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Journal Article

Investigation—Insects! Creative extension activities can expand a learning kit module into a comprehensive study

What has six legs, three body parts, and is loved by second-grade students? An insect! In the unit described here, students engaged in a comprehensive insect study that incorporated the National Science Content Standards A: Life Science and C: Scienc...

Journal Article

Idea Bank: Seasons Reasons

The Idea Bank provides tips and techniques for creative teaching, in about 1,000 words. In this month’s Idea Bank, find out what students need to consider when determining the real "season reason."...

Journal Article

Rev Up Your Veggies! Building model race cars lets students explore physical science concepts and promotes cooperative learning

Intended as a contest to promote teamwork and encourage innovative thinking with a focus on nutrition, the Lunch Box Derby challenges fourth- and fifth-grades students to design, build, and race cars made from fresh produce. Each class is allowed one...

Journal Article

Not Your Ordinary Lab Day

After reading a news story about two men who died in an accidental explosion while trying to make the controlled substance methamphetamine, students learn about the stereochemistry of organic molecules and various synthetic routes for the preparation...

Journal Article

Community Lab Partners: Working with local universities and industry leaders allows students to make the most of laboratory experiences

With the trend toward integrated science, teachers often need advice and practical help to implement labs in different science topics. In this article these problems are addressed by creating a partnership among a state-level national agency, a local...

Journal Article

Using Journal Articles in an Environmental Biology Course

This article discusses how to use team learning and the interrupted journal case method to promote content, process, and application learning in an environmental biology course. It presents a sample case study on wetland delineation and describes str...

Journal Article

Kim Davis: A Mother’s Dilemma

In this discussion case, parents must decide whether or not to enroll their sons in an experimental treatment program designed to alleviate the symptoms of muscular dystrophy. The case explores the genetics and physiology of the disease, FDA regulati...

Journal Article

The Directed Case Method

Many instructors think that by incorporating case study analysis into the science classroom they will sacrifice course content. The directed case method, however, is a proven strategy for deepening and solidifying understanding of facts and concepts ...

Journal Article

Earth Systems in a Bottle: Building Earth systems teaches students an integrated environmental lesson

Earth and its systems, a natural integrated unit, incorporate an understanding of biology, physics, chemistry, and geology. The various systems on Earth are interrelated—changes in one system control or regulate changes in another. In these activi...

Journal Article

Commentary: A Science Odyssey—All Aboard

An opinion piece about encouraging students to view the study of science as an epic journey, or Odyssey, we take together....

Journal Article

Our Star, the Sun: Try these everyday activities that teach elementary and middle level students about the sun

Is the word “star” the first idea that leaps into your mind when you think about the sun? Some people think of warm summer days, beaches, or romantic sunsets. Children may think of something round and bright that is out in the daytime and disappe...

Journal Article

Guest Editorial: The Value of Teachers Doing Classroom Research

An opinion piece about the value of teachers doing classroom research. Studies show that it has impacted future teaching practices and has allowed a teacher to learn much more about students....