A solid understanding of the structure and function of cells can help establish the foundation for learning advanced concepts in the biological sciences. The concept of the cell is introduced in middle school life science courses and is continued at the undergraduate level in college (NRC 2012; Reece et al. 2014). Cells are introduced to students…

It seems each new school year brings its own opportunities to grow as an educator. As teachers in a STEM focused school that serves primarily at-risk students, the authors face a new challenge in rethinking their instruction to align with the "Next Generation Science Standards". This involves changing the focus of units previously taught…

This article examines the bicycle as not simply a means of transportation or as an exercise device, but rather as a vehicle for teambuilding and problem solving activities within a physical education curriculum. The activities described in this article focus on bike-centered initiatives that foster creative problem solving. They have universal…

Physical educators often struggle to teach individual striking skills to upper level (3-5 grade) elementary students. Finding a developmentally appropriate striking activity with a high participation rate can be a challenge. And sports such as tennis, pickleball, and badminton are often not an option for a variety of reasons (e.g., space or…

Kenneth Burke is typically regarded as the single most significant figure in 20th-century rhetorical studies. Undergraduate textbooks in rhetorical criticism, rhetorical theory, and communication theory typically include coverage of Burke's theory of dramatism. In this article, the author describes a classroom activity dubbed "Burke Bingo" that…

Carefully crafted experiences in the early childhood classroom can create learning opportunities for children that allow one curiosity to lead to another. Learning how to find out answers to fascinating questions is what science is all about. In fact, it can be as simple as learning how an ordinary egg can be changed. For the past year, the…

This semester-long activity requires students to reflect on their own strengths and weaknesses in attempting to take on a personally meaningful health behavior change challenge. This assignment affords them the opportunity to take a deeper look at theory and health concepts learned throughout the semester and to see how it has informed their own…

Personal narratives can be useful epistemological tools or qualitative study methods that promote alternative ways of knowing in the classroom. Promoting interactive and meaningful classroom experiences involves motivating students in creative and innovative ways. In this essay, the authors discuss the use of personal narration as a pedagogical…

Many federal agencies rely on print materials to convey important information to the public, and many of the materials are written at a 10th-grade reading level or above, further limiting those individuals with low literacy. As such, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) recommends the application of existing best practices for…

Virtually all conscientious teachers in the field of physical education aim to enhance the quality of their classes by introducing both content and approach innovations into their gymnasiums and classrooms, because the "same old stuff" just won't help achieve the goal of creating and maintaining an interest in the topic. Thus, one way to…

For special education preservice teachers to be prepared to assist students with disabilities to achieve their maximum potential in literacy, an innovative, co-taught literacy unit was implemented within existing methods courses. The intensive, 6-week unit was created to prepare all candidates in both mild interventions and severe interventions…

Contrasting cases are a way to stimulate productive student discussions, discussions that prepare students to learn from more traditional activities such as classroom lectures and worked examples. Examples from a unit on variability show that students gain long-lasting insight into the structure and purpose of statistical formulas. (Contains 2…

This article describes a program entitled "Staying Alive" to help teachers prevent molestation of elementary school children. Child molestation is defined, methods of coercion are described, and survival tips and relevant learning activities are suggested. (Author/MT)

Lacrosse has been the fastest growing team sport at the interscholastic athletic level for the past 10 years according to the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). As a result, many physical educators are branching out from their traditional team sport units and teaching lacrosse in their classrooms. They are exposing…

This document features a lesson plan in which students work in teams to act out different ecosystem services, describe several free services that biodiversity provides to human, and explain how these services make life on earth possible. Samples of instruction and assessment are included. (KHR)