A detailed investigation of the clay-catalyzed condensation of sesamol and other phenols with 3-methyl-2-butenal to give methylenedioxyprecocene (MDP) and other chromenes is presented. The clay-catalyzed microwave-assisted condensation of sesamol with 3-methyl-2-butenal is appropriate for incorporation into undergraduate organic laboratory…

The laboratory has long been an important part of the undergraduate science experience. This paper reports on a qualitative, grounded theory study on students' perceptions of the purpose of the laboratory. Thirteen undergraduate chemistry students were interviewed about their experiences in the science laboratory to provide data on students'…

This study assessed the effectiveness of an innovative science course for improving prospective elementary teachers' perceptions of laboratory learning environments and attitudes towards science. The sample consisted of 27 classes with 525 female students in a large urban university. Changing students' ideas about science laboratory teaching and…

This paper describes the effects of learning support on simulation-based learning in three learning models: experiment prompting, a hypothesis menu, and step guidance. A simulation learning system was implemented based on these three models, and the differences between simulation-based learning and traditional laboratory learning were explored in…

Active-learning strategies are increasingly being integrated into college-level science courses to make material more accessible to all students and to improve learning outcomes. One active-learning pedagogy, case-based learning (CBL), was developed as a way to both enhance engagement in the material and to accommodate diverse learning styles.…

Activities and results of a conference on laboratory instruction in chemistry are discussed. Brief descriptions of eight novel programs are provided. (DT)

In order to serve college administrators, architects and physics educators, a collection was made of material reflecting the state-of-the-art of physics building design. This body of material, including drawings, diagrams, and photographs, resulted largely from extensive interviews with about 50 institutions who had recently built such facilities.…

A list is presented of science buildings at institutions of higher education; buildings are identified by name as reported by the institution, and dates of initial occupancy are shown. A table is included showing regional distribution of instructional laboratories in the science buildings reported--(1) by number and size, (2) by capacity in…

Describes the use of cassette recorders plus color prints as a teaching aid in a laboratory situation, indicating advantages in the areas of education, organization, and ease of implementation. (Author/RAO)

Illustrates ways to recycle plastic milk jugs into useful laboratory equipment. Among the uses described are storage containers, scoops, funnels, and flower pots. (MA)

This article (1) defines risk management and discusses alternatives to treating exposures facing those operating chemical laboratories; (2) indicates how two Virginia universities did or did not apply the risk management concept to their laboratory settings; and (3) identifies potential sources of information on this subject. (JN)

A study is presented to show ways by which management can stimulate technological innovation. (DF)