Methods and Strategies: Interactive Technology Strategies

Journal Article | October 2012

This column provides ideas and techniques to enhance your science teaching. This month’s issue describes how to nuture the language of science among English language learners.

Idea Bank: The Paint Chip Lab

Journal Article | June 2006

Early on in the study of physical science, students must grasp concepts associated with the periodic table. A perfect way to introduce periodicity and periodic groups is by using paint chip color samples. The color…

Factors Influencing Undergraduate Student-Teacher Interactions

Journal Article | April 2009

A survey was conducted with undergraduate students, ranging from freshmen to seniors, who are currently enrolled at Philadelphia University to identify variables affecting classroom interactions. Data were examined…

Scope on the Skies: The icy fringes

Journal Article | November 2007

Beyond Neptune and to the edge of the solar system is what is collectively known as the trans-Neptunian region, and objects in this region are sometimes referred to as TNOs. They are considered to be pristine remnants…

Editor's Note: Investigating Water (Summer 2007)

Journal Article | June 2007

Water is a major world currency and continues to be critical for all. We can figure out how to live without oil but it is quite a cumbersome task to consider living without water. In this month’s installment of the…

From A Bird’s Eye View: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Migration

Journal Article | March 2007

Inspiring students to learn about birds can be a daunting task—students see birds just about every day and often don’t think twice about them. The activity described here is designed to excite students to “become” birds…

Scope on Safety: Have a safe trip!

Journal Article | December 2002

Science safety isn’t just a set of rules. It requires common sense and that teacher intuition that helps us predict what might happen when we least expect it. To that end, this month’s column offers some practical…

Museum Connections

Journal Article | June 2011

Leaders at a nature museum share their knowledge of how to structure a learning environment to guide children's development of science skills. They also created a classroom self-assessment tool for early childhood and…

Strategies for Teaching Something New

Journal Article | August 2004

It is the beginning of another school year and, after teaching sixth-grade life science for 15 years, you are now asked to teach eighth-grade Earth science! Panic sets in and you begin to feel like a first-year teacher…

Scope on Safety: Flame Tests—A Burning Safety Issue

Journal Article | October 2008

Flame-test demonstrations are conducted annually in middle and high school science labs across the country. The purpose of the flame test is to help identify an unknown metal or metalloid ion based on a characteristic…

Guest Editorial: Improving Undergraduate Science
Education—National Initiatives, Local Implications

Journal Article | April 1998

In this article, the Chair of the National Research Council's Committee on Undergraduate Science shares thoughts about the national attention on the important issue of effective teaching and learning of Science,…

Editor's Note (February 2004)

Journal Article | January 2004

As a consumer and producer of professional development, the current field editor reflects on the types of professional development that she has experienced over the years. From very valuable workshops to being…

Teaching Through Trade Books: Kite Explorations

Journal Article | August 2006

Children are delighted by the playful activity of making and flying kites, and this month's trade book article encourages teachers to harness this excitement and connect it to investigations relating to wind, technology…

Off the Beaten Path: A learning camping experience

Journal Article | February 1999

"Off the Beaten Path" is a program that takes at-risk students out of the traditional classroom and into a camping atmosphere. The program's purpose is to help increase academic achievement, improve self-esteem, and…

Science and Me: A Student-Driven Science Outreach Program for Lay Adult Audiences

Journal Article | June 2011

The increasing need for communicating science to the public suggests that future scientists and science educators should be educated in science outreach and trained to communicate with lay audiences. We present a…