How can pupils and parents be engaged in science? This author describes holding an astronomy evening with Dr. Johanna Jarvis to coincide with the BBC's "Stargazing Live." The author briefly shares an account of the success of this first of many evening events. Engaging pupils in science at an early age has the potential to change social…

A floating bowling ball? No way! There is no better way to get students' attention and reinforce the need for conceptual understanding than with a discrepant event like this. Density is a central concept in chemistry and physical science from middle school to college. But often, particularly at the high school and college levels, we think students…

In this article, the author describes a series of lessons that focuses on observation and documentation of organisms and that is appropriate for the second through fourth grades. By giving students the necessary initial support, they will have the ability to observe details and the skills and confidence to make realistic scientific drawings and…

School science laboratory classes and hands-on public engagement activities share many common aims and objectives in terms of science learning and literacy. This article describes the development and evaluation of a microbiology public engagement activity, "The Good, the Bad and the Algae", from a school laboratory activity. The school…

Engaging students in science learning can be challenging, and incorporating new forms of technology into science has been shown to provide creative learning experiences. However most technology enhanced learning and e-Science experiences to date have been designed and run by researchers. There is significant challenge in moving these experiences…

Presents a classroom module designed to utilize Landsat imagery. Includes objectives, materials needed, procedures, and resource information for secondary teachers. (MA)

Goals and activities of the Environmental Learning for the Future (ELF) program are described. ELF, developed by the Vermont Institute of Natural Sciences, is a natural science/environmental education program based on curiosity and concerns of elementary-aged children. Also described workshops involving animal pantomime, animal and plant defenses,…

Describes the nine modules of the SAVI/SELPH program, a hands-on, multisensory science program developed for grade 4-7 visually impaired, orthopedically disabled, learning disabled, deaf, and multihandicapped students. Modules consist of measurement, structures of life, scientific reasoning, communication, magnetism and electricity, mixtures and…

Maintains there are many ways to help children develop their language abilities as they learn and that teachers can involve children in activities that bring the children's own knowledge into the curriculum. Illustrated with samples from the science activities of first through third graders. (BB)

This article discusses how a regular walk in the wind or the rain can help develop science knowledge and skills. The author describes one "welly-walk" and links it to National Curriculum for England requirements so that readers can see how easy it is. (Contains 1 figure and 1 box.)

This document presents an explanation, illustration, and evaluation of a Students Toward Environmental Participation (S.T.E.P.) Project at Rutherford High School in Bay County, Florida. The main objective of this S.T.E.P. Project was to train high school students to teach environmental awareness activities to elementary students. This booklet…

Discusses goals of Project WILD, an environmental and conservation program emphasizing wildlife. Includes instructions for using and sample of "dilemma cards" which allow students to read, discuss, make judgments, and write about hypothetical dilemmas concerning wildlife and/or natural resources. (BC)

Describes Nature-in-the-City (an environmental awareness program) materials and their use by students in the urban environment. The materials include an adventure guide (the teacher's manual) and set of four colorful season cards with activities for students. (JN)

Using science from the classroom, a teacher involves students in variety of explorations to identify safe foods from outdoors. These activities culminate in a Wild Plant and Beast Feast day, where the students have an opportunity to share their new cuisine and recipes with classmates and teachers. Tips on the successful development and…

Presented are the results of a study of the effects of peer-led tutoring groups on achievement in college chemistry. Supplemental instruction was effective in increasing students' achievement in chemistry as measured by final grades in chemistry and responses to a questionnaire. (CW)