The discovery of frog abnormalities by students on a school field trip in 1995 sparked hundreds of scientific studies in search of the cause of abnormality. This Socio-Scientific Issue has been used as an inquiry-based learning exercise for training in the practice of science, but it is also well-suited to teaching the nature of science. Our goal…

Perspective taking has been identified as a critical skill in the development of scientifically literate citizenry. Despite the importance of the construct, operationalising and identifying effective pedagogical strategies to promote effective perspective taking have proven challenging. This study provides empirical evidence to support the…

In addition to considering sociocultural, political, economic, and ethical factors (to name a few), effectively engaging socioscientific issues (SSI) requires that students understand and apply scientific explanations and the nature of science (NOS). Promoting such understandings can be achieved through immersing students in authentic real-world…

This study aims to explore students' argumentation and decision-making relating to an authentic socioscientific issue (SSI)--the problem of environmental toxins in fish from the Baltic Sea. A multi-disciplinary instructional module, designed in order to develop students' skills to argue about complex SSI, was successfully tested. Seven science…

Presented are 14 student worksheets for use in teaching the care of and humane treatment of animals. Topics of these games and puzzles include state animal trivia, domestic pets and wild animals. An answer sheet for teachers is included. (CW)

Presented are 14 student worksheets for use in teaching the care and humane treatment of animals. Topics of these games, puzzles include both domestic pets and wild animals. An answer sheet for teachers is included. (CW)

Describes the Irish National Stud and its relationship to science education. Includes the history of the stud and a full description of its grounds. (MM)

Described is a game designed to test children's knowledge about wildlife native to the United States. Included are directions, 30 question cards, and an answer key. Modifications of the game are suggested. (CW)

Provides 12 ideas for bulletin boards that can be used to teach basic skills while at the same time help students understand more about animals. Describes the activities that can be done with each bulletin board, along with a list of materials and instruction. (TW)

Presented are the instructions and suggested variations on a card game designed to help children learn to match shapes. A set of cards which may be photocopied for use are included. (CW)

Presented are 14 student worksheets for use in teaching about environmental conservation. Topics of these games, puzzles include pollution, rainforests, endangered species, habitat destruction, and solid waste. An answer sheet for teachers is included. (CW)

Presents "Beastly Thoughts," a holistic writing module designed to involve students in decision-making processes about socially relevant issues regarding animals. Provides 48 activities for investigation and lists 33 references for possible book reviews. Includes 38 references. (MVL)

Reports on the results of a survey meant to ascertain the views of 16- to 18-year-old students (n=778) on using animals in medical research. Suggests that students have no greater objection to the use of genetically engineered animals over naturally bred animals in medical research. Contains 16 references. (Author/WRM)

This multimedia package contains a book and a videotape on bats. The videotape uses video sequences of bats in action which are designed to support 21 lessons, each designed to teach essential elements of classroom curricula to students ages 9-15. The video is divided into four 12-minute segments that include footage of bats, direct relevance to…

An episodic and activity oriented approach is employed in this unit that illustrates the theme of interdependence of living things. Concepts related to dependence, competition, community, and ecosystems are developed through a case study of a raccoon problem. Various means of solving the raccoon problem are explored within a societal context. Five…