[This paper is part of the Focused Collection on Instructional labs: Improving traditions and new directions.] We present the pedagogical design and implementation of "ESSENCe": Experimental problem solving using Staging, Scaffolding, Embedded information sources, iNstruments, and Collaboration. Research in experimental physics requires…

Recent studies have posited that K-12 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education should go beyond traditional subject silos and take an interdisciplinary approach that integrates these core subjects into a cohesive curriculum to foster authentic problem-solving skills. The purpose of this study was to field test one of five…

Societal changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic have shown the importance of both intrapersonal and interpersonal skills in virtual environments. Two midwestern university instructors joint-taught their spring 2021 agricultural education and training program development courses, bringing students together in virtual teams during the…

While a growing body of research supports active, student-centered approaches to teaching, the implementation of such methodologies in the undergraduate STEM classroom has not been widespread. In an effort to increase student success in an introductory course for biology majors, we developed Biology Boot Camp, a peer-led program based on active,…

Including opportunities for students to conduct independent investigations is a mainstay of gifted education programs and services. When carefully designed and skillfully facilitated, students' interest-based, independent study experiences result in increased intrinsic motivation, growth in 21st-century critical and creativity skills, greater…

Providing training for pre-service teachers at historic sites necessitates a reorientation for historic site-based teacher education programs away from strict content learning towards programs that emphasize the modeling of disciplinary problem solving and transfer learning. Outlined here is a History Lab model for teacher education that uses the…

This article describes the development and implementation of an open-access organic chemistry question bank for online tutorials and assessments at University College Cork and Dublin Institute of Technology. SOCOT (structure-based organic chemistry online tutorials) may be used to supplement traditional small-group tutorials, thereby allowing…

This paper describes the creation and evolution of an undergraduate dynamics and vibrations course for civil engineering students. Incorporating vibrations into the course allows students to see and study "real" civil engineering applications of the course content. This connection of academic principles to real life situations is in…

Needs assessment is the first step in developing a leadership education program. During the spring of 2008 researchers and program planners conducted focus groups sessions with representatives from Virginia's agricultural community with the goal of assessing the leadership development interests and needs of that community. As one focus group…

Article focused on the renewed interest in outdoor skill and experience programs that has surged among secondary schools over the last five years. (Author/RK)

This activities book for lower elementary grades is the second book of a series of six books designed to provide developmental K-12 experiences designed to support the basic environmental philosophy of spaceship earth. The aims of the four activity sections of this book are to aid in developing students to make them more sensitive to their…

This activities book for the middle elementary grades is the third book of a series of six books designed to provide developmental K-12 experiences designed to support the basic environmental philosophy of spaceship earth presented in Book 1. The aims of the four activity sections of this book are to aid in developing students to make them more…

This activities book for the upper elementary grades is the fourth book of a series of six books designed to provide developmental K-12 experiences designed to support the basic environmental philosophy of spaceship earth presented in Book 1. The aims of the four activity sections of this book are to aid in developing students to make them more…

This activities book for the senior high school level is the sixth book of a series of six books designed to provide developmental K-12 experiences designed to support the basic environmental philosophy of spaceship earth presented in Book 1. The aims of the four activity sections of this book are to aid in developing students to make them more…