The author shares three strategies to increase student participation in class discussions. These can be easily applied to any science content area and have proven to be effective in stimulating student participation by allowing students to communicate their ideas and consider alternative explanations using nontraditional classroom arrangements.…

The recent worldwide SARS outbreak has put the science of epidemiology into the headlines once again. Epidemiology is "... the study of the distribution and the determinants of health-related states or events and the application of these methods to the control of health problems" (Gordis 2000). In this context, the authors have developed a…

Middle school classrooms are a natural laboratory where the relationships between science, reading, and writing can be developed and strengthened to provide a foundation for students' learning and future career success. Teachers do not need to know "everything" about science and reading to raise student achievement. Rather, they need to know a few…

Presents two sample partnership programs between businesses and schools that facilitate opportunities for enhanced field trips and classroom lessons, as well as opportunities for businesses to be involved in the educational process. Discusses key points to establishing partnerships, the importance of involving parents, and the rewards of the…

Describes teaching strategies that allow teachers to use the topic of biodiversity to talk about a range of social and scientific issues. Discusses biodiversity basics, local links to global biodiversity, mapping our ecoregions, and activity ideas. Presents activities that introduce students to different reasons for protecting biodiversity and…

Presents suggestions for a schoolwide Olympic curriculum that uses an interdisciplinary approach and takes advantage of student interest in the Olympic games. (JRH)

Describes an interdisciplinary unit on the environment and space travel in which students plan a fictional departure from Earth which is on the brink of destruction from environmental waste and neglect. Students travel through concepts in environmental education, math, art, English, and astronomy before reaching their destination with a clearer…

Introduces the All The News critique project in which students use the Internet to critique the information they view and develop an understanding of why some information may not be credible, scientifically valid, or methodologically sound. Includes a sample project with learning outcomes, assessment criteria, and related science standards. (KHR)

Describes the Fifth Grade Roadkill Study that was designed to make students aware of the types of animals, chiefly mammals, that live in the central piedmont area of North Carolina. Involves students taking a survey of roadkills. Enables students to learn about animals as well as become more familiar with the scientific process. (JRH)

Presents inquiry-oriented activities that acquaint students with groundwater sources, movement of water through aquifers, and contamination of groundwater by pollution. In one activity, students use well log data from web-based resources to explore groundwater systems. Provides sample well log data for those not having access to local information.…

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…

Describes concrete demonstrations on the states of matter. In the first demonstration, students represent molecules; and, in the second demonstration, moth balls are heated to produce a change of state. (PR)

Describes an activity for helping students understand and use data tables. (PR)

Discusses and explains early people's fears and explanations of eclipses. Describes the lunar eclipse scheduled for November 28-29. (PR)

Describes making a magnetic pendulum similar to those seen in novelty shops. Presents an open-ended activity and a more structured activity using this pendulum. (PR)