Children are natural engineers. Engineering design activities for preschoolers introduce practices and encourage scientific habits of mind. The "Next Generation Science Standards" (NGSS Lead States 2013) highlight that crosscutting concepts and disciplinary core ideas can not be mastered without engaging in scientific investigations and…

Learn to use inquiry-based practice to inspire young minds through science. This book gives educators a solid guide for using research-based principles of inquiry to help children explore their world. With real-life examples and information on facilitating and guiding children, you will be able to engage and maximize STEM learning. Web content and…

The number of students majoring in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) is declining due in part to a lack of student interest (Fairweather 2008; NRC 2012; PCAST 2010). One reason may be the difference between how science is done in school and how it is done in the field (Osborne, Simon, and Collins 2003). An interdisciplinary…

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) educators are facing the challenge of attracting more students. The disparity between the need for engineers and the enrollment of engineering students is growing (Genalo, Bruning, & Adams, 2000), and career aspirations of high school students are inconsistent with the employment…

This educator guide provides background information on Wilbur and Orville Wright and activities on aeronautics that provide templates for building the 1900, 1901, and 1902 Gliders and the 1903 Flyer. Activities include: (1) Early Aviation; (2) Your First Interview; (3) Your First Report; (4) Build a Model of the 1900 Glider; (5) Questions on the…

Elaborates on the previous article by highlighting the need to find ways to encourage young people to take up science careers. Presents some guidelines for selling science to girls and includes personal profiles of real scientists to humanize them to students. (NB)

Discusses questions such as how birds fly and the meaning of bird songs. Explains the relationship between birds and ecological activism and points out the excitement in research and observation of birds. (Contains 34 references.) (YDS)

Discusses a classroom activity to trigger student interest early in a chemistry class. Describes a take-home exercise to convince students that a basic knowledge of chemistry is relevant to a better understanding of course topics in their majors. (CCM)

Presents methods for creating appropriate ways of collecting live specimens to use for firsthand observation in the classroom. Suggests ecological questions for students to address using these devices. This project is ideal for schools that have access to piers or bridges on a coastal body of water. (NB)

Presents a simple everyday science activity concerning fingerprints for children and their families to do together. Includes a description and the procedure for the activity. (KHR)

Lists the awardees from the Craftsman/NSTA Young Inventors Awards Program and relates the stories behind the inventions. (MM)

Discusses the ASE-Wellcome Trust National Conference on Citizenship Education and Science. Explores some possible approaches to achieving citizenship education through the use of print media. Links with other issues in the forefront of current debates in science education, particularly scientific literacy. (Author/NB)

Adapts three high-interest activities using biogenic and physical traces in the re-creation of past events that were created to help develop student understanding of the process of science without sacrificing substantive geoscience content. Presents adaptations of human footprints, dinosaur tracks, and sliding rock trails investigations. (Contains…

Guidelines are offered for starting and maintaining a Science Club to stimulate gifted elementary students. Specific suggestions for organizing the club, planning a "whizbang" first meeting, and possible topics and activities are offered. (DB)

Author suggest the current unpopularity of science and technology may, in part, be a result of the nature of current provision--too much technology too soon. Suggests that pure science is what really interests bright teenagers, as well as being the seed of industrial innovation, and should be given a higher profile. (Author/PR)