The Society of Automotive Engineers is involved in developing middle school curriculum for technology education based on authentic engineering design challenges. The design brief model fits real-world practices and integrates science, math, and technology. (SK)

Introduces a case study on a motion picture company considering the purchase of a newly developed zoom lens in which students act as the engineers designing the zoom lens based on the criteria of company's specifications. Focuses on geometrical optics. Includes teaching notes and classroom management strategies. (YDS)

Considers the issues involved in developing the concept of the renaissance engineer for the 21st century and offers reflections on areas and specific considerations for lifelong learning. Addresses the development of e-learning within the context of professional lifelong learning as a 'disruptive' development and discusses its future role.…

Explicates the impact of an 8-week science apprenticeship program on a group of high-ability secondary students' understanding of the nature of science and scientific inquiry. Reports that although most students did appear to gain knowledge about the process of scientific inquiry, their conceptions about key aspects of the nature of science…

Presents the results of an empirical study comparing writing and engineering instructors' responses to students' technical writing. Indicates that the gap between engineering and writing teachers' standards for evaluating technical writing is not as wide as is generally assumed. Concludes that the differences that do emerge suggest ways that the…

Notes that reforms in engineering education have caused a shift from the traditional stand-alone courses in technical communication for engineering students towards communication training integrated in courses and design projects that allows students to develop four levels of competence. Describes three formats for integrated communication…

Describes the Engineering Link Project for Year 11 students that might have an interest in engineering. It is a three-day course organized by teachers and conducted by engineers to give students the opportunity to test materials, design, construct, and try their own solutions to an engineering problem. (AIM)

Discusses how emerging technologies enhance existing methods of learning and create new ways for institutions of higher education to fulfill their core teaching and learning missions, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Explores technology planning. (EV)

Suggests that it is important to introduce liberal arts students to the essence of engineering. Describes Robotic Design Studio, a course in which students learn how to design, assemble, and program robots made out of LEGO parts, sensors, motors, and small embedded computers. Represents an alternative vision of how robot design can be used to…

Introduces the Science and Engineering Ambassadors scheme (SEAs) which aims to increase the awareness and participation of young people to science, engineering, and technology. Creates opportunities for young people to interact with working scientists and engineers to encourage them in these subjects. (YDS)

Agricultural communications students (n=330) were surveyed to determine their knowledge of and attitudes toward biotechnology issues reported in the mass media. Although students achieved only 30% correct responses, 84% perceived their knowledge level to be average to high. Most were somewhat accepting of genetic modification for plants but less…

Describes the characteristics of Hispanic U.S. citizens who earned doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) from institutions in the United States between 1983 and 1997. Disaggregates data by gender and Hispanic subgroup, and includes information on parental education, type of financial assistance during time of…

Investigates 22 Hispanic students majoring in science or engineering, their career choices, and the factors that lead them to success in majors that have historically discouraged female and minority students. (Contains 59 references.) (Author/YDS)

Discussed are beach replenishment, and hard structures in relation to the sand transportation system. Failures of current engineering practices and the resulting costs to the taxpayer are stressed. Equations and parameters used to make predictions of beach durability are criticized. (CW)

Described are two national reports involving the service sector of the national economy: (1) the role which engineers play; and (2) how engineering students will benefit from careers in the service sector. (CW)