Results of surveys, conducted in 1972 (N=68 institutions) and 1977 (N=73 institutions), of first-year college biology courses are discussed, relative to changes in course emphasis, class size, number of offerings, and course titles. Institutions contacted for survey purposes were those receiving ten or more Biology Advanced Placement candidates.…

Described is a freshman science program at Deerfield Academy (Deerfield, Mass.) in meteorology, designed as the first part of a three-year unified science sequence. Merits of the course, in which particular emphasis is placed on observation skills and making predictions, are enumerated. (CS)

Discusses how holography can be used as part of undergraduate physics laboratories. The authors propose a single beam technique of holography, which will reduce the recording scheme as well as relax the isolation requirements. (HM)

Presents the philosophy and mechanics of a professionally oriented astronomy laboratory for nonscience majors. Design of the laboratory, description of the exercises, and the results of using this approach at the University of Kansas are also described. (HM)

Presents the results of the evaluation of a self-paced freshman physics laboratory and its assessment procedures used in the first-year physics course at the University of Adelaide, South Australia. (HM)

After commenting on the underrepresentation of foreign countries in the directories of the International Clearinghouse on Science and Mathematics, the author describes his survey of 12 environmental science education programs in Europe, Asia, Australia, and Oceania and 56 American projects, comparing them on curriculum development, topics, and…

Traces the major influences on Abraham Flexner's thinking, and relates these influences to his emphasis on the importance of basic science in medical education. (RL)

Describes the testing of a "coursette" model of instruction designed to stimulate interest in geology among students at the University of South Carolina. (Author/SA)

Justification for maintaining field experience in undergraduate geological education is presented. Emphasis is placed on educating the student rather than providing technical training. (SA)

Cautions physics instructors to be aware of the "hidden curriculum" or what it is that causes students to study more for a grade than for mastery learning. The problem of the hidden curriculum is also discussed as it applies to the personalized system of instruction. (SA)

Presents an analysis of a recently published science textbook for grades 1 to 6. An evaluation of the process and content of the student text and teachers guide are given. (SA)

Describes the science education improvement project at Hostos Community College (New York). The curriculum consists of a melding of technology and pure science, based on the premise that "science-poor" societies should give priority to applied science education. (JDS)

Provides an historical chronology of events related to understanding the photoelectric effect. Focuses on the early history, the mystery of the photoelectric effect, the contributions of Albert Einstein and Robert Millikan to the field, and hands-on activities that demonstrate the phenomenon to students. (DDR)

Reviews research related to laboratory work and makes recommendations for the classroom on how to make labs more meaningful. Argues that pre- and post-laboratory discussions containing theory behind the lab and purposes of the lab are essential for new understanding. (DDR)

Offers a guide for designing a multi-credit course integrating several subject areas including geography, environmental science, and outdoor education. The program has three main components-theoretical, experiential and practical-involving classroom and field studies, environmental co-op, and environmental leadership opportunities. Timetabling and…