Middle school science teachers know how easily their students are motivated by experiences related to community concerns and interests (Kielborn and Gilmer 1999). Students in middle grades are highly curious about science and are at the perfect age for exposure to scientific ways of thinking and behaving in their community (NRC 1996). Providing…

Encouraging students' interest in science has never been more important. Science plays a greater role in everyones lives than ever before, and students who have a solid foundation in science are prepared to pursue a wide range of opportunities in high school, college, and the workplace. Yet many students--particularly girls and students from…