Science in the Summer

Journal Article | December 2000

It happens every summer in Scott County, Virginia. Kids take time off from their summer vacation to return to the science classroom. They return to build bridges, make polymers, fill prescriptions, and work side by side…

Perspectives: Learning to Observe <em>and</em> Infer

Journal Article | January 2008

Researchers describe the need for students to have multiple opportunities and social interaction to learn about the differences between observation and inference and their role in developing scientific explanations (…

Ice Versus Rock

Journal Article | December 2004

Through a snow bank exploration activity students inquire about ice cave formations. Their icicle observations lead them to a discussion of stalactite formations. By incorporating the scientific process students were…

Looking Back to Move Ahead: How Students Learn Geologic Time by Predicting Future Environmental Impacts

Journal Article | December 2011

This Scholarship of Teaching and Learning project discusses the effectiveness of using distance metaphor-building activities along with a case study exam to help undergraduate nonscience majors understand and apply…

Guest Editorial: NSF Research Outreach Requirements—An Opportunity for <em> JCST </em> Readers

Journal Article | August 2007

A recent issue of the American Physical Society newsletter (2007) described the various reactions that research physicists have to the NSF requirement that grant applications seeking support for basic research include a…

Ask the Experts -- October 2005

Journal Article | September 2005

The Experts tackle the question, "What is the underlying natural phenomenon that causes the natural log function to show up so frequently in scientific equations? and "Why do some hairs on the human body grow…

Tried and True: Osmosis and Diffusion Through a Semipermeable Membrane

Journal Article | October 2011

This column provides classic demonstrations and experiments with a new twist. This month’s issue covers engaging ways to help students understand the concepts of osmosis and diffusion and semipermeable membranes in…

Science Sampler: The Plant Feastival

Journal Article | March 2010

The Plant Feastival is a celebration of the plants we use as food. It is a culminating activity for the plant unit, during which students participate in the “Great Plant Race” and prepare a research project on a food…

Guest Editorial: Elementary Science Education in the K–12 System

Journal Article | June 2009

Elementary science is a critical part of the K–12 science education system. Tragically, the enactment of No Child Left Behind (NCLB) has greatly diminished the time spent on teaching science in many elementary schools.…

Setting the Stage for Good Group Dynamics in Semester-Long Projects in the Sciences

Journal Article | December 2005

Many studies show students benefit from working cooperatively. Rarely published in STEM literature are guidelines to help educators effectively incorporate research teams in the classroom. We explain how to create a…

Cold Facts about Viruses

Journal Article | October 2002

Learn more about the life cycle of a virus and simulate the spread of a cold throughout your classroom. This article features a mini-unit developed around a theme that every student can relate to—the common cold.

Teaching Through Trade Books: You Are What You Eat!

Journal Article | June 2010

Kids today have a dizzying array of food choices, but choosing healthily is a challenge. Making wise choices is essential in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This month’s topic of healthy foods fits into science nicely…

Using Biographies in Science Class

Journal Article | October 2006

One fifth grade teacher recalls the conversations that took place in grad school regarding the nature of science and science as a human endeavor after her fifth grade students inquired about what a scientist looks like…

The Nature of Science in Popular Nonfiction

Journal Article | June 2008

To help make science relevant to student’s everyday lives, the authors required their 10th-grade summer school students to read selections from a popular nonfiction science book. By doing so, they were able to promote…

Teaching Failure in the Laboratory

Journal Article | April 2004

Many undergraduate science students are misled by “cookbook” laboratory experiments that make science appear to be easy and to always yield anticipated results. This is a direct consequence of the pedagogical approach…