Describes two model water education programs. The River Ecology Program teaches students basic ecological concepts related to rivers, explores the impact of human activities on rivers, and helps students develop an attitude of stewardship for rivers. The Wetlands Watch Program has students conduct studies related to local wetlands and respond…

Describes the Merck Institute for Science Education whose goals are to communicate the excitement and relevance of science to students through science teaching, and to work with teachers and instill in them an understanding and appreciation of science. Involves industry volunteers contributing to the professional development of teachers and…

Describes a partnership project in which sixth-grade students researched the controversial topic of how the feral horses at Cumberland Island National Seashore are affecting the island's natural habitats. The students met actual scientists, and made the research topic one of local concern. (JRH)

Describes a seminar where students explore emerging technologies through a series of labs that help boost their technical skills and their confidence in using and managing technology. Discusses charting the course, laboratory logistics, technology tips, and benefits. (JRH)

Although museums are considered optimal venues for informal learning, this study concludes that most school classes visiting museums are restricted and structured, teachers use mainly task-orientated teaching practices, and the museum activities are rarely linked to topics being studied at school. A research-based framework to guide teachers in…

Describes an educational program that asks students to attempt to prove that the earth is spherical and that it rotates. Presents tips to pique student interest and charts related to sensing the spin, nonrotation notions, flat earth fallacies, evidence that the earth is spherical and rotates, and the role of watersheds in proving that the earth…

Discusses various problems with Activitymania (prepackaged activities for science instruction) in the context of teaching scientific inquiry. Suggests that teachers clearly define conceptual goals and their relationships to students' lives and interests before selecting classroom activities. (PVD)

Presents an instructional framework for real-world, problem-based studies that can be used in a variety of settings. Discusses background knowledge, problem exposition, data collection and analysis, data synthesis and solution presentation, and career information. (JRH)

Describes how sixth graders wrote and illustrated picture books to help make abstract and difficult concepts in science (in this case, the elements of chemistry) more understandable for themselves and for younger children. Describes the steps of research, modeling, developing a plan of action, drafting, final revision and editing, and publishing…

Describes a school program in which two sixth-grade science classes researched, created, and put together an ocean museum targeted at kindergarten through eighth graders who are geographically distanced from the ocean. Details the process for investigating topical areas, organizing teams of students, researching, writing, creating displays, and…

Introduces a Martian simulation activity that aims to build a scale model of Martian terrain in the classroom. Uses an interdisciplinary approach to teach science process skills, modeling, scaling, sampling, population calculation, and genetics. (YDS)

Uses science fiction films such as "Jurassic Park" or "Anaconda" to teach science concepts while fostering student interest. Advocates science fiction as a teaching tool to improve learning and motivation. Describes how to use science fiction in the classroom with the sample activity Twister. (YDS)

Describes the design and implementation of an activity to teach electrocommunication in animals using scientific inquiry and engineering design to pose questions, seek answers, and develop solutions in understanding electrocommunication in electric fish; develop explanations of natural phenomena as a creative process; and help understand that…

Discusses strategies to facilitate children's explorations that include supporting open-ended inquiry, supervising safely, seizing the moment, offering a place for discovery, providing access to information, sharing respect for life, seeking community involvement, and celebrating wonder. (JRH)

Describes an activity that helps students see how a paper map can represent a three dimensional object by having students build a realistic model that clearly shows what a contour line is and why it behaves the way it does. (DDR)