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Journal Article

Shoebox Spectroscopy

In the following experiment, students are asked to construct a visible-light spectrometer using commonly available and relatively inexpensive equipment. In doing so, they are able to clearly see and understand basic spectroscopic principles and measu...

Journal Article

Creating a Fair Classroom Environment

Reduce your students’ first day jitters by implementing these specific classroom management suggestions that are designed to reduce student anxiety and create a fair environment. These strategies will effectively help all students to participate an...

Journal Article

Idea Bank: Measuring Wavelength with a Ruler

In the late 1960s, Arthur Schawlow, co-inventor of the laser, visited the author’s high school physics department to share some intriguing laser demonstrations. He popped colored balloons inside transparent ones, and showed interesting diffraction ...

Journal Article

What to Toss and What to Keep in Your Curriculum

As teachers adopt curriculum, they often have the false notion that every page of the text must be read in order to cover all of the standards required by the state. In fact, nearly all middle school science texts contain so much detail that they are...

Journal Article

Inquiry in the Large-Enrollment Science Classroom

The authors conduct research workshops twice each semester in their cell biology lecture course. Instead of solely analyzing data obtained by others, students form groups to design research questions and experimental protocols on a given topic. The m...

Journal Article

Using Scoring Rubrics to Evaluate Inquiry

This article explores the problem of assigning grades to students engaged in nontraditional activities, especially scientific inquiry. The authors suggest using scoring rubrics to guide students in their work and to assist teachers with grading. They...