This report was developed to address institutional biosafety committees' implementation of federal guidelines applicable to the environmental release of genetically engineered organisms. These committees are from universities, companies, and other organizations that are using recombinant DNA technology in their laboratories. The committees are…

Effective evaluation of educational software is a key issue for successful introduction of advanced tools in the curriculum. This paper details to developing and evaluating a tool for computer assisted learning of science laboratory courses. The process was based on the generic instructional system design model. Various categories of educational…

Key issues in the design of science facilities used by grades nine through twelve are presented and analyzed in this extended discussion. Four basic determinants of educational specifications are given as--(1) gross activities and sub-group organization, (2) number of students in the space, (3) services required, and (4) location in relation to…

Argues that government financing of basic research has failed to keep pace with rising research costs, especially for the funding of university laboratories in many countries. Urges that new sources of funding be sought and that a more flexible structure for allocating resources be established. (TW)

Discusses some of the ways that local school systems are dealing with federal and state safety, health, and environmental laws with regard to the disposal of hazardous substances. Recounts the experiences of the Fairfax County (Virginia) Schools in dealing with the hazard communication (or right-to-know) standard. (TW)

Reviews the goals of laboratory education as identified by the National Science Teachers Association. Describes an Apple II system for the lab. Concentrates on hardware and connections. Stresses the advantages of student-microcomputer interaction in the laboratory setting. (CW)

Describes the development of a 29-point questionnaire regarding safety in the science laboratory. Includes a copy of the questionnaire along with specific recommendations for action to take relating to each item on the questionnaire. (TW)

Presents six brief articles dealing with the use of computers in teaching various topics in chemistry. Describes hardware and software applications which relate to protein graphics, computer simulated metabolism, interfaces between microcomputers and measurement devices, courseware available for spectrophotometers, and the calculation of elemental…

Summarizes a survey of the condition of high school science laboratories in the greater Cincinnati area (N=36). Reports safety measures undertaken for fire and burn and eye and face protection, waste disposal, storage facilities, and ventilation. Offers suggestions and plans for enriching safety education programs for teachers. (ML)

Presents the results of a study to determine the efficacy of slide/tape and cine-loop presentations in teaching a microbiological manipulative skill to undergraduate students. (Author/SA)

Describes an interactive computer program written to provide accurate and immediate feedback to students while they are processing experimental data. Discusses the problems inherent in laboratory courses that led to the development of this program. Advantages of the software include allowing students to work at their own pace in a nonthreatening…

Examines similarities and differences between the experienced and novice science teachers' (n=23) pedagogical content knowledge with respect to demonstration teaching. Concludes that experienced demonstrators have a broader understanding for chemical demonstration teaching than do novices. Suggestions are made to assist novice teachers in…

Describes two recently completed projects at Utah State University which have provided marked improvement to the preparation of prospective secondary science teachers. The projects focused on cognitive psychology and conceptual change teaching and construction and furnishing of a new secondary science teacher preparation laboratory. (LZ)

Contrasts the traditional honors program and the Advanced Placement program of the College Entrance Examination Board using the self-reports of 155 high school science teachers experienced in both programs. Examines the perceived influences of each program format upon the use of basic teaching techniques, laboratory experiences, pacing of the…

Describes the development of an undergraduate physical chemistry laboratory curriculum at Duke University (North Carolina) that integrates library instruction for chemical information sources. Highlights include network access, electronic journals, access to Web sites, and the need for increased user education. (LRW)