Shows how model rocketry can be included in physics curricula. Describes rocket construction, a rocket guide sheet, calculations and launch teams. Discusses the relationships of basic mechanics with rockets. (CW)

Describes the National Science Teachers Association's Every Teacher a Researcher (ETR) program as a way for teachers to get involved in research on the use of science laboratories. Includes a general description of the program and an application form. (CW)

Outlines the role of the main organisms involved in woodland decomposition and discusses some of the variables affecting the rate of nutrient cycling. Suggests practical work that may be of value to high school students either as standard practice or long-term projects. (CW)

Frequently, science fair projects have little relevance to the goals of science. Criteria for judging projects are not evident to students, parents, judges, and other participants. Listed are seven steps to a better fair project which emphasize methodology and presentation. Also included are hints for involving parents. (DC)

Presents a method for teaching high school students about evolution at the genus level as well as at higher taxons. Activities for a laboratory project and laboratory techniques are described. (SA)

Relates a middle school teacher's experiences using the project-based science approach with two groups of seventh graders. Describes the features of project-based science and the content and activities of the units taught. Discusses the challenges of implementing this approach and compares the strengths and weaknesses of project-based and…

Describes the preparation and importance of a project where junior high school students stenciled "No Dumping! Flows to the Bay!" on storm drains in the area of their school. (PR)

Describes combining the simple activity of collecting monthly student height measurements with the technology of using a computer spreadsheet for a year-long activity that teaches measurement and data manipulation. (PR)

Presents three articles that describe different ways of teaching the scientific method using cookies ("The One-Hour Science Fair"), cola ("Are All Medium Colas the Same Size"), and television ("Timing Televiewing"). (PR)

A Korean science teachers' discursive practises were examined with a view to identifying pedagogical roles performed through his talk. Data came from the video recordings of classroom sessions where students presented their science projects and exchanged questions and answers during the presentations. Transcripts were developed and analysed in a…

School science students can benefit greatly from participation in student-directed, open-ended scientific inquiry projects. For various possible reasons, however, students tend not to be engaged in such inquiries. Among factors that may limit their opportunities to engage in open-ended inquiries of their design are teachers' conceptions about…

A nanotechnology module was developed for ninth grade students in the context of teaching chemistry. Two basic concepts in nanotechnology were chosen: (1) size and scale and (2) surface-area-to-volume ratio (SA/V). A wide spectrum of instructional methods (e.g., game-based learning, learning with multimedia, learning with models, project based…

In recent years, a number of National Research Council reports have emphasized the need to improve science education and enhance science literacy for all students. In addition, the newly released "A Framework for K-12 Science Education" advocates engaging students in scientific practices and disciplinary core ideas. Children are not learning…

Oranges, flying disks, pool noodles, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe may seem like items discarded after a Rube Goldberg experiment, but in fact, these objects were used in teaching science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). This article describes a project in which The Center of Ocean Sciences Education Excellence SouthEast (COSEE SE)…

We hereby present the main conclusions and perspectives obtained by the Group of Teaching Innovation in Electronics (Grupo de Innovación Docente en Electrónica, GIDEN) of the University of Valladolid (UVa) with regard to its main areas of work. This group comprises teachers of the "Specialty in Industrial Electronics" degree, and the…