Citizen science, or the public participation in scientific research, is a mechanism for student engagement, and co-creation of knowledge in the scientific research process. Through participation in citizen science initiatives within school-based learning environments, students can gain field experience, direct project scope, and contribute to…

Trust in science and scientists can greatly influence consideration of scientific developments and activities. Yet, trust is a nebulous construct based on emotions, knowledge, beliefs, and relationships. As we explored the literature regarding trust in science and scientists we discovered that no instruments were available to assess the construct,…

In this technology-oriented age, teachers face daily decisions regarding the use of advanced digital technologies--graphing calculators, dynamic geometry software, blogs, wikis, podcasts and the like--to enhance student mathematical understanding in their classrooms. In this case study, the authors use the Technological, Pedagogical, and Content…

This paper reports the first phase of a two phase project for obtaining data relating to current physics enrollments. The second phase, reported in another publication, involved identifying distinguishing characteristics of high schools with high and low enrollments in physics. (CP)

Weather data gathered from the local newspaper can be used in teaching a unit on statistics. (SD)

Presents data collection activities for the home, school, and community that encourage students to summarize, interpret, and draw inferences. Four types of activities are discussed: observations, surveys, experiments, and sampling. (Author/MKR)

Graphs and charts are discussed in terms of levels of applications and skills necessary for effective use. Five activities, most appropriate for upper-elementary or junior high students, are suggested. (MK)

Teaching mathematics as one would teach a science course (that is, as a field of intellectual inquiry) is advocated. Four illustrative activities, most appropriate for grades 5-8, are suggested. (MK)

Presents an activity that explores the derivation of Pi. Involves students taking a constructivist role by collecting data, making conjectures, and using the data to construct graphs and tables and discourse about appropriate algebraic representations. Uses the computer as an instructional aid to enable students to view the data in a variety of…

Suggestions for outdoor mathematics activities include six each for primary-age and intermediate-age children. (MK)

The importance of being able to read and draw conclusions from condensed numerical data is discussed. Four activities, most appropriate for primary students, are suggested. (MK)

The stakes are getting higher for teachers to provide evidence that suggests their students are meeting the goals set forth by national and state standards. The stakes are also getting higher for administrators at the state and local levels to provide evidence that their teachers are "highly qualified." Currently lacking in many areas is an…

Presents an integrated math/science activity that shows students the differences among the three types of volcanoes using observation, classification, graphing, sorting, problem solving, measurement, averages, pattern relationships, calculators, computers, and research skills. Includes reproducible student worksheet. Lists 13 teacher resources.…

Gives lesson plans for activities integrating mathematics and science in which students collect data on the nutritional makeup of a number of snack foods and relate this information to the recommendations of the food guide pyramid. (MKR)

Presents five integrated mathematics and science lessons in which students investigate the characteristics, behavior, lifecycles, and motion of mealworms and the feasibility of raising mealworms for profit. Purpose, time, materials needed, procedures, and extensions for each activity are provided. (MDH)