Educating future scientists and citizens is more effective if students are guided to correctly apply what they learned in school to their daily lives. This experience-based work is focused on the study of a well-known commercial product: cat litter. This material offers different starting points for a critical examination. Questions related to…

This paper analyzes the educational impact of the OpenOrbiter Small Spacecraft Development Initiative, a CubeSat development program underway at the University of North Dakota. OpenOrbiter includes traditional STEM activities (e.g., spacecraft engineering, software development); it also incorporates students from non-STEM disciplines not generally…

Describes an activity in which the story of "Frosty the Snowman" is reviewed and students are challenged to come up with ways to save Frosty. In cooperative groups, students brainstorm, share ideas, and write a prelaboratory report. After the approval of plans by the teacher students construct the snowmen and begin the three-day experiment. (DDR)

Presents cooperative classroom projects using science as the initial basis for the study of bears. These projects may also involve other areas of the curriculum such as mathematics, art, and music. "Black Bear" activities include following a park ranger to study our National Parks and researching and building a full-sized brown bear…

Introduces a science activity on butterflies and their life cycles in which students keep journals of their observations. Explains how to build a butterfly observatory in the classroom. (YDS)

Describes an exercise in which students use a hydrological instrument in an actual field situation to measure stream discharge. (RT)

Discusses how, by taking advantage of naturally occurring events in the classroom and at home, adults can help young children acquire five important scientific processes: observing, comparing, classifying, measuring, and communicating. Stresses the importance of science-related children's literature as a component of the science curriculum, as…

Secondary science programs that provide students with a solid background in the principles of scientific exploration generally require active participation in gathering data and solving problems. One of the keys to success is firsthand experience with the materials studied; the use of a variety of educational materials will help students apply…

Describes a lesson which integrates thinking, writing, and physics. Provides examples of student involvements, a list of typical topics, and additional notes to the teacher. (RT)

Described are techniques used in a course designed to teach biology as a process to improve students' skills in critical thinking, reasoning, and writing. Results which indicate improved performance on subject-content tests, increased student motivation, and understanding of science as a process are stated. (RT)

Presents suggestions for teaching children the science of physical fitness along with cross-curricular activities that help them stay in shape. Activities include making a fitness log to keep track of newly learned daily exercises, teaching about the Appalachian Trail then calculating and walking the equivalent distance, and charting family…

Every school, no matter how urbanized, has an outdoor locale that can be used to expand and enrich classroom learning. It may be the school yard, the surrounding grounds, or the managed and landscaped lawns or garden. Or perhaps a park or overgrown vacant lot is within walking distance. This guide will help elementary and junior high school…

Explained is an interdisciplinary assignment in which students use scientific knowledge and apply it in a practical situation. Provided is background information and precautions regarding safety procedures. (RT)

The development of a spaceflight simulation program as part of a research and development course is described. Topics such as space exploration, design, propulsion, aerodynamics of space craft, robotics, communication, construction, medicine, lasers, hydroponics, geology, chemistry, and space physiology are emphasized. (KR)

Ways of working in drama that can be readily utilized by science teachers are provided. The strategies of sociogram, teacher in role, role play, and trial scenes are described. Students' attitudes toward different teaching styles and the frequency with which teaching/learning strategies are used are presented. (KR)