One physical science topic that is difficult for middle school students is the transfer of thermal energy: Research indicates many have trouble understanding that thermal energy naturally transfers from the "warmer" object to the "colder" object until both objects reach the same temperature (Driver et al. 1994; Keeley, Eberle, and Tugel 2007).…

Fort Hays State University and Emporia State University partnered with high-needs rural school districts to develop and offer a three-year professional development institute. The statewide institute was planned collaboratively to specifically meet the needs of middle school science teachers. The institute was managed concurrently at the two sites…

Presents strategies to use rainsticks with middle grade students. Teaches scientific inquiry using a rainstick activity that challenges students to explore posing, probing, and persuasion and represents the National Science Standards. Allows for the integration of different disciplines. Provides instructions on how to make a rainstick. (YDS)

At the beginning of each year, teachers have the daunting task of deciding which concepts and skills to teach their students. Many teachers feel the pressure to teach "the whole book". This pressure comes in multiple forms. There is ever-increasing pressure to perform well on state, national, and international exams. An added pressure is the…

Describes the development and use of a web site designed to engage middle school students in problem-based learning while addressing science education standards related to cell biology, technology, social aspects of science, and the nature and history of science. Students learn about naturally occurring opiates as they solve a mystery and conduct…