This paper sits within the research on the affordances of new technologies in the mathematics classroom and focuses on a specific feature that is available in dynamic geometry environments, i.e. measuring tools, within the context of conjecturing and proving in open geometry problems. We develop a classification of different modalities of…

Basic and integrated science process skills form the basis for inquiry-based, hands-on learning. This study explores conditions that are essential for students to master the process skill of prediction. The following question is asked: Is there a significant difference between kindergarten students' prediction ability using hands-on objects…

The selection criteria of high intellectual ability and strong academic achievement for gifted educational programs often leads teachers to assume that their gifted students understand important science concepts. However, empirical evidence of such homogeneity among gifted students' deep understanding of scientific concepts is lacking in the…

The need to provide an improved science and mathematics curriculum is imperative. Over recent years cognitive psychologists and educators have responded to this need by designing instructional programs that are more compatible with our knowledge of how people acquire, use, and retain knowledge. This book contains many of the guiding principles…

In order for students to experience science as scientists do, they must learn the skills of inquiry. This paper examines inquiry as a way of learning science and presents strategies to promote inquiry in teaching science. A model of progression of inquiry skills from grades K-2 to 3-5 is presented and the skills are aligned with the Massachusetts…

This booklet introduces the SM-14 (Scientific Method) Formula and lists characteristics of the scientific method. A history and progression of the scientific method is also featured. Contents include: (1) The Basic Principles of the Scientific Method; (2) Submitting Ideas Incorporating SM-14; (3) The 11 Stages of the SM-14 Formula and Famous…

By imagining they are 24th-century archaeologists excavating a 20th-century house, students learn how to make and practice writing specific, precise, and detailed observations. Other science process skills focused on include measuring, making inferences, and communicating the data both orally and in writing. (AIM)

Presents an inquiry-based science activity on pulse rate. Includes observations; developing a research question; constructing the hypothesis; designing the study; collecting, summarizing, and analyzing data; and interpretation stages in the activity. Presents information on how to use standards and benchmarks in this activity. (YDS)

Describes an exercise used as a follow-up activity to a lecture presentation exploring the basic methodology and theory of shoot tip cultures. Utilizes a factorial experimental design which allows for the determination of the effects of each factor alone and in combination with each other. Other concepts emphasized include dependent and…

Presents activities that use a box of pencils to foster science process skills. Describes each phase of the scientific learning method with instructions for a "broken pencil" activity. Discusses initial observations, multiple working hypotheses, detailed observations, developing a theory, pattern-process relationships, and further ideas. (JRH)

Illustrates the chemical resistance of polytetrafluoroethene to mineral acids using an ordinary Teflon-coated frying pan. The demonstration can also be used to lead to a discussion of the long lifetimes of fluorocarbons and chlorofluorocarbons in the atmosphere and their roles in the breakdown of the ozone layer. (AIM)

The concepts, processes, and methods found in science are used in other disciplines. Many science-class activities are predicated on students' reading and writing skills. Students read textbooks, read directions for conducting experiments, and write their own reports of observation. Integrating science with mathematics usually requires little…

Evaluates the Predict-Observe-Explain (POE) technique that is used for identifying students' knowledge and understanding of science concepts. Reports that the children responded to the technique enthusiastically and the teachers were able to identify both their understanding and their process skills development. Concludes that the POE is a…

Investigates preservice elementary teachers' science process skills and the questioning strategies used during a discovery science lesson. Results indicate that subjects with a high level of competency in the science process skills asked significantly more questions and demonstrated an increased use of divergent, high-level, and…

Explores how teachers in The Gambia use local languages to describe scientific concepts and give explanations for scientific phenomena. Recommends the use of registers of words and phrases in the native languages. (DDR)