The importance of high-tech careers has risen as the international competitiveness of US students on tests of science and math has declined. The problem is compounded by a persistent inequity in STEM participation and achievement in the US across gender and racial and ethnic groups. Bridgewater State University's Student Retention Enhancement…

Of the eight practices of science identified in "A Framework for K-12 Science Education" (NRC 2012), helping students develop and use models has been identified by many as an anchor (Schwarz and Passmore 2012; Windschitl 2012). In instruction, disciplinary core ideas, crosscutting concepts, and scientific practices can be meaningfully…

The dynamics model, which is based on L. Talmy's (1988) theory of force dynamics, characterizes causation as a pattern of forces and a position vector. In contrast to counterfactual and probabilistic models, the dynamics model naturally distinguishes between different cause-related concepts and explains the induction of causal relationships from…

Provides an outline of the topics covered in the program. Included are introductions to transactional analysis and Piaget's theory of intellectual development. Explains the evaluation of the program and presents data obtained from past participants. (GS)

Discusses problems related to the lack of mathematical competence in school physics, the contribution of modern math to the teaching of school physics, and the lack of cooperation between physics and math teachers. Presents a promising model to create a satisfactory liaison between math and science in the schools. (GS)

The Lincoln Advanced Science and Engineering Reinforcement (LASER) Program at Lincoln University, which has recruited over 100 students for majors in technical fields, is described in this report. To date, over 70% have completed or will complete technical degrees in engineering, physics, chemistry, and computer science. Of those completing the…

Twenty-three self-contained single concept physics demonstration packages were designed and constructed at Lamar University (Texas). Each package was available for loan to pre-college science instructors in southeastern Texas in the spring and summer of 1987. During the spring, three high school physics teachers used the demonstrations and…

Project ARCHIMEDES was designed in cooperation with local teachers to enhance concept understanding of teachers of physics and physical sciences, to increase use of electronics and computers in the classroom, and to introduce research on students' misconceptions in physics, teaching methods for identifying and remediating misconceptions, and ways…

The project was to design, produce, and field test interactive video materials to increase junior high school student interest in physics and chemistry. A curriculum development team consisting of junior high school physical science students and teachers and university educators produced a seven-part videotape series entitled "The…

This guide offers information and procedures necessary to train mechanical engineering technicians. Discussed first are the rationale and objectives of the curriculum. The occupational field of mechanical engineering technology is described. Next, a curriculum model is set forth that contains information on the standard mechanical engineering…

This guide outlines the rationale, content, and methodology of a three-part high technology program that was developed in Georgia to provide secondary school students with training in the areas of electronics and electromechanical and mechanical technologies. Discussed first are the Georgia Initiative, the impact of high technology and the role of…