One of the ways in which students can be taught science is by doing science, the intention being to help students understand the nature, processes, and methods of science. Investigative research projects may be used in an attempt to reflect some aspects of science more authentically than other teaching and learning approaches, such as confirmatory…

Every three years, the Organisation for European Cooperation and Development evaluates the scientific competence of European students. Recent results have demonstrated that scientific competence in Spain is somewhat underdeveloped, which underscores the need to apply educational methodologies that favour the development of said competence. This…

Given that science and science education are undergoing a climate change, the author suggests a re-envisioning of undergraduate research assessment. He argues that continuation of research into the processes and benefits of undergraduate research opportunities for undergraduates will need to decrease focus on student dispositions and increase…

Students love field trips, and why shouldn't they? Field trips provide a break from the routine of the school day and an opportunity to learn from the world outside the classroom. Science and natural history museums are popular field-trip destinations, filled with a dizzying array of displays, and hands-on learning opportunities. The author…

Research-like experiences range from relatively "canned" labs that are highly controlled by the instructor (such as those described in Lord and Orkwiszewski 2006) to more individually designed projects (e.g., Switzer and Shriner 2000; Wyatt 2005). This article describes a laboratory approach that allows for many of the benefits of independent or…

Technology offers ample opportunities to bring reality into the classroom. Students and teachers nowadays have many tools to work in an authentic way with real data in mathematics and science education. However, much research and development are still needed to create a consistent learning trajectory out of the many exciting single activities.…

Problem finding is a creative process whereby individuals develop original ideas for study. Secondary science students who successfully participate in authentic, novel, open inquiry studies must engage in problem finding to determine viable and suitable topics. This study examined problem finding strategies employed by students who successfully…

Presents a detailed assessment of a summer national Science Foundation Young Scholars Program for ninth and 10th graders. Results indicate that students perceive program success (emphasis on project success) differently from teachers and program organizers. Identified six variables that must be incorporated appropriately into the design of a…

While developing a research course for gifted high school students, improvements were made in a local pond. Students worked for a semester learning research techniques, statistical analysis, and limnology. At the end of the course, the three students produced a joint scientific paper detailing their study of the pond. (MA)

Discusses the advantages of using research projects in lower-level chemistry courses; presents a list of suggested projects. (MLH)

Describes a school activity in which junior high school students display science projects in a noncompetitive atmosphere in four categories: (1) group projects; (2) hands-on activities encouraging young children and parent participation; (3) research projects; and (4) scientific portrayals of figures, concepts, or events. (MDH)

This paper advocates the use of independent research projects as a practical means of individualizing science instruction within the framework of a traditional school program. The science program at Model Laboratory School, Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, Kentucky, is discussed as an example of independent study being an integral part of…

This informational packet contains the materials necessary to administer the annual Department of Defense Dependent Schools Pacific Region Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) at the high school and middle school levels. The symposium program is a calendar year research program which includes one week symposium of students (grade 8-12)…

Examines current usage of the term "biomechanics" and emphasizes the importance of differentiating between structure and material. Describes current prolects in biomechanics and lists four points about the educational significance of the field. (GS)

Lists ten characteristics for a suitable focus topic for open-ended science problems. Examples of appropriate focus statements in the areas of life, earth, and space science are included. Discusses options open to teacher and student in providing open-ended learning. (CS)