Since the 1970s, Aalborg University has been developing a new pedagogical model in higher education: The Project Oriented-Problem Based Learning (PO-PBL). In particular, the Faculty of Engineering and Science has developed a pedagogical proposal that introduces students to a different type of learning. One of the theoretical frameworks…

Assuming that textbooks give literary expression to cultural and ideological values of a nation or group, we propose the analysis of chemistry textbooks used in Brazilian universities throughout the twentieth century. We analyzed iconographic and textual aspects of 31 textbooks which had significant diffusion in the context of Brazilian…

Discusses a successfully implemented laboratory experiment that compares the strengths and weaknesses of mechanical and computer models. The computer models used are available from the Quantum Chemistry Program Exchange (QCPE) at a modest price. (JN)

Many properties of new particle field theories can only be tested by comparing their predictions about the physical conditions immediately after the big bang with what can be reconstructed about this event from astronomical data. Facts/questions about big bang, unified field theories, and universe epochs/mass are among the topics discussed. (JN)

Presents results of a two-year study regarding factors causing student difficulties in performing investigative activities in a beginning biology course. Also investigates the usefulness of written guidelines in alleviating these difficulties. A model for student investigations is proposed. (CS)

Understanding of immunological techniques such as the Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA) is an important part of instructional units in human health, developmental biology, microbiology, and biotechnology. This paper describes a simple ELISA exercise for undergraduate biology that effectively simulates the technique using a paper model.…

Describes a computer simulation to elucidate the subject of coherence. The model on which simulation is based links coherence to the correlation of fields. It also describes the model and presents some results. (Author/GA)

Describes an exercise (using Apple microcomputer) which provides an introduction to computer simulation as a biological research tool. Includes examples of students' modeling programs and partial program listings for programs developed by students from an original model. (JN)

A model is introduced for the simulation of Boltzmann-like binary interactions which may be extended to exhibit the effect of angular dependence in the scattering cross section and other dynamical aspects of two-body interactions. (Author/SK)

Presents a simple experiment--a marble rolling on a tilted desk--to introduce students to moving bodies. Makes difficult subjects such as measurement, calculus, modeling, and uncertainty easier to identify by putting them into a simple context. Discusses misconceptions, models, and measurements. (JRH)

Describes four cases for which simulation techniques can be used to analyze the kinetics of the chemical system. Included are series first-order and enzyme kinetics. (MA)

Background information, procedures, and results are presented for experiments on the pyridoxal/metal ion model system. These experiments illustrate catalysis through Schiff's base formation between aldehydes/ketones and primary amines, catalysis by metal ions, and the predictable manner in which metal ions inhibit or catalyze reactions. (JN)

Describes undergraduate chemistry curricula in which the student is asked to either build a model of one asymmetric unit in the unit cell and to indicate the positions of the symmetry-related units by putting in key atoms, or to identify on a prebuild model the asymetric and symmetry-related units. (BB)

Describes a model which gives realistic predictions of pulsatile pressure, flow, and volume events in the cardiovascular system. Includes computer oriented laboratory exercises for veterinary and graduate students; equations of the dynamic and algebraic models; and a flow chart for the cardiovascular teaching program. (JN)

Describes effects which produce the semidiurnal tidal bulges, using elementary methods, without reference to fictitious forces and without recourse to a potential. (Author/HM)