The nature of science encompasses the entire world and within that realm, patterns of life can be observed, interpreted, and organized into a sensible arrangement of understanding. By discovering, through an intricate process, how shapes and images form into a complete design or sequence, students related similar scientific patterns to their own…

Describes a method that students can use to build portable planetariums. After building the models, students are familiar with the names of constellations and major stars and are able to share their projects with other students. (DDR)

Describes an exhibition-based activity set that teaches important psychological processes such as attention (Interference), communication (Pattern Talk), and cooperation versus competition (Do Nice Guys Finish Last?). Activities follow the scientific method, and teachers can observe varying levels of skill and cognitive development in students of…

Presents investigations in which students are provided with a series of four mystery items related to cicadas. Observations and a class discussion follow each item. Contains basic information on doing experiments with live cicadas, specific assessment strategies for this activity, and facts about cicadas. (DDR)

Provides background information on the Science Education Quantitative Literacy (SEQL) project that is designed to enhance student laboratory experiences by working together on data collection and analysis. Includes details of an activity from the project curriculum on how many drops of water can be placed on a penny. (DDR)

Describes a process for developing alternative assessment instruments and student responses and illustrates the use of scoring rubrics. Focus is on the student's thought processes and student performance. (AIM)

Reports research concerning the definition of variables by pupils ages 12 to 14 during investigative work. Findings suggest that an increase in the complexity of an investigation lowers the ability to identify relevant variables and substantive concepts intrude on the ability to define the appropriate dependent variable and to control variables.…

Presents an activity from the track and field unit of the Science of Sporting Events program in which teachers and students experiment with four broad jump techniques in order to determine which method will allow them to jump the farthest. Enables students to use a variety of math and science skills including observing, predicting, measuring, and…

Discusses the importance of teaching scientific ethics and the use of the case method in which ethical issues are raised in the context of realistic situations. Describes the use of this method with a high school audience. Concludes that the case method is an effective technique for discussing scientific ethics with high school students. (JRH)

Describes alternative instructional resources such as media to provide up-to-date scientific information to students to prevent misinformation. Uses cartoons, videos, and newspaper headlines to develop critical thinking and science process skills. (YDS)

Presents an interdisciplinary unit on tabloids that includes English and science components. Aims to develop informed customers who can analyze and research information using process skills. Emphasizes writing, critical thinking, and process skills. (YDS)

Reports on a study designed to reveal the contents of the conversations of two main age groups of primary children who visited three types of animal exhibits: (1) at a museum; (2) live animals at the zoo; and (3) animated dinosaurs and preserved animals. The results raise concerns about whether effective science teaching is occurring in these…

Presents a rationale for including experiences that draw profound reactions of pleasure or revulsion in the science classroom. Provides some suggestions for using them effectively. Discusses content knowledge, process skills, language development, scientific attitudes, tips for using novel experiences, and marveling at mysteries. (JRH)

Compares whole language and process-oriented science and discusses the similarities between them. (KHR)

Discusses the use of direct demonstration of the connections among the science process skills and the content areas of science. (MKR)