Effects of Diverse STEM Role Model Videos in Promoting Adolescents’ Identification

International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education - Role models are critical for broadening participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM); however, little is...     

The educational value of visual cues and 3D-representational format in a computer animation under restricted and realistic conditions

Within the framework of cognitive learning theories, instructional design manipulations have primarily been investigated under tightly controlled laboratory conditions. We carried out two experiments, where the first experiment was conducted in a restricted system-paced setting and is therefore in line with the majority of empirical studies in the learning sciences. However, the second experiment was done in an ecologically more valid classroom setting, with students working at their own pace with the instructional material embedded in a professional hypermedia learning environment. Both dealt with the same topic in the domain of biological education, namely the structure and functioning of the enzyme ATP-Synthase. In both experiments, the educational value of three- versus two-dimensional animations as well as of visual cues was investigated in a 2 × 2 factorial design. Students’ understanding was facilitated by the presence of a 3D-representation format under tightly controlled conditions only. Regarding the ecologically more valid classroom setting, the 2D format tended to foster understanding more efficiently than the 3D format. The implementation of visual cues enhanced the amount students remembered in both experiments. Our results indicate that the results of tightly controlled laboratory conditions may not be easily generalized to naturalistic classroom settings.     

Theory into practice: Connecting theory and practice: Women scientist role models in television programming

Bern's gender schema theory (Bern 1981, 1983, 1993) provides a useful framework for examining the influence of women scientist role models on girls’ perceptions of science and scientists. The purpose of this paper is (1) to describe how Bern's gender schema theory serves as a framework for guiding future research, (2) to examine the fundamental premises of Bern's gender schema theory as they relate to the processing of information about science and gender roles, and (3) to identify key conditions and criteria from gender schema theory to guide the design of television programs that use role models to reduce gender‐stereotyping of science.     

Ethanol-glycerin fixation with thymol conservation: a potential alternative to formaldehyde and phenol embalming

Anatomical fixation and conservation are required to prevent specimens from undergoing autolysis and decomposition. While fixation is the primary arrest of the structures responsible for autolysis and decomposition, conservation preserves the state of fixation. Although commonly used, formaldehyde has been classified as carcinogenic to humans. For this reason, an adequate substitute was developed. Ethanol-glycerin fixation and thymol conservation are described and compared with formaldehyde and phenol in this technical report. The setup, tissue qualities, financial aspects, and health concerns of this method are discussed. Ethanol-glycerin fixation and thymol conservation provide outstanding haptic and optic tissue qualities. Typical formaldehyde and phenol effects, such as skin, airway, and eye irritation, as well as carcinogenic effects, can be circumvented by using ethanol-glycerin and thymol instead. Ethanol-glycerin fixation is more expensive than formaldehyde and requires an explosion-proof facility. However, the absence of health effects and its convincing tissue qualities balance these higher costs. Therefore, ethanol-glycerin fixation and thymol conservation provide a potential alternative and complement established fixation techniques. The use of carcinogenic formaldehyde and toxic phenol can be effectively restricted through the use of the described method.     

Demonstration of pelvic anatomy by modified midline transection that maintains intact internal pelvic organs

Gross dissection for demonstrating anatomy of the human pelvis has traditionally involved one of two approaches, each with advantages and disadvantages. Classic hemisection in the median plane through the pelvic ring transects the visceral organs but maintains two symmetric pelvic halves. An alternative paramedial transection compromises one side of the bony pelvis but leaves the internal organs intact. The authors propose a modified technique that combines advantages of both classical dissections. This novel approach involves dividing the pubic symphysis and sacrum in the median plane after shifting all internal organs to one side. The hemipelvis without internal organs is immediately available for further dissection of the lower limb. The hemipelvis with intact internal organs is ideal for showing the complex spatial relationships of the pelvic organs and vessels relative to the intact pelvic floor. Anat Sci Educ 3:254–260, 2010. © 2010 American Association of Anatomists.     

Curent periodical shelving: a special design

A modification of standard library shelving is described for the display of current unbound journals. Plexiglass book supports are used to hold the issues in an upright position.