Presents an approach to combine the empirical approach of classical thermodynamics with the structural approach of statistical mechanics. Topics covered include dynamical foundation of the first law; mechanical work, heat, radiation, and the first law; thermal equilibrium; thermal processes; thermodynamic probability; entropy; the second law;…

Describes problems with teaching embryology in the traditional manner. Presents a new approach where students prepare presentations, questions, and discussion topics. During laboratory periods, students conducted their own long-term research projects. (PR)

This syllabus has been developed as an alternative to Regents biology and is intended for the average student who could benefit from an introductory biology course. It is divided into seven major units dealing with, respectively: (1) similarities among living things; (2) human biology (focusing on nutrition, transport, respiration, excretion, and…

A joint business-chemistry course which focuses on consumer testing is described. Guidelines for organizing the students into testing teams and suggested laboratory experiments are included. (DT)

The two-year curriculum in chemical technology presented in the document is designed to prepare high school graduates for technical positions in the chemical industry. Course outlines are given for general chemistry, chemical calculations, quantitative analysis, environmental chemistry, organic chemistry 1 and 2, instrumental analysis, and…

Presents an overview of the teaching of plastics at various levels of technological education in the Netherlands focusing on mechanical engineering. Highlights the design process and discusses the Dutch perspective of the role of materials engineering in engineering curricula. (ML)

Reviews the objectives, themes, and content of a series of five color videotapes on volcanic rock textures. Explains how the tapes, which integrate petrographic observations of textures with computer graphics, can be used in undergraduate and graduate level courses. (ML)

Describes a one-semester course in environmental chemistry for students who have had a full year of introductory level chemistry. Illustrates how material from this upper-level course was integrated into a general chemistry course. Examples of content are provided. (CW)

Describes a course offered at Manhattan College which examines some of the ethical problems particular to the field of engineering. Considers religious perspectives on the nature of work and technology. Places special emphasis on case studies. (TW)

Describes a course offered at California Polytechnic State University which is intended to acquaint students with broad value topics concerning science and technology, especially problems and opportunities technologies raise in social, political, economic, and physical environments. (TW)

Describes how the "Ascent of Man" television series serves as a basis for discussion with nonscience honors students in an undergraduate course at Michigan State University. Explains the format, major themes, and system of evaluation of the course. Presents samples of topics, suggested reading, and the "Ascent of Man" film…

Examines several areas to be considered in developing physics syllabi. They include (1) the objectives of physics teaching and learning; (2) physics as an experience, based on realistic expectations of what 14- to 16-year-olds are capable of; and (3) the kinds of experiences in which students can succeed (including computer experiences). (JN)

Discusses how "live" experiments were combined with media packages and recorded lectures to allow coverage of more material and foster greater student/teacher interactions. Notes were distributed at the beginning of the semester which allow students to record experimental data from class demonstrations. Problems and suggestions for course…

Describes a two-semester course designed to meet the needs of future elementary teachers, home economists, and occupational therapists. Laboratory work includes homemade calorimeters, inclined planes, and computing. Content areas of the course include measurement, physics, chemistry, astronomy, biology, geology, and meteorology. (JN)

A physics program within which students design their own experiments and construct the needed equipment is described. Different projects and equipment designed and built by the students are detailed as examples of the success of this program. (JP)