Explores storytelling as an instructional method to teach about science. A well-told science story can bring acts to life, make abstract concepts concrete, and walk the listener through the process of scientific inquiry using virtual reality. (SAH)

Describes Newton's Apple, the PBS family science show that explores how biology, chemistry, physics, and other sciences are integral parts of everyday life and includes demonstrations, activities, and inquiry-based discussions that encourage students to discover science for themselves. Presents highlights of the show for the year and contact…

Introduces a three year project on the investigation of science assessment. Explains the approach that teachers used in studying the standards, then building a grade-specific unit. Focuses on Content Standard D of the National Science Education Standards (NSES). (YDS)

Increasing availability of technology in schools means that more teachers will have the potential to implement student-centered, inquiry-based approaches to learning. Assessing what each student knows in a broad subject area is difficult. Describes methods to address this problem including tests and reliability. (Author/SAH)

Investigates the effects of environmental science classes on preservice elementary education majors using a model inquiry-oriented environmental science course that was offered to and assessed by preservice elementary education majors. The study asked (1) what learning environment profile reflects an inquiry-oriented environmental science…

Discusses the changing face of science and the roles of students depending on their social status. First published in 1960. (YDS)

Explains the use of a Sun Tower in different activities at elementary grade levels while addressing national and state science standards. Shows the movement and motion of the sun in the sky. Introduces an activity that includes the sun tower in which students observe the changes of shadows every half hour. (YDS)

Discusses controversy over the teaching of biological evolution and other scientific ideas such as Big Bang theory. Recommends that teachers avoid debating creationists, help students develop a greater understanding and appreciation for science as a way of explaining the natural world, and emphasize inquiry and the nature of science. (Contains 19…

Describes an inquiry-based biochemistry activity on the industrial applications of cellulase, which is known as biostoning, and used to soften denim jeans. (YDS)

Explains the limitations of a traditional density experiment and presents an inquiry-based laboratory experiment which allows students to develop an understanding on the relationship between the object's properties and the volume of water the object displaces. (YDS)

Describes strand maps in general and in relation to the Benchmarks for Science Literacy. Examines three draft maps entitled "Evidence and Reasoning", "Scientific Investigations", and "Scientific Theories" which together represent one section of Benchmarks Chapter 1 on scientific inquiry. (Author/MM)

Investigates the relationship between students' conceptions of the nature of science and their reactions to evidence that challenged their beliefs about socioscientific issues. Stimulates students to reflect on their own beliefs and defend their opinions and suggests that the reaction of students to anomalous socioscientific data are varied and…

Presents a study investigating the relationship between teachers' beliefs on the goals of contemporary science education and their teaching practices. (Contains 33 references.) (YDS)

Argues that standardized testing may eliminate inquiry-based science education. (Contains 11 references.) (PKP)

Discusses the importance of inquiry and discovery in science and mathematics education. Presents three science problems for students to develop their own solutions. Concludes that curriculum materials must engage and support teachers in the process of integrating mathematics and science. (ASK)