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  • The Paradigm Changes: But Do Our Students Know That? Tracking the Gradual and Continual Evolution of the Periodic Chart

    Journal Article |

    Although Mendeleeff presented his periodic chart in a paper to the German Chemical Society in 1869, its acceptance was a gradual process. The changes in the chart and its movement to its present position inside the…

  • The Science and Mathematics of Building Structures

    Journal Article |

    Everyday activities—like building with blocks—can be the basis for meaningful learning that meets national educational standards in science and mathematics. Preschool students played with different kinds of building…

  • An O-“fish”-ial Research Project

    Journal Article |

    In this “O-“fish”-ial” research project, third-grade students use multiple resources to research several fish species, write a research paper and develop a PowerPoint presentation to communicate their findings. In…

  • A Key to Science Learning

    Journal Article |

    One way to help students develop their writing skills is through the “key-word process.” In this method, students select key words about a topic and then use those words to build their own sentences and paragraphs. The…

  • Idea Bank: Joining the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence

    Journal Article |

    Would you like to get your students involved in an authentic search for extraterrestrial intelligence? The SETI@home project is an ongoing science experiment harnessing the power of computers via the internet. The…

  • Becoming a Spider Scientist

    Journal Article |

    In this integrated unit, third grade students become spider scientists as they observe spiders in their classroom to debunk some common misconceptions about these intimidating creatures. Charlotte’s Web is used to…

  • Myths, Misconceptions, and Misunderstanding: A different spin on Coriolis—Applying frame of reference

    Journal Article |

    This article addresses misconceptions surrounding the Coriolis force and describes how it should be presented as a function within inertial and noninertial frames of reference. Not only does this demonstrate the nature…

  • After the Bell: Modeling museum collaboration

    Journal Article |

    Entering a partnership with a local museum is a great way to gain access to materials, facilities, and science expertise that might be unavailable at the school. This article contains a description of a museum/school…

  • Powerful Learning Tools for ELLs

    Journal Article |

    Using native language, familiar examples, and concept mapping to teach English language learners.

  • Careers in Science: An Interview with Food Technologist Kristen Girard

    Journal Article |

    This column shares interviews with professionals using science in the workplace. The exciting field of food technology is featured in this month's interview with Kristen Girard.

  • The Spider Files

    Journal Article |

    Firsthand experience with spiders debunks student misconceptions. The activities and methods described in this third-grade lesson can be applied to a variety of animals that students have misconceptions about or…

  • Idea Bank: International Polar Year in the Classroom

    Journal Article |

    The International Polar Year (IPY) is one of the most ambitious international science programs ever organized, currently involving over 60,000 scientists from 63 countries. The goal is to broaden humankind’s…

  • Exploring Sound With Insects

    Journal Article |

    Differences in insect morphology and movement during singing provide a fascinating opportunity for students to investigate insects while learning about the characteristics of sound. In the activities described here,…

  • Commentary: On Symmetry

    Journal Article |

    An opinion piece about symmetry stating that it has been increasingly recognized by physicists as fundamental to the forumlation of the laws of physics.

  • Enhancing the Instructional Environment: Optimal Learning in Introductory Science Classes

    Journal Article |

    A survey of 55 colleges showed that the learning environments in introductory science courses are not always as supportive as they should be. Furthermore, most innovative teaching techniques, as recommended by the…

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