All Resources

Journal Article

Improving Science Education for Future Teachers: A Biology Lab Experience With a Teaching Component—Assumption College’s Science Programs for Education Majors

Faculty from Worchester's Assumption College education and natural sciences departments developed a science/education initiative to enhance the science preparation of future elementary teachers. The program included a team-taught special weekly lab e...

Journal Article

Shining Light on Photosynthesis: Teaching about photosynthesis and plant growth in the primary classroom

The purpose of this photosynthesis unit is to stimulate students' interest in the process and concepts of science in fun and educational ways. Engaging young students in real, hands-on experiences with photosynthesis helps them remember the elements ...

Journal Article

Teaching Teachers: Science is About Not Knowing, but Trying to Find Out

This article is about an experience that took place in an elementary science methods course at Hofstra University. It carries an important message about what science is, and how science might be treated by teachers....

Journal Article

Introductory Physics for Nonphysics Majors—A Case Study: Continuous Engagement and a Supportive Environment—Reversing Negative Trends at a Portuguese University

This case study describes materials and teaching strategies used in an introductory physics course at a Portuguese university. The study provides evidence of student success and offers insights and suggestions on how to influence students' knowledge,...

Journal Article

M&M Mystery

In this M&M Mystery unit, students use science process skills to tie data into a theoretical framework. This activity is a great hands-on assessment tool that integrates mathematics, writing, and critical thinking with science process skills....

Journal Article

Find out Why?

This year, the National Science Foundation (NSF) reaches out to families and asks them to discover the power of asking, "Why?" The mission of NSF's Find Out Why program is to engage all Americans in science, engineering, and technology so that the Un...

Journal Article

Research and Teaching: Promoting Attitude Adjustments in Science for Preserice Elementary Teachers—Linking Hands-on Experimentation in the Laboratory with Concept Development Strategies in the Lecture Hall

This article focuses on the restructuring of the science requirement for elementary education, early childhood education, and special education majors at Clemson University—a major producer of elementary teachers. ...

Journal Article

Point of View: Science at Scopes' School Today: Creationism 74 Years After the “Monkey Trial”—A Verdict

This column shares reflections or thoughtful opinions on issues of broad interest to the community. In this month’s issue the author discusses the statute that banned the teaching of human evolution and the John Scope's trial....

Journal Article

Editorial: Time Will Tell

The Journal of College Science Teaching’s editor shares thoughts regarding the current issue....

Journal Article

Primary Paleontologists: Students "dig in" to excavate buried "fossils"

Prior to the students' dig, each second-grade teacher digs and models the role of an excavation expert in the same square of the dig site. This simulated dig is a memorable culmination to classroom study of dinosaurs. The dig reinforces what students...

Journal Article

Exploring Experimental Design: Using hands-on activities to learn about experimental design

This article presents the basic concepts of experimental design through a series of hands-on activities. This allowed students to focus on one or two fundamental concepts during each activity, reducing the likelihood of confusion. Even though the pr...

Journal Article

The Versatile Armchair Penny Balance

In this activity, students construct their own balance for a hands-on lesson on how a balance works and the principles behind weights and measurements. After construction students use their Armchair Penny Balance to weigh solids and liquids by counti...

Journal Article

Something to Crow About

Crows are among the most interesting birds to study firsthand, and are available for study through a variety of sources. In this unit, students learn about crows through reading, writing, discussion, and observation. The activities include researchin...

Journal Article

Science and Technology: A Great Combination

As educators meet the challenge of teaching a new generation of technologically literate and curious children, opportunities for classroom inquiry is crucial. The Internet becomes the perfect vehicle for assisting students with inquiry and fostering ...