Three mathematics software packages, MathCAD, Point Five, and TK Solver Plus, are described and compared. The packages were rated on the accompanying documentation, ease of learning, ease of use, matrix operations, equation solving capability, versatility, use of units, generation of graphs and tables, readability of output, and overall…

Explained is the rationale behind the development of a course aimed at providing companies involved in exporting engineering products, equipment, and services with graduates having a combination of skills required to exploit opportunities in the European market. The course design and content are described. (KR)

An Iowa State University survey of 404 senior engineering students investigated student use of advisors, services and information sought, and patterns of use and satisfaction related to student gender, grade point average, and age. Higher-performing students expressed more satisfaction, and younger students used advisors more for some services.…

Examines the rates of attrition for undergraduate engineering students by addressing the following issues: ease of transition from high school to college; relevance of basic science coursework to engineering curricula; emphasis on management within general education component; improvement of academic advising schemes; development of universal…

Presents a structured, integrated continuing education program for university science and engineering reference librarians. Program components, including departmental tours, reference collection tutoring sessions, extensive subject-specific projects, and subject-related, hands-on exercises, are described. Program evaluation results are presented,…

Compares and reviews currently available brands of steel construction sets that are useful to physics teachers for building demonstrations, prototypes of mechanisms, robotics, and remote control devices. (ZWH)

Discussed is the renewed attention given in the education of engineers to documentation and information. A framework for training in the command of specialized or professional information is presented. The objectives that should be pursued in terms of training for the command of specialized information are described. (KR)

Examined factors that would predict both academically successful and at-risk freshmen engineering students. Found 12 variables were correlated with grade point ratio for the 114 participants in first year of study. Applied algorithm for predicting students at risk developed in first year to 317 students and found that it more accurately assigned…

Degree completion data from an Office of Civil Rights survey of over 10,000 colleges show (1) African-American and Latino graduate enrollments were not better in 1988 than in 1982; (2) traditionally African-American colleges enroll significant numbers in math and sciences; and (3) nonresident aliens are substantially overrepresented in sciences…

Seven theme articles discuss strategies for teaching mechanics, physical sciences in the study of foods, scientific principles in the agricultural curriculum, environmental issues in agriculture, and applied physical sciences. (SK)

Discussed are novel ways of blocking gene expression by using antisense RNA. The use of antisense technology in plant development and its possible use in human disease therapy are described. (KR)

An approach that may be used to introduce the fundamental ideas of thermodynamics using a mathematical background with the knowledge of the behavior of matter is described. The physical background, conservation of energy, predicting the behavior of a system, and solving problems are topics of discussion. (KR)

"Exploring Career Options in Engineering and Science" at the Stevens Institute of Technology (New Jersey) introduces talented female students (entering grade 11 or 12) from all over the country to engineering and science in a 2-week residential program involving hands-on laboratory work; on-site visits and seminars; and student research.…

An understanding of the motives behind teaching and research is developed and the harmonies and dissonances they can create are described. The relationship between intrinsic and external motives for both research and teaching are discussed. (KR)

Discussed are means of enhancing engineering education and the process of bridging the gap between industry and academe. The change in the corporate culture is described. Partnerships between schools and industry are advocated. (CW)