Science on a Roll Part Two: How Many Sheets to Saturn?

Journal Article | January 2002

Students gain a better appreciation for and understanding of the distances between the planets using a roll of toilet paper. This activity also integrates math, actively engages students, and promotes inquiry.

Crossing Boundaries

Journal Article | November 2003

As science teachers, we strive to make our field an effective component of a liberal arts education. How can we make our subject more appealing to the broader community? This article describes how the author taught a…

It Pays to Go to School

Journal Article | August 2004

Just for once, skip the usual first day of school routine that includes seating charts, questionnaires, textbook distribution, and so on, and try a little science instead. By implementing this inquiry-based lesson into…

Science Sampler: Focusing in on the history of the microscope

Journal Article | September 2002

Teachers can use a historical context to add interest to common science lessons—in this case, the microscope.

A Science That Saves Lives

Journal Article | December 2012

"Crash Science" addresses the leading cause of death of teens in the United States. This article outlines an attempt to use research from the emerging field of crash science to teach truly life-saving lessons.

Science 101: What Is a Watershed?

Journal Article | March 2003

The term watershed is often used today, but not all of us know what it truly describes. A watershed is an area of land in which all water drains to a common location or waterway. In some parts of a watershed, water…

Errors as Teaching Tools—The Mass Media Mistake: Engendering in Students a Healthy Skepticism for the Printed Word

Journal Article | August 1998

While scientists may recognize a mass media mistake, the level of basic scientific understanding among many students—even college students—is too often insufficient to recognize an error. This article describes a…

Favorite Demonstration: The Thermit Reaction—A Dazzling Thermochemical Demonstration

Journal Article | January 1997

This demonstration provides a dazzling introduction to such fundamental chemistry topics as oxidation-reduction, metallurgy, spontaneity of reactions, thermochemistry, and the application of chemical reactions to…

Science Sampler: Weaving women into the science curriculum

Journal Article | September 2007

Learning about great women in the sciences has the potential to impact mid-level students in a number of ways. These women and their work may serve as important role models, providing encouragement to younger female…

Recognizing the Achievements of Women in Science: Tenacity and Talent—The Twin Pillars of Scientific Success for Women

Journal Article | April 2000

Of the over 300 Nobel Prizes awarded in science since the prizes were first presented in 1901, only 11 have been given to women. This paper considers whether we can learn anything from the experiences of the female…

Real-Time Ocean Data in the Classroom

Journal Article | September 2008

To apply students’ savvy internet skills in the science classroom—as well as capture their interest in science and investigation, and provide opportunities for authentic research—introduce them to real-time data from…

Idea Bank: Current Events in Science

Journal Article | June 2007

Create an ambience of focus and organization in your high school science classroom by implementing the strategy described here. This 10-minute silent reading routine exposes students to current events in science and the…

May I Go to the Bathroom?

Journal Article | August 2007

“May I go to the bathroom?” While this hardly an unusual question from any middle-level student, the number of students who suddenly need to leave the room increases when a teacher assigns a textbook passage to read.…

Science Sampler: The S³: Singing Science Students

Journal Article | November 2010

How do music, joy, fun, and science fit into a middle school science curriculum? This article describes how the authors’ Singing Science Students learn science topics and concepts through song and then perform concerts…

Improving Science Education for Future Teachers: A Biology Lab Experience With a Teaching Component—Assumption College’s Science Programs for Education Majors

Journal Article | January 1999

Faculty from Worchester's Assumption College education and natural sciences departments developed a science/education initiative to enhance the science preparation of future elementary teachers. The program included a…