Although instruction on meiosis is repeated many times during the undergraduate curriculum, many students show poor comprehension even as upper-level biology majors. We propose that the difficulty lies in the complexity of understanding DNA, which we explain through a new model, the DNA triangle. The "DNA triangle" integrates three…

Recent science reform documents have called for incorporating authentic scientific discourse into science classes as engaging in discourse has shown to result in numerous benefits. Whether these benefits are observed in students depends upon the quality of the discourse in which they engage. However, characterizing the quality of student-student…

The National Science Foundation funded a synthesis study on the status, contributions, and future direction of discipline-based education research (DBER) in physics, biological sciences, geosciences, and chemistry. DBER combines knowledge of teaching and learning with deep knowledge of discipline-specific science content. It describes the…

This Study was conducted to determine if women in the sciences were as accurate in spatial abilities as male counterparts. An experiment was also conducted to find if an intervention would improve the visuo-spatial awareness of women as rapidly as men. Data indicated that while women tended to start at a lower level, they were able to learn…

The idea that cognitive science can provide useful guidance to the teaching of physics has been met by some with skepticism. One argument is that the current understanding of cognition is too crude to be helpful; another, that any scientific approach to education stifles the art of teaching. Some feel that art and science need not be incompatible.…

The Panel on Undergraduate Engineering Education prepared this report as part of the overall effort of the National Research Council's Committee on the Education and Utilization of the Engineer. The panel studied the academic preparation of engineers for practicing their profession. This document provides an analysis of the research done by the…

Reports on a national survey designed to determine some of the ways in which students enter biochemistry programs. Results indicated that the majority of students entering graduate biochemistry programs have an undergraduate biology degree. (TW)

Discusses how student journals can be used as a way to incorporate writing into the engineering curriculum. Reports on a study done at Northeastern University which indicated that students responded positively to the journal-keeping requirement. (TW)

Provides information appropriate for introductory lectures on photoelectric effects in membranes. Describes the apparatus and supplies required for laboratory exercises. Outlines typical laboratory exercises. Identifies the chromophores known to induce photoelectric effects. Concludes that this topic can provide useful subjects for undergraduate…

A survey of the academic requirements of internships, benefits in taking part in an internship, and problems encountered in internship programs are described. Results indicated that one of the problems with internship programs occurred when faculty did not have direct control over the experience. (CW)

Described are the Howard Hughes Medical Institute programs for providing funds to assist science education. One program is designed to assist private liberal arts colleges that are not affiliated with a graduate school. Other programs have been established to provide support for postdoctoral research and laboratories. (RH)

Describes a summer research program that stresses follow-up on activities, and presentation of data at symposia and lectures. Provides information on participants, activities, student evaluations of the experience, and benefits. (RT)

Provides information on a program that seeks to increase the nation's supply of engineers and scientists by providing experiences with hands-on research. Describes activities, positive outcomes, and the evaluation of achievements. Concludes that participants and faculty members benefited from the experience. (RT)

Describes an application of potentiometry to the determination of acidic and basic compounds in household cleaners in chemistry instruction. Discusses procedures and results of this experiment. (CW)

Reviews the status of chemical engineering and the chemical industry in the United States. Identifies problem areas for engineers and proposes new directions for chemical engineering courses. Discusses the significance of these new directions for bachelor's degree programs. Proposes that the function of a bachelor's degree should be general…