the start and…

Suggests using the planetarium as an educational resource for all ages. Discusses various planetarium teaching techniques and planetarium programs (with objectives) at Ball State University. They include programs for school children, college students, and the general public. (DH)

This article highlights the structure of a college horticulture course designed for students with nonscience majors. With an underlying emphasis that science is the manifestation of a basic human need to explain, the course outline illustrates the primary goal of developing and maintaining students' motivation for learning contemporary scientific…

Describes computer grading system providing/storing scores and giving feedback to instructors on how students are performing on a day-to-day basis and how they are handling course concepts. Focuses on the hardware and software of this efficient computerized grading package, which can be used with classes of 250 students (or larger). (Author/JN)

The ELMO (Embedded Learning Modules) curriculum reform project has designed science curricula for specific nonscience students that fulfill core requirements and demonstrate how science can be engaging and relevant. ELMO students experience science through active learning and group activities that encourage them to make connections between science…

Presents the background and rationale for the Science as a Way of Knowing Project. Also offers suggestions for incorporating the teaching of science as a way of knowing into science classes in general and in the teaching of evolution in college courses in particular. (JN)

Discusses the importance of teaching writing in college science classes by evaluating written lab reports, editing, and critically grading papers that students write. Also presents a structured method to teach lab report writing. (Author/SK)

Describes the Multidisciplinary Studies program at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth that provides advanced coursework in the sciences without requiring that a student major in a specific science. Focuses on the fields of environmental science, cognitive science, gerontology, and environmental psychology. (JRH)

Describes an innovative freshman chemistry program in which course sequences have been designed to accommodate students with strong or weak chemistry backgrounds or with no previous chemistry at all. Includes information on courses offered, instructional strategies, and laboratory examinations. (JN)

Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis developed the Weekend College, a program specially planned for working adult learners. Describes this program (which offers courses on Saturdays and Sundays) and a five-credit laboratory course in human physiology. Instructional strategies used and advantages/disadvantages of weekend courses are…

Describes instructional strategies used in a biology program to develop students' knowledge of biological concepts and skills needed to interrelate and apply the concepts. Discusses student progress in developing desired skills, (using pretest/posttest scores) examining these variables: major (major/nonmajor), sex (male/female), and high school…

Describes a program in chemistry which was designed to encourage undergraduate minority students to enroll in graduate study. States that students attended meetings with their advisors and met as a group for a research lecture. The program included graduate students, staff, and professors who gave lectures and tours. (RT)

Describes an interdisciplinary approach to science learning in settings usually associated with the humanities or social sciences. Explains the program, its rewards and results, the self and identity seminar, why the program works, and ways of adapting the program. (RT)

Citing problems with a traditional introductory chemistry laboratory program, discusses a two-semester, project-oriented laboratory program using traditional experiments. A series of slide/tape programs discussing/illustrating potentially difficult concepts and techniques is used to facilitate instruction. Includes list of topics covered in the…