This report describes a molecular biotechnology-based laboratory curriculum developed to accompany an undergraduate genetics course. During the course of a semester, students researched the pathogen, developed a research question, designed experiments, and performed transcriptional analysis of a set of genes that confer virulence to the food-borne…

Understanding natural and human-induced hazards is an important part of the standards-based science curriculum. Experience, however, indicates that the topic is a difficult one for many students. We have developed an exciting investigative laboratory exercise that uses simulated food-based case studies to promote critical thinking and improve…

The transformation of 346 chemistry courses into a training experience that could provide undergraduate students with a skill set essential for a research-based chemistry career is presented. The course has an innovative structure that connects undergraduate students with graduate research labs at the semester midpoint and also includes new,…

For several decades there has been a general concern that the level of research funding for academic instrumentation was not sufficient to keep pace with the requirements of cutting edge research. To develop the factual trend data necessary to understand the depth of the problems in academia and thus provide an adequate response to these concerns,…

Understanding how people choose their work and educational environments and the dynamics that lead to satisfaction in these environments is critical to optimizing productivity and self actualization. The Strong Interest Inventory and the Social Skills Inventory were administered to 113 undergraduates to test the hypothesis that social types…

A collection of seven laboratory facilities and processes dedicated to improving student understanding of the fundamental concepts associated with the structural mechanics of oceanic structures is described. Complete working drawings covering all mechanical and electrical aspects of these systems are presented so that the systems may be reproduced…

Students enrolled in the introductory physics laboratory at New Mexico State University participated in this study. A stated set of objectives, developed by Dr. John M. Fowler of the Commission on College Physics, was used in the laboratory. This study attempted to measure student achievement based on the use of these objectives as opposed to the…

This manual describes safety procedures which should be observed in the chemistry laboratory. Accidents which may occur when working with chemicals such as peroxides, phosphorus, heavy metals, acids, etc., need special treatment. Quite suitable descriptions of such treatment are listed for each kind of possible accident in the laboratory.…

A guided/open-ended format for general chemistry laboratories is used at the University of Oklahoma. This format is much more reflective of the scientific enquiry processes than the traditional verification format, and it allows students to investigate chemistry at a level consistent with their level of intellectual development. (BB)

An apparatus is described for storing laboratory glassware in freshman organic chemistry laboratories. The glassware is mounted on pegboard using hardware gripper clips, and the pegboard is fitted in a slot down one side of the storage cupboard. (BB)

Presents 12 amendments to the second edition of Safety in Science Laboratories. Covers topics such as regular inspection of equipment, wearing safety glasses, dating stock chemicals, and safe use of chemicals. (MA)

Data from this study suggest that evaluations of long-term accumulations of students' laboratory analyses should be standard procedure to detect deviations from the accepted true assays. Efforts are recommended to determine the cause of the error and the implications or grading procedures reconsidered. (Author/MA)

An engineering hardware display, slide-tape show, selected readings, and tests are used to help students become familiar with values, fitting, tools, and instruments. Sample exam questions and a list of hardware are given. (BB)

Reviews the use of a programmable hand-held calculator for evaluating a student's performance on a quantitative laboratory experiment. (SL)