In England, GCSE and AS/A-level practical assessment has been reformed, with controlled assessments replaced with practical assessment in written exams and direct assessment at A-level. The awarding body OCR surveyed science teacher attitudes to the reform during its introduction. Teachers considered post-reform qualifications better in that they…

Space is a topic most learners find engaging. This article set out a short project investigating meteorite impacts, both practically and using simulations, and suggests resources that could be used. The formation of craters, such as those on the Moon caused by objects landing on its surface, is used to illustrate a study plan. The project is…

In this work, a versatile and user-friendly selection of stereolithography (STL) files and computer-aided design (CAD) models are shared to assist educators and students in the production of simple and inexpensive 3D printed filter fluorometer instruments. These devices are effective resources for supporting active learners in the exploration of…

This article presents a qualitative study, descriptive-interpretive in profile, of the effectiveness in learning about the nature of science (NOS) of an activity relating to the historical controversy between Pasteur and Liebig on fermentation. The activity was implemented during a course for pre-service secondary science teachers (PSSTs)…

This study aimed to determine the views of pre-service science teachers about STEM education. A two-hour Arduino based STEM learning activity was conducted for fifteen pre-service science teachers. Afterwards, the views of the participants were investigated by conducting an online survey consisting of open-ended questions. Finally, the obtained…

Scientific argumentation has been greatly emphasized in the National Science Standard due to its ability to enhance students' understanding of scientific concepts. This study investigated the mastery level of scientific argumentation, based on Toulmin's Argumentation Model (TAP), when students engage in individual and group argumentations. A total…

Hands-on, inquiry-based, and relevant to every student's life, "Gourmet Lab" serves up a full menu of activities for science teachers of grades 6-12. This collection of 15 hands-on experiments--each of which includes a full set of both student and teacher pages--challenges students to take on the role of scientist and chef, as they boil,…

The present study was designed to identify and characterize the major factors that influence entering science teacher candidates' preferences for different types of instructional activities, and to analyze what these factors suggest about teacher candidates' orientations towards science teaching. The study involved prospective teachers enrolled in…

The International Boiling Point Project is an online, collaborative project for students in grades 6-12 in which they investigate the impact of four factors (room temperature, elevation, volume of water and heating device) on the boiling point of water. A detailed procedure is provided for students in order to limit the number of variables…

The purpose of this activity is to introduce students to concepts of short-range and long-range scattering, and engage them in using indirect measurements and probabilistic models. The activity uses simple and readily available apparatus, and can be adapted for use with secondary level students as well as those in general physics courses or…

Describes the British Gypsum, a school-industry science project, designed to link the school with local industry. Teaching strategy, some experiments, and evaluation of the project are also included. (HM)

Presents abstracts of innovative activities of students in grades 7 through 12. Projects include community surveys, student or teacher initiated home/school experiments, scientist-supervised research by high school students, community and school service projects. (EB)

Introduces 12 activities for teaching science. Includes one way to begin the school year, peristalsis demonstration, candy-coated metrics, 3-D constellations, 35-mm astrophotography, create an alien organism, jet propulsion, computer programs for pendulum calculations, plant versus animal, chocolate chip petroleum, paper rockets, and…

Provides background information on the equipment and knowledge necessary to do an astronomy activity on the earth's rotation. Details an activity in which students can measure the rotation of the earth using a camera and the stars. (CW)

Describes a class project in which students determine the best brand of paper towel in several categories. The activities and experiments completed during the project foster observation, measuring, collecting, data evaluation, writing, and mathematics skills. (BC)