I Want To Be Like . . . Middle School Students' Identification with Scientists on Television

Journal Article | August 2010

This article describes a study funded by the Research on Gender in Science and Engineering (GSE) Program of the National Science Foundation (NSF). The study focused on gaining a better understanding of how middle school…

Under Summer Skies

Journal Article | June 2009

There’s no better way to celebrate 2009, the International Year of Astronomy, than by curling up with a good book under summer skies. To every civilization, in every age, the skies inspired imagination and scientific…

Using Clay Models to Understand Volcanic Mudflows

Journal Article | February 2007

Gravity is a subtle but ubiquitous force that influences nearly all geologic processes from the formation of ores to the flow of glaciers and rivers. Gravity also determines the path some materials take as they flow…

The Distant Exploration of Wolves: Using Technology to Explore Student Questions About Wolves

Journal Article | June 2006

Radio telemetry data available via the internet are used to facilitate long-term inquiry projects. Through these projects, students gain a deeper understanding of specific inquiry and the nature of science, while…

Science Shorts: Understanding Acid Rain

Journal Article | October 2004

You may have heard acid rain mentioned as an environmental problem. It doesn't mean that a strong chemical is raining from the sky. The term acid rain describes rain, snow, or fog that is more acidic than normal…

Kekulé 's Dream and Bunsen's Burner

Journal Article | June 2005

Connecting science to students’ lives has always been a major goal of teachers. Most introductory chemistry or physical science textbooks contain small paragraphs and sidebars about notable scientists or historical…

Science Sampler: Environmental education for at-risk students

Journal Article | September 2003

In too many cases, at-risk students are not included in outside-the-school activities. However, hands-on environmental education experiences can improve student engagement and achievement. This article contains…

A Walk in the Woods

Journal Article | September 2010

The Arnold Arboretum is a public “tree museum” that sits on more than 300 acres of parkland in Boston. Like many public parks, the arboretum uses a percentage of its funding to provide nature education for adults and…

Shrinking Our Footprints

Journal Article | August 2009

In this unit, each student calculates his or her own ecological footprint as the basis for becoming more environmentally friendly. Over two weeks, students analyze their own lifestyles and use their understanding of…

Teaching the Principles of Geomicrobiology and the Process of Experimental Research to Undergraduate and First-Year Graduate Students

Journal Article | November 2008

This article presents a framework for a geomicrobiology course design that has produced impressive gains in students’ contextual knowledge (e.g., Felder and Brent 2004a). The approach centers on the design and execution…

Scope on Safety: Combating corrosion

Journal Article | June 2009

Corrosion is a broad term that applies when something is being broken down due to a chemical reaction. Rust or wet corrosion is a specific type of corrosion where iron or steel reacts with water. Science teachers often…

Case Study: Cats Have Nine Lives, But Only One Liver—The Effects of Acetaminophen

Journal Article | June 2009

This case recounts the story of a student who gave her cat half of a Tylenol tablet not knowing its potential harmful effects. The cat survives, but the incident motivates the student to learn more about the reaction…

Science Sampler: Did the beanstalk really reach the sky? Using fairy tales to teach science

Journal Article | August 2007

Inquiry is the guiding philosophy in school science curriculum design in Singapore. Inquiry requires students to be able to use their existing scientific knowledge to formulate hypotheses and critique and evaluate…

The Case Study: I'm Looking Over a White Striped Clover: A Case of Natural Selection

Journal Article | June 2007

The case presented in this article is an exploration of the process of natural selection using white clover (Trifolium repens) as an example. In general, two forms of white clover can be found around the world in…

Society for College Science Teachers: PowerPoint Queens and Online Kings

Journal Article | December 2004

Technology provides potentially useful tools for colleges and universities. There is always one important ingredient that cannot be left out, however, and that is an effective professor. An effective professor provides…