In this lesson, a ready-to-teach cooperative reading activity, students learn about the effects of plastics in our environment, specifically that certain petrochemicals act as artificial estrogens and impact hormonal activities. Much of the content in this lesson was synthesized from recent medical research about the impact of xenoestrogens and…

Explains the design and implementation of a student research project called Project SunSHINE. Explores the relationships between ultraviolet light and humidity, temperature, cloud type, and cloud cover. (SOE)

Describes the Fifth Grade Roadkill Study that was designed to make students aware of the types of animals, chiefly mammals, that live in the central piedmont area of North Carolina. Involves students taking a survey of roadkills. Enables students to learn about animals as well as become more familiar with the scientific process. (JRH)

Describes a research project that allows students to behave like scientists studying something as simple as the arrival of spring. Gives students practice in stating logical predictions and hypotheses, designing sound research, and collecting reliable data. Exposes them to the successes, failures, and biases inherent in scientific research.…

Describes a problem-based unit in which students are charged with the responsibility of discovering what killed the menhaden fish in a local river. Involves the teacher coaching students through the problem and directing them toward resources and lines of inquiry. Enables students to gain an understanding of their local environment and the…

Describes a research assignment for 8th grade students on the elements of the periodic table. Students use web-based resources and a chemistry handbook to gather information, construct concept maps, and present the findings to the full class using the mode of their choice: a humorous story, a slideshow or gameboard, a brochure, a song, or skit.…

Discusses the occurrence of eclipses and eclipse observation. (JRH)

Describes an activity where students create element brochures to help them navigate the periodic table and sharpen their research skills. (JRH)

Presents activities that involve students working as research and development scientists and exploring the world of glues-- how to make them, test them, and apply them to classroom projects. Enables students to gain technical knowledge and experience the excitement and responsibilities of being research scientists. (JRH)

Emphasizes discoveries at the frontiers of science. Includes an instructional poster illustrating the hydrothermal vent communities on the deep ocean floor. Describes research activities related to the new discipline of astrobiology, a multidisciplinary approach to studying the emergence of life in the universe. Research activities include the…

Presents a science laboratory using different brands of potato chips in which students test their oiliness, size, thickness, saltiness, quality, and cost, then analyze the results to determine the best chip. Gives a brief history of potato chips. (YDS)

Presents lesson plans on bread making using a student-centered approach and process skills. Includes designing the experiment, investigation, and data collection. (YDS)

Tackles two questions that are pertinent to the selection of science textbooks at the middle school level. The questions relate to what research and common sense say about selecting texts, and the influence of large corporations in the textbook industry. (DDR)

Presents plant and plant ecology lessons designed to raise student awareness of the effects of human trampling on the environment. Involves students working in teams to determine which types of plants are more sensitive to trampling, and designing a method for testing the prediction. (JRH)

Presents the results of a survey of members of the National Middle Level Science Teachers Association. Surveys were sent to a random sample of 175 members, of which 130 were returned. Results indicate these teachers were most concerned with the need to develop new teaching techniques. (PR)