Broadening participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers requires that underrepresented students, including women and minorities, persist in their studies and complete undergraduate and graduate degrees. Studies have shown that engaging students in undergraduate research and improving students' science…

Authentic undergraduate research laboratory experiences are essential to aid in the implementation of science education reform mandates and to effectively train a new generation of biology students. Here we present assessment data on a unique four-step laboratory pedagogical framework that allows students to develop scientific thinking and…

The author provides dialogue: to define science; to show scientific combinations; to distinguish between projects that are science and those that are not; and to consider the justification for continuing scientific research. (DF)

A new program, On Recent Discoveries by Emory Researchers (ORDER), has been developed as a bridge across the ever-widening gap between graduate and undergraduate education in the sciences. This bridge is created by merging the needs of graduate/postdoctoral students to educate more interdisciplinary scholars about their research discoveries with…

Discusses variables and parameters involved in scientific research to set up guidelines for research workers. Indicates that flexibility, perseverance, and self-awareness are necessary traits for researchers to function in a universe of continuous change. (CC)

Discusses how traditional lab exercises can be converted into investigative exercises. Describes an exercise on seed germination that has students design their own experiments based on their initial results. Involves students in the scientific process and allows them to experience the joys and disappointments of experimental work. (JRH)

Presents a scenario about Ignaz Semmelweis' work with childbed fever. Provides study questions about the scenario as well as teaching notes. (YDS)

Traces the development of a senior level course for biology majors the integrates curriculum studies with critical analysis of current biology research and communication skills. Objectives for the course include understanding the scientific method and assessing and using information sources. (DDR)

Outlines a course designed to help students write about scientific topics for particular audiences and to develop the writing skills they need as students and as professionals. Defines the role of the instructor in such a course. (DDR)

Addresses the issue of possible conflict of interest between women's values and the values of science, including such topics as the liberal ideology of science, questioning science as a source of authority, scientific objectivity, and possibilities of a feminist science. (DS)

Describes an undergraduate research program for minority students. The program and eight objectives of the first course of the program, "Introduction to Research," are presented. Some strengths and weaknesses of the course are considered. (YP)