Science Sampler: Making Connections Fun

Journal Article | April 2004

Games are a great way to help students make meaningful connections between abstract science concepts and vocabulary. This article describes three games—Secrets, Connections, and Pairs of Opposites—that help students…

Activity Selection: It’s More Than the Fun Factor—An easy-to-use evaluation form to help select effective science activities

Journal Article | September 1999

Many people assume that if an activity is published or popular, it is a good one. This is often the case when teachers select science activities because they are fun or address a particular science topic, not because…

Using Science Popularizations to Promote Learner-Centered Teaching

Journal Article | November 2008

This article attempts to evaluate why popularizations seem to generate positive reactions from learners and why the authors find themselves using popularizations more and more frequently. In doing a retrospective…

Using Digital Microscopy

Journal Article | March 2006

Studying Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) live cultures provides excellent opportunities for authentic inquiry in a high school anatomy and physiology or other biology lab course. The anatomy of C. elegans, a free-…

Viral Investigation: Students learn to isolate a common, nonpathogenic virus

Journal Article | October 2000

Few laboratory experiments focus on viruses that are safe and involve minimal equipment. Because of this, they are generally not appropriate for high school or university students. To address this problem, this…

Guest Editorial: History of Science—A Modest Field Searching for Identity

Journal Article | April 1999

An opinion piece about the history of science. This article appeared in an edition of the "Village Times" (Setauket, New York), reprinted here with permission.

Farm to Table and Beyond: Helping Students Make Sense of the Global Food System

Journal Article | June 2008

It is not enough for students to acquire knowledge about how food is produced and processed; they must also come to understand the biological and environmental contexts in which food production, processing, and…

Using Easy-Bake Ovens to Teach Chemistry

Journal Article | January 2004

After participating in an internship at the American Institute of Baking, the author developed an innovative way for students to explore basic chemistry concepts through bakery science. An Easy-Bake Oven is a quick and…

Safer Science: Getting Students in the Safety Zone

Journal Article | February 2010

Students coming into science labs need initial and ongoing training about safety standards and best practices. They also need to develop good attitudes about their work and the health and safety of their teachers and…

Enabling a Culture of Change: A Life Science Faculty Learning Community Promotes Scientific Teaching

Journal Article | December 2008

Significant challenges to education transformation in lecture-oriented science departments include initiating and supporting a dialogue about teaching and learning among faculty whose priorities are primarily research.…

Natural Resources: The Farmer and the Bell

Journal Article | June 2011

This column helps bring the outdoors into your curriculum. In this month’s issue information on starting your own school garden is provided.

Inquiring Minds!

Journal Article | September 2003

An inquiry-based research model provides students and teachers with a better understanding of inquiry and greater confidence in their critical thinking skills. This classroom experience is valued because the teacher…

The CORALS Connection

Journal Article | January 2010

The Ocean, Reefs, Aquariums, Literacy, and Stewardship (CORALS) research program helps students connect global environmental issues to local concerns and personal choices. During the 18-week program, students strengthen…

Teaching Through Trade Books: Wonderful, Wiggly Worms

Journal Article | March 2006

Worms have the ability to either elicit screams of excitement or perhaps screams period. Although we don't generally see them, worms are an important part of our world. Take this opportunity to introduce students to…

Reverse Your Science Fair with Educational Partnerships

Journal Article | February 2004

Do your students roll their eyes and groan at the idea of another science fair? If so, try implementing a different twist on science fairs, where teachers can arrange for adults to present projects to students. This non…