Scientific literacy is an increasingly important skill for today and tomorrow's citizens. Encapsulated in the definition of being scientifically literate, one must be knowledgeable about science and technology in context and be able to interpret and communicate the information well. Introductory science courses, like general chemistry, are key…

Learning outcomes are inevitably to be declared by any university and educational institution at every level of their programmes. It should have a general scheme for all programmes regardless of the discipline specificities, individual courses or even independent instructional units. Such outcomes are stated at different levels based on the…

We reported a redesign of a physical chemistry laboratory course (CHEM 166) for our chemistry majors at the University of Vermont carried out during the COVID-19 pandemic. We started to teach this course after a curriculum reform, which split an upper-division undergraduate laboratory course into physical and analytical chemistry laboratories. To…

The development of science writing and presentation skills is necessary for a successful science career. Too often these skills are not included in pre- or postsecondary science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, leading to a disconnect between high schoolers' expectations for college preparedness and the skills needed to…

The historic underrepresentation of women, certain racial and ethnic minorities, and members of other marginalized groups in careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) reflects a disproportionate exit of individuals from these academic and career paths due to both environmental and personal factors. To transition…

An investigation on whether a course designed strategically so that assessment methods are aligned with course objectives promotes the students' capacity for higher-order cognitive thinking is presented. Students' view of their own learning process in this course is examined.

Describes the rationale for and implementation, content, objectives, and format of an undergraduate toxicology course. Includes criteria required to offer such a course. (SK)

Educational objectives were developed for an undergraduate electrical engineering curriculum. The courses studied were computer programming, electrical science, electrical networks, electronic engineering, and engineering communications. The courses were analyzed in terms of purpose, content, and objectives. Definitive problems for each course…

Discusses rationale for, goals/organization of, and problems related to geology minicourse program. The program provides a framework for students to construct a tailor-made, individualized course in which a "walk-through" (poster session) replaces the traditional final examination. Includes results of course evaluations and listing of minicourses…

Discussed is the need for examining the reasons for teaching optics to help to determine how optics should be taught. (SL)

Reports the results of a survey of graduates, employers, and instructors of engineering technology programs for the essential topics in mechanical engineering technology, mechanical drafting/design technology, manufacturing engineering technology, and industrial engineering technology. Identifies the proficiency level suggested for classwork and…

A typical undergraduate biology curriculum covers a very large number of concepts and details. We describe the development of a Biology Concept Framework (BCF) as a possible way to organize this material to enhance teaching and learning. Our BCF is hierarchical, places details in context, nests related concepts, and articulates concepts that are…

Presented are justifications for including optics in the science curriculum, an outline of optics instruction as presently presented in English secondary schools, and a review of probable future trends in optics instruction. (SL)

Described is the ninth- through twelfth-grade science program of the Montgomery County Public Schools, Rockville, Maryland. This program provides opportunities for students to experience individual interests and career choices. Two credits in science are taken in grades nine through twelve and generally include laboratory science and biology. Most…

This paper discusses a college-level course on contemporary topics in science offered to non-science majors at the State University College of New York. The authors examine the objectives, methods, and various student groupings utilized in the course, investigate why it has been successful, and make recommendations for courses of this nature. The…