Scope on Safety: Rethinking the Use of Hand Sanitizers

Journal Article | August 2009

Recent concerns about Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and swine flu have prompted many parents to demand that hand sanitizers be made available in schools to protect their kids. In response, schools…

How Deep Is the Water?

Journal Article | September 2002

This article describes an activity in which upper elementary students created “stream profiles” of an imaginary aquatic environment using science, mathematics, and simple materials. After the simulation, they applied…

Editorial: <em>Au Courant</em> Connections

Journal Article | February 2009

In an effort to connect with college-level science instructors “beyond the classroom walls,” the editor plans to start a blog. Blogs are the electronic equivalent of an open conversation at a relaxed conference. You get…

Using a Strategic Planning Tool as a Framework for Case Analysis

Journal Article | September 2006

In this article, the authors describe how they use a strategic planning tool known as SWOT as a framework for case analysis, using it to analyze the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of public works…

Talking Science, Modeling Scientists

Journal Article | June 2006

Do you want your students to share their investigation findings in a meaningful way? Or to communicate like real scientists do--beyond conducting investigations in the classroom? Fourth-grade students in the Upstate…

Idea Bank: Tips and techniques for creative teaching

Journal Article | February 2001

The Idea Bank provides tips and techniques for creative teaching, in about 1,000 words. In this month’s Idea Bank, learn about the periodic table card trick using a half-deck of cards, fun and games science, and…

Retaining Students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Majors

Journal Article | April 2013

This article presents results relating undergraduate student retention in STEM majors to the use of Peer Instruction (PI) in an introductory physics course at a highly selective research institution. The authors compare…

Editor's roundtable: Standard-izing test items (January 2005)

Journal Article | December 2004

American Association for the Advancement of Science's Project 2061, one of the first organizations to focus on content standards and their role in curriculum, instruction, and assessment, is launching a new effort…

Tread Lightly: The Truth About Science Friction

Journal Article | January 2009

During a recent unit on characteristics of animals in different environments, “backyard safari” trips around the schoolyard provided opportunities for students to describe ways that animals are adapted to their unique…

Teaching through Trade Books: If You Build It...

Journal Article | February 2007

From the youngest ages children construct buildings, bridges, towers, and anything else that comes to mind using a variety of materials. This month’s books and activities take this interest in construction and build on…

Geoscientists Explore the Earth

Journal Article | September 2005

Visit the American Geological Institute (AGI) Earth Science Week website to learn about how you can provide your students with inquiry-based learning experiences that celebrates the theme, "Geoscientists Explore the…

Nature’s Palette

Journal Article | September 2010

Flower petals, acorn hats, exoskeletons of beetles, and lichens are just a few of the objects students may find in a surprising array of vivid colors. These tiny examples from nature’s palette can be discovered in a…

Teaching Teachers: Standardizing the Language of Inquiry

Journal Article | January 2001

Using the precise language of science can help teachers develop students' science-process skills. Inquiry goes far beyond simply asking questions. Inquiry combines the use of science processes with knowledge of science…

Research and Teaching: Transfer of Knowledge in Science Courses for Elementary Education Majors

Journal Article | February 2010

In this article, the authors report the results of a preliminary study of preservice teachers’ ability to transfer their knowledge between their chemistry and Earth science courses. They examined whether they could…

Formative Assessment Probes: Teachers as Classroom Researchers

Journal Article | October 2011

This column focuses on promoting learning through assessment. This month’s issue discusses having teachers conduct their own study regarding students' thoughts on whether something is an animal.