Describes the study of a science performance assessment with 96 English Language Learners (ELL) in five high school science classes investigating the face, construct, and consequential validity of an intersection. ELL spelling and syntax on some responses were significant sources of error. Recommendations include increasing the assessment's design…

Presents ideas for brief, exciting trips that can be organized on any campus to view lithologic, geomorphic, meteorologic, and biotic phenomena. Enables students to cultivate powers of observation and inquiry. Discusses the following topics: rocks and minerals, weathering, microlandforms, weather and daytime astronomy, biogeography and soils, and…

Provides sample observation activities to accompany the nursery tale of Chicken Little. Includes five activities that involve the skills of observing, communicating, comparing, ordering, and categorizing to engage students in hands-on science. (DDR)

Introduces an inquiry-based lesson plan on evolution and the Galapagos Islands. Uses the 5E instructional model which includes phases of engagement, exploration, explanation, elaboration, and evaluation. Includes information on species for exploration and elaboration purposes, and a general rubric for student evaluation. (YDS)

Discusses how the topic of cratering can be used to help students develop inquiry skills. Details five activities that focus on the nature and processes of cratering. (DDR)

Reports a study that tracks the changes in children's ideas about science and scientific concepts through the use of interviews and questionnaires. Students respond to seven questions about science learning, scientists, and their future relationship to science. (DDR)

Explains the work of the Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) program which is an international science and environmental education curriculum program that enables school children to learn about the environment by taking scientific measurements of their natural surroundings and sharing their data with scientists via…

Introduces chemistry laboratories in which students have the opportunity to conduct laboratory projects in multiple sessions that promote planning, thinking, technical performance, and responsibility. Defines the process of experimentation and its applications to science laboratories and describes successful project applications. (YDS)

Presents a science activity designed to involve students in experimental procedures such as data collection and analysis by extracting peroxidase from plant sources. (YDS)

Introduces a paleontology curriculum that focuses on the concepts of observation and inference, setting up an experiment, collecting data, and developing and testing a hypothesis. Features units such as Nature of Science, Paleontology of Florissant, and Evolution. (YDS)

Describes a lesson plan on alien invasions to introduce students to the principles of genetics. Discusses the history of Gregor Mendel, dominant and recessive traits, offspring, and mutations. (YDS)

Presents an exercise that gives students a real feeling for experimental errors and demonstrates the importance of frequent repetition and averaging. (JRH)

Assessed the science process skills and the Piagetian development level of about 90 secondary school students in years 7, 8, and 9. Found only a simple two-level hierarchy (basic and integrated) of process skills. Found considerable overlap between science process skills and Piagetian development level. (28 references) (Author)

Describes a science program (Saturday Science) designed to provide learning experiences that are thematic and stress critical/creative thinking as well as development of science process skills for elementary, middle, and junior high students. (ZWH)

Describes an open-ended activity in which students try to determine the factors that contribute to an unusual chemical reaction. Uses a case study approach to show students how the presence of chlorine in tap water can interfere with a pH indicator. Includes assessment guidelines and extension activities. (WRM)