Appeals to reform science education by policy makers are not new phenomena. To be sure, while science reform efforts have been ongoing occurrences for nearly six decades, perpetual educational reform efforts as a whole have been evolving and gaining momentum in number for more than a century. The general motivation for continual reform appears to…

This book calls attention to the policies and practices that discriminate against the silent majority of students in the American educational system. Arguments presented emphasize the collateral damage caused to average students by legislative mandates, administrative policies, teaching practices, parenting beliefs, and adherence to strict…

Presents an activity on measurement and points out the importance of units which, in most cases, are omitted by students. Focuses on measurement in informal settings, indirect measurement, ratio and scales, and surface area to volume ratio. (YDS)

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Americans generate approximately 1.6 million tons of hazardous household waste every year. When most people think of hazardous waste, they generally think of materials used in construction, the defense industry, mining, manufacturing, and agriculture. Few people think of hazardous substances…

Introduces gall-making insects and explains gall development. Explains how to bring galls into the classroom and conduct experiments. Suggests using gall systems to introduce students to the concepts of genetic control, biodiversity, plant and animal development, species interactions, biodiversity, and the flow of energy through the food web. (YDS)

Discusses the importance of observation in science education, how to foster students' observation skills in the classroom, and how to facilitate what they observe when learning. Includes a list of components of good scientific observing. (KHR)

It is often said that a dog is a best friend. In fact, after cattle, dogs are the oldest domesticated animals. Dogs have lived with humans for over 10,000 years and have been selectively bred for various types of domestication. Domesticated dogs have performed many roles in society throughout history-rescue dogs, hunting dogs, guide dogs, and…

One of the most important connections that must be made during the middle school years is the relationship between scientific inquiry and algebraic thinking. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways in which teachers in both mathematics and science can make this intrinsically important association for students. One way is by studying rate of change,…

Describes how to use newspapers and newsmagazines as available science-related resources in the science classroom. Provides teaching strategies to foster student thinking and assess student understanding. (KHR)

Explains the rights of all students, no matter what their background, to have the opportunity to attain scientific literacy. Points out the challenges and opportunities teachers face in a diverse student environment and how culturally diverse students speaking different languages perform worse than native English speakers. Presents instructional…