Describes the three phases of the learning cycle (exploration, conceptual invention, and expansion) and explains how they can be used in educational assessment. The use of semantic mapping, concept mapping, and mental modeling in the evaluation of student learning is described. (PR)

Describes an activity designed to teach students geology vocabulary while challenging them to solve the case of the missing marble. Can be adapted to teach vocabulary for different topics. (JRH)

Describes a science competition challenge that has students solve several hands-on physical science problems, thus reinforcing both problem-solving skills and science knowledge. (PR)

Provides details of a middle school science program that involves students in real fieldwork on a topic of their choice. Focuses on student research in estuary and seashore ecosystems. Includes proposal format and scoring rubric. (DDR)

Describes two model water education programs. The River Ecology Program teaches students basic ecological concepts related to rivers, explores the impact of human activities on rivers, and helps students develop an attitude of stewardship for rivers. The Wetlands Watch Program has students conduct studies related to local wetlands and respond…

Describes an activity that teaches a number of scientific concepts including indirect measurement, Newton's third law of motion, manipulating and controlling variables, and the scientific method of inquiry. Uses process skills such as observation, inference, prediction, mensuration, and communication as well as problem solving and higher-order…

Describes activities in which students learn that it takes teamwork, problem solving, and personal commitment to save the environment. (PR)

Describes an approach to teaching the scientific method where an outbreak of cholera within the school is simulated. Students act like epidemiologists in an attempt to track down the source of the contamination. (PR)

Describes a partnership project where each fourth and fifth grade classroom of an elementary school has a "buddy class" at a neighboring middle school. Elementary and middle school students work together in solving scientific or mathematical problems. Helps students at both schools improve their math and science skills as well as their…

Describes a unit that applies constructivist teaching methods to a science concept. Contains mini-lessons in math that present to students information that they need to know in order to perform their experiments. Gives students the opportunity to construct their own knowledge about the natural phenomenon of light as they apply their mathematical…

Describes a partnership that linked ninth-grade earth science students with local government agencies and businesses. It facilitated accessing, manipulating, and analyzing digital imagery from satellites and ground-based data-receiving systems. Highlights three projects that involve middle-level students in real-world geological problem solving.…