THE PLACE OF A SINGLE CAMERA VIDEO SYSTEM IN A CHEMISTRY DEPARTMENT

In recent years there has been an upsurge in the number of academic departments which possess their own video equipment. The Department of Chemistry at Queen Elizabeth College is one such example: it has its own VCR and camera. Details are given of the use to which this equipment is put, including the different types of programmes which are generated within the department and the production techniques employed therein. The educational benefits, advantages and disadvantages of video as a teaching and learning aid for both staff and students, are discussed.

Observations and experience indicate that frequently there is an underlying dissatisfaction with programmes produced by central ETV units and that this stems from the poor relationship which often exists between the academic and the producer. A re‐examination of this relationship is included, along with some suggestions as to how it might be improved.     

Evolution of an academic–public library partnership

A partnership to improve access to health information via an urban public library system was established in St. Louis, Missouri, in 2011. A multiyear project was outlined that included an information needs assessment, a training class for public library staff, information kiosks at library branches for delivering printed consumer health materials, and a series of health-related programming. The partnership evolved to include social service and community organizations to carry out project goals and establish a sustainable program that met the health and wellness interests of the community.     

Improving expressive writing skills of children rated for ADHD symptoms

The present study examines the expressive writing abilities of children described by their teachers as having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms and of matched controls and the effects of two types of facilitation. A group of 35 ADHD children and matched controls are given the task of composing a letter either under standard instructions or with facilitation (a guide scheme), preceded by a brief training on how to use the facilitation. Results show that both groups drew benefit from the guide scheme. Despite the fact that differences between groups were maintained after the training for the case of spelling errors, the poorer performance of ADHD children vanished. It is concluded that ADHD children have poor expressive writing skills, but this can be improved through the help of a guide scheme preceded by brief training.     

Associations between Phenylalanine-to-Tyrosine Ratios and Performance on Tests of Neuropsychological Function in Adolescents Treated Early and Continuously for Phenylketonuria

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic disorder characterized by hyperphenylalaninemia. Treatment involves dietary phenylalanine restriction to prevent mental retardation. Because phenylalanine is involved in tyrosine synthesis and tyrosine is a catecholamine precursor, low tyrosine may lead to brain dopamine deficiencies. Because dopamine is involved in the modulation of prefrontally orchestrated executive functions, deficiencies may lead to executive impairments. Despite treatment, impairments in executive cognitive functions have been reported in young children with PKU. Outcome beyond middle childhood has not been extensively investigated. In this study, PKU-affected adolescents (N = 18) with normal-range IQ scores completed neuropsychological tests, and their performance was compared with unaffected peers (N = 16) and chronically ill controls (N = 17). Results demonstrated that the overall performance of the PKU group did not differ from that of the other two groups, but that performance of the PKU proband was associated with phenylalanine and tyrosine levels, and most strongly with phenylalanine-to-tyrosine ratios at several points in development. These findings provide a preliminary test of the dopamine hypothesis of PKU as it applies to adolescents and young adults.     

Using Robotics and Game Design to Enhance Children’s Self-Efficacy,STEM Attitudes,and Computational Thinking Skills

Journal of Science Education and Technology - This paper describes the findings of a pilot study that used robotics and game design to develop middle school students’ computational thinking...     

Developmental Dyscalculia and Down Syndrome: Indicative Evidence

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the hypothesis that developmental dyscalculia is part of the behavioural phenotype of Down syndrome. One hundred and fifty-one individuals with Down syndrome across three age groups contributed data. These age groups were: 6–8 years (n = 41); 13–15 years (n = 70); and 20–22 years (n = 40). Data were collected using the Stanford-Binet (Fourth Edition) and age equivalent scores on the Pattern Analysis and Quantitative subscales were used in the analyses. A repeated measure ANOVA showed a significant difference between performances on the two subtests with an interaction with age group. While performance on Pattern Analysis was better than on Quantitative for all groups the difference was most marked for the oldest group. Approximately 66% of the participants had a higher age equivalent score on the Pattern Analysis subscale than on the Quantitative subscale. It appears to be plausible that developmental dyscalculia contributes to the behavioural phenotype of Down syndrome and further investigation of this proposition is warranted.     

Exertional Heat Stroke of Max Gilpin; A Preventable Death

ABSTRACT

Exertional heat stroke (EHS) is a medical emergency whose likelihood in sport settings is often contingent on environmental factors, team policies, coaching strategies, and broader cultural expectations. Moreover, when it occurs, it requires immediate recognition, proper management, and care to optimize chances of survival or recovery without long-term sequelae. Max Gilpin, a secondary school American football player from Louisville, Kentucky, suffered an EHS during a football practice in August 2008, an event that resulted in his death. The purpose of this article is to use interdisciplinary methods to identify key factors that contributed to this tragedy so that similar situations do not happen again. It concludes that within a culture of inclusive gender norms and care, efforts should be made to have appropriate onsite medical expertise available to develop and implement best practices for the prevention, management, and treatment of EHS, along with coaching education specific to medical emergencies in sport and physical activity (such as EHS). This will create an environment that promotes health and safety for all student athletes participating in sport at the secondary school level.