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  • Will It Float?

    Journal Article |

    In this science investigation based on the 5E learning model, students moved through four different centers designed to focus their attention on the concepts of mass, volume, and density. At these stations, students…

  • Nontraditional Card Sorts

    Journal Article |

    A typical card sort is an activity in which students are given a set of cards with a single concept written on each card and asked to organize the cards by grouping related concepts. The nontraditional card sorts…

  • Methods and Strategies: Unlocking the Power of Visual Communication

    Journal Article |

    Interactive read-alouds help students decode science diagrams and other visual information.

  • Point of View: When Problems on Exams Are Harder Than the Identical Problems in the Homework

    Journal Article |

    Have you ever had a student approach you after an exam, asserting that the problems on the exam were much harder than the homework you assigned—yet the test problems were taken directly from the homework? (OK, maybe…

  • Introducing <i>A Framework for K–12 Science Education</i>: A Message to Our Members

    Journal Article |

    The author gives a general overview of the recently released National Research Council's A Framework for K–12 Science Education.

  • Favorite Demonstration: Scientific Observation and the Learning Cycle—Burning the Candle at Both Ends

    Journal Article |

    This article describes a twist on the basic “Science 101” investigation of having students observe a birthday candle before, during, and after burning. It engages students in exploring the attributes of a candle,…

  • Gender Matters

    Journal Article |

    Do females and males choose science for different reasons? The authors surveyed 271 college students in the gender-neutral field of biology to learn when they became interested and what factors determined their origin…

  • Split My Brain

    Journal Article |

    This case involves a couple deciding whether or not their son should undergo brain surgery to treat a severe seizure disorder. In examining this dilemma, students apply knowledge of brain anatomy and function. They also…

  • Neuroscience in the Cinema

    Journal Article |

    Studying the brain and neurological disorders can enhance understanding, awareness, and tolerance in the classroom. Many popular movies that feature characters dealing with nuerological conditions like Alzheimer's…

  • Scope on Safety: Middle school science labs—A safety audit

    Journal Article |

    In August 2007, a report titled “The State of Middle School and High School Science Labs in the Kansas City Region” was issued by the Kauffman Foundation, which is committed to improving student achievement in…

  • Sinking & Floating: A Graphical Representation of the Concept of Density

    Journal Article |

    Density is a derived quantity that can be confusing for middle school students. Try using a graphical depiction of mass and volume to guide students in understanding and applying this concept. In this activity, students…

  • Point of View: Lessons Learned From Julia

    Journal Article |

    This column shares reflections or thoughtful opinions on issues of broad interest to the community. This month’s issue discusses four important lessons for the author's teaching.

  • After the Bell: Calories, energy, and the food you eat

    Journal Article |

    Obesity is a growing problem in the United States, and has recently reached epidemic proportions. Part of the solution in controlling obesity is to make students aware of the amount and type of food they eat. In this…

  • Krakatoa Erupts!

    Journal Article |

    This article uses a historic cataclysm to teach modern science. This study of Krakatoa offers an opportunity to correct common student misconceptions about volcanoes.

  • Tried and True: Physics fun with toy cars

    Journal Article |

    According to the National Science Education Standards, students should be able to describe an object by its position, direction of motion, and speed (NRC 1996). During a unit on motion, the author decided to use Hot…

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