This research evaluated the implementation of a climate science curriculum intervention for students in Grades 4 and 5, including those who were typically achieving and those with difficulties in mathematics, reading, or both. Pre- and posttests of measurement and climate change science concepts were administered at the beginning and end of each…

The year 2014 marks the end of the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). All educational domains and levels, including primary and secondary science education, have been working to contribute to education enabling younger generations to become responsible citizens and promote sustainable development in our world.…

The increasingly interdisciplinary nature of today's scientific research is leading to the transformation of undergraduate education. In addressing these needs, the University of Houston's College of Technology has developed a new interdisciplinary research-based biotechnology laboratory curriculum. Using the pesticide degrading bacterium,…

In the early twentieth century, a curriculum known as nature study flourished in major city school systems, streetcar suburbs, small towns, and even rural one-room schools. This object-based approach to learning about the natural world marked the first systematic attempt to introduce science into elementary education, and it came at a time when…

Many educators and policy makers argue that science literacy and numeracy are vital skills for successfully participating in the economy of this century. But how do educators increase the levels of scientific literacy, let alone make science a subject for all students, when the subject matter itself has been keeping students away? In this article,…

Documents the involvement of a class in Oregon in environmental issues. Beginning with observations in a streamside area, students acquire a permit to do some maintenance and development on the site for wildlife. (DDR)

Reports on a project sponsored by the United States Department of Energy (DOE) that engages students in building solar cars in groups with kits that include a three volt panel. The design and engineering decisions are made by the students using pertinent information. (DDR)

This project is designed to engage students in investigating specific environmental problems through concrete activities and direct experiences. In doing so, it fosters an awareness of the importance of informed concern about environmental issues. This resource is directed toward accomplishing the following goals: promoting students' understanding…

Describes a year-long, schoolwide project that brings the ocean environment into the classroom and develops cross-disciplinary understandings for students. Presents details of the physical environment within the school, the history of the project, and the rationale and advantages. (DDR)

Describes the effects of thigmomorphogenesis, the mechanical stimulation of plants, and how to engage biology students in a study of this unusual plant response. Focuses on an exploration of the effect of wind on a particular plant variety. (DDR)

The emerging field of urban ecology has the potential to engage urban youth in the practices of scientists by studying a locally relevant environmental problem. To this end, we are developing curriculum modules designed to engage students in learning science through the use of emerging information technology. In this paper, we describe the impact…

Discusses display gardens and their development by students. Presents guidelines for construction and size consideration and describes details of an outdoor garden, volcanic garden, and shoe box dioramas. (DDR)

Describes hands-on science areas that focus on trees. A project on leaf pigmentation involves putting crushed leaves in a test tube with solvent acetone to dissolve pigment. In another project, students learn taxonomy by sorting and classifying leaves based on observable characteristics. Includes a language arts connection. (PVD)

Describes a course developed for undergraduate students that includes an environmental science lecture and laboratory section. Focuses on the laboratory section as the critical component with activities that are real-world related, hands-on, problem solving-based, and use cooperative learning approaches. (Contains 12 references.) (Author/YDS)

Provides outdoor homework assignments that are hands-on learning activities covering all academic areas and requiring very little material or expertise. Activities can be adapted for grades 1-6 and should be evaluated on the basis of effort, creativity, presentation, and the amount of information gathered. Contains 16 references. (DDR)