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  • Tried and True: Water Screen: A Discrepant Event

    Journal Article |

    This column provides classic demonstrations and experiments with a new twist. This month’s issue uses a discrepant event to demonstrate properties of water and the effects of air pressure.

  • Positive Pitfalls

    Journal Article |

    “What’s in your pit?” is the common question students ask one another as they enthusiastically collect and analyze the contents of pitfall traps set 24 hours earlier. In a collaborative effort, these students designed…

  • Capitalizing on Literacy Connections

    Journal Article |

    Literacy is a critical component of science inquiry, but educators often need help incorporating literacy skills in school science programs. The authors describe a five-session professional development institute that…

  • The Color of Soil: Exploring the chemistry of soil color

    Journal Article |

    Soil color is a study of various chemical processes acting on soil. These processes include the weathering of geologic materials, the chemistry of oxidation-reduction actions upon various minerals of soil, and the…

  • Research and Teaching: Using a Student-Manipulated Model to Enhance Student Learning in a Large Lecture Class

    Journal Article |

    Despite years of formal education, approximately one-third of all undergraduate students still cannot explain the causes of the seasons. Student manipulation of a handheld model is one approach to teaching this concept…

  • Through Their Eyes

    Journal Article |

    Insect vision is an area of active research that allows fruitful exploration into the nature of the scientific endeavor because of the bias our own vision brings. As scientists, we use our senses to make observations,…

  • Creating a Research Environment in an Introductory Cell Physiology Course: A West Chester University Class Molds Students into "Scientists-in-Training"

    Journal Article |

    This introductory cell physiology course for majors encourages them to experience the scientific way of knowing. The article stresses the importance of elevating the perception of students' capabilities and allowing…

  • Fats, Oils, and Colors of Nanoscale Materials

    Journal Article |

    Phase changes and intermolecular forces are important physical science concepts but are not always easy to present in an active learning format. This article presents several interactive activities in which students…

  • Evolutionary Biology at the Movies: Analysis of Movie Plots Reveals Importance of Biological Issues to Students

    Journal Article |

    This article features a movie project where students rent and watch the movies on their own time. The project reinforced the author's conviction that nonbiology majors are genuinely interested in biology, although they…

  • Science Sampler: Teaching science using the movie Apollo 13

    Journal Article |

    For over 40 years the space program has inspired students of science and engineering. The movie Apollo 13, about the third lunar mission, provides opportunities to teach students about several science concepts and the…

  • Idea Bank: Fruits and Soft Drinks in the Lab

    Journal Article |

    The Idea Bank provides tips and techniques for creative teaching, in about 1,000 words. This month’s Idea Bank discusses an exercise that adds excitement and depth to the typical acid-base lab by using fruits and soft…

  • Helping Students With Learning Disabilities Succeed

    Journal Article |

    Students with learning disabilities (LD) frequently take general education science classes because their disabilities are very mild. Sometimes, however, it is difficult for students with LD to succeed in the classes and…

  • Tried and True: Splints and gases

    Journal Article |

    This column provides classic demonstrations and experiments with a new twist. In this month’s issue learn how chemical reactions carry much more impact when experienced firsthand rather than through pictures in a…

  • Exploring the Expedition

    Journal Article |

    This article includes multidisciplinary investigations based on the adventures and journals of Lewis and Clark. Science activities include plant collection and identification, nature observation assignments, sink/float…

  • Reflective Writing

    Journal Article |

    Your students successfully completed a lab session, correctly filled in all of the worksheets, and collected the required data. Yet, as a science teacher, you still find yourself wondering—what did my students actually…

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