In this paper, we present findings from an exploratory qualitative study that investigated how hands-on activities can help learners think of socioscientific issues more concretely. These activities borrowed themes, such as the responsibilities of creators and limits of scientific exploration from the culturally ubiquitous Frankenstein story to…

Herein, we present a program implemented in Python that utilizes a simple complete-search algorithm to determine the geometry of a lanthanide-substrate (LS) complex. The program serves as a practical project in a programming course for chemistry students, specifically aimed at illustrating fundamental concepts such as decision-making, repetition,…

While prior research has demonstrated the importance of narratives as tools for young children's science learning, limited research has considered how narratives can be integrated into the design of science learning environments to support opportunities for children to engage in science practices. We designed four [approximately] 30-minute…

This paper aims to understand the barriers that face access to the arts in rural high schools and to offer a selection of potential change ideas to combat these barriers that exist in school settings. The literature review shows that access to the arts in rural communities is a barrier to complete education for school aged children because rural…

Although research has touted the value of making in educational settings, scant work has been done in formal school contexts utilizing quantitative methods. This could be attributed to the various challenges in integrating making in school settings. To fill in the gap, this study presents an approach to integrate making into science classes at the…

Integrated teaching is teaching in which the educational contents of subjects are interconnected. Connections can be discussed in a specialized integrated subjects e.g., Integrated science. Integrated science is a subject that connects knowledge from chemistry, biology, physics, geography, and geology. One topic is discussed from a different point…

An integrated laboratory experience using metal--organic frameworks (MOFs), a nanoporous and crystalline extended solid material composed of metal cations and organic linkers, was developed and adopted for upper-division, major-level chemistry and biochemistry students. In this laboratory, students were guided through the facile solvothermal…

Plant blindness refers to the tendency of people to overlook and undervalue plants in their environment, which can have negative consequences for both the environment and human well-being. As pre-service teachers play a key role in shaping the environmental attitudes and knowledge of future generations, it is important to assess their level of…

This study was carried out to determine the effect of Scratch-based coding applications integrated into the 5E learning model used in science teaching on students' computational thinking skills and self-efficacy towards block-based programming. In addition, students' perceptions of the activity were measured after each Scratch activity, which was…

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted many challenges undergraduate students face including their ability to manage stress. Poor stress management can contribute to poor academic performance and health outcomes; better wellness habits and stress reduction go hand-in-hand, as improved wellness habits reduce overall stress and expand positive stress…

In contemporary society, cultivating scientific literacy among the public is imperative for informed decision-making on matters influencing general well-being. Here, we report the multifaceted activity Magnifying Minds as a collaboration between artists and scientists to enhance scientific literacy through public art. Murals as a medium for…

Purpose: This study developed an online lesson study, investigated teacher professionalism after following an online lesson study and examined students' environmental literacy. Design/methodology/approach: This study used a mixed-method research design. The qualitative approach entailed observing science learning focussing on environmental issues…

Elementary teacher preparation programs often separate content and technology courses. This study examined the impact of changing the required science content courses for elementary preservice teachers in a small liberal arts setting. Following the new science course, students participated in a field experience as part of an elementary science…

Within this decade, programs to improve STEM education are too numerous to count with efforts at the federal, state, and local levels. From targeted teacher professional development to totally reinventing teacher preparation programs, these efforts have helped to identify, develop, and deliver integrated STEM education programs; however, the…

Background: Parent education programs take many forms and attempt to raise parents' awareness of factors that positively affect child development. Program effectiveness varies greatly depending on whether parents feel engaged and interested by program content. Purpose: This article discusses a novel, "arts-informed" approach to parent…