Students with blindness or low vision are often discouraged from full participation in laboratory science classes due to the inadequacy of current methodological approaches and the lack of sophisticated adaptive technologies. Consequently, these students rarely go on to pursue advanced studies and employment in the sciences. In response to his own…

Although undergraduates have long held a role as teaching assistants for introductory science courses at liberal arts colleges and universities, educational institutions often do not provide these students with opportunities to explore science teaching and pedagogy. At Brandeis University, we designed an internship course to help increase the…

After establishing the assumed legitimacy, in vocational science syllabuses, of practical laboratory work aims relating to the elucidation of theoretical concepts and principles, the author examines the relationship between practical work and the cognitive structure of science theory, particularly in the light of recent skepticism. (Author/CH)

The universities and institutions that deal with undergraduate education generally have a traditional organizational structure: their human resources are allocated to departments which are structured on subjects, and the persons are grouped according to their specialization profile. As a result of this, it has been observed that many groups are…

Inadequacies of the traditional curriculum involving laboratory exercises are reviewed; general features of an integrated laboratory program are described. (DT)

Enumerates the enrollment rate and expenditures for higher education. Compares the cost of instruction in science with the cost of other subject matter areas. Presents examples of arguments being used against the required science experience and recommends instructional changes to combat those arguments. (GS)

Describes a grading technique for a laboratory program, designed to apprise the student each week of his performance and relative standing with peers. (SLH)

Describes the rationale and incentive for the development of investigative laboratories at the University of Nebraska. Details the training and continuing support system that allows the utilization of a largely undergraduate student teaching staff. Outlines problems created by the nature of the students enrolled in the course. (GS)

Discusses a self-paced individualized general chemistry laboratory, the Doctor of Arts program, the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) system, and problems existing in chemistry education. (SL)

Presents a method of teaching advanced physics laboratories which simulates research conditions and requires students to make researchlike decisions. (SL)

Describes a remedial physics laboratory course for students operating at the concrete Piagetian level of cognitive development. (SL)

Discussed are accidents that occur in the laboratories of highly trained chemists. Four examples are provided to illustrate potential hazards that are often overlooked in chemistry laboratories, molten inorganic salt baths, the reaction of acetone and hydrogen peroxide, halogenated acetylene compounds, and the reaction of hydrogen peroxide and…

Describes a laboratory pretest giving samples of laboratory competencies, such as observing, interpreting, and calculating. Information from the test is related to student background and to overall success in the course. A test copy and tabulated data are included. (EB)

Reviews legislation and controls in effect, and needed, to reduce the hazards of violent reactions in the uncontrolled mixing of incompatible chemicals. (SL)