Science 101: How Do People Design Safe Amusement Park Rides?

Journal Article | October 2015

This column provides background science information for elementary teachers. This month’s issue focuses on the factors amusement park designers must consider so that human bodies don't experience too large an…

The Case Study: An Open or Shut Case? Contrasting Approaches to Case Study Design

Journal Article | December 2004

The hallmark of an open-ended case study is the possibility of multiple outcomes to the problem at hand. This adds to its realism, provokes higher-order thought, and attracts many instructors to case analysis. Yet,…

Design-Based Science: A problem-solving experiment compares different brands of batteries

Journal Article | February 2003

Developing useful skills for a wide range of actual problem-solving situations involving science is one goal of design-based science. This article features a problem-solving experiment where students compare different…

Isopod Inquiry: Students learn experimental design by studying sowbug food preferences

Journal Article | November 2000

For any science teacher who has ever used slugs or snails for behavioral studies, sowbugs—also known as isopods or pillbugs—are a welcome alternative. This inquiry-based activity is an investigation of sowbugs'…

Universal Design for Learning Science: Reframing Elementary Instruction in Physical Science (e-book)

eBook | April 2020

Here’s good news: With this practical book, you can learn from experienced elementary school educators about how to make physical science both challenging and accessible for a diverse range of students. Written by…

Tried and True: Save the penguins—Teaching the science of heat transfer through engineering design

Journal Article | October 2010

Engineers, scientists, and environmental groups around the globe are hard at work finding solutions to mitigate or halt global warming. One major goal of the curriculum described here, Save the Penguins, is to help…

Inquiry by Design: Creating a national and state standards-based high school science program

Journal Article | September 2001

In this article, the science coordinator examines the science program and wanders if it makes sense for student learning and if it could be adapted to meet state standards. The query was taken to the department and an…

Water, Water, Everywhere! But Is It Clean to Drink? Applying Engineering Design to the Challenge of Water Purification

Journal Article | January 2017

Build on students’ prior knowledge of watersheds to solve the problem of how to clean water.