America's current student demographics reflect greater diversity than ever before. With the increased enrollment of Black and Latinx students in American schools (NCES 2019), the importance of providing science students with classroom experiences embracing diversity is greater than ever. Experiences that spark an interest in Science, technology,…

The "Framework" (NRC 2012) and "Next Generation Science Standards" (NGSS Lead States 2013) require science teachers to think differently. Specifically, NGSS's performance expectations now require that three domains (disciplinary core ideas (DCI), crosscutting concepts (CCC), and scientific and engineering practices (SEP)) be…

School districts across the country have identified priority areas aligned to school improvement plans, such as formative assessment, differentiated instruction, and posted learning targets. Several studies indicate that these areas, coupled with high-quality instruction, may have significant returns in terms of student learning (Marzano 2013;…

Students use manipulative models and small-scale simulations that promote learning of complex biological concepts. The authors have developed inexpensive wet-lab simulations and manipulative models for "Diagnosing Diabetes," "A Kidney Problem?" and "A Medical Mystery." (Contains 5 figures and 3 online resources.)

Learning centers can help teachers assess students' content knowledge without penalizing them for language barriers. With the increasing number of English language learners (ELLs) in classrooms, the emphasis on mastery of content and inclusion of all students in class discussions and activities will provide all students a chance for scientific…

Describes effective projects that made students effectively read scientific materials in the physics content area. Suggests using trade books in science to enhance student learning of basic physics concepts and comprehension of technical reading matter. (KHR)

Highlights classroom techniques that educators can use to promote intelligent, probing discussions on topics such as technology, human society, group behavior, social change, social conflicts, and global interdependence. Describes the graded discussion method. (SAH)

Describes the Electric Vehicle Education Program (EVEP) validated by the Georgia Department of Education and evaluated by the University of Georgia. Discusses the potential for the curriculum and training program and the program's impact on students and communities. (KHR)

Describes a teaching assignment at a Department of Defense (DoD) high school in Puerto Rico with bilingual Latin students influenced by island cultures. Discusses classroom cultural awareness and the importance of understanding and appreciating students' backgrounds when cultural or ethnic differences exist in the science classroom. Includes a…

Discusses how to integrate into the curriculum the interests of children of all ethnic backgrounds. Includes a rubric for multicultural contributions to science. (KHR)

Describes an after-school program in New York City designed to help inner-city high school students understand ecological concepts. (KHR)

Describes the development of activity centered science minicourses in an isolated California high school, and lists the characteristics considered essential for a good minicourse curriculum. Advocates a program in which specialist teachers travel between small rural schools with limited resources, presenting well developed and exciting…

Discusses the lack of adequate curriculum and instructional strategies for mildly retarded students, offering suggestions on how to modify curricula to meet the needs of these students (such as focusing on abstract reasoning skills and tying science to real-world situations). Also discusses a curriculum using Individualized Science Instructional…

Presents strategies for planning lessons for home-schoolers, science circuses, and summer science programs with multi-age groups of children. Suggests a spiraling curriculum centered on big ideas and varying a common activity in mixed-ability classrooms. Includes examples of activities for multi-age groups. (KHR)