This article describes how teachers can turn their class into a STEM exploration hub where students engage with real-life scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Within this space, students have opportunities to connect "Next Generation Science Standards"-aligned learning targets with potential STEM career choices. Using the 7E…

Problem-based learning (PBL) fosters both content knowledge and content understanding, improves critical and process thinking skills, and promotes peer-to-peer learning, leadership, and teamwork (Hmelo-Silver 2004). Instructors support the PBL process by guiding students through activities that challenge their current knowledge and understanding…

Focuses on using science-related issues in classrooms. Explains how to select these issues and create a scenario, and presents a sample scenario for a role-playing activity. Provides several format structures for role-plays. (YDS)

Introduces a mobile science outreach project that is a learning laboratory for middle school and high school students. Applies the techniques and concepts of genetics and molecular biology used in modern biotechnology laboratories to solve problems. Discusses the advantages of MobileLab. (YDS)

Details a project in which successful DNA analysis techniques were developed by students and their teacher in a rural school. Focuses on a study of sage grouse. (DDR)

Active involvement in society-related issues can elevate junior high school students' interest not only in the problem being solved but also in related scientific concepts. Examples of how scientific concepts and society-related issues can be taught in the same class are presented, focusing on genetic engineering, water shortage, and others.…