Role-play has been shown to increase student engagement and improve the overall classroom environment. When used effectively, role-play can transform a task or assignment to appear more like play than work. In this four-part lesson, role-play was used as a teaching strategy to engage students in learning the science and application of several…

Convening professionals--physically or virtually--is necessary but certainly not sufficient for meaningful collaboration and networking to occur. Professional development (PD) must be designed and carried out in ways that encourage a culture of sustained collegiality (Loucks-Horsley et al. 2003). This article presents seven principles for creating…

In addition to meeting National Science Education Standards (NSES) related to the history and nature of science (NOS), reading or hearing about real scientists helps students connect with science emotionally. The authors have even noticed increased student interest in science concepts during history of science discussions. Toward these efforts,…

Reported are the results of a survey of elementary and secondary school students' portraits of scientists. Discussed are sample demographics, gender and race comparisons, scientists and role models. The positive results of these voluntary submissions are stressed. (CW)

Presents replies to questions about the role and importance of elementary science education. Covers 27 persons' answers from various fields, such as science, arts, government, or mass media. (YP)