Introduces a cytology laboratory course consisting of experimental design, laboratory preparation, laboratory implementation, and scientific write-up. (Contains 11 references.) (YDS)

Introduces the peanut observation activity to teach about the pros and cons of dissection. As an inquiry-based approach, dissection is one way to teach process skills. Lists the progression of the activity as observation, questioning and finding the answer, challenge, discussion, and further examination. (Contains 12 references.) (YDS)

Explains how a teacher came to develop her own version of the whole language approach through her experimentation with remedial students in the 1970s. Makes a case for student research and inquiry into issues that matter to them personally, in lieu of traditional research of classic writers. (TB)

Explores three social-studies teachers' conceptions of classroom discussion, focusing on discussion's defining characteristics and purpose and influences on usage. Data included interview and think-aloud responses and classroom observations. Teachers view discussion as recitation, teacher-directed conversation, open-ended exploration, a…

Describes a process for assessing children's reading that involves observations, interpretations, forming hypotheses, making curricular decisions, and going through the process again. Describes how this process, called "Hypothesis Test," has proved useful to a number of teachers with whom the author has worked. (SR)

Explains the importance of an integrated science class setting in students' ability to engage in decision making and develop skills required to design investigations. Presents an example of a science classroom in which students participate in a guided inquiry activity and design an investigation. Points to the potential of group projects in…

Presents a science experiment in which students test the buffering capacity of household products such as shampoo, hand lotion, fizzies candy, and cola. Lists the standards addressed in this experiment and gives an example of a student lab write-up. (YDS)

Presents activities on insects for second grade students. In the first activity, students build a butterfly garden. In the second activity, students observe stimuli reactions with mealworms in the larval stage. Describes the assessment process and discusses the effects of pollution on living things. (YDS)

Assesses the conceptual change of teachers who have been involved in the development, implementation, field testing, and evaluation of several modules. Points out that the intrinsic nature of the STEMS (Science-Technology-Environment-Society) curriculum requires that the teachers who teach it also be the developers of its modules. (Contains 48…

Argues that appropriate use of technology lies in supplemental instruction intended to complement classroom activities, not replace them. Favors the use of inquiry, discussions, and cooperative learning methods in higher education. (Contains 53 references.) (ASK)

Revisits the comments made in "Statement of Purposes and Style for Manuscripts" and "From the Editors" in the first issue (Volume 1, Number 1, 1973) of "Theory and Research in Social Education." Focuses on the conception of social studies education and its professional orientation. (CMK)

Compares a group of expert cancer researchers with four groups of fourth year medical students (the "novice" groups) engaged in the task of designing a clinical trial to test a new cancer drug using a computer-based modeling tool, the Oncology Thinking Cap. (Contains 24 references.) (Author/YDS)

Introduces a tornado tube activity to develop understanding of an environmental phenomena. Uses an inquiry-based, hands on science approach. (Contains 24 references.) (YDS)

Discusses challenges facing teacher librarians to plan a future for the information-knowledge environments in schools and suggests that action and evidence-based, learning-centered practice focusing on a constructivist inquiry approach are important. Topics include perceived lack of support and understanding; funding; professional development; a…

Discusses the roles of children's effective learning experiences and teacher professional development on academic achievement. Explains TERC's role in enhancing education. (YDS)