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…

Point of View: The Nuclear Road Ahead—A Science, Technology, and Society Issue

Journal Article | August 2009

Many undergraduates can often be motivated by the opportunity to explore issues requiring them to develop at least a modest understanding of the underlying science. For many students, “just in time” science makes good…

Battling Ecophobia: Instilling Activism in Nonscience Majors When Teaching Environmental Issues

Journal Article | April 2011

This article describes an approach to teaching about environmental issues that helps instill a sense of agency in the young learner. Students identify five lifestyle behaviors that contribute to environmental…

PD Pathways: Teacher? Learner? Both!

Journal Article | January 2011

Teachers often have questions about how the strategies they learned at a professional development (PD) workshop will work with their students. Wouldn’t it be great if teachers had the opportunity to practice…

Point of View: Science in the Twenty-First Century Must Include All of Us—Appreciating the Value of Intellectual Diversity in the Sciences

Journal Article | April 2000

This column shares reflections or thoughtful opinions on issues of broad interest to the community. This month’s issue focuses on the challenge to create an environment within the science enterprise where intellectual…

Favorite Demonstration: An Inexpensive Resonance Demonstration

Journal Article | December 2004

Resonance is commonplace and easy to recognize when it occurs. Yet it is also one of the most impressive and often unexpected phenomenon in all of physics. This article describes a visually appealing resonance…

Empowering Youth

Journal Article | March 2007

The Gulf of Maine Institute (GOMI) is striving to empower youth to take on stewardship roles in their communities. Through its Community Based Initiative (CBI) program, GOMI addresses environmental degradation by…

Are They Really Learning What We're Teaching? An Informal Survey and Student Self-Assessment

Journal Article | February 2005

While enrolled in either the first or second semester of a two-semester human anatomy and physiology sequence, students self-assessed their mastery of material presented in the prerequisite course. Fifty-seven percent…