Presents a unit on motion that allows students to apply what they learn from doing hands-on, minds-on activities, a key component of the National Science Education Standards. Also includes examples of the assessment instrument. (DDR)

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…

Reviews the general literature on cooperative learning in science at both the secondary and postsecondary level and the use of cooperative learning in the college chemistry laboratory. Discusses the use of cooperative learning with other instructional techniques such as the use of computers, multimedia, and inquiry-based instruction. (JRH)

Explores the recent scandal concerning Canadian paratroopers' conduct during the United Nations relief and peacekeeping efforts. Three soldiers from an elite commando unit tortured and murdered an unarmed Somali teenager. Government investigation of this incident has focused on racist ideology, socialization of recruits, and chain-of-command…

Describes a study that compares the performance of introductory physics students on two examination problems. One problem is qualitative and similar to those used in an inquiry approach. The second problem is a typical quantitative problem. Those students enrolled in the inquiry-based introductory course performed significantly better than those…

Describes a walkabout program that a sixth-grade teacher developed for her students from several models designed for older students. The program's basic structure revolves around five areas of personal development: adventure, creative expression, local inquiry, practical skills, and service. This voluntary program's success hinges on developing…

Describes an inservice professional development program, Project LIFE (Laboratory Investigations and Field Experiences), that has successfully implemented guidelines from the National Science Education Standards. Includes a three-week summer course; an independent science research project; academic year follow-up through workshops, classroom…

Describes a series of hands-on experiments that engage students in hypothesis testing and promotes active learning of the concepts of evolution and adaptation. Laboratory exercises demonstrate how features of the hands and eyes distinguish primates from other mammals. (SOE)

Recommends phasing as an effective approach for training future science teachers in inquiry-based teaching. The phasing philosophy originated with middle school science teachers and is presented in four phases. (DDR)

Explores the results of a study that involved qualitative analysis of students' reactions to a long-term inquiry experience in a freshman biology course. (DDR)

Describes how to use newspapers and newsmagazines as available science-related resources in the science classroom. Provides teaching strategies to foster student thinking and assess student understanding. (KHR)

Describes a study conducted in Arizona with the support of policymakers that investigated beginning secondary school science and mathematics teachers' perceptions of teacher preparation and induction programs. Identifies the school districts not having a reliable mechanism to monitor beginning teachers and suggests induction programs for beginning…

Describes one instructor's approach to incorporating simulations and classroom discussions into a differential equations course. Discusses subsequent effects on student learning attitudes and outcomes in conceptualizing and applying ideas regarding solutions to differential equations in this learning environment. Explores issues on…

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)

Introduces an inquiry-based laboratory experiment in which students identify an unknown bacterial species by using techniques such as Gram staining. Uses an authentic problem solving approach in a scenario entitled, "What poisoned the apple juice?" (YDS)