Idea Bank: Seasons Reasons

Journal Article | August 2000

The Idea Bank provides tips and techniques for creative teaching, in about 1,000 words. In this month’s Idea Bank, find out what students need to consider when determining the real "season reason."

Conventions—Reasons to Attend & Ways to Finance

Journal Article | February 2001

There are many obvious reasons to attend conventions, conferences, and workshops. In this article, the author describes the compelling reasons to attend these professional events and fondly remembers her experiences as…

Health Wise—March 2009

Journal Article | February 2009

My students are on their cell phones all the time! Do cell phones really harm the brain? And what about the teen brain?

Let the Dogs Out: Using Bobble Head Toys to Explore Force and Motion

Journal Article | March 2003

Even the simplest of toys can be great tools for promoting interest in physical science principles. Test the basic physics, systems, and simple machines of bobble toys, then help students build their own versions.

Some Practical Tips for Instituting Investigative Biology Laboratories: The Nuts and Bolts of Successful Laboratory Instruction

Journal Article | February 2000

This paper describes some of the nuts and bolts problems associated with making the transition from traditionally taught laboratories to investigative student-centered ones. The three main areas the authors consider are…

SCST: The Vocabulary of Biology and the Problem of Semantics: "Dominant," "Recessive," and the Puzzling Role of Alleles

Journal Article | April 1997

In this column the leadership of SCST shares its views with JCST readers. This month’s issue focues on the vocabulary of biology and how many terms are inappropriate or misleading.

Dinosaur Extinction, Early Childhood Style

Journal Article | November 2008

Do dinosaurs have bellybuttons? This intriguing question launched a journey into inquiry science that captivated a class of four-year-olds for eight months. As students enjoyed dinosaur books, examined dinosaur…

Observational Journals: An Aid to Sky Watching: A Stellar Exercise—Predicting Events in the Sky

Journal Article | January 2000

The endless procession of the Sun, Moon, and stars allows science students to fashion predictive models by keeping their own observational journals. Through careful recordkeeping, classroom discussion, and reflective…

Health Wise—November 2008

Journal Article | October 2008

A student recently asked me about the bird flu. Is it still a threat?

Science Sampler: On the shoulders of giants

Journal Article | October 2004

To help students understand that what they learn in science class is the product of the hard work of those who have come before them, and to encourage them to be future contributors to our understanding of how nature…

Science Sampler: Seeing the world in a garden—Science and art curricula synergy

Journal Article | December 2008

Duke Farms and Gardens, a 2,700-acre estate in Hillsborough, New Jersey, that includes a large greenhouse, was the site of a middle school field trip that provided the opportunity to highlight overlapping science and…

Science Sampler: My glass of water has “circulating streams” in it!

Journal Article | October 2007

The use of science stations in the classroom is a good way to integrate investigative skills and the teaching of science content. The author uses two different types of science stations within the 5E learning cycle (…

Research and Teaching: Toward a Deeper Understanding of Student Interest or Lack of Interest in Science

Journal Article | February 2010

This study examined the nature of college students’ interest or lack of interest in science and the factors to which they attributed their interest or lack of interest. Twenty-four college students were interviewed to…

Transforming a Field Trip Into an Expedition: Supporting Active Research and Science Content Through a Museum Visit

Journal Article | December 2011

The author developed a museum field trip into a short-term, active research project assignment. This approach has transformed the field trip from a casual museum visit into a focused and productive learning experience.

Linking Classroom Instruction and Assessment to Standardized Testing

Journal Article | December 2004

Is it possible to "teach to the test" and still include inquiry-based science in your classroom? Yes! By using the model presented in this article that shows how inquiry-based instruction and creative classroom…