All Resources

Journal Article

Editor's Note (October 2004)

Instead of tedious labeling of rocks, geology is a dynamic, relevant field that in many ways provides a context and connection for all other fields of science. This selection includes notes from the field editor of Science and Children regarding the...

Journal Article

Science Sampler: Creative projects stimulate classroom learning

In a perfect world, what would a good classroom strategy look like? It would definitely include the use of projects. Classroom projects are original pieces of student work that may be in the form of art, writing, models, experiments, and various othe...

Journal Article

Conversations with Fireflies

This case explores the aggressive mimicry behavior of “femmes fatales” fireflies—female fireflies in the genus Photuris that mimic the flash pattern of females in the genus Photinus to lure Photinus males to their death. The case features entri...

Journal Article

Was the Great Pyramid Built with Simple Machines?

In this integrated science and social studies lesson, fifth-grade students participated in hands-on activities using simple machines and speculated how the pyramids were built. Students extended the experience by designing a machine that has the pote...

Journal Article

The Genetics and Evolution of Human Skin Color

This case explores the genetics and evolution of skin color, using a short story by Kate Chopin called “Desiree’s Baby” as a starting point. Students read the story and discuss a series of questions probing the genetics of the family in the tal...

Journal Article

Science Sampler: Successful lab reports through model analysis

Despite your best efforts, are the majority of your middle school students unable to write detailed, complete lab reports? If your answer is a resounding “yes,” try implementing Model Analysis into your science curriculum. This strategy effective...

Journal Article

Idea Bank: Using Food Science as a Thematic Unit

While rethinking the math and science program for ninth- and tenth-grade high school students, the authors found that the math, English, and social studies teachers had the same goal—to maximize learning in all subject areas. To help meet this goal...

Journal Article

Living on a Restless Earth

The human race is learning to live with the restless nature of Earth. Thanks to the work of Earth scientists, we can forecast and prepare for many natural hazards in an effort to minimize the loss of life and property. In celebration of the work Eart...

Journal Article

A Chance to Be Like Lance

The physical demands of the Tour de France and the success of American cyclist Lance Armstrong provide a great "hook" to teach middle school students about nutrition and physiology. This article describes how an ordinary nutrition and physiology un...

Journal Article

How Small Is a Cell?

Through the following inquiry-based activity involving yeast, students learn about cell size in a way they will never forget. Essentially, each student or lab group is given one grain of active dry yeast, is asked to estimate the number of cells in t...

Journal Article

Science Shorts: Going Through Changes

Earth's surface is always changing. Much of that change happens because of air, wind, water, and temperature differences. If you have ever observed mud and rocks being carried along by a stream of water after a heavy rain, you have observed the Ear...

Journal Article

Accidental Drowning or Foul Play?

This case was developed for a sophomore organic chemistry lab to illustrate how a combination of techniques is usually required in the identification of chemical compounds. It involves a murder mystery with a forensic twist: Two bodies have been reco...

Journal Article

Editorial: An Inside Peek at a Case Study Workshop

Here we are again with another special issue of JCST devoted to using case study teaching in the science classroom. These cases are the product of the annual workshops presented by the National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science at the Unive...

Journal Article

Natural Hazards in Your Community

The Earth is a powerful, active, and ever-changing planet. Earthquakes and volcanoes reshape the Earth’s crust with sudden bursts of movement or with eruptions that last decades. Powerful storms develop in the swirling atmosphere, creating cumuloni...

Journal Article

Science Sampler: Lab report blues

For middle school students, writing a formal lab report can be challenging. For middle level teachers, reading students’ lab reports can be overwhelming. As a solution, why not try peer editing? By having students critique each other in a construct...