This article describes and illustrates a physics course for first-year college students whose only knowledge of physics is that they do not like the subject. The physics content is driven entirely by what appears in the daily newspapers and generally covers most physics topics in a semester. This course was structured as a learning community that…

[This paper is part of the Focused Collection on Astronomy Education Research.] This study investigates students' perceived impacts regarding their participation in course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) in astronomy. Each research experience adopted one or more projects from the Research Based Science Education for Undergraduates…

Describes a nonmathematical course in quantitative methods to train bioscience students to formulate problems directly in the programing language and to use the programs so developed to analyze the implication of the hypotheses. (GA)

Argues that thermal physics should not be treated as a separate topic in introductory physics. Provides an example of a course that emphasizes physical modeling of the phenomenon in terms of the atomic nature of matter. (Author/CCM)

This paper discusses some traditional approaches to the teaching of evolutionary theory at pre-university level, criticising in particular some of the more commonly used models and exemplars. Curricular demands are described and an alternative approach is suggested, using the emerging story of human evolution. Recent discoveries help to illustrate…

Describes an approach which begins with observations and systems familiar to the student and proceeds to develop and test models to explain them. Experimental topics include Brownian motion, a germinating cell, phase change of p-dichlorobenzene, extension and contraction of rubber, and an enzyme system. (GS)

Describes aims, objectives content, and instructional strategies of a course in systems modelling and control at Imperial College, England. Major problem areas include multivariable control system design, estimation and filtering, and the design and use of adaptive "self-tuning" regulators. (Author/JN)

Described is a course that focuses on theory and techniques for ideation and refinement of geometric models used in mechanical engineering design applications. The course objectives, course outline, a description of the facilities, sample exercises, and a discussion of final projects are included. (KR)

Revises Taba's model in developing a short course, "Winter Environment," in environmental education for use in elementary schools. Lists five course objectives and describes evaluation instruments to test the success of each objective. Suggests a model for curriculum evaluation. (CS)

Provides an overview of the interdisciplinary science, student, and value-oriented approach of the Israeli Environmental Education Project (IEEP). Presents the projects learning model which identifies the scope of the studies, student activities, teaching strategies, content, and the four curriculum units. (ML)

A model to illuminate and relate various twentieth-century philosophical perspectives on key questions about the nature of scientific theories and, therefore, aspects of the structure and development of postmodern science is described. The Scientific Theory Profile model then forms the basis for a course for science teachers in perspectives on the…

Meeting the needs of the nation for science teachers who can prepare future citizens for a technological world requires a new curriculum. Middle school science education spans all of the natural sciences and therefore a college program to prepare teachers for this kind of assignment should include a strong background in interdisciplinary science…

Describes an introductory graphics course developed to expose undergraduates in the use of computer-based graphics as both a problem-solving and communication tool within engineering, the sciences, and other technical areas. Discusses course strategy, classroom setup, course content, and various software packages utilized in the course. (Author/KR)

Presents a scheme for a one-year course of study in Science, Technology and Society that can be easily adapted. Includes a listing of course goals, topic areas, and instructional strategies and techniques. Provides examples of activities and descriptions of four courses in Science, Technology and Society. (ML)

Designed to specifically assist science educators and science consultants in the preparation of teachers and for the development of curricula, this yearbook contains resources and ideas addressing the need for science, technology, society (S/T/S) in school science programs. Eleven papers are organized into three thematic sections. Part one focuses…