Science is always changing. Its very nature requires that scientists constantly revise theories to make sense of new observations. As they learn science, students are also constantly revising how they make sense of their observations, which requires comparisons with what they already know to process new information. A teacher can take advantage of…

Today's youth are increasingly spending more time indoors and less time outside. As a result, many children have a "nature deficit" (Louv 2005) and little awareness of their role in nature. In this article, the first author describes how she shared her passion for nature with her sixth-grade students through nature journaling and how her…

Although inquiry is more engaging and results in more meaningful learning (Minner, Levy, and Century 2010) than traditional science classroom instruction, actually involving students in the process is difficult. Furthermore, many students have misconceptions about Earth's seasons, which are supported by students' prior knowledge of heat sources.…

Augmenting science with the arts is a natural combination when one considers that both scientists and artists rely on similar attitudes and values. For example, creativity is often associated with artists, but scientists also use creativity when seeking a solution to a problem or creating a new product. Curiosity is another common trait shared…

For thousands of years, people have used music to transfer information and narrate stories. The musical structure, consisting of words set to melodies in rhythmic patterns, made the content easier to remember. Researchers have investigated the long- and short-term effects of song on memory and found that music aided in the recall of information.…

It may seem obvious that students with limited reading skills also have limited educational opportunities. Students acquiring English as their second, non-native language--presently referred to as English Language Learners (ELLs)--face this obstacle. Fortunately, a body of research has emerged that provides specific techniques for supporting and…

By virtue of its connection with scientific literacy, the nature of science has been considered essential subject matter for the science curriculum. With this in mind, seventh-grade students were introduced to three aspects of the nature of science: (1) the distinction between observation and inference, (2) the subjective, and (3) the tentative…

"May I go to the bathroom?" While this hardly an unusual question from any middle-level student, the number of students who suddenly need to leave the room increases when a teacher assigns a textbook passage to read. Whether it is to use the restroom, visit their locker, or see the school nurse, these students will do just about anything to keep…

The beginning of the school year presents many challenges to teachers. A teacher must learn the names of new students, assess each incoming student's abilities, establish a positive learning environment of communication and respect, and encourage interdependence of students. The Pick-a-Number activity described in this article represents a…

Student preconceptions are one of the greatest challenges facing science teachers. Students will often hold on to their explanation even after being told the correct explanation. They need to be challenged with experiences that they can not explain using their existing models of the world in order to see real change in their preconceived notions.…

When students investigate science, they model, imitate, and perform science much as scientists do. Learning science in this way is best, according to the locus of control research. Based on this research, students need to develop an internal belief that they can control science outcomes and become a part of science through their own hands-on…

Describes how a 7th grade science teacher creates an equal learning environment for both female and male students. Explains how to personalize classroom structure, create a cooperative learning environment, and provide diverse role models. (YDS)

Discusses the use of games in the science classroom as a productive, motivating tool. Presents games that require abstract thinking and that change potentially boring exercises into challenging competitions. (JRH)