In their article "Measuring the Flight Speed of Fire Bombers from Photos: An In-Class Exercise in Introductory Kinematics," Greg W. Lowe and Eric Ayars remind us that photographs have always had physics hidden in them if you look hard enough. Since digital photos are embedded with EXIF data, vastly more physics can be explored with them. EXIF…

The purpose of this study was to examine how participation in an inquiry-based science program impacts kindergarten students' science learning and motivation. The study was implemented as part of a larger, federally funded research project, the Scientific Literacy Project or SLP (Mantzicopoulos, Patrick, & Samarapungavan, 2005). The study…

Research has shown that video games can be good for learning, particularly for STEM topics. However, in order for games to be scalable and sustainable, associated research must move beyond considerations of efficacy towards theories that account for classroom ecologies of students and teachers. This study asks how a digital game called "Citizen…

This document features a lesson plan that examines how maps help scientists protect biodiversity and how plants and animals are adapted to specific ecoregions by comparing biome, ecoregion, and habitat. Samples of instruction and assessment are included. (KHR)

Describes activities for K-12 students, most of which are adapted from "The Lewis and Clark Expedition: Scientific Discovery Educator's Resource Guide" created by the partnership of Fort Clatsop National Memorial and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. (Author/KHR)

This document features a lesson plan in which genetic traits are identified and classified using a genetic wheel by playing several different games that introduce genetic diversity and highlight why it is important within populations. Samples of instruction and assessment are included. (KHR)

Presents a cross-curricular theme unit on colors that includes a pullout poster and a resource list. Social studies activities highlight flags of the world. Science activities teach about colors of animals and the science of color. Language arts activities describe colorful language. Mathematics activities involve sorting and graphing colors. (SM)

Presents a unit approach that utilizes Howard Gardner's seven intelligences (Linguistic, Logical/mathematical, Spatial, Music, Kinesthetic/body, Intrapersonal, and Interpersonal). Students are given a list of activities and make a contract to complete a certain number on the list. A sample unit for fifth graders on the bodily systems is provided.…

Presents a color poster, information, and activities for introducing students to biodiversity. (PR)

A teacher describes her science class' successful inclusion of a student with Rett Syndrome. Included in the article are the classroom implications of the disease and strategies for ensuring that all students receive the best science education available. (ZWH)

A teacher shares three instructional aids that she used to teach blind as well as sighted students the basic principles of chemical bonding.(ZWH)

Provides strategies for adapting microscope activities for students with disabilities. The following factors are considered: (1) mainstreaming strategies; (2) laboratory techniques; (3) observing and classifying; (4) vocabulary and terminology; and (5) safety. (ZWH)

The New Jersey State Department of Education administers a Gifted Education Exemplary and Demonstration Grant Program in which successful applicants are awarded grant funds to enable them to prepare materials for dissemination to teachers of the gifted statewide. This document presents profiles of the 35 programs selected for 1987-88, 1988-89, and…

Discusses the rationale underlying the production of 16 interactive teaching packages designed to demonstrate to 15-16 year olds the historical, domestic, industrial, economic, and socio-moral implications of chemistry. Briefly describes each package and reviews assessment results. (DS)

Describes a project where students build their own catapults and modify them to solve four problems. Suggests the unit be integrated with a social studies unit on the Middle Ages. (PR)