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)

Presented is a 27 class short course relating to political aspects of exploration of outer space. A summary for each class and the overall course objectives are included. (SL)

Describes an elective, interdisciplinary course designed to allow students to examine relationships between science and the humanities and to foster scientific literacy and appreciation for the scientific enterprise. (SK)

A course on the evolvement of life was developed using a thematic, problem-oriented approach rather than the traditional, discipline-oriented approach. Course content, format, and evaluation are discussed. Textbooks and related materials used in the course are also discussed. (Author/JN)

Describes a topics course offered at the University of New Mexico entitled "Lasers in Chemistry," which is designed for beginning graduate students and advanced undergraduates in all areas of chemistry. (CS)

Provides an overview of a one-semester course in rocks and minerals for non-geology majors taught at Pittsburg State University. Includes information involving the methodology and content of the course, equipment needed, textbook selection, and general impressions of the course. (DS)

A two-week unit on "Science in Crime Detection" is described. Topics, laboratory activities, and instructional strategies for the unit (appropriate for both chemistry and physical science) are included. (JN)

Reports on an island ecology course offered by Eastern Connecticut State College providing opportunities for students to study the ecology and natural history of organisms found in a variety of subtropical habitats in Bermuda. Explains student selection criteria, trip preparation, evaluation criteria, daily programs, and habitats studied on the…

Describes the structure and content of a four-year physics/microcomputer degree program at the University of Surrey. (SK)

Describes a year 12 preemployment science course which includes (1) the study of human physiology; (2) construction, maintenance, and repair of science materials; and (3) teaching science to year three and four students at a local primary school. (DS)

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.…

Describes the implementation and impact of a two-semester mastery-oriented astrophysics sequence for upper-level physics/astrophysics majors designed to handle flexibly a wide range of student backgrounds. A Personalized System of Instruction (PSI) format was used fostering frequent student-instructor interaction and role-modeling behavior in…

Presents the results of a survey on the status of inorganic laboratory courses. Indicates that they are in a continuing period of evolution and all stages of the evolution are represented in schools across the country. (Author/JN)

Described is a program in applied chemistry within a classical chemistry department of a university located in a Third World country. The course was designed to provide student with knowledge and skills used by chemists in Jamaican industry. Summer employment is required as part of the program. (DS)

Described is the use of six self-paced mastery learning units dealing with fundamental concepts found to be difficult for first-year college chemistry students. (CS)