Throwing Paper Wads in the Chemistry Classroom: Really Active Student Learning

Journal Article | October 2005

It is well-known that too many students learn to “plug and chug” formulas while gaining very little concomitant understanding of the underlying concepts. Active engagement in the classroom is one of the best tools…

Perspectives: Defending Inquiry

Journal Article | August 2006

Inquiry-based lessons incorporate each of the science processes where most appropriate. Science is taught through inquiry in order to learn how scientists work, improve problem-solving skills, and improve student…

Science Sampler: Opening the door for reading

Journal Article | February 2005

Teaching students how to read without compromising the time dedicated to hands-on, inquiry-based science has become vital for science teachers of all grades. The reading strategy, Talking to the Text, effectively…

Conceptual Change in the Classroom

Journal Article | October 1999

When was the last time you tried a new teaching method? The conceptual change model of learning may be what you need. In this article, three teachers agreed to try the new teaching method and reported that modifying…

Science Sampler: Stories of Scientists

Journal Article | October 2001

Stories about scientists

Teaching through Trade Books: Secrets of Flight

Journal Article | September 2009

The date was December 17, 1903. The place was a windswept beach near Kitty hawk, North Carolina. With Orville Wright at the controls and his brother Wilbur running alongside, the plane took off. This event lasted only…

The Green Room: Environmental Science Lab Reports

Journal Article | December 2011

This column focuses on making your teaching more environmentally friendly. This month’s issue discusses the importance of keeping clear, concise, and informative lab reports.

Investigating Island Evolution: A Galapagos-based lesson using the 5E instructional model

Journal Article | January 2002

Many endemic species of the Galapagos Islands are useful for a biology teacher planning an extended lesson on evolution. In this activity, the teacher focuses on his Galapagos Islands’ experience to develop a unique…

Scientists: Geeks and Nerds?

Journal Article | April 2001

Teacher’s impressions flavor the classroom and affect students in profound though subtle ways. This article attempts to explore teachers’ impressions or attitudes and reflect on their impact by examining two related…

Science 101: How Does the Human Eye Work?

Journal Article | January 2012

This column provides background science information for elementary teachers. This month’s issue discusses the science behind the human eye.

Tame a Tornado

Journal Article | September 2003

Hook your students' interest by building a tornado box that simulates tornado development and the necessary environmental conditions. This article features detailed instructions for building the tornado box, plus…

Commentary: Developing Professionals

Journal Article | October 2000

An opinion piece about having access to and participating in ongoing, quality, professional development programs.

Utility of Self-Made Crossword Puzzles as an Active Learning Method to Study Biochemistry in Undergraduate Education

Journal Article | February 2013

To incorporate an active learning component in a one-semester biochemistry course, students were asked to create crossword puzzles using key concepts. A majority of the students felt that the puzzles enhanced their…

Who Benefits From Peer Conversation? Examining Correlations of Clicker Question Correctness and Course Performance

Journal Article | April 2012

The authors implemented peer instruction in an introductory level conceptual physics course for nonscience majors and found no correlation with course grade. They did notice moderate correlation between answering a…

Editor's Note (February 2005)

Journal Article | January 2005

Environmental education addresses many aspects of quality learning. It can be local and carry a great meaning to the students. It is always interesting and complex. It is multidisciplinary in the very broadest and…