Discusses learning modalities and learning styles in science education. Learning modalities characterize the way the brain takes in information (input) and restructures/expresses the information (output). Learning styles are ways that information is processed once it is obtained. Examples (including Kolb's "Learning-Style Inventory") are included.…

Uses descriptive text, diagrams, and specific assignments to discuss the different learning modalities of students. Equipped with this knowledge and the power of instructional diversity, the joy of learning and teaching can be regained by simply transforming materials currently used in the classroom into materials that best fit a student's…

Extensive and detailed overhead projections, a complete set of reduced overhead miniatures in booklet form for each student, and tape recordings are used in a lecture setting to capitalize on the learning preferences of both visual and auditory learners. The use of the strategy in introductory chemistry is described. (JN)

The right brain hemisphere is concerned with sensory learning, including creativity, intuitiveness, and metaphors. This article gives two science activities designed to stimulate the right brain function and to motivate elementary students. The two activities concern batteries and metamorphosis, and each includes the concept, story (fantasy),…

The right and left brain hemispheres have been found to be responsible for different processes. Educators are searching for methods of learning which utilize the right as well as the left brain. The activities in this article attempt to develop right-brain functions in Middle School students through metric measurement. (Author/MA)

Presents data which leads to the construction of a response to the question of how different phases of the learning cycle influence physics students' content achievement and attitudes. Discusses the importance of the learning cycle in science instruction and the strength of using contrasting techniques (qualitative and quantitative) in research.…

Reviews empirical studies of outdoor education's impact on cognitive development. Research findings are presented on the subject areas of environmental education, general science, and language development. A cautionary synthesis of research related to learning in the out-of-doors is also offered. (ML)

"Whole body" denotes using the entire body to sense and experience a concept or idea. Typical whole body learning activities involve use of several senses: muscle sense, temperature, pain, pressure, and sense of equilibrium. Four whole body science activities are described, including identifying trees by touch. (Author/JN)

Presents study findings which explored the effect of teacher reasoning level and teaching style preference on improvement in student-reasoning ability. Reports that students of concrete operational teachers and of inquiry teachers showed greater gains in reasoning ability than students of formal operational teachers and of expository teachers. (ML)

Suggestions for instructional improvement are offered for science teachers in this compilation of research summaries on specific areas of science education. This series examines the topic areas of: (1) higher-order cognitive skills (focusing on developing operational definitions and classification schemes for cognitive skills); (2) microcomputers…

Suggests integrating creative writing activities into field trips or outdoor education experiences in science as a method of providing "right-brain" and "left-brain" activities in the same exercise. Provides instructions given to students and a poem written from student "photographs" using imaginary cameras. Also provides two student poems. (JM)

The Science in Action series is designed to teach practical science concepts to special-needs students. It is intended to develop students' problem-solving skills by teaching them to observe, record, analyze, conclude, and predict. This document contains a student workbook which deals with basic principles of life science. Six separate units…

Briefly describes activities and questions designed to integrate the study of electricity into any of the specific social studies disciplines. Meeting the performance expectations of the National Standards, the activities are connected to archaeology, anthropology, geography, history, economics, political science, law, religion, philosophy,…

This book was written to support the excellence in teaching required to bring about learning of the highest quality. Chapters seek to offer the best practical advice in teaching, learning, and assessment, as well as references to research findings. An introductory section sets out the purpose of the book and examines the changing role and place of…