The aim of the work presented here was to devise an activity associated with factors affecting boiling points. The intervention used a four-step constructivist-based teaching strategy, which was subsequently evaluated by a cohort of students. Data collection consisted of application of a purpose designed questionnaire consisting of four open-ended…

The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), the IFT Foundation, and Discovery Education partnered to create and distribute food science information to science department and school counselor chairs in all 18,000 U.S. high schools in January 2006. Two multimedia "kits" were generated for teachers and counselors, each consisting of DVDs with food…

This article draws on two research studies concerned with student teachers' learning of subject-specific pedagogical knowledge: a naturalistic study within two secondary school science departments and a collaborative action research project focused on two contested aspects of the history curriculum. Both confirmed the complexity of the process by…

This article employs the concept of community to interpret teacher professional learning in the context of the school science department. Using the transcripts of staff meetings, lesson observations and the conversations of school administrators, the departmental community is examined in terms of three metaphors: subject, relationships and…

To examine how school characteristics are tied to science and engineering views and aspirations of students who are underrepresented in science and engineering fields, this mixed-methods study explores relationships between aspects of students' science identities, and the representation of women among high school science teachers. Quantitative…

Constructed a longitudinal database to examine how basic science departments have been reorganized at U.S. medical schools. Found that there were fewer basic science departments in the traditional disciplines of anatomy, biochemistry, microbiology, pharmacology, and physiology in 1999 than in 1980. But as biomedical science has developed in an…

Provides an introduction to the chemical engineering department at North Carolina State University. (BB)

Examined job specifications found in advertisements in "The Times Educational Supplement." Results indicate that in a large number of cases information supplied was inadequate. In addition, many advertisements did not indicate the academic specialty required (biology, chemistry, physics) of potential candidates. (JN)

In a recent reorganization, Purdue's chemistry department has added a new division: chemical education. Its faculty will work closely with members of Purdue's department of education on graduate programs for chemistry teachers and on research in chemical education. The master of science degree program in chemical education is highlighted.…

By applying basic management principles, a department head can create an environment in which students and faculty realize their full potential. (BB)

Describes the present state of cooperation between industry and university education in Nigeria. Suggests reasons for developing cooperation, including manpower provisions, research, enrichment of teaching and learning, the continuing education of chemists, and financial support. (CS)

Describes benefits and sacrifices of an accreditation program to a department. Discusses some negative effects of accreditation on chemical engineering curricula and what might be done to make improvements. (YP)

Provides advice for graduate students aiming for faculty positions in the sciences. Addresses developing a professional reputation, the application, the interview, conducting a seminar, preparing a curriculum vitae, and questions an interviewee may be asked and should ask his interviewers. (EV)

Interviews with 31 science teachers and 39 class observations focused on aspects of the departmental environment: management style, emphasis on science disciplines instead of science, and student characteristics. Departmental characteristics were perceived by teachers as significant influences on their working environment and the experience of…

A division of chemical education has been created within the chemistry department at Purdue University. The nature of chemical education, impediments to research and development in chemical education, and future directions of the division are discussed. (JN)