Science Sampler: Digital Field Trips

Journal Article | January 2004

"Take only photographs. Leave only footprints." This is the author's motto as she bubbled forth with ideas and images after taking a digital camera along on trips to Utah, Yellowstone National Park, the Rocky Mountains…

Scaling Up Education Reform

Journal Article | April 2008

The SCALE-UP (Student-Centered Activities for Large Enrollment for Undergraduate Programs) project was developed to implement reforms designed for small classes into large physics classes. Over 50 schools across the…

Teaching Teachers: Day of Science

Journal Article | October 1999

"Day of Science" provided students an opportunity to sample various hands-on activities and also provided superb learning and practice opportunities for visiting preservice teachers. This article offers information on…

Let’s Fight for Inquiry Science!

Journal Article | March 2008

In today’s climate of standardized testing, the author shares his concern that colleagues who are currently implementing inquiry-based science that awakens students’ curiosity may soon be thwarted by mandated, time-…

The Human Impact on Biodiversity: A Case Study With Corn

Journal Article | March 2013

Explore how agricultural practices affect biodiversity.

Commentary: Needing a New Approach to Science Labs

Journal Article | September 2005

A recent report conducted by a National Research Council (NRC) committee found that science labs have the potential to help students master science subject matter, develop scientific reasoning skills, increase interest…

Research and Teaching: Does Students' Source of Knowledge Affect Their Understanding of Volcanic Systems?

Journal Article | August 2011

This article discusses a Volcanic Concept Survey, an instrument designed to measure conceptual understanding of volcanic processes and hazards. Scores from this survey show that students who learned about volcanoes from…

Tried and True: The Incredible Growing Gummi Bear

Journal Article | October 2011

This column provides classic demonstrations and experiments with a new twist. In this month’s issue the author describes using gummi bears to review and reinforce students' process skills.

Green Science: Fracking Fury

Journal Article | February 2012

This column focuses on issues related to environmentally friendly and sustainable science. This month’s issue discusses the pros and cons of hydraulic fracturing used in gas production.

Managing Your Classroom for Success

Journal Article | June 2012

Creating a well-managed classroom with established procedures should be a priority for a teacher. Organization in the first week of school is the foundation for a successful school year.

Science Alive!

Journal Article | December 2004

An elementary school brings in community volunteers for a full-day, all-school event focused on real world science. This article describes the planning process and types of science professionals and non-professionals…

Research and Teaching: An Analysis of Calibrated Peer Review (CPR) in a Science Lecture Classroom

Journal Article | February 2008

Calibrated Peer Review (CPR) is an online tool being used to integrate a writing component in classrooms. In an introductory zoology lecture class, the authors found that CPR-assigned scores were significantly higher…

Every Day Science Calendar: July 2008

Journal Article | June 2008

This monthly feature contains facts and challenges for the science explorer.

Science Sampler: No excuses

Journal Article | June 2009

Kyle Maynard’s book entitled No Excuses is an inspirational story that shows how a positive attitude can lead to great achievements, even when against the odds. Here the author describes how she uses Maynard’s “no…

Waves & Tsunami Project

Journal Article | February 2007

Demonstrating wave processes quantitatively in the classroom using standard classroom tools (such as Slinkys and wave tanks) can be difficult. As a result, through a collaborative effort, The Plymouth Wave Lab website…