Examines the typewriter keyboard--the major method of information entry for the computer--and describes efforts to rearrange keyboards to improve speed and ease of use. The Montgomery wipe-activated keyboard, based on the frequency of word use, is pictured and explained. (10662 Los Vaqueros Circle, Los Alamitos, CA 90720) (JJD)

Active involvement in society-related issues can elevate junior high school students' interest not only in the problem being solved but also in related scientific concepts. Examples of how scientific concepts and society-related issues can be taught in the same class are presented, focusing on genetic engineering, water shortage, and others.…

National Science Board's fourteenth annual report to Congress indicates that university/industry relationships remained vigorous and varied during the 1960s/1970s, that corporate support of academic research is significantly higher than generally believed and that employee recruitment is an impetus for such alliances. These and other findings from…

Redesign of human-computer interface for users of computerized information systems can make substantial difference in training time, performance speed, error rates, and user satisfaction. Information and computer scientists are using controlled psychologically oriented experimentation, and evaluations during system development and active use to…

The model presented identifies three basic needs which must be met in order to increase our understanding of the user interface in computerized information systems: empirical studies of users' attitudes; systematic summaries and critical analyses of these studies; and an interim set of guidelines for user interface design. (EJS)

Regrouping cars from incoming trains into blocks of cars for outgoing trains is accomplished in railroad "hump" classification yards. Discusses: hardware and software elements of such installations; physical models on which software is based; success in predicting/regulating car speeds; and results of recent research into factors…

The purpose of this study was to assess selected areas of safety instruction in agricultural mechanics conducted at agricultural teacher education programs across the United States. Overall, teacher educators believe their students are competent in safety. However, they also believe that many graduate with insufficient preparation in the area of…

Presents the testimony of Donald McCurdy, president of NSTA, to the subcommittee on science, research, and technology of the U.S. House of Representatives concerning the budget proposed by President Reagan, which if adopted, would end any involvement of NSF in the science education programs in U.S. colleges and universities. (Author/SK)

Discusses industrial arts as an opportunity to develop a technological orientation and as a professional technical career base for minorities. Describes employment opportunities for the industrial arts graduate in engineering, technology, and other areas. Considers advantages for minority students. (RC)

Compares experiences of men and women in engineering, both academically and professionally, using data drawn primarily from statistical studies and surveys of Purdue engineering students and graduates. Detailed tables and figures supplement text material on topics such as career decisions, academic performance, and job satisfaction. (SK)

Examines trends in participation of women in science and engineering over the past decade and estimates changes during the 1980s. Focuses on educational attainment, employment status and sector, and salaries, and indicates a gap in salaries and career opportunities between men and women. (JN)

Discusses current problems in engineering education, including faculty shortages, growing undergraduate and declining graduate enrollments, aging facilities and obsolescent laboratories, status and needs of and opportunities for engineers, and the quality of engineering graduates. Proposes some solutions to resolve the problems. (SK)

Reviews current and future research endeavors supported by funds from industry focusing on research and development centers at various universities and industries which support scientific research. (SK)

Describes tentative federal budget cuts affecting science education in the National Science Foundation, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Department of Energy, National Institutes of Health, and the specific areas these budget cuts will affect. (DS)

Presents data on the numbers of minority group holders of doctoral degrees. Emphasizes the need to train more Blacks and minority group individuals in scientific and technological fields in order to prepare them for effective participation in an industrialized, rapidly changing, technological society. (Author/GC)