A review of a process-oriented multimedia kit for social science inquiry skills called "Data Box: Fort Bragg" from BFA Educational Media. The kit is an interdisciplinary approach to the study of the development, structure, and functioning of a city. Available from: Subscription Officer, Government Printing Office, P.O. Box 203, North…

What is the nature of onsite and online mentoring which enables student teachers to design inquiry-based, technology rich learning experiences? In this case study, faculty and expert teachers worked with fifteen student teachers during an elementary school practicum. An online intelligent design environment supported the development of a community…

When a classroom is opened to inquiry-based learning, teachers can no longer rely solely on traditional end-of-unit tests. "Seamless Assessment" is a one-stop guide to strategies that mirror the investigatory spirit. Working with the popular 5E model as an instructional framework, the authors have designed methods for embedding formative and…

In this article, the author shares her experiences in teaching preservice and inservice teachers about differentiated teaching, a strategy that involves a student-centered classroom in which students are motivated and energized, focused on learning, and eager to meet challenges. These teachers, initially unsure how to turn theory into practice,…

This paper presents a study investigating the effects of the Water Education Training (WET) program on students' performance in science. The WET Program is an after school program using an interdisciplinary approach which has three main objectives: improving science concept knowledge, writing performance, and attitudes toward science and writing.…

This paper shows how literary criticism can enrich the high school English classroom. Specifically, the paper focuses on how an Internet teaching tool called the WebQuest helped one educator's students learn about literary criticism and apply it to "Heart of Darkness" by Joseph Conrad. The WebQuest homepage defines a WebQuest as "an…

The science curriculum in Korea has been revised five times in the past 30 years. However, the issue of textbooks and their role in teaching and learning still exists as a major problem. The purpose of this study is to investigate the presentation of the goals of the national curriculum in high school earth science textbooks by analyzing and…

This book is a guide to help teachers develop performance-based curriculum projects that include authentic assessments. Section 1, Project-Based (or Performance-Based) Learning and Performance Assessment, describes and gives a rationale for this type of learning and assessment and project-based classrooms. It also notes the role of teachers and…

This document reports on a 6-year study of science education reform, the Scope, Sequence, and Coordination (SS&C) Project. The reform included teacher enhancement activities as well as curricular materials and was designed to help science students achieve the National Research Council's Science Standards (1995). The two components of the study…

This book, for grades 2-6, is designed to provide students with a highly motivating and unique opportunity to investigate an aquatic habitat. Students set up, observe, study, and reflect upon their own "desktop ponds." Accessible plants and small animals used in these activities include Elodea, Tubifex worms, snails, mosquito larvae, and fish.…

This activity guide is designed for educators and features suggestions for possible activity paths for different amounts of available time and survival tips for activity leaders. Each activity is divided into two sections--educator ideas and activity handouts. Activity sections include: (1) Foundations; (2) Bridges; (3) Domes; (4) Skyscrapers; (5)…

This paper documents a pilot study designed to explore the ideas of high school students regarding the nature and role of theories, an aspect of the nature of science (NOS) that continues to be problematic for students, teachers, and the general public. Although there is a much greater emphasis on the nature of science in standards documents,…

This study examined issues that arose during the development and implementation of a modified form of traditional problem based learning (PBL) at one Canadian university. It explored PBL in the context of preservice education, investigating how it could be used to foster an inquiry based approach to preservice preparation and how preservice…

This document presents a sample of the Arkansas science curriculum and identifies the content standards for physical science systems, life science systems, and Earth science/space science systems for kindergarten students. Each content standard is explained and includes student learning expectations, kindergarten benchmarks, assessments, and…

The new advancement in genetics and reproductive technologies is one of the most relevant controversial topics concerning students in science education today. This study investigates the role of teachers in providing an environment for students in which they can interchange ideas and discuss ethical issues in science classrooms. This study…