The use of primary literature can be an effective way to expose students to the scientific research process. At the same time, primary literature can be intimidating to many students, particularly those with limited exposure to science research. The CREATE (consider, read, elucidate hypotheses, analyze and interpret the data, and think of the next…

One of the goals for requiring all college students to take science courses is to develop critical thinking about scientific issues they will encounter as citizens, consumers, and patients. This article integrates skill development activities targeting civic scientific literacy skills in a nonscience majors (liberal arts) biochemistry course, but…

We report on research carried out to improve teaching and student engagement in the introductory astronomy course at the University of Cape Town. This course is taken by a diverse range of students, including many from educationally disadvantaged backgrounds. We describe the development of an instrument, the Introductory Astronomy Questionnaire…

This syllabus describes the course objective, examinations and grading, term papers and class presentation, and references. Provides a table of assignments and schedule describing topics and contents. (YP)

Described is a course designed to demonstrate the interactions of science, technology, and society and present effective ways to integrate science/technology/societal issues into the curriculum. Included are the course development, goals, content, selection criteria, project impact, course evaluation, and conclusion. (KR)

Discussed is the idea that scientific illiteracy among scientists lies at the heart of the problems with undergraduate science education. Included is a description of a science literacy course for nonmajors and a proposed list of the most important ideas underlying science. (KR)

"Points of View" addresses issues faced by many people within the life sciences educational realm. This issue addresses the question "What should a biology student know?" The author argues for focusing on skill over content when teaching nonmajors biology, with the foundation of his argument being that literacy in any field…

Described is a two-year course for non-college-bound high school students called Principles of Technology. The goals, design, and units of the course are discussed. Criticism of the course is reviewed. (CW)

This syllabus describes the course background, central themes and issues, texts, resources, and recommended readings. Main topics are the sociology of information technology, computers and social change, telecommunications, computers and human interactions, applications in working, and social issues and political implications. (YP)

Described is a course that attempts to demonstrate the relationships that exist between science and business. Emphasized are the roles that scientific analysis and scientific knowledge and technology play as vital tools in management decision making in business. (KR)

Discusses changes made since the publication of "A Nation at Risk." Presents a chemistry course in which scientific literacy is a major emphasis. Provides methodology for the course and a listing of the topics for instruction. Notes several criticisms of the approach. (MVL)

A nonmajors course entitled Ideas and Concepts in Physics that surveys the conception and development of ideas in classical and modern physics is described. Details of the syllabus and suggestions for incorporating an historical approach into the physics curriculum on both the precollege and college levels are provided. A bibliography of materials…

Described is a unit of study on nuclear weapons from a course on nuclear technology. Provided are the elements of first strike attack designed for invoking students' interest and an explanation of each. (YP)

In January 1975, 31 Venzuelan students of science were admitted to the University of Essex. It was suggested that a pre-first-year period be divided equally between attendance of regular college courses and English courses designed especially for them. This article describes the English course hurriedly prepared to meet this specific situation.…

Examines the proposed definition of biological literacy as the understanding of a small number of pervasive biological principles appropriate to making informed personal and societal decisions. Utilizes the content of a major daily newspaper to adjust biology instruction to focus on this notion of biological literacy. Discusses benefits and…