The brain is a truly fascinating structure! It controls the body and allows everyone to think, learn, speak, move, feel, remember, and experience emotions. Although the brain is a single organ, it is very complex and has several regions, each having a specific function. These functionally diverse regions work together to allow for coordination of…

Over the past decade, much has been learned about the ocean's secrets and especially about the creatures of the deep sea. The deepest parts of the oceans are currently the focus of many new discoveries in both the physical and biological sciences. Middle school students find the deep sea fascinating and especially seem to enjoy its mysterious and…

This article suggests several ways teachers can get their students really excited about science by bringing scientists to the science fair in a different role than the traditional "judge." With a bit more effort, scientists can become actively involved as presenters of hands-on activities. This article discusses: what happens when the tables are…

This article briefly describes an activity for students to illustrate the relationship between orbital period and orbital motion. To do this, students should calculate the degrees per day that planets travel and then graph them as a function of orbital time. A brief list of resources is also included.

One of the easiest ways to capture students sense of wonder is to provide them an opportunity to participate in scientific research and display their findings in a science exhibition. Giving students the freedom to follow their own interests and develop their own science exhibition projects ensures active involvement in the learning process as…

This article briefly describes Earth science. The study of Earth science provides the foundation for an understanding of the Earth, its processes, its resources, and its environment. Earth science is the study of the planet in its entirety, how its lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere work together as systems and how they affect…

Examines the major characteristics of effective schools, focusing on the role of science teachers in contributing to school effectiveness. Suggests that maximum benefits can result from improvements in teacher responsiveness and in classroom management areas. (ML)

Teachers recount their experiences while attending the first joint Soviet/American Science Education Summit held at Moscow State University. (MDH)

Fresh out of college, the author had only a handful of items worthy of displaying, which included some fossils she had collected in her paleontology class. She had binders filled with great science information, but kids want to see "real" science, not paper science. Then it came to her: she could fill the shelves with science artifacts with the…

Reading the average science textbook, one is struck with a question: Why would people devote their lives to the study of a subject as dry as the Sahara Desert? Students in science classes only need to be let in on the great secret of science. It is fun and full of the stuff in page-turner novels--intrigue, mystery, romance, and sometimes just dumb…

Presents a position statement from the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) that expresses a vision for the reform of science teaching and learning. Comments on inquiry-based instruction, reflective teaching, assessment practices, subject matter, equity in science programs, and the professional development of science teachers. (DDR)

On the first day of science class students may be anxious about a number of things. Will they be able to sit with their friends? Can they choose their own lab partners? Will the teacher call on them and embarrass them? Will the teacher be fair? The author started using procedures to improve "fairness" in his classroom. Although he had thought it…

What do the glory of ancient Rome and the chemistry of copper have in common? Bronze coins. Romans minted millions of them to be used throughout the empire and a significant number became lost, only for us to find, two millennia later. Over the years, the coins have reacted with oxygen, sulfur, and chlorine to corrode into chemical products that…

Describes experiences in preparing for the National Board Certification process which allows a teacher an incomparable opportunity to evolve into a better educator and an accomplished teacher. (ASK)

Provides ways for students to demonstrate their understanding of scientific concepts and skills. Describes a mini-unit around the cold in which students can relate humans to viruses. Includes activities and a modified simulation that provides questions to guide students. Discusses ways that allows students to apply prior knowledge, take ownership…