Describes the investigative learning method for use in college-level biology courses. Discusses the graduate teaching assistants' roles and the strategies they need to examine such as teaching and assessment. Uses qualitative and quantitative approaches for the evaluation of the program. (Contains 16 references.) (YDS)

Lab safety begins with the teacher. Teachers must make learning how to be safe an integral and important part of their professional development and work. Teachers who are unfamiliar with laboratory instruction should take whatever steps necessary to prepare for the unique challenges associated with safety in conducting laboratory investigations…

Science teachers often have two different curricula--the ideal framework on paper and the real, day-to-day instructional program that occurs in the classroom. A number of factors can affect how much of that ideal framework is accomplished. For example, how a facility is designed and how space is used can affect student achievement, classroom…

This document provides teachers with sources of useful information and new ideas about the high school chemistry laboratory program. Chapters included are: (1) "Introduction" describing the philosophy and specific objectives of this project; (2) "Importance of Laboratory Work"; (3) "Chemistry Lab Outline" listing…

This booklet provides guidelines for safety in the chemical laboratory. Part I, "Guides for Instructors and Administrators," includes safety rules, safety practices and facilities, preparation for emergencies, safety committees, accident reporting, fire insurance, and listings of some hazardous chemicals. Part II, "Student Guide to…

Factors affecting traditional laboratory instruction in chemistry are discussed. They include: responses to potential hazards in the undergraduate laboratory; student distaste for laboratory classes; equipment and chemical costs; lack of qualified teaching assistants; and faculty pressures to do research. New directions for introductory…

Outlines a survey of laboratory practices and policies for employee protection from exposure to chemicals. Findings support the argument that academic, industrial, and other research laboratories are different from the manufacturing environment and should have a different toxic chemical policy and standards. (Author/SK)

Twelve court cases involving laboratory situations are reviewed in chronological order. Report includes five statements indicating when an instructor is not liable as well as guidelines to improve laboratory safety and provide some measure of liability protection for the instructor. (JN)

This handbook is based on a list of essential topics that should be mastered by the student who subsequently plans to pursue college chemistry. Chapters include: (1) "Introduction" (describing a position paper and the background of the handbook); (2) "Essential General Topics and Objectives"; (3) "Testing Students"…

Compiled as an immediate source of reference and guidance, this manual was published by the Scottish Schools Science Equipment Research Centre to provide the following information about alphabetically listed chemicals considered to be hazardous: (1) the hazards; (2) incompatibility with other agents; (3) methods for handling, storage, disposal and…

Describes the potential health hazards of using thioacetamide in introductory courses where students are involved in qualitative inorganic analysis. Describes the chemical as possessing carcinogenic, hepatotoxic, and mutagenic properties. Cautions that thioacetamide has caused various biochemical changes in the liver, and recommends limited uses…

Enumerates variables involved in the safe operation of a fume hood. Describes a test to measure hood performance. Discusses variables which effect hood performance. Lists design changes sometimes necessary to provide more space and encourage good practices. Concludes with a summary of good hood practices. (CW)

It is very important to provide a safe learning environment for students while engaging them in investigative and observational hands-on science activities. This teacher's guide provides information on safety rules and regulations in a narrative style while discussing both self-contained classroom teachers and science specialists in the elementary…

The University of Georgia (UGA) biosafety program was initiated in response to requirements for recombinant DNA experiments rather than laboratory-acquired infections. This and other environmental safety programs at UGA are described, considering three of the four recognized levels of biocontainment. A fire extinguisher inspection computer program…

Characterizes a number of the bench-type chemical laboratory hoods. Reports results of a study that determined the levels of protection each type provides, exploring variables such as laboratory air supply systems, face velocity, work practices, personnel movement, and the effect of equipment location in the hood. (CS)