School districts across the country have identified priority areas aligned to school improvement plans, such as formative assessment, differentiated instruction, and posted learning targets. Several studies indicate that these areas, coupled with high-quality instruction, may have significant returns in terms of student learning (Marzano 2013;…

The "Next Generation Science Standards'" three dimensions--disciplinary core ideas (DCIs), science and engineering practices (SEPs), and crosscutting concepts (CCs)--were headliners at NSTA's national conference in Chicago and featured in many of the organization's other professional-development efforts this year (NGSS Lead States 2013).…

Nearly 10% of American students are identified as "Limited English Proficient" (NCELA 2011). To serve this diverse population of English Language Learners (ELLs), teachers need proven instructional strategies. One prevalent approach is sheltered instruction, defined as "teaching content to English learners in strategic ways that…

Presents a discussion of the concept of scientific literacy from the perspective that this concept is a challenge to our abilities to understand, to verify, and to evaluate and apply rather than a goal to be sought. (PEB)

Examines the major features and aims of the Nuffield science programs offered in British secondary schools and compares and contrasts these programs with science education in American schools. Suggests that British and American science teachers would mutually benefit by conversing and exchanging ideas. (JR)

The desire to observe and understand the natural world is strong in young children, but high school students often consider science irrelevant to their daily lives. Therefore, as teachers of older age groups, the authors constantly struggle to engage students in scientific exploration so they can master concepts and appreciate the nature of…

Criticizes the National Science Education Standards for using an example lesson that contradicts support for students engaging in scientific inquiry. Suggests a multiculturally inclusive approach engaging students in a role-playing activity as members of the University of Alexandria. Students are involved in scientific inquiry with Eratosthenes,…