http://amser.org/index.php?P=Home AMSER (the Applied Math and Science Education Repository) provides educational resources and services built specifically for use by those in Community and Technical Colleges but free for anyone to use. http://amser.org//SPTUI--CWIS/images/cwis_logo.gif http://amser.org//SPTUI--CWIS/images/cwis_logo.gif 69 21 AMSER Logo en-us ealmasy@scout.wisc.edu ealmasy@scout.wisc.edu Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 http://amser.org//index.php?P=FullRecord&ResourceId=8167 This presentation, by Arizona State University, addresses operational amplifiers; their structure, construction and applications of the technology. The site is broken down into ten sections; these are: an introduction, terminal connections, op-amp internals, ideal op-amp equations, circuit analysis example, voltage follower, inverting configuration, non-inverting configuration, differentiators, and integrators. Overall, the site is flashy, but still informative presentation of this technology. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 11:52:27 -0500 http://amser.org//index.php?P=FullRecord&ResourceId=12085 Engineering mechanics, specifically statics and dynamics, is a critical foundation for advanced topics in several technical disciplines. On the surface, the common, application oriented focus of engineering technology would suggest a common approach to these fundamental topics. However, there is a large variation in the curricular format and pedagogy used to introduce mechanics among engineering technology programs across the country.A study was conducted to identify the different approaches used in mechanics courses in different engineering technology programs. Additionally, a study that distinguishes the factors of success in the engineering mechanics courses at the University of Dayton will be reviewed. Using these studies, recommendations for an ideal approach will be suggested.Also, in the past few years, many innovative pedagogical techniques for guiding students through engineering mechanics have been documented. The primary focus of these studies has been with engineering programs. Yet, a common assumption is that these techniques can also be implemented in engineering technology programs. While this is true for many methods, some important differences exist. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 03:00:02 -0500 http://amser.org//index.php?P=FullRecord&ResourceId=11101 This Diseases of Aquatic Organisms scholarly article (PDF) reports that the Protistan parasite, QPX (Quahaug Parasite X) that affects the hard-shell clam Mercenaria mercenaria is a member of phylum Labyrinthulomycota, within which it appears as a specific relative of Thraustochytrium pachydermum. Obtained by DNA sequencing of the nuclear gene encoding the 18S RNA of the small-subunit ribosomal (ssu-rDNA) and subsequent phylogenetic analysis, these results confirm the provisional assignment of QPX to the Labyrinthulomycota made previously on the basis of morphological and ultrastructural characters found in some, but not all, geographic isolates. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 03:00:02 -0500 http://amser.org//index.php?P=FullRecord&ResourceId=11495 This Geotimes article highlights recent work done by Derek Lovley on the microbe Geobacter. The article discusses the ability of Geobacter to eat metal wastes as well as the prospect of using Geobacter as a microbial fuel cell. The web site also contains links to the Geotimes' home page, the American Geological Institute (AGI) home, and other useful AGI links. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 03:00:02 -0500 http://amser.org//index.php?P=FullRecord&ResourceId=10137 The Gateway to Educational Materials Project aims to provide educators with quick and easy access to substantial collections of educational materials found on various internet sites. GEM has over 500 consortium members providing materials, over 600 items listed in astronomy and over 1500 items listed in physics. Other subjects include the arts, education technology, foreign languages, health, language arts, mathematics, philosophy, physical education, religion, general science, social studies, and vocational education. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 03:00:02 -0500 http://amser.org//index.php?P=FullRecord&ResourceId=9651 This web site provides a collection of interactive tutorials covering a wide range topics in physical chemistry. The substantial feature of each article is an accompanying Mathcad, Maple, or Mathematica document, mostly Mathcad, for students to run and modify. The collection contains many peer-reviewed documents that are also available at the Journal of Chemical Education's web site. Instructors are encouraged to submit their examples to the collection. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 03:00:02 -0500 http://amser.org//index.php?P=FullRecord&ResourceId=9663 This webpage contains a simulation that shows simultaneous graphs of position, velocity, and acceleration of a moving object. A simulated man can be moved by the user, or the motion can be programmed by setting the initial position, velocity, and acceleration. The user can also program the motion by entering an equation for the position as a function of time. A simulation can be played back at either real speed or slow motion for study. This page also contains sample learning goals as well as user-submitted ideas and activities for use with the simulation. This page is part of a larger and growing collection of simulations offered through the Phet website. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 03:00:02 -0500 http://amser.org//index.php?P=FullRecord&ResourceId=9740 This Java applet from The Learning Online Network allows you to plot the electrical potential due to one or more charges. The webpage includes instructions on using the applet. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 03:00:02 -0500 http://amser.org//index.php?P=FullRecord&ResourceId=9742 This presentation by Shirley M. Malcom, Ph.D. highlights the process of improving STEM programs. It outlines how changes have been enacted in the past to improve education in STEM disciplines. The presentation gives an overview of previous national reports and suggestions for improving STEM education. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 03:00:02 -0500 http://amser.org//index.php?P=FullRecord&ResourceId=9978 The Electrostatics Society of America is a nonprofit professional society devoted to the advancement and improved understanding of electrostatics. The group's website provides information about their activities, meetings and publications. Group membership is available to anyone working in the field of electrostatics. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 03:00:02 -0500 http://amser.org//index.php?P=FullRecord&ResourceId=10548 This website from the University of California's department of astronomy gives a historical account of women who contributed to the field of astronomy from the late seventeen hundreds to the present. The site features women in the field from the eighteenth century up until modern times. Each profile includes a photo and details of the astronomer's contributions and accomplishments. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 03:00:02 -0500 http://amser.org//index.php?P=FullRecord&ResourceId=12901 This PowerPoint created and presented by the Nanotechnology Applications and Career Knowledge (NACK) Center discusses etch systems. The presentation provides descriptions and examples of nine different system classifications, including Horizontal Plate RIE, Parallel Plate Etch, Microwave Etch, Electron Cyclotron Resonance (ECR) Etch, Hexode RIE, MERIE, Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) Etch, Ion Beam Etch, and Advanced Strip and Passivation (ASP). This presentation also has a cluster tools section, explaining their function and configuration. This is a great resource for any classroom looking at nanofabrication modifications. This and all other valuable resources from the NACK Center require a fast, easy, free log-in. Wed, 17 Mar 2010 03:00:03 -0500 http://amser.org//index.php?P=FullRecord&ResourceId=11170 This website contains links to chapters from an online book (PDF format), which reflects many of the recent developments in marine microbiology. Published by the National Institute of Oceanography in India, it is geared towards ocean scientists, environmentalists, aqua-culturists and seafood processing technologists. The book provides recent literature, newer analytical approaches, and an overall summary of the present understanding of marine microbiology in tropical waters. Chapters include subjects such as heterotrophic bacteria, sulfate reducing bacteria and the sulfur cycle, hypersaline microorganisms, symbiosis, the role of fungi in detrital process, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Aeromonas hydrophila, microbial diseases in shrimp, microzooplankton, biofilms, and more. Links are provided to each chapter in PDF format. Wed, 17 Mar 2010 03:00:03 -0500 http://amser.org//index.php?P=FullRecord&ResourceId=9698 This 8-part video workshop covers all aspects of science assessment: embedded and authentic assessment techniques, integrated math/science assessment, and extensive information about assessment reform initiatives. This material is intended for K-12 teachers and is periodically offered as a free satellite broadcast through the Annenberg/CPB channel. Supplemental materials, such as a workshop guide, are available on this site for free downloading. Wed, 17 Mar 2010 03:00:03 -0500 http://amser.org//index.php?P=FullRecord&ResourceId=9714 The Physics Education Group at the University of Washington has been investigating student difficulties in drawing and interpreting graphs of moving objects. In the study reported here, students observe an actual motion for which they are asked to sketch a graph. The procedures used by students who sketch correct graphs ("experts") are compared with the procedures used by students who produce inappropriate graphs ("novices"). We have been able to identify characteristic differences in the ways in which experts and novices define axes, represent the path of a motion, treat constant values, and check for consistency among related graphs. We have also examined the relation between conceptual understanding and the ability to produce correct position versus time, velocity versus time, and acceleration versus time graphs. Some implications for the design of instruction are discussed. Wed, 17 Mar 2010 03:00:03 -0500