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  • Writing a Scientific Research ("Testable") Question: The First Step in Using Online Data Sets for Guided Inquiry Assignments

    Journal Article |

    This study examines preservice elementary teachers' ability to generate a testable question using data made accessible online through the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory and Michigan Sea Grant.

  • Guest Editorial: Misunderstanding Misconceptions

    Journal Article |

    An opinion piece about the different ways teachers view misconceptions.

  • Idea Bank: Building Traits

    Journal Article |

    The Idea Bank provides tips and techniques for creative teaching, in about 1,000 words. In this month’s Idea Bank learn about an alternative method to paper-and-pencil Punnett Square activities that are often part of an…

  • Chapterless Science: Taking a new approach to presenting science material

    Journal Article |

    Dividing a scientific discipline into sections or chapters of a book is not always the most effective way of presenting class material to students. This article gets away from the formal and traditional use of textbooks…

  • Idea Bank: Ask the Experts

    Journal Article |

    Want to learn something new about your teaching? Or discover what’s really working in your classroom? Ask the experts! No, not teachers or administrators, the real experts: your students. By the time they reach high…

  • A Virtual, Shoestring Vacation

    Journal Article |

    If there is a discrepancy between the scope of your imagination and the depth of your bank account, this may be the ideal summer to stretch your horizons by diving into a good book. You can take a virtual vacation to…

  • Methods and Strategies: Concept-Focused Teaching

    Journal Article |

    One of the main problems we face in science teaching is that students are learning isolated facts and missing central concepts. For instance, consider what you know about life cycles. Chances are that you remember…

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

    Journal Article |

    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 |

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

  • Every Day Science Calendar: October 2010

    Journal Article |

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

  • Idea Bank: The Gulf Oil Spill

    Journal Article |

    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 |

    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 |

    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 |

    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 |

    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…

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