Presents an integrated unit on aerodynamics for a diverse group of 4th grade students. Students work with readily available, inexpensive materials to devise methods to answer questions about aerodynamics. High-interest activities include balloon rocketry and paper-airplane design and address visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning styles. The…

Explains the place of science process skills in a quality science program. Introduces activities for the basic and integrated science skills that will lead to an understanding of basic elements of scientific literacy. Presents definitions, sample activities, and assessment techniques for classifying, measuring, and using space and time…

Details a project in which successful DNA analysis techniques were developed by students and their teacher in a rural school. Focuses on a study of sage grouse. (DDR)

Examines the processes of science focusing on the higher-order skills and the role that relevance may play in their acquisition. Argues that an open inquiry style of instruction appears best suited to stimulating the learning of process skills because it allows students to pursue problems of genuine relevance. Contains 26 references. (JRH)

Describes a Star Party which involves comparing the different colors of the stars, demonstrating how astronomers measure the sky with degrees, determining the cardinal direction, discussing numerous stories that ancient civilizations gave to constellations, exercising science process skills, and using science instruments. (JRH)

Describes an investigation of the associations between students' perceptions of laboratory environment and their attitudinal, cognitive, and practical performance outcomes. Assesses student outcomes in three distinct areas: (1) student attitudes; (2) achievement on a written examination; and (3) practical performance, specifically in the biology…

Describes the use of mud dauber wasp nests in laboratory activities in ecology and behavior and life science classes. Provides students with an opportunity to develop and practice basic skills including dissection, identification, observation, measurement, and communication. Discusses the life of mud daubers, obtaining and storing nests,…

Presents a classroom activity that tests students' parapsychological powers and can demonstrate a number of methods of science, including the processes of formulating a hypothesis and rigorously subjecting the hypothesis to testing. (DDR)

Describes the Fifth Grade Roadkill Study that was designed to make students aware of the types of animals, chiefly mammals, that live in the central piedmont area of North Carolina. Involves students taking a survey of roadkills. Enables students to learn about animals as well as become more familiar with the scientific process. (JRH)

Reports on a project in which a 6th grade class determined the type of trash being thrown away on their school grounds through data collection, analysis, and graphing. (YDS)

Describes a scientific investigation of sexual dimorphism with regard to chela size in crayfish in which students utilize the skills, tools, and techniques associated with the formulation and testing of scientific hypotheses. Indicates that students find the investigation effective in aiding their understanding of fundamental aspects of scientific…

Introduces the project Technology Enhanced Elementary and Middle School Science (TEEMSS) which implements technology into numeracy, literacy, and scientific working. Uses a hands-on science approach. (YDS)

Conducted classroom observations to determine students' understanding of the nature of science and the intentionality of experiments. Topics discussed include: does science seek to explain, using models, proving that the theoretical explanation is correct, and discussions of different interpretations. Concludes that most students in the 14-16 age…

Uses a problem-solving task to compare the performance of school students, university students, and research scientists on a laboratory-based science investigation. Reports limitations in the work of the school students and provides insights into the development and nature of expertise in investigation skills. Presents recommendations for…

Discusses an approach to general chemistry used to make chemistry relevant for students in chemical and environmental technician programs using the following ideas: utilizing group project teaching methods, involving local industry in the education process, and assigning oral presentations and written reports to students. (JRH)