The authors evaluated the effects of P-SELL, a science curricular and professional development intervention for fifth-grade students with a focus on English language learners (ELLs). Using a randomized controlled trial design with 33 treatment and 33 control schools across three school districts in one state, we found significant and meaningfully…

The "Biotechnology Discoveries and Applications" guidebook aims to provide teachers with an overview of the recent advances in genetics and biotechnology, allowing them to share these findings with their students. The annual guidebook introduces a wealth of modern genomic discoveries and provides teachers with tools to integrate exciting…

This paper presents research on middle school students working on large science projects in the Knowledge Integration Environment. The objective was to develop an exemplary program of metacognitive prompts to encourage principled knowledge integration by students working on large science projects. The research indicates that metacognitive…

Today's curricula must incorporate activities that help students make science concepts and skills their own. Many suggest that teachers should allow students to relate classroom lessons to their own lives, explore a wide variety of applications and connections to other knowledge and experience, and consolidate the learning in ways they will…

Today and in the future, critical toolmaking advances will need to be made in the area of circuit design, construction, and implementation. Traditional school curriculum has sidestepped the area of tool design, especially at the elementary level. This publication addresses a calling for a new curriculum direction, based not only on the study of…

Scientists need to measure and communicate, to handle information, and model ideas. In essence, they need to process information. Young scientists have the same needs. Computers have become a tremendously important addition to the processing of information through database use, graphing and modeling and also in the collection of information…

This book is provided as a helpful tool in ensuring a successful and satisfying elementary school science fair. The book clarifies the roles of teachers, parents, and students and provides information about types of projects, practical tips, and possible topics for research. Included are short bibliographies, sample forms (which are teacher…

In a world where science has become too confined to books and too reliant on technology, and science fairs have been taken over by parents, this paper offers suggestions to help young people have actual hands-on experience with nature. Topics include soil formation; ants; earthworms; temperature; weather predictions; rain acidity; physical science…

One definition of creativity is the conviction that each and every existing idea can be improved. It is proposed that creativity in an engineering design process can be encouraged by the adoption of Total Quality Management (TQM) methods based on a commitment to continuous improvement. This paper addresses the introduction and application of TQM…

The guide and the project record book included in this document are designed for 4-H members who would like to start a salt-water aquarium project. The guide includes the following topics: (1) general requirements for salt-water aquariums; (2) directions for making an aquarium; (3) suggestions for where to locate it; (4) pros and cons of using…

This article presents examples of science units which have become successful multidisciplinary projects. Included are a protect your environment campaign and hunger day. Pre- and in-service courses, file of references, and resource people are suggested as being helpful in structuring interdisciplinary activities. Ideas and sources for projects are…

Describes a project designed to involve the entire student body of a junior high school in the study of the local environment. (PEB)

Describes a middle school science program that emphasizes choices, diverse potential experiences, independent study, and individualization. (JR)

Describes a secondary school physical science course entitled "Space Science" which is based on decision making and which involves aspects of business, psychology, life sciences, and sociology through a total class project. (JR)

Clinical Application Projects (CAPs) have been developed that allow dental hygiene and nursing students to apply introductory microbiology principles and skills learned in lecture and laboratory to a problem in an appropriate clinical situation. CAPs therefore substitute for the traditional study of "unknowns". Principles and processes emphasized…