Describes an activity in which students examine hypothetical exposure to toxins by being showered by different colored pieces of confetti over several visits to exposure sites. Students record quantities of confetti that stick to packing tape. Colors correspond to different toxins posing different health problems. Students process their findings…

Presents an activity in which students construct model hot air balloons to introduce the concepts of convection current, the principles of Charles' gas law, and three-dimensional geometric shapes. Provides construction and launching instructions. (MDH)

Describes the teacher's guide made up of 125 student activities encompassing 1 year of high school physics instruction called Physics Resources and Instructional Strategies for Motivating Students (PRISMS). The learning cycle of each activity includes three phases: exploration, concept introduction, and concept application. Provides exploration…

A sample of 14 college and 8 high school biology textbooks were evaluated to determine whether they provided accurate and adequate descriptions and examples of scientific thinking. The authors contrast their views of the nature of scientific thinking with those of the textbook authors on the concepts of hypothesis, theory, law, and principle. (MDH)

This research assessed Australian high school students' understanding of light, developed materials to conceptual change with respect to the concept, and evaluated the effectiveness of teaching strategies utilizing the materials. After instruction, students were able to construct significantly more scientifically acceptable answers. An appendix…

Describes a kit designed as a leisure time activity for teenagers and adults who have had little previous experience of magnetism and electricity. The kit may be useful for homework, small group work, or as a training course for nonscientist science teachers. (PR)

Provides instructions for making telescopes. The design and instruction sheets given to students are provided. (PR)

Clarifies the issues of animal rights as they effect animal use in research and education through an examination of the current use of animals, a historical look at animal use, and a consideration of the philosophical underpinnings of the animal rights and pro-use viewpoints. (PR)

Examined middle-school-level integrated mathematics and science education, analyzing the beliefs of teachers in such programs and investigating mathematical and scientific tasks students engaged in during classroom instruction. Results indicated that teachers faced various struggles and only integrated mathematics and science to a limited extent.…

Surveys 80 women teaching K-16 science regarding their most memorable science classes and teacher behaviors of most significant science teachers. Discusses results in three categories: activity-based instructional techniques, instructor relationships, and knowledge and appreciation of science content. Lists 10 recommendations to promote women's…

Achievement test scores were analyzed in relation to individual- and school-level factors in a national sample of 10th graders (n=2,535) to investigate the relative importance of school and individual factors in determining science learning. Hierarchical linear analyses showed that individual measures accounted for most of the variance. Previous…

This meta-analysis investigated how effective computer-assisted instruction (CAI) is on student achievement in secondary and college science education when compared to traditional instruction. Results showed a small positive effect for CAI use when used in simulation or tutorial modes, with individual computer use, and when used as a supplement to…

Investigated 8th grade science education within all-boys', all-girls' and coeducational classes. A college professor observed and scripted student behaviors, teacher behaviors, and teacher-student interactions. The two educators collaboratively examined gender-specific behaviors, problems such behaviors created for science instruction, and…

Examines the relationship between engagement in high school math and science classes, later academic performance, and choice of college major. Quantitative analyses are complemented by case studies of college students who exhibited high or low engagement in high school. (Author)

This study explores seventh graders' use of inscriptions in a teacher-designed project-based science unit. To investigate students' learning practices during the 8-month water quality unit, we collected multiple sources of data (e.g., classroom video recordings, student artifacts, and teacher interviews) and employed analytical methods that drew…