All Resources

Journal Article

Scope on Safety: Proactive safety

Horrifying stories of accidents in the science lab abound. You may think that such accidents could never happen in your lab, but accidents do happen even in the most controlled environments. So, the best thing you can do to protect yourselves and you...

Journal Article

The Early Years: Young Questioners

Children are often described as natural scientists and their curiosity as a basic human trait. They amaze adults with perceptive questions and extended explorations of the environment. Asking questions is part of the National Science Education Teac...

Journal Article

The Case Study: Professional Development Cases

A professional development case in college science teaching bridges the gap between educational theory and practice. A good case poses an interesting dilemma involving instructors, students, and administrators. Case discussions can help instructors...

Journal Article

Visualizing Zonation Patterns

The study of zonation, the distribution of plants and animals into distinct spatial areas, is a great way to introduce students to basic ecological concepts. Students can conduct methodical, quantifying surveys of zones in areas as diverse as mudflat...

Journal Article

Science Shorts: Building Bridges

London Bridge is falling down, falling down...Can you finish the song? Although there are various stories that suggest the meaning of this famous nursery rhyme, the London Bridge, which spans the River Thames, did indeed "fall down" several times th...

Journal Article

Idea Bank: The Paint Chip Lab

Early on in the study of physical science, students must grasp concepts associated with the periodic table. A perfect way to introduce periodicity and periodic groups is by using paint chip color samples. The color progression (red-orange-yellow-gree...

Journal Article

After the Bell - The middle school connection: Fostering alliances with parents

What is the number one fear of most teachers? According to national polls, it's talking to parents! Because parental involvement is a key factor in a child's success, communication between teachers and parents is essential. By following the simple st...

Journal Article

Career of the Month: An Interview with Diabetes Educator Donna Rice

Diabetes can develop at any age and lead to a lot of health problems. But with the help of a Diabetes Educator--such as Donna Rice--individuals can learn the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to gain control of diabetes and have long, healthy lives...

Journal Article

Timing is Everything

Kids today are growing up with televisions, movies, videos, and DVDs, so it's logical to assume that this type of media could be motivating and used to great effect in the classroom. But at what point should film and other visual media be used? Are...

Journal Article

Science Sampler: Making movies in the classroom

When you overhear students talking excitedly about video games, the internet, television, or movies, do you ever wish that they could get that excited about what was happening in the science classroom? By using simple software, students can plan, sho...

Journal Article

Scope on the Skies: Summer planet watch

This summer, all but one of the bright planets will be easily visible as evening planets during the first part of our Northern Hemisphere summer season, and then shift to the predawn skies during the latter half of summer. Be sure to catch the array ...

Journal Article

Science Sampler: Teaching science using the movie Apollo 13

For over 40 years the space program has inspired students of science and engineering. The movie Apollo 13, about the third lunar mission, provides opportunities to teach students about several science concepts and the nature of scientific investigati...

Journal Article

The Nature of Science and Art

The value of art education and its natural tie-in with science promted a principle of a middle school to encourage collaboration between his science teacher and art teacher. Although they were initially apprehensive, this formidable force realized th...

Journal Article

Outdoor Classrooms -- Planning Makes Perfect

Schoolyard wildlife habitats aren't just for beauty and fun--they are outdoor classrooms where real science learning takes place. Schoolyard habitat projects involve conservation and restoration of wildlife habitat; however the learning doesn't have...