A New Twist on “Mystery Boxes”

Journal Article | October 2009

In the activity described in this article, students learn about observation, interpretation, and argumentation. Students are led through several stages of observation and inference about an unknown object, during which…

The Art & Science of Mask Making

Journal Article | February 2006

Art, particularly observational drawing, plays an important role in science. By creating representational artwork, students develop observation skills and appreciation of the diverse ways organisms have adapted to life…

Editor's Note: Share With Us

Journal Article | March 2011

Sharing what we know is part of human nature.

Guest Editorial: Visual Literacy, the Must-Have Skill for the 21st-Century Learner

Journal Article | October 2012

An opinion piece about visual literacy.

Green Action Through Education: A Model for Fostering Positive Attitudes About STEM

Journal Article | December 2012

This article describes an innovative collaboration between instructors of non-STEM courses and scientists who teach STEM courses in the GATE (Green Action Through Education) learning community.

Density on Dry Land: Demonstrations without buoyancy challenge student misconceptions

Journal Article | August 2003

Alternative activities without buoyancy explore density with solid materials and challenge student misconceptions.

Inquiry, Science Workshop Style

Journal Article | September 2005

Few people are more curious about their worlds than young children. In many published programs, lessons revolve around set questions, with step-by-step directions provided for children to follow. This approach seems…

Science Sampler: Science signature game

Journal Article | August 2002

This getting-to-know-you activity is a great way to start off the school year and introduce students to the science topics they will encounter. The teacher hands out a game card containing statements like, "I like…

The Galapagos

Journal Article | August 2000

Using problem-based learning and role-playing, students analyze the geological origins of the Galapagos Islands, their colonization, species formation, and threats to their biodiversity in this story of a student caught…

Active Learning Strategies

Journal Article | November 2008

When students understand content deeply, they recognize main concepts and understand the relationships among ideas. But the typical processes students use to study are generally not designed to generate conceptual…

Editor’s Note: Inquiry—Process Skills

Journal Article | September 2010

We take for granted that students have some abilities in questioning, observing, predicting, planning an investigation, collecting data, interpreting information, and communicating their ideas. But, this is more than…

Computer Use in the Science Classroom: Proceed with Caution! What Educators Still Need to Learn About Computer Exploitation

Journal Article | January 1997

Compared with books, black boards, calculators, and overhead projectors, the computer is a very new entity in the classroom. Despite its newness, this field must mature quickly to keep pace with the rapidly increasing…

Research and Teaching: Student Perceptions of the Use of Inquiry Practices in a Biology Survey Laboratory Course

Journal Article | October 2011

The purpose of this study was to determine the level of inquiry that students in a Biology Survey Laboratory course considered to be the most supportive of their learning at a small, rural midwestern university. When…

Engaging Students in Scientific Practices: What Does Constructing and Revising Models Look Like in the Science Classroom?

Journal Article | February 2012

In this article the authors look in-depth at scientific practice number 2—developing, evaluating, and revising scientific models to explain and predict phenomena—and what it means for classroom teaching.

Natural Resources: The Naming Convention

Journal Article | February 2012

This column helps bring the outdoors into your curriculum. This month’s issue talks about species identification.