There’s More to Light Than Meets the Eye

Journal Article | January 2008

This investigation was part of a multi-lesson unit that gave students direct experience using increasingly sophisticated tools to make more detailed observations and measurements of light. Through these lessons,…

Manna from Heaven or "Clickers" from Hell: Experiences with an Electronic Response System

Journal Article | June 2005

Instructors used an electronic response system to enhance student-centered learning in large and small college biology classes. The system worked well to engage students in learning the subject matter and to assess…

Synergistic Strategies

Journal Article | October 2011

Sheltered instruction for ELL students includes techniques to combine language development with science instruction. This article discusses common strategic elements promoted in both science inquiry and sheltered…

Point of View: Saving Energy in the Chemistry-Teaching Process and Improving Student Learning

Journal Article | August 2009

Somewhere between high school chemistry and first-year college chemistry courses, there is a disconnect. Whatever the reason, most students are not prepared for college chemistry. As a beginning chemistry educator, the…

Increasing the Drive of Your Physics Class

Journal Article | February 2008

First-year physics students often have a difficult time grasping Newton’s laws of motion and recognizing the forces that these laws depend on. The “Paper Car” project is an experiential activity that is rich in…

Editor’s Note: Force and Motion—Complex, Awesome, Relevant

Journal Article | February 2008

We know that when something is relevant to a student, the student is more motivated to learn and also more likely to remember. What could be more relevant than force and motion? The universe, like an eight-year-old, is…

Me, Teach Science?

Journal Article | February 2002

The preservice years are critical in professional teacher development. While a survey reveals that many preservice teachers are insecure about their abilities to teach science, they do view science as an important part…

Careers in Science: An interview with firefighter Denise Dierich

Journal Article | April 2003

From biochemistry and teaching, to firefighting and paramedics, Denise Dierich's love of learning constantly yields new challenges and rewards as she provides a vital service to the community.

Application of the K-W-L Teaching and Learning Method to an Introductory Physics Course

Journal Article | October 2009

The K-W-L method of teaching is a simple method that actively engages students in their own learning. It has been used with kindergarten and elementary grades to teach other subjects. The authors have successfully used…

Safer Science: Taking Responsibility for Safety

Journal Article | November 2009

In science classes and labs, it is the teacher’s professional responsibility to ensure student safety by seeking out safety information that is independent of what is found in the lab manual and making informed…

Digging the Past

Journal Article | September 2004

This article describes a paleontological dig created for third- and fourth-grade students. The purpose of the activity was to have students experience firsthand the process of developing hypotheses about the history of…

Teacher’s Toolkit: Linking proportionality across the science and mathematics curricula through science literacy maps

Journal Article | October 2008

Proportionality should be a central focus of the middle-grades science and mathematics curricula and concepts such as density can be introduced and taught in both disciplines, highlighting for students the connections…

A Unique Interdisciplinary Science Research Experience for First-Year Students

Journal Article | October 2011

This article describes a first-year, seminar-style class in which, under the direction of an advisor, students engage in a semester-long research project.

Editor’s Corner: Renaissance Thinking

Journal Article | January 2009

Although it may be an old-school habit of mind with roots in the Renaissance, interdisciplinary thinking has never been more important than in the modern world. In their daily lives, our students will need to understand…

Scope on Safety: Sun Safety

Journal Article | October 2007

So, what does “sun safety” have to do with middle school science teachers, especially during the winter months? With the movement toward hands-on science and environmentally oriented curricula, more students and…