A number of less-usual approaches to work in biology education are discussed and illustrated. The approaches include a range of nontraditional writing activities, drawing, and model making. A rationale for such work is given and criticism leveled at these activities reviewed. Examples are drawn from the work of pupils aged 11 to 16 years.…

Provides insights on the causes of the poor writing skills of many students. Also included are suggestions for improving students' abilities to write. (ZWH)

This paper attempts to make the case for incorporating writing into the science curriculum. Suggestions are offered on how to organize writing activities in the classroom, assess a student's writing skills, use writing experience charts in science, outline content in science, write results from science experiments, write book reports, perform…

Describes a writing-across-the-curriculum course and its application to science courses. Shows how different kinds of writing instruction affect students' learning as well as students' attitudes, understandings, and approach to "writing to learn." (PR)

Offers suggestions for structuring the writing of paragraphs about data tables and conclusions. States that data tables usually contain: the central or most typical value and the variation or spread within the data. Provides steps for writing a paragraph and an evaluation of effectiveness. (RT)

Although many students complain that the research-and-write about a favorite scientist is boring, a sixth-grade teacher offers successful alternatives. Through creative writing and hands-on activities, this assignment is made meaningful and fun for students. Excerpts from completed projects and evaluation tips are presented throughout the article.…

Of all the reform recommendations being made by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, making mathematical connections is among the more difficult to achieve, yet is so helpful in motivating students in the early grades. Mathematical connections can relate mathematical topics to students' daily lives and to other mathematical topics but…

Describes a study in which students were required to write for five minutes after class on topics that interested them during the lecture. Reports a significant effect on achievement in a vertebrate biology class. Notes that no difference in attitude was found. (MVL)

Presents a Project WET water education activity. Students use a Water Log (journal or portfolio) to write or illustrate their observations, feelings, and actions related to water. The log serves as an assessment tool to monitor changes over time in knowledge of and attitudes toward the water. (LZ)

Of all the reform recommendations being made by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, making mathematical connections is among the more difficult to achieve, especially at the high school level, where so much emphasis is placed on distinct content courses. Mathematical connections can relate mathematical topics to students' daily lives…

Natural Resources for Grade 3 is a "hands-on" environmental activities unit designed for teachers to use with their students. Activities are chosen from natural resource programs such as Project Learning Tree, Project WILD, Aquatic Wild, and Project WET. The activities address natural resource themes and meet the Virginia Standards of…

Of all the reform recommendations being made by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, making mathematical connections is among the more difficult, yet most important to achieve, especially at the middle school level, where students are first beginning to appreciate the real power of mathematics. Mathematical connections can relate…

Making books is a creative and enjoyable way to integrate science with other subjects, to extend learning, and to make science relevant to children's lives. Presents successful book-making techniques and procedures. (PR)

Described is an assignment in which students read and write reviews of four journal articles chosen from preselected biology topics. Suggestions to help achieve maximal effectiveness are included. Directions for grading the review articles are provided. Discussed is how this assignment can help students develop more sophisticated writing skills.…

Natural Resources for Grade 4 is a "hands-on" environmental activities unit designed for teachers to use with their students. Activities are chosen from natural resource programs such as Project Learning Tree, Project WILD, Aquatic Wild, and Project WET. The activities address natural resource themes and meet the Virginia Standards of…