Polymers are part of our lives; scientists dedicated to polymer science design new materials thinking about more eco-friendly methodologies and satisfying people's needs. In most universities, polymer science is taught by academics associated with the traditional chemistry departments (organic, analytical, physical, and inorganic chemistry). In…

The authors describe a model for embedding science communication into the science curriculum without displacing science content. They describe the rationale, development, design, and implementation of two courses taught by science faculty addressing these criteria. They also outline the evaluation plan for these courses, which emphasize broad…

Modern robots, like today's smartphones, are complex devices with intricate software systems. Introductory robot programming courses must evolve to reflect this reality, by teaching students to make use of the sophisticated tools their robots provide rather than reimplementing basic algorithms. This paper focuses on teaching with Tekkotsu, an open…

We present the most recent steps undertaken to reform the introductory algebra-based course at The George Washington University. The reform sought to help students improve their problem-solving performance. Our pedagogy relies on didactic constructs such as the" GW-ACCESS problem-solving protocol," "instructional sequences" and…

This case study analyzes five science courses of a United States virtual charter school. Online quizzes and exams are provided by the corporate partner, while local teachers have selected report topics, virtual labs and at-home labs for students to complete. These assessments were coded for their correlation to the cognitive levels of the revised…

This article discusses a systematic approach to designing significant learning experiences, often referred to as the "backward design process," which has been popularized by Wiggins and McTighe (1998) and is included as a central feature of L. Dee Fink's model for integrated course design (Fink, 2003). The process is referred to as backward…

Presents a rearranged general chemistry curriculum in a sequence thought to be more logical to students than the traditional sequence. (Author/KHR)

Described is the course of study for a physics major at Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, Illinois. The program varies from the typical physics curriculum in that classical mechanics is taught in the sophomore year rather than waiting until the junior year as seen in the typical physics major's curriculum. (DS)

This booklet contains descriptions of various Tech Prep programs developed by PACE (Promoting Academic Excellence In Mathematics, Science & Technology for Workers of the 21st Century). Each entry includes general program descriptions, curriculum outlines, and course descriptions. The clusters and their specialty areas described in the booklet are:…

A graduate-level computational chemistry course was designed and developed and carried out in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in the Fall of 2005. The thrust of the course was a reaction assignment that led students through a series of steps, beginning with energetic predictions based upon fundamental…

Summarizes major features and broad principles of design determined by the editorial panel of the Australian Academy of Science School Chemistry Project. Features discussed include roles of practical work, theory text and laboratory manual, structure of materials, subdivisions of content in text, writing, and appeals for assistance in the project.…

This paper describes a one-semester remedial biology course for freshmen college students. It includes rationale for such a course at the college level, course content and organization, and instructional strategies associated with specific problem areas such as the inability of students to categorize and distinguish between categories. Appendices…

Presented are a list of topics and references for a course in which scientific theories and concepts are developed to explain the energy crisis. Using the suggested approach, students gain an understanding of scientific theories and concepts as they relate to current human problems. (DS)

Described is Xavier University of Louisiana Piagetian-based general chemistry program. Laboratory experiments are in the learning cycle format and place emphasis on learning by doing. Aspects of the curriculum described include synopses of content covered, laboratory-preceding lectures, list of laboratory experiments covered, and evaluation of the…