The purpose of the study was to explore students' conceptual frameworks of models of atomic structure and periodic variations, chemical bonding, and molecular shape and polarity, and how these conceptual frameworks influence their quality of explanations and ability to shift among chemical representations. This study employed a purposeful sampling…

The study of shadows is a common elementary science topic that facilitates students' development of understanding about light and associated waves. All elementary students have observed numerous shadows, but need assistance in developing understanding. Previous research studies about shadows were utilized in organizing aspects associated with…

This study employed a case-study approach to reveal how an ability to think with mental models contributes to differences in students' understanding of molecular geometry and polarity. We were interested in characterizing features and levels of sophistication regarding first-year university chemistry learners' mental modeling behaviors while the…

A series of magnet trade books were analyzed against a validated list of magnet concepts (Barrow, 1990a) and their Flesch (1974) Readability was determined. These trade books were used to supplement a second grade unit on magnetism locally constructed from AIM's "Mostly Magnets" (1991). All trade books accurately described how like and unlike…

"What starts out long but gets shorter then longer each day?" Shadows! This student's clever riddle was an opportunity to investigate how the Sun's daily position in the sky influences shadow length. Thus began a mini-lesson which was created to help third-grade students understand that a shadow occurs when an opaque object blocks light (Shapiro…

Introduces land snails for use in inquiry-based science activities. Describes common characteristics and safety considerations while introducing students to land snails. Explains procedures for inquiry-based use of land snails in classrooms. (YDS)

Presents an activity in which students attempt to design a fair test--a test in which one variable at a time is changed--that will result in the slow melting of a single piece of valentine heart candy in the mouth. Students identified and defined "normal placement" as a control variable and measured melting time to establish baseline data. (WRM)

Ways to follow-up science activities based on picture storybooks are discussed. The term "literature web" is used to name the method detailed for integrating science with fiction books. The web is seen as a resource guide for future use that helps resolve time dilemmas for science instruction. (MP)

Describes an integrated unit on bats and specifically addresses the National Science Education Standards. (Author/KHR)

The "National Science Education Standards" provide a vision and standard of science instruction that includes not only the factual, content-rich history of science but also an understanding of the processes and skills necessary to "do" science. Moreover, the "Standards" provide the framework for science instruction that embodies the use of…

Discusses how college science faculty members can play a leading role in relieving student science anxiety. Emphasis on the role of University College (University of Maine at Orono) mathematics/science laboratories which allow students to "drop in" for assistance with specific skills. (JN)

Described is the use of ordinary ceramic magnets to replace the more expensive bar magnets commonly used. Suggestions for 11 task cards to help introduce children to the uses and principles of magnetism are provided. (CW)

Focuses on inquiry-based science instruction for third grade elementary school students. Presents an activity on analyzing data using a graph. Explains what students learn from inquiry-based instruction. (YDS)

Three definitions of "back-to-the-basics" are given and discussed. The idea that science provides opportunities to practice the most "skill-thinking" is also discussed. (MK)

Reviews the literature related to the specific needs of beginning science teachers. Features programs and practices designed to support beginning teachers. Contains 32 references. (WRM)