Counting Dots: Students engage in a coal mining activity to interpret geology

Journal Article | August 2003

With techniques used by actual geologists, students apply their understanding of contour lines, maps, area, density, and volume through a coal mining activity.

Under the Mistletoe

Journal Article | January 2008

The “Under the Mistletoe” project was developed to capitalize on student curiosity about the American Christmas Mistletoe plant and draw learners into an engaging, inquiry-based exercise that incorporates numerous life…

Students as Teachers

Journal Article | September 2001

As an extra credit activity, teachers can let students take turns teaching class using the “each one teach one” approach. Student groups select an activity, write a lesson plan and worksheet, and present their adapted…

Scope on Safety: Glue guns—Aiming for safety

Journal Article | September 2010

While glue guns are very useful, there are safety issues. Regardless of the temperature setting, glue guns can burn skin. The teacher should demonstrate and supervise the use of glue guns and have a plan should a…

Every Day Science: February 2008

Journal Article | January 2008

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

Fostering Argumentation Skills: Doing What Real Scientists Really Do

Journal Article | August 2011

Tech Trek: Converting sunlight into other forms of energy—Using photovoltaic cells made from silicon alloys for solar power

Journal Article | November 2010

Experts, politicians, and large numbers of American citizens recognize that our present dependence on oil is a major obstacle to the progress of this nation; an examination of the potential solar alternatives will…

Good, Messy, Frothing Fun

Journal Article | March 2005

Teach your students the dangers of unsafe lab behavior without scaring them or boring them through this lab safety module.This investigative case is part of a larger program through Emory University and metro Atlanta…

Tech Trek: Homework helpers

Journal Article | February 2006

Homework can be tough-- especially if support is not available. Luckily, technology is now lending a hand to students who may be struggling at home with difficult science vocabulary, concepts, and experimental-design…

How Much Have You "Bean" Eating?

Journal Article | August 2012

Students use beans to explore the relationship between world population and limited food resources.

Editorial: Nature, Vanity, and the Teaching of Evolution

Journal Article | December 2004

We enjoy learning about nature--we're fascinated by medical breakthroughs, technological advances and Earth's natural wonders. But there is another side of nature that many people don't like to hear about. Instead of…

Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia Seeds for Inquiry

Journal Article | March 2011

Students learn about growing plants while using chia seeds during science inquiry activities. Nutrition and cultural history are also incorporated into the activity.

Fueling the Car of Tomorrow

Journal Article | August 2010

It is no secret that many high school students are fascinated with automobiles. The activities in Fueling the Car of Tomorrow—a free high school science curriculum, available online—(see “On the web”)—capitalize on this…

Science Sampler: Dihydrogen monoxide assignment

Journal Article | February 2007

Chemistry is a subject that uses big words for a world we already know. Many eighth graders come to physical science classes with preconceived fears of chemistry and its big scary words. As a result, the author…

Idea Bank: Effective Data Representation

Journal Article | January 2007

Science students often have a difficult time distinguishing between data collection and data representation and interpretation. It is important for students to understand that organizing data into a chart or graph can…