Engineering design-based STEM integration is one potential model to help students integrate content and practices from all of the STEM disciplines. In this study, we explored the intersection of two aspects of pre-college STEM education: the integration of the STEM disciplines, and the NGSS practice of engaging in argument from evidence within…

This study of students competing in the 2009 Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair investigates the role gender played in students' participation, choice of science field, award of prizes, and mentioning inspiring teachers. Females made up 62 percent of the participants and were more likely to enter projects in biology and in…

The Common Core Standard for Mathematical Practice 4: Model with Mathematics specifies that mathematically proficient students are able to make connections between school mathematics and its applications to solving real-world problems. Hence, mathematics teachers are expected to incorporate connections between mathematical concepts they teach and…

Discusses problems with science education in schools in the context of their causes, including a dysfunctional working definition of science. Describes and illustrates the Science/Technology/Society movement as a potential means to correct these problems. Presents examples derived from statewide efforts in Iowa. (14 references) (Author/MKR)

Discusses workshops featuring an interactive exhibit program for elementary science teachers. Science is learned in an inquiry-based mode and science teaching props are developed. Describes the interactive science exhibits, needs assessment, and workshop programs. Provides evaluation results of the workshop. (YP)

A need is identified for stressing the developmental and interrelational aspects in secondary school science courses for all students, based on the contention that both science-prone and science-shy students will gain a greater understanding of how science affects our lives. (CR)

Notes that as the student progresses through school, science experiences hold a less positive view. Used are teacher interviews and classroom observations conducted to determine possible explanations. Points out that schools need to help students realize how much science affects their everyday lives. (MVL)

Provided is a unit which relates the fulcrum of a lever system and the mean of a distribution of scores. The objective, rationale, two student laboratories, and an evaluation system are outlined. Content background on statistics is offered. (MVL)

Analysis of (n=4) secondary textbooks revealed a noticeable reduction in vocabulary load estimates compared to a previous study, but found that the vocabulary load presented is still too high and may contribute to the problem of science avoidance by secondary students. (39 references) (Author/MKR)

Outlines procedures for helping students develop and clarify their understanding of science terms and concepts. Explains the semantic feature analysis strategy, concept ladder, concept-relationship procedure, semantic mapping, and use of the word card as ways to teach reading in science. (RT)

A laboratory practical examination was used to compare the investigative skills developed in two different types of general-chemistry laboratory courses. Science and engineering majors (SEM) in the control group used a traditional verification approach (SEM-Ctrl), whereas those in the treatment group learned from an innovative, inquiry-based…

Approximately a half-century of American science history beginning in the period of the Revolutionary War is chronicled. (CP)

Discusses the nature of science and technology and provides a number of examples to illustrate the impact that science and politics have had on each other. Advocates the need for the development of courses which integrate science, politics, and social change. (JR)

Describes the development of an experimental Likert-type rating scale for use in monitoring student attitudes toward seventh and eighth grade science. A sample of the opinionnaire and the results from two administations of this instrument are included. (JR)