How is it that the millions of visitors who flock to science centers each year are able to make use of the exhibits there? How do they discover the properties of previously unknown machines? How much time does it take? What is the significance of the process? An issue of particular interest to us is how visitors figure out what they can do with an…

This study examined the effects of the cross-curricular model of integrating mathematics and science with experiential learning on the knowledge of 3rd grade primary school pupils in Slovenia. The purpose of this research was to design and implement school lessons rooted in integrating maths with science and concrete experience, and handling real…

There are a growing number of zoo science degree programs in the US, designed to prepare entry level employees for a zoo or aquarium career that includes animal care, conservation, and public education. These bachelor's degree and associate degree programs include a focus on many areas of science as well as a variety of practical knowledge.…

The researchers developed a youth weather and climate curriculum using a science comprehension model that integrates experiential and inquiry-based learning approaches with developing science knowledge, science skills, and reasoning abilities. The purpose of this study was to pilot the curriculum to determine if it would improve youth science…

This study aimed to reveal the experiences of science education graduate students about education in out-of-school learning environments before and after they took a course on this topic. The study group consisted of four students who were attending the science education graduate program at a state university in Turkey and who were taking the…

Despite elementary teacher education programs preparing preservice teachers in the main content areas of literacy, math, science, and social studies, few elementary school classrooms teach all four content areas on a regular and thorough basis. Therefore, elementary education teacher preparation programs should be redesigned to support an…

In this article we describe the development, implementation, and some of the early impacts of Nurture thru Nature (NtN), an American after-school and summer program designed to introduce elementary school students in disadvantaged, urban public schools to natural science and environmental education. The program, which began operations in 2010 as a…

Science learning is most often examined within formal education contexts, even though students spend more of their lives outside of the classroom. Students may interact with scientific phenomena during these out-of-school experiences, providing additional opportunities for learning to take place. Prior studies have found that optional science…

Background: Children living in urban areas often have limited opportunities to experience informal science environments. As a result, some do not have a deep understanding of the environment, natural resources, ecosystems, and the ways human activities affect nature. Purpose: This article examines how experiential science education supported urban…

This article addresses the current state of the mathematics education system in the United States and provides a possible solution to the contributing issues. As a result of lower performance in primary mathematics, American students are not acquiring the necessary quantitative literacy skills to become successful adults. This study analyzed the…

America's adult populace has failed to keep pace with the rapid inundation of science-centric knowledge affecting nearly every facet of personal, familial, and communal life. With three out of every four American adults considered scientifically illiterate, adult civic science literacy (CSL) has reached alarmingly low levels. The purpose of…

Whether playing outdoors or working on the farm, rural children acquire science and engineering skills throughout their daily lives. Although 11.4 million children in the United States grow up in rural areas, compared to 14.6 million in urban areas, relatively little attention is given to rural science education. This article demonstrates that…

Presents a study to design and conduct a three-hour field experience for 3rd and 4th grade students on forestry and forest products, and to determine the cognitive effects of participation in this field trip on the children. Reports an increase in student knowledge after participating in this experience. Discusses the reasons for students'…

This practicum was designed to develop more positive attitudes toward science and to increase students' knowledge of science by providing supplemental hands-on activities. Second grade students were surveyed at the beginning of the school year and then were retested after participating in hands-on activities from 12 learning centers. The…

Science is an "approach in process development." Native American students have well-developed processes which can be best utilized by teaching science using activities which capitalize on students' processes. This article discusses processes first, then applies the content in a cultural framework to enhance science for Native American…