In the Midst of a Shift: Undergraduate STEM Education and “PBL” Enactment

Journal Article | October 2016

In the engineering field, problem- and project-based learning, both of which are often referred to as PBL, are the dominant instructional models called for by accreditation agencies. The aim of this qualitative case…

Research and Teaching: Beyond Correctness: Using Qualitative Methods to Uncover Nuances of Student Learning in Undergraduate STEM Education

Journal Article | October 2016

Through this case study, the authors offer insight into the value of using qualitative methods in course assessment to science instructors in higher education.

Research and Teaching: Eight Is Not Enough: The Level of Questioning and Its Impact on Learning in Clicker Cases

Journal Article | October 2016

Three college faculty taught large general biology classes using case studies and personal response systems (clickers). Each instructor taught the same eight cases in two different sections, except the questions within…

Research and Teaching: The Variation in Spatial Visualization Abilities of College Male and Female Students in STEM Fields Versus Non-STEM Fields

Journal Article | October 2016

The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is a difference in spatial visualization ability between college students in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields and those in non-STEM…

Point of View: In Defense of the Lecture, Revisited

Journal Article | October 2016

This column shares reflections or thoughtful opinions on issues of broad interest to the community. This month’s issue discusses the value of traditional lecturing.

Two-Year Community: Increasing Science Knowledge Among High-Risk Student Populations Through a Community College Honors/Service-Learning Program

Journal Article | October 2016

State and national data suggest a strong correlation between student performance in STEM subjects and student socioeconomic status, race, and ethnicity. Queensborough Community College is situated in one of the most…

Case Study: Teaching Nature of Science Through Scientific Models: The Geocentric vs. Heliocentric Cosmology

Journal Article | October 2016

This column provides original articles on innovations in case study teaching, assessment of the method, as well as case studies with teaching notes. In the nonmajor science classroom, case studies—when used as learning…

Scratching Records

Journal Article | November 2016

Third graders explore static electricity with latex-free supplies.

The Physics of Sound

Journal Article | November 2016

Using a learning center to promote STEM development in early childhood.

Making Sense of Sound

Journal Article | November 2016

Fourth graders use physical and technological models to illustrate and explain the nature and characteristics of sound.

Getting Crafty With the NGSS

Journal Article | November 2016

Using multimedia circuits to teach electricity in elementary school.

Understanding Energy

Journal Article | November 2016

Primary students investigate the effects of energy.

Editor's Note: Teaching Energy Is Compelling

Journal Article | November 2016

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

The Early Years: Preparing for Spring Gardening

Journal Article | November 2016

This column discusses resources and science topics related to students in grades preK to 2. This month’s issue helps students build an understanding of the effects of the Sun’s radiation on the surface of the Earth…

Teaching Through Trade Books: The Sounds of Science

Journal Article | November 2016

This column includes activities inspired by children’s literature. This month’s issue features activities that engage students in qualitative investigations as they make observations about sound and how it travels.