Swivel Seating in Large Lecture Theaters and Its Impact on Student Discussions and Learning

Journal Article | December 2007

This paper compares two different designs of remodeled, large lecture-theater designs: one with traditional tiered rows and one with swivel seating to facilitate face-to-face discussions during lectures and the impact…

Editors' Note: Moving Toward the Next Generation Science Standards

Journal Article | August 2012

Science and Children’s editor shares thoughts regarding the current issue.

Every Day Science Calendar: October 2010

Journal Article | September 2010

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

Idea Bank: The Gulf Oil Spill

Journal Article | October 2010

This summer, the environmental disaster in the Gulf of Mexico unfolded with more drama than a summer blockbuster. America was riveted by a deadly explosion, a seemingly unstoppable geyser of toxic petroleum, beach…

Teaching Through Trade Books: Words to the Wild

Journal Article | October 2007

A notebook is perhaps the single most important piece of equipment a naturalist takes into the field. But notebooks are not only for use by field scientists: They are also excellent tools for helping students record…

Mystery Box Marvels

Journal Article | June 2012

Boxes of mystery objects reveal a coming year of science inquiry. With the use of simple, readily available materials, an efficient mystery box lesson can be a first-week hit that sets the bar for the rest of the year.

After the Bell: Adopting and observing

Journal Article | October 2000

Much of science requires long periods of observation, but students in traditional classrooms have limited opportunities to make scientific observations. An "adoption journal" provides practice in making these detailed…

Building Energy Efficiency: Energy auditing allows students to work with the community and learn new technology

Journal Article | April 2001

The author developed a project-based curriculum called the "EnergyNet Energy Audit Project," to teach students about energy. Students look for wasted energy—energy being consumed without benefit to people—in a building…

H₂ O Olympics

Journal Article | September 1999

Have you ever noticed that the water level in a measuring cup is higher at the sides than at the center? Can you explain how it is possible for water striders to walk on water? What are the physical properties of water…

Science 101: How do plants make their own food?

Journal Article | February 2003

Plants make their own food through a process called photosynthesis, a term that comes from the Greek language, meaning “arranging with light.” In this article, a botanist describes the fundamental concept of…

Outdoor Ecology School

Journal Article | April 2004

On a bright spring day last year, high school environmental science students led third graders on a dynamic learning adventure as part of an annual Outdoor Ecology School. At a water-monitoring site in a nearby national…

Meet the Mealworms

Journal Article | January 2005

Fourth-grade students’ inquiry skills are tested when a container of mealworms arrives and they are given the opporunity to explore an unfamiliar organism. Students complete a series of mealworm activities, from…

From Mystery Seed to Mangrove Island

Journal Article | January 2010

Introducing a mystery object is an easy strategy to implement and allows teachers to pre-assess students’ knowledge about local natural resources. Misconceptions can be noted as teachers record initial inquiries and…

Collaborating for Communication

Journal Article | June 2012

An engineering challenge requires students to work together while providing an opportunity for assessing their learning styles.

It's All the News: Critiquing Evidence and Claims

Journal Article | January 2002

To develop their ability to critique scientific claims, students evaluate the science behind articles on a fictitious Internet tabloid. Students critique the scientific claims, then make recommendations for ways to…