All Resources

Journal Article

Applying Age-Old Physics: Using ancient inventions to teach modern physics concepts

Despite daily use of computers, cell phones, and sound systems, students are fascinated by the technology that our ancestors once used to survive. Ancient inventions are great tools for fostering understanding of physics content and real-world appli...

Journal Article

"Fossil" Forecasting: Students measure the density of simulated rock samples to predict the presence of fossils

An inquiry-based Earth science activity applies the concepts of density using real-life investigations that take advantage of students’ interest in dinosaurs. The teacher creates simulated rock and fossil samples from which students collect data, c...

Journal Article

Searching for the Perfect Lesson: Teaching evolution to a diverse biology class

In a heterogeneous class, where students have different experiences and abilities, many activities can involve students at various levels. In this article, a high school biology teacher constantly seeks to improve the way she educates this type of cl...

Journal Article

Commentary: Getting Students to Tune In

An opinion piece about finding substantive material and delivery that engages students, so they will want to "tune in" and learn....

Journal Article

The Case Study: The Language of Chemistry

To offer an alternative to the survey and foundation frameworks, the authors designed The Language of Chemistry course to use only three to four case studies over the entire semester. In direct contrast to both the traditional concept exposition of f...

Journal Article

Editor's Corner: Reaching All Students

The Science Teacher’s editor shares thoughts on the current issue....

Journal Article

Favorite Demonstration: Demonstrating Allotropic Modifications of Sulfur

This demonstration closely simulates Io’s surface and validates scientists’ conclusions about this satellite of Jupiter. It illustrates the importance of teaching descriptive chemistry and is suitable for a general science class as well as introd...

Journal Article

Kettlewell’s Missing Evidence

The standard textbook account of Kettlewell and the peppered moths omits significant information. While instructors might merely amend the details, this classic case serves as an ideal occasion to reflect on the role of simplification in science teac...

Journal Article

Reinforcing Science with Web-Based Exercises

Little is known about the academic effectiveness of online instruction. To research this area, the authors created web-based exercises to support an existing course and tested their effectiveness. Students’ academic performance on course topics ass...

Journal Article

Idea Bank: Building Block Transcription

The Idea Bank provides tips and techniques for creative teaching, in about 1,000 words. This month’s Idea Bank features the structure of DNA and how it can be explored in various ways and how teachers can choose from among several commercial kits a...

Journal Article

Elemental Education: A Malaysian supplemental module uses four basic elements to teach integrated science

Malaysian educators design a supplemental module that addresses the problems in their national science curriculum. “Elements of Life” (ELF) integrates chemistry, physics, and biology using a Web-based, student-centered approach, which includes a ...

Journal Article

Success with GPS: A look at hand-held technology in the science classroom

Certain technological tools have the capacity to extend student research, beyond traditional boundaries, creating an interesting environment as data are collected and analyzed in the pursuit of scientific studies. A global positioning system (GPS) re...

Journal Article

Science on the Run: Advice for teachers without a classroom

After moving to a school where he has no classroom of his own, a biology teacher embraces his new work style by honing his organizational skills, establishing and maintaining positive relationships with colleagues whose rooms he shares, and keeping a...

Journal Article

A Scientific Approach to Fly Fishing

In a novel approach to bridging scientific disciplines, the author presents a field-based course in which students investigate various aquatic environments and their physical and biological components using fly fishing as the medium of learning. Fly ...

Journal Article

The Trouble with Textbooks: Examining issues in science textbook selection

Previous studies show that most science teachers use science textbooks for most of their instructional time and this has been the norm for many years. So, what can effective science teachers do to overcome the obstacles of inadequate textbooks? The...

Journal Article

Students Teaching Students

The University of Arizona’s Teaching Teams Program allows students who know their course’s lecture material and feel confident with their abilities to assist peers in understanding difficult concepts, completing projects, or solving complex probl...

Journal Article

Constructing Knowledge in the Lecture Hall

The standard lecture/note-taking format is not an effective way for students to learn introductory biology. However, it is difficult to implement an active-learning approach unless the students prepare adequately for class. This article describes a f...

Journal Article

Navigating the Active Learning Swamp

The authors surveyed 29 fellow faculty by asking them to define active learning, to rate how effectively different teaching techniques contribute to active learning, and to list the three teaching techniques they use most frequently. After exploring ...

Journal Article

Editor's Corner: As We Teach, We Learn . . .

The Science Teacher’s editor shares thoughts on the current issue....

Journal Article

Parent Outreach Success

Through the Massachusetts Parent Involvement Project (MassPIP), teams of community businesses, service organizations, school personnel, parents, and children joined together and planned and conducted science, mathematics, and technology related activ...