Every Day Science Calendar: October 2006

Journal Article | September 2006

This monthly feature contains facts and challenges for the science explorer.

A Workshop Approach: Using learning centers to teach early childhood science

Journal Article | October 1999

The science workshop approach is a method of organizing learning centers in developmentally based primary programs. The approach centers on providing a series of meaningful experiences around core science concepts.…

Scintillating Stars

Journal Article | January 2003

Often, a bright planet that is visible over the horizon will be mistaken for a star. Some believe they can tell the difference between a star and a planet because stars twinkle, or scintillate, and planets do not. In…

Visualizing Zonation Patterns

Journal Article | August 2006

The study of zonation, the distribution of plants and animals into distinct spatial areas, is a great way to introduce students to basic ecological concepts. Students can conduct methodical, quantifying surveys of zones…

The Stratigraphic Sandwich

Journal Article | March 2013

This article describes an approach in which students develop and apply definitions prior to their formal introduction to new vocabulary. The example given is an inquiry-based lesson on geologic principles.

Developing Science Courses for Prospective Elementary Teachers: An Experimental Program at the University of Wyoming Succeeds in Preparing Better Science Teachers

Journal Article | January 1998

This experimental program at the University of Wyoming was designed to produce teachers who have a solid foundation in science content and a realistic view of science and technology. They should be competent in…

After the Bell: Science of the symphony: Part I

Journal Article | December 2001

When do we consider the science of music? When do we connect what we do in music with what we teach in science? As listeners, we often ignore the scientific bases of sound. Yet, modern composers often use the science of…

First Flight

Journal Article | December 2001

This article describes how one teacher incorporated bird watching into her kindergarten classroom to help children develop a heightened awareness and appreciation of the natural world around them. Children use reference…

Bring the Zoo to You!

Journal Article | March 2008

This hands-on, minds-on zoo project provides a fun and safe opportunity for students to experience the world of animals and nature right in their own classroom. Students have the chance to work individually or in small…

Teaching Temperature With Project-Based Learning

Journal Article | March 2010

In this project-based unit on weather, a fictional director of a Hungarian Wildlife Refuge invites fourth-grade students to determine whether the backyard of their school contained a variety of surface temperature…

Using Narrative Informational Book Circles, Connection Charts, and Notebooks to Showcase Science as a Human Endeavor

Journal Article | September 2007

Narrative informational book circles are the product of our efforts to combine current research in learning and cognition with integrated science and language-arts activities. They present instructional strategies that…

Inclusive Classrooms: Multicultural look at the National Science Education Standards

Journal Article | February 2001

Five Standards-based strategies for successful inclusion of special-needs students in the secondary science classroom are described in this article. Use a multisensory approach; encourage collaboration among students;…

Cultured Inquiry: Students learn about the scientific process and gain critical thinking skills through disc diffusion assays

Journal Article | October 2003

The disc diffusion assay provides a mechanism for students to gain experience conducting scientific inquiry and also gain critical thinking skills. This procedure can be used for guided and authentic inquiry and…

Methods and Strategies: Overcoming Difficulties

Journal Article | February 2011

This column provides ideas and techniques to enhance your science teaching. In this month’s issue, bilingual second-grade students do scientific inquiry in pairs during a lesson on leaves. To help bilingual learners…

Taking Science Online: Evaluating Presence and Immersion Through a Laboratory Experience in a Virtual Learning Environment for Entomology Students

Journal Article | August 2009

A 3–D virtual field trip was integrated into an online college entomology course and developed as a trial for the possible incorporation of future virtual environments to supplement online higher education laboratories…