The merger of science and commerce has become the dominant global force, giving rise to concerns about the use of genetic knowledge; ethical issues concerning justice, destiny, and perfectability; and the consequences for families and communities. Family and consumer science professionals should work to combat misunderstanding and misuse of…

Examined the gaps related to gender and race/ethnicity in entry, persistence, and attainment of post-secondary science and engineering (S&E) education. Data suggest that much of the racial/ethnic and gender differences in entry into S&E can be explained by examining certain student, family, and school characteristics. (Author/SLD)

Uses engineering projects to make students create design prototypes of paper airplanes in order to teach the scientific principle of flight. (ASK)

Describes the nature of particle technology and outlines the expectations that industry has regarding particle technology, the services and resources that support the field, and the preparation in particle technology for technical graduates. Contains 17 references. (DDR)

Discusses the foundations of engineering design and highlights the problems confronting students who are required to make creative input into a design problem. Describes a way to implement creativity in teaching engineering design. Contains 38 references. (DDR)

First-year engineering students at Robert Gordon University (Scotland) were presented with a task-oriented induction program. Students were divided into groups and assigned a facilitator, later personal tutor, to whom they could refer. Student reaction to the experience was very favorable. Effect on progression rates is yet to be determined. (AEF)

Describes the integration of these topics through a major team-based design and computer aided design (CAD) modeling project in freshman engineering graphics at the University of Western Ontario. Involves n=250 students working in teams of four to design and document an original Lego toy. Includes 12 references. (Author/YDS)

Dissemination of quality content and best practices in education increasingly includes the use of electronic media in lieu of textbooks or direct student-teacher interaction. Several National Science Foundation (NSF)-supported projects are using enhanced and supplemented video to attract a broader student audience to science and enhance the…

Reports on a course at Rowan University, based on the economic design of a baseball stadium, that offers an introduction to multidisciplinary engineering design linked with formal training in technical communication. Addresses four pedagogical goals: (1) developing public speaking skills in a realistic, business setting; (2) giving students…

Demonstrates how forensic science can be used as a framework for generating student interest and learning in chemistry and promoting critical thinking. The "Who Dunnit?" forensic science workshop was developed by undergraduate students and is one element of a two-week residential summer outreach program that seeks to develop interest in…

Proposes a real-time collaborative framework for geometric modeling. Assessment results show that the collaborative environment was useful in design education. (MM)

A survey of 140 parents and 323 teachers about careers in science and engineering for students with learning disabilities (LD) found that parents think teachers do not make enough accommodations and employers are reluctant to hire persons with LD. Both groups felt students with LD were not encouraged to take science and engineering courses.…

Analyzes position descriptions of science engineering librarians described by college and university job advertisements in "American Libraries" and College and Research Libraries News." Results show an increase in required, preferred, desired qualifications and job responsibilities, and reflect how technology has changed the role of…

Examines the factors involved in purchasing school furnishings that will help ensure its long-time use, safety, and ability to resist abuse. Cost and safety factors discussed include resisting trendy colors to reduce cost in furniture matching, managing computer and office wiring for safety, considering ergonomics in the purchasing decision, and…

Discusses results from a study that explored the relationships between designerly thinking and behaviors situated in elementary classrooms in Ontario, Canada and Great Britain. Focuses on the 'school situated design' evidence from the study. (Contains 27 references.) (DDR)