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…

Addresses how to attract more college women into the sciences. Attracting Women into Sciences (AIM) is a comprehensive approach that begins with advising, advertising, and ambiguity. The advising process includes dispelling stereotypes and reviewing the options open to a female basic science major. Interaction, involvement and instruction, finding…

Argues that if students are expected to understand and play the game of science, they need to know something about its character and guidelines. Elaborates some important ideas for helping students better understand the nature of science. Notes that students can learn about the assumptions, processes, and outcomes of science without abandoning…

Notes the continued lack of success and participation by minority students and white females in science. Discusses creating equitable contexts for learning. Looks at teacher training, gender and ethnicity, and experience working with diverse populations as factors in teacher effectiveness. Argues that debates are needed regarding incorporating…

Explains the process of establishing a scientific community among students. Specifically addresses questions related to classroom environment, the beginning of the school year, and the types of experiments and activities used throughout the year to enable students to be successful in science. (DDR)

Authors discuss "the scientific method" and assert that laboratory scientists ask questions but seldom state formal hypotheses to be answered by controlled experiments. Authors suggest that experimental results should not be viewed as fact, and students should not be required to memorize the steps of the scientific method. (PR)

This paper is based on the view that, although scientists rely on research values such as predictive accuracy and testability, scientific research is still subject to the unscientific values, attitudes, and emotions of the scientists. It is noted that undergraduate students are likely not to think critically about the science they encounter. A…

Discusses the value of preserving wonder and curiosity as part of a child's intellectual growth and experience in elementary school science. Practical steps for handling students' wonder questions are identified, including children's knowledge, speculation and hypothesis, identification of possible inquiry methods, research, and sharing new…

Describes a field experiment that was designed to test the effects of three different interpretive programs on students' attitudes toward live, nonpoisonous snakes. One of the treatments measured the effectiveness of using "hands-on" interpretive techniques. Direct contact with snakes improved students' attitudes but only slightly. Females'…

Discusses biological bafflers that can be used with any curriculum to motivate and instill a sense of wonder about the world. The following are some bafflers discussed: animal lovemaking--risky business; animal-size appetites; digging for gold; drinking, the unquenchable thirst; eating; hearing is believing; jumping and lifting contenders;…

Presents a rationale for including experiences that draw profound reactions of pleasure or revulsion in the science classroom. Provides some suggestions for using them effectively. Discusses content knowledge, process skills, language development, scientific attitudes, tips for using novel experiences, and marveling at mysteries. (JRH)

Explains strategies for motivating and getting student's attention in science. Presents a laboratory procedure for generating hydrogen using an Erlenmeyer flask and a one-holed stopper apparatus to fill a balloon which is used to produce a dramatic explosion. Safety precautions are cited. (RT)

Based on Jonathan Swift's novel "Gulliver's Travels," this lesson plan presents activities designed to help students understand that Swift comments on undesirable outcomes of advances in science; and other authors have also warned against abuse of science. The main activity of the lesson involves students developing a poster illustrating views of…

Recommends the use of concealed images as tools for teaching geography. Suggests that images be used as examples of geographers' search for spatial regularities, metaphors for the quasi-religious quest for scientific truth, and fallibility of scientific citation. Argues that the purpose of geography becomes palpable to students when the concealed…

Article discusses the Science-Technology-Society approach and describes a study (n=116) of differences in learning outcomes for Taiwanese students who study college biology in an issue-oriented format with students who study in a concept-oriented format. Students in the issue-oriented format class had statistically higher scores for concept…