Science Sampler: Fueling interest in science—An after-school program model that works

Journal Article | November 2008

As our society becomes more technologically advanced and jobs require additional related skills, it is important that all girls, not just those interested in science, technology, engineering, and math (commonly referred…

Drawing on Students' Knowledge

Journal Article | December 2006

Effective instruction requires continual assessment of student understanding to identify and redirect misconceptions. This is particularly important when dealing with topics that seem straightforward to the teacher but…

Science Sampler: Anchor activities

Journal Article | February 2003

What's the best way to keep students occupied when they have finished their work? An Anchor Activity Learning Station provides high-interest, educational options for students who have finished with required class…

Discovering Trees: Not Just a Walk in the Park!

Journal Article | March 2002

An urban classroom participates in a yearlong partnership sponsored by a local botanical garden. Through field trips and classroom activities students observe and learn about seasonal changes in trees and sketch their…

The “Lady” of Charleston

Journal Article | August 2001

This case uses the story of Dawn Langley Simmons, who may have been misidentified as male at birth, to illustrate the developmental basis of human sexual dimorphism and how gender misidentification may occur: Students…

Hypothesis-Based Learning

Journal Article | December 2003

In an effort to improve inquiry learning in the classroom, the authors modified a standard, inquiry-based curricula to provide opportunities for students to discuss discrepant events. The tool, called Hypothesis-Based…

Cleaning Up the Environment: Students can learn important science concepts while providing valuable services to their communities

Journal Article | March 2005

Washington State now allows students to obtain a high school varsity letter in community service if they complete over 150 community service hours in a calendar year. With this in mind, the author has integrated…

Scope on the Skies: No place like home

Journal Article | September 2008

At a distance of 50.1 light years, the star 51 Pegasi represents an interesting milestone. When viewed today, the light you see from this star left the same year that President Eisenhower signed the National Aeronautics…

A Simple Approach to Improving Student Writing: An Example From Hydrology

Journal Article | April 2007

Using the simple approach described in this article, college science instructors can help students become independent thinkers and writers in science. The unique character of this approach is that it shows students how…

Scope on the Skies: The sky is falling

Journal Article | October 1999

This column focuses on astronomy throughout the year. In this issue, learn about the special events occurring in the months of November and December.

Scope on the Skies: The skies this summer

Journal Article | April 2003

Summer 2003 celestial events included a last look at Jupiter as an evening planet, a close view of Mars, and the Perseid meteor shower. In addition, three spacecraft were launched, which provided many opportunities to…

Libros de Ciencias en Español (2003)

Journal Article | February 2003

If we are to encourage Spanish speakers to observe, identify, describe, experiment, and explain phenomena, we should offer them a wide selection of activities that lead them enthusiastically to the study of scientific…

Teaching About Heat and Temperature Using an Investigative Demonstration

Journal Article | November 2011

This short and cost-effective lesson helps middle grade students learn about the transfer of thermal energy. The lesson comprises three activities: a predict-share-observe-explain sequence of instruction that elicits…

Hierarchical Learning Ensembles: Team Building for Undergraduate Scientists and Engineers

Journal Article | February 2006

This article describes the design and implementation of the Hierarchical Learning Ensemble (HLE) model, a pedagogy that assembles interdisciplinary teams of graduate, undergraduate, and secondary-level students to solve…

Research and Teaching: Undergraduate Success—and Failure—in Completing a Simple Circuit

Journal Article | September 2000

This research study was motivated by physics educators’ ubiquitous citing of the batteries and bulbs study (Thiberghien and Delacote, 1976) even though the literature has not reported on surveys of a large population…