A series of demonstration experiments devoted to the relativity of translational motion in inertial and non-inertial reference frames is proposed. We recommend a simple algorithm for the formation of the ability to transform coordinates, speeds and accelerations during the transition from one reference system to another system moving…

This paper examines the Torricelli law for the flow of liquid from a small drain hole in a container. It shows how the system can be modelled using either a traditional calculus-based approach or a non-calculus step-wise computer method appropriate to the background of the student group. An experiment to measure the head of out-flowing liquid as a…

Power Boxes are a new representation to provide students with a conceptual resource to analyze direct current (DC) circuits and to build conceptual understanding of energy and power use in circuits. Power Boxes are designed to provide an intermediate, conceptual step between drawing a circuit diagram and solving calculations. In this paper, we…

In this work we describe a simple setup for measuring electrostatic charge and polarity in electrostatic experiments. This low-cost detector only requires a graphite pencil, a capacitor, two switches, and a voltmeter, and holds the promise of transforming qualitative activities that are commonly used to teach electrostatics into quantitative…

When a chain hangs loosely from its end points, it takes the familiar form known as the catenary. Power lines, clothes lines, and chain links are familiar examples of the catenary in everyday life. Nevertheless, the subject is conspicuously absent from current introductory physics and calculus courses. Even in upper-level physics and math courses,…

From the time of Pythagoras of Samos (sixth century BC), the Greek philosopher-scientists taught that the Earth was a sphere and the harmonies of the universe were governed by mathematical relations. With the fall of the Roman Empire in the fifth century, cultural darkness descended on Europe and all intellectual pursuits languished under the rule…

DNA Barcoding is a powerful molecular biology tool for the identification of species, analysis of gene flow from within and between populations and evaluating species concepts. The process can be incorporated into a college genetics or bioinformatics core curriculum. Here we demonstrate how, by simply using Plecoptera, we actively engaged students…

In this dissertation, I study those research practices and values which limit trans-disciplinarity among academics of science teaching & learning. I consider trans-disciplinarity an ethically imbued practice that enables thinking about the productivity of our research practices and makes possible flows of connectivity in the generation of our…

This paper examines the pedagogical practices in three case studies of elementary science lessons that took place in classrooms or laboratories to make connections to the discourse about inclusivity in science teaching. Using the Singapore Teaching Practice as a reference, we analyzed the pedagogical practices enacted during three lessons where…

Compared to aerobic catabolism, the theories and experiments of anaerobic catabolism are not covered in depth in biochemistry education curricula. Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a feasible method for converting common organic compounds to renewable energy-methane that has drawn a great deal of attention in practical applications. In this study, we…

Engineering design-based learning entered the discourse of science education with the release of the "Next Generation Science Standards" (NGSS Lead States 2013). Since that time there has been a focused effort to embed engineering design and engineering-based thinking in elementary school experiences. As thinking like an engineer is…

Background: Few tools or rubrics exist to assess the quality of integrated STEM curricula, and existing tools focus on checklists of characteristics of integrated STEM. While such instruments provide important information about the presence and quality of certain curricular components, they do not assess the level and nature of integration of the…

We ask questions of students in order to probe their understanding. We design our questions in such a way that we can assess a student's progress towards an accurate worldview. However, there is a consensus that a performance gap exists in many physics assessments, where male students outperform their female peers. While early work in this area…

General safety and chemical training of undergraduate students is typically held at the first-year level. In this technology report, we propose a flexible strategy to improve students' general knowledge of safety for a second-year inorganic chemistry laboratory. The strategy is composed of an online interactive revision approach through the…

A method to synthesize biaryls through the Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction using a recyclable fluorous precatalyst is described. This laboratory experiment, which demonstrates the safety benefits of green chemistry, is integrated into an upper-division course. Besides simply using the catalyst for a reaction, students can reuse the catalyst…