Who hasn't heard of Einstein? Science educators everywhere are familiar with Einstein's genius and general theory of relativity. Students easily recognize Einstein's image by his white flyaway hair and bushy mustache. It is well known that Einstein was a brilliant physicist and an abstract thinker who often used his creativity and imagination in…

Science, like most subjects, can only come alive when students are actively engaged in real-life pursuits that interest and challenge them (VanTassel-Baska and Bass 1998). Here the author describes how she was able to bring science to life for her middle school students through a series of Science Safaris--inquiry-based excursions to a variety of…

As our society becomes more technologically advanced and jobs require additional related skills, it is important that all girls, not just those interested in science, technology, engineering, and math (commonly referred to as the STEM disciplines), take advanced levels of science and math in high school. Evidence suggests that intervention…

Uses three kinds of questions in the classroom to establish an atmosphere of wonder, contemplation, and speculation: brain busters, mind games, and science chats. Includes samples of each. (ASK)

Presents activities that involve students working as research and development scientists and exploring the world of glues-- how to make them, test them, and apply them to classroom projects. Enables students to gain technical knowledge and experience the excitement and responsibilities of being research scientists. (JRH)

Introduces NASA Quest as part of NASA's Learning Technologies Project, which connects students to the people of NASA through the various pages at the website where students can glimpse the various types of work performed at different NASA facilities and talk to NASA workers about the type of work they do. (ASK)

Scientific inquiry provides the framework for the content and strategies recommended in the National Science Education Standards (NRC 2000). It's a hot topic at workshops and conferences, and many feel a bit guilty that they aren't doing more of it. Why is scientific inquiry currently at the forefront of science education reform? Inquiry works!…

Explains the mechanism of a lava lamp and gives directions for building one using isopropyl alcohol. Provides hints for a laboratory activity and includes questions and answers. (YDS)

Encouraging students' interest in science has never been more important. Science plays a greater role in everyones lives than ever before, and students who have a solid foundation in science are prepared to pursue a wide range of opportunities in high school, college, and the workplace. Yet many students--particularly girls and students from…

Provides a poster describing how oil is made, discovered, recovered, distributed, and used with suggestions for using it. Includes cards for an oil vocabulary game with its playing instructions and seven oil scramble words. Gives three addresses of sources for additional information. (YP)

Describes the West Michigan Science Festival which features a variety of interactive events in manufacturing, electronics, health care, engineering, and other fields. Brings together students, businesses, industries, and educators in a community celebration of science, mathematics, and technology. Discusses beginnings, business partners, events,…

Describes the Merck Institute for Science Education whose goals are to communicate the excitement and relevance of science to students through science teaching, and to work with teachers and instill in them an understanding and appreciation of science. Involves industry volunteers contributing to the professional development of teachers and…

Uses science fiction films such as "Jurassic Park" or "Anaconda" to teach science concepts while fostering student interest. Advocates science fiction as a teaching tool to improve learning and motivation. Describes how to use science fiction in the classroom with the sample activity Twister. (YDS)

Describes a three-day classroom activity combining criminal investigations and scientific skills, especially observation skills. Provides detailed classroom procedures with an illustration of eight basic fingerprint patterns and a classification chart. (YP)

Lists 30 reminders for successfully communicating with students and nurturing their interest in science. Each reminder is accompanied by specific strategies for working with middle school students. (DDR)