Quiz Clues: Providing visual cues for daily quizzes

Journal Article | September 2001

The teaching strategy of using the word “QUIZ” to provide visual cues for daily quizzes prompted students to talk before class, debating the possible hidden meanings before the quiz. It is not necessary to prepare…

Editor’s Corner: Model Biology

Journal Article | January 2011

Models are at the core of the scientific enterprise. They help us make predictions, understand complex systems, generate new ideas, and visualize both the very large and the very small. The generation of models is the…

Favorite Demonstration: Inquiry-Based Approach to Understanding Common Descent

Journal Article | February 2010

In this inquiry-based activity, students catalog external and internal characteristics of four different classes of animals during dissection exercises. On the basis of their accumulated data, students compare and…

The <i>Next Generation Science Standards</i> and the Earth and Space Sciences

Journal Article | March 2013

This article discusses the important features of Earth and space science standards for elementary, middle, and high school levels.

The New Teacher's Toolbox: Lighting the Fire of Enthusiasm

Journal Article | February 2012

This column shares tips for teachers just beginning their career. This month’s issue discusses the role that excitement plays in the classroom and provides tips to generate interest and enthusiasm when students need it…

SCST: What Happened to Scott? Helping Our Students Through Online Courses and Distance Education

Journal Article | October 1999

In this column the leadership of the Society for College Science Teachers (SCST) shares its views with JCST readers. In this month’s issue, the president shares thoughts about online courses and distance education.

Editor’s Note: No Dumb Questions, But. . .

Journal Article | November 2010

Investigable questions are important elements of lessons that promote inquiry and help students construct meaning. Good questions help students make links between what they know, what they want to find out, what they…

Research and Teaching: What Do Help Sessions Accomplish in Introductory Science Courses?

Journal Article | April 2009

Students who attended every help session earned significantly higher scores on corresponding exams than students who attended no help sessions. Students who attended some help sessions earned intermediate exam scores,…

Fat Finders

Journal Article | February 2006

Everyday the media bombards us with concern over childhood obesity. More American children than ever before are developing health problems related to their eating habits and lack of exercise. The classroom is the…

The Play Dough Evaluation Project

Journal Article | January 2006

Fourth-grade students gain a deeper understanding of the meaning of “properties” by evaluating and comparing play doughs. Students also hone their observation and reporting skills and enrich their vocabulary,…

Making <em> Learning </em> a Never-Ending Story

Journal Article | November 2006

Initially, middle school students and their parents displayed mixed emotions when shown 10-meter-long science murals at the beginning of the school year. However, once they discovered that story concepts illustrate and…

Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12: Books published in 2003 (TST)

Journal Article | February 2004

The books that appear in this annotated bibliography were selected as Outstanding Trade Books published in 2003. They are intended primarily for kindergarten through twelfth grade. They were selected by members of a…

Editor’s Corner: Supporting New Teachers

Journal Article | June 2007

Many new teachers who leave schools after the first year report lack of support and poor working conditions as the primary reasons for leaving. New teachers can feel alone and vulnerable even working in a school…

How Do You Know That?

Journal Article | December 2006

The purpose of many animal studies at early grades is to build observation skills, develop a knowledge base, and practice age-appropriate science skills like comparing, describing, and drawing. While these are important…

Green Science: Not So Many Fish in the Sea

Journal Article | December 2012

This column focuses on issues related to environmentally friendly and sustainable science. This month’s issue discusses ocean overfishing.