Interactive digital technologies are playing an increasingly important part in education for enhancing collaborative learning processes and improving engagement. Social annotation (SA) tools and collaborative platforms are an innovative way to involve students to give and take feedback, annotate, and brainstorm on complex topics in science,…

This study brings together the research focused on science education through project-based learning (PBL). This learning project was carried out in a rural learning community and an attempt was made to adapt to the natural resources of the area by organizing educational outings, experimental activities, and encouraging the participation of…

Afterschool programs have garnered much attention as promising environments for learning where children can engage in rich science activities. Yet, little is known about the kinds of instructional materials used in typical, large-scale afterschool programs that implement science with diverse populations of children. In this study, we investigated…

The primary purpose of this study was to examine the ways in which a 12-week after-school science and engineering program affected middle school students' motivation to engage in science and engineering activities. We used current motivation research and theory as a conceptual framework to assess 14 students' motivation through questionnaires,…

Of great importance for achieving science education reform may be teachers' interest in science and enjoyment of science. This study explores the motivational qualities (rated for "interest," "fun," and "learning" value) of different levels of inquiry of hands-on class activities. The participants, 53 preservice teachers in two sections of a…

Presents examples using the context of packaging materials and their impact on the environment to help teachers and teacher educators combine mathematics and science through activities that involve higher order thinking and worthwhile tasks. (Author/MKR)

Educators seeking support for continuation of science laboratory instruction can find information in the ERIC data base. Sections cover: (1) what's available; (2) beliefs about the role of laboratories; (3) what critics say; and (4) research evidence. (MP)

An overview is provided of 50 years of research on naive theories in human biology. A set of recommendations aimed at confronting student misconceptions and facilitating conceptual change about the structure and function of the human body is presented, with five lessons described. (MNS)

Discusses an experiment for elementary students based on the principle that the faster an object is moving when it is dropped, the greater the distance it will travel away from the drop point. Also discusses concepts of probability and statistics in the experiment and methods of alternative assessment. (Author/MKR)

Describes two types of star charts commonly available for astronomical viewing and outlines a strategy by which teachers can have students use a computer spreadsheet to prepare their own easy-to-use star charts appropriate for the location, date, and time of viewing. (Author/MKR)

Presents an integrated math/science activity in which families work together at an activity station and design and make a track for a marble to travel down using rules attached to a board. (MKR)

Discusses the role constructivist learning theory is taking in the change of teaching strategies in the science laboratory. The laboratory moves from a place where knowledge is verified to one where relationships are actively investigated through hands-on, cooperative activities. (MDH)

Cognitive processes, characteristic of the early childhood learner, and potential benefits of learning through incorrect responses are discussed. Science and mathematical concepts viewed to be within the early learner's capabilities are noted, and ways to make such concepts more visable and viable within early childhood settings are detailed. (MP)

The importance of spatial ability in facilitating curricular goals in science and mathematics is stressed. Suggestions are given about materials and activities to use and an instrument for assessing visual perception is illustrated. (MNS)

It is suggested that gifted children need opportunities to interact with each other, opportunities for discovery learning, programs which will foster independence, and programs which will include activities in all three learning domains. The teacher's role is defined, and examples of activities suitable for gifted instruction are provided. (MP)