Introduces a project of constructing a rover that can maintain its upright position with minimal gravitation that is based on National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Jet Propulsion Laboratories rover designs. Tests the project in NASA's "Vomit Comet" under zero-gravity environment. (YDS)

Describes a summer program called Science in the Summer (SitS). The goal of this 9-year program is to encourage students to engage in science learning. Presents beginner and advanced level activities focusing on chemistry and engineering. Summarizes student evaluations on the program along with a breakdown of the SitS 1999 program. (SAH)

Investigates students' conceptions on reliability and the ways of dealing with different sets of experimental data. Tests students' understanding of how to handle experimental data from three aspects; doing replicates, handling data, and judging the quality of data with respect to spread. Includes 12 references. (YDS)

Presents the initial work that Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has done to integrate solid modeling throughout the engineering curriculum. Aims to provide students the opportunity to use their solid modeling skills in several courses and show students how solid modeling tools can be used to help solve a variety of engineering problems.…

Introduces some alternatives for preparing and viewing computer aided design (CAD) graphics for Internet output on a budget, without the fear of copyright infringement, and without having to go back to college to learn a complex graphic application. (Author/YDS)

Presents a summary of challenges that information and communication technologies (ICT) present third-level institutions through an examination of the pedagogical issues and solutions that arise from a move from traditional lectures to project-based teaching followed by two case studies. (Contains 13 references.) (Author/YDS)

Learning-centered teaching involves adopting teaching methods such as student-centered learning, active learning, didactic teaching, and problem-based learning where they are appropriate. Describes this process and makes recommendations. (Author/CCM)

Reports a phenomenographic interview study of 13 British engineering students which identified five conceptions of learning, including: (1) learning as memorizing definitions, equations, and procedures; (2) learning as applying equations and procedures; (3) learning as making sense of physical concepts and procedures; (4) learning as seeing…

Explains how technology will influence classroom design and furniture selection in today's college facilities. Discusses ergonomic and efficiency considerations and furnishings for specialized areas such as computer labs. Addresses dormitory rooms and the flexibility of room-furniture layout and the inclusion of telecommunications capabilities.…

Presents findings from a study that investigated the impact of a Women in Science and Engineering Residence Program (WISE-RP) on the retention of women in science and engineering disciplines. Reports that WISE-RP is more effective in retaining white and asian students than underrepresented students of color. (Contains 21 references.) (Author/YDS)

Describes research to design and construct ergonomically correct work stations for Computer Numerical Control machine tools. By designing ergonomically correct work stations, industrial technology teachers help protect students from repetitive motion injuries. (Contains 12 references.) (JOW)

Presents examples of how universities will undergo technological change during the next 10-20 years and how that will affect faculty and student processes. New students will expect the ubiquitous availability of information technology in higher education. To maintain their core values, universities must adapt to the explosion in technological…

The National Engineers Week Future City Competition provides compelling evidence of the power of pairing computer software and technology with traditional hands-on activities to teach challenging subject matter and also harder- to- measure "real" workplace skills. Now in its 13th year, the Competition asks middle school students to work in teams…

This article describes how students investigated numerical data resulting from an engineering experiment as a way to develop understanding of reciprocal functions. (Contains 7 figures.)

This article presents the results of a study investigating the experiences of undergraduates acting as peer leaders in an extensive peer-led team learning program in introductory undergraduate sciences and engineering courses. In an effort to understand the facilitator experience in the program better and to report initial findings on the benefits…