Citizen science programs are becoming increasingly popular among teachers, students, and families. The term "citizen scientist" has various definitions. It can refer to those who gather information for a particular science research study or to people who lobby for environmental protection for their communities. "Citizen science" has been called…

Research indicates that increased parental involvement has a positive impact on student achievement, especially among Hispanic students (Zarate 2007; NSTA 2010). This author helped science teachers at Falfurrias High School in Falfurrias, Texas, implement Family Science events, which were held three times a semester and attended by high school…

Four middle/junior high school programs, winners in the National Science Teachers Association's Search for Excellence in Science Education are described. Programs focus on: (1) note-taking in the laboratory; (2) natural history expeditions; (3) environmental physical science (social and scientific ecological studies); and (4) use of teaching teams…

The Building Migratory Bridges (BOMB) program--a collaboration between the Marvel wood School and Audubon Sharon in Connecticut and Conservation Research Education Action (CR EA), a U.S. not-for-profit in Panama--uses nontropical migratory bird research in the United States and Panama to demonstrate how negative environmental impacts in one…

Due to his work to determine how cholera was spread in the 18th century, John Snow (1813-1858) has been hailed as the father of modern epidemiology. This article presents an inquiry model based on his life and work, which teachers can use to develop a series of biology lessons involving the history and nature of science. The lessons presented use…

Focuses on science competitions by describing the objectives of and strategies used in several types of school competitions. Includes, when applicable, sources of additional information on specific programs (such as the Duracell Scholarship Competition and the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium). (JN)

Described is an annual science bowl held in Havenscourt Junior High, Oakland, California, for ninth grade science students. Patterned after TV's "College Bowl," the science bowl involves panels of students competing to answer objective questions and practical challenges. Indirect benefits to students include increased community support and review…

Describes (in five separate articles) successful programs across the country in which business and education have paired up for the benefit of both. They include an intensive six-week summer program in which students join an Iowa State University research team (funded by the Iowa Utility Commission). (JN)

Discusses recent changes in the Earth's climate. Summarizes reports on changes related to carbon dioxide, temperature, rain, sea level, and glaciers in polar areas. Describes the present effort to measure the changes. Lists 16 references. (YP)

Proposes that a classroom visit from a Nobel laureate should be attempted to be secured by science teachers. Provides suggestions for attracting a laureate and includes a listing of some laureates in physiology, physics, and chemistry by name, field of study, year of award, and address. (ML)

Describes the Bridges program which aims at forming bridges between teachers and students within districts and extending those bridges across district boundaries in the Los Angeles area while enhancing science instruction in the classroom. Discusses the planning, implementation, evaluation, and summary of the program. (JRH)

Outlines characteristics of two earth science programs selected for "Search for Excellence in Science Education" awards (SESE awards). One program features a final examination in the field, while the other program helps train parents to be good geologic observers on vacations. (DH)

Described is Western Australia's elementary and secondary science education programs relative to science content, emphasis on science, instructional goals, and science curriculum materials utilized. School enrollments and the demand for highly trained technical personnel in Western Australia are also discussed. (DS)

Reports on the project Join Underrepresented in Science and Technology (JUST) which aims to increase the enrollment and completion of minority students in math and science courses. Uses a problem-based teaching approach in both science and mathematics education and includes parents, communities, and institutions of higher education as participants…

Discusses the approach taken in a science project program at a math/science/computer magnet school. Explains the procedures, student requirements, and scheduling needs of the program. Contains a checklist of 17 steps for completion of the project. (ML)