Experiment Design

Book Chapter | November 2012

Students often assume that tests are fair and their experiments are well controlled. This chapter introduces students to the idea of repeatability—the test of a fair test. Repeatability is an important cornerstone of…

The Controlled Experiment

Book Chapter | November 2016

This chapter addresses experimental and field observations, which include aspects of Asking Questions and Defining Problems; Planning and Carrying Out Investigations; Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions;…

Experiment Design: Getting Experiments to Work: Repeatability

Book Chapter | November 2012

This chapter features five investigations from Starting Points presented in Chapter 1 and gives a scenario of “the test of a fair test” for each. If a test is a fair test, it is expected to be repeatable. This is…

An Ecosystem Experience

Journal Article | April 2018

Gather authentic data on a nesting coastal seabird.

Designing Scientific Experiments

Book Chapter | March 2009

In this unit, students learn about designing sound, testable hypotheses and experiments. A testable hypotheses is one that is stated in a way that makes predictions that can be tested. The goal of the unit is for…

Listening In on a Naturalist’s Experiences

Book Chapter | September 2012

Field trips that focus primarily on wild nature are one of the quickest ways to start the nature-bonding process. The chapter details a field trip the author conducted in which he used a hands-on approach to get…

Assessment in Science: Practical Experiences and Education Research

NSTA Press Book | January 2006

If you want the latest research about assessment techniques that really work, you want Assessment in Science. This collection of informative, up-to-date reports is by authors who are practicing K-12 classroom teachers…

Learning Design Experiments

Journal Article | September 2019

Learning Design Experiments (LDEs), which take their name from design experiments in the learning sciences (Brown 1992), support educational innovation and progressive refinement of learning experiences by taking an…

The Science from Scientists Experience Goes Virtual

Journal Article | June 2020

Experimenting With Extinction

Journal Article | February 2017

A multi-disciplinary investigation into ancient cat extinctions.

Learning From Failed Experiments

Journal Article | August 2018

The messy aspects of doing science

Editor's Note: Early Childhood Engineering Experiences

Journal Article | October 2019

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

Mentoring for Professional Renewal: The Kentucky Experience

Book Chapter | January 2003

This chapter offers an overall perspective on the value of mentoring for new and experienced teachers. It also identifies characteristics of effective mentoring drawn from reports of existing programs, primarily from a…

Interactive Research: Experiments and Field Studies

Book Chapter | January 2003

This section provides advice to help students choose from a wide range of ideas for research projects. It also provides a series of worksheets designed to guide progress through the various steps of designing and…

Science with Attitude: An Informal Science Education Experience

Book Chapter | September 2007

Kansas City's Science City Summer Camp is an eight-week program for children of ages 6-12 from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds. Drawing on the knowledge that people have diverse learning styles, Science City…