The purpose of this book is to suggest an alternative approach to the teaching of elementary science in light of more contemporary definitions of both reading and science. This method utilizes well-selected and conceptually and factually correct works of narrative children's literature. Although the method is most easily applied with picture books…

This paper describes a method for teaching introductory biology using a multimedia approach. This methodology aimed to increase student participation, promote independent learning, and enhance computer literacy. Five multimedia tools were used to teach the course. PowerPoint slide shows were used to present lecture material; videodiscs displayed…

This volume brings award-winning literature to all areas of the science curriculum. The lesson plan format includes the four stages of engagement, elaboration, exploration, and connection. Each story is followed by activities that make connections between literature, science, and the arts. Chapters include: (1) "Frog Went A-Courtin',"…

This study investigated the use of a hands-on laboratory program as a means of improving attitude toward science and increasing achievement levels in science knowledge among students in a ninth grade physical science course. Using a posttest-only control group design, a curriculum referenced objective final examination was used to measure student…

This report presents the results of a June 1996 conference held in Washington, DC to discuss the condition of science, mathematics, engineering and technology education (SMET). The meeting was conducted by the American Association of Community Colleges through a grant from the National Science Foundation. The goals of the meeting were to: (1)…

This guide features a problem-based learning (PBL) unit specifically designed for student-centered learning of new and meaningful content on diseases. Students grapple with a complex and changing problem that requires higher level thinking skills in an environment in which students work both individually and in collaboration with others. Includes…

This activity is designed to build creative skills based on an everyday problem. The scenario that sometimes packages are dropped and letters get bent is used. How can a special delivery be protected from such unfortunate mishaps? Students use their creative skills to determine a way to mail raw spaghetti. A way to safely package the raw spaghetti…

In this activity, students investigate the accuracy of sundials and the discrepancy that lies between "real time" and "clock time". The position of the sun is tracked over the course of a relatively short period of time as students make a shadow plot, a horizontal sundial, and a diptych sundial. This activity requires…

This laboratory manual introduces the idea of Green Chemistry, which is the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use and generation of hazardous substances. Instructional samples are included to help teachers integrate green chemistry into the college chemistry curriculum. Each laboratory includes: (1) a…

Science educators often assume and expect that students who are actively engaged in scientific inquiry should develop more accurate understandings of science and the construction of scientific knowledge. However, this assumption, while intuitive, has not been validated. This paper reports on a study that sought to determine the impact of an 8-week…

The physics learning problem that students usually regard equations and other symbols in physics as algebraic exercises rather than representations of real world phenomena is commonly known. This article discusses how the Web-based interactive instructional materials were used to help students connect the symbolic world and the real world. The…

This booklet introduces guidelines for teachers at any grade level to set up and maintain a simple aquarium and through it introduce simple biological ideas to their students. Natural and cost-saving aquarium-running strategies are discussed and common, hardy fish and plant choices are described. Many demonstrations and experiments are included on…

This 23-minute videotape gives children, grades K-4, a close-up look at the moon in order to answer the following questions: (1) Why does the moon appear different every night? (2) What does the moon look like up close? (3) What is it like to walk on the moon? and (4) Could we live on the moon someday? A hands-on activity designed to demonstrate…

This 23-minute videotape aims to give children, grades K-4, a broad understanding of the center of our solar system, the sun. It explains how the sun provides us with life-giving light and heat, how it's responsible for our seasons and weather, and why it's the primary source of energy on Earth. A hands-on activity in which children create their…

This 23-minute videotape gives children (grades K-4) a close-up look at what makes the third planet from the sun so special. The answers to the following questions are discussed: (1) Why is there life on Earth? (2) What is our planet made of? and (3) How does the Earth fit into the rest of the universe? A hands-on activity that describes how to…