Metatheoretical perspectives, and their role in influencing the research process, can be difficult for undergraduate students to grasp. The communication field brings together myriad approaches to communication, lending to students' confusion (Muller, H. L., & Craig, R. T. [2007]. Introduction. In R. T. Craig & H. L. Muller [Eds.],…

Analyzing evolutionary relationships requires that students have a thorough understanding of evidence and of how scientists use evidence to develop these relationships. In this lesson sequence, students work in groups to process many different lines of evidence of evolutionary relationships between ungulates, then construct a scientific argument…

Presents an activity which encourages hypothesis testing and introduces the study of prehistorical and historical societies. Students formulate a hypothesis about an artifact; then the teacher gradually introduces more information. Students refine their hypotheses and test them against what the artifact was used for. (KC)

Outlines six activities for grades six through nine designed to illustrate the processes used by archaeologists. These processes include observation, comparison, classification, communication, use of numbers, and hypothesis formation. (AM)

Presents a laboratory activity for use during the first or second week of school that engages students in the basic principles of the scientific method. (PR)

Presents an inquiry unit of study focusing on the question of rights of smokers and nonsmokers as it may be acted out in a court of law. Includes two phases of data collection, beginning with a springboard scenario and incorporating a simulation during the hypothesis testing stage of the inquiry. References are provided. (LS)

Describes the model for decision making used in inferential statistics and real-world applications that parallel the statistical model. Discusses two activities that ask students to write about a personal decision-making experience and create a mock trial in which the class makes the decision of guilt or innocence. (MDH)

Describes how students can make and use Hooey Machines to learn how mechanical energy can be transferred from one object to another within a system. The Hooey Machine is made using a pencil, eight thumbtacks, one pushpin, tape, scissors, graph paper, and a plastic lid. (PR)

Provides a model reflective inquiry strategy to educate students about the controversy surrounding the proposed ban on tobacco advertising. Presents a 15-day lesson sequence which explores implications for clashes between individual rights and state power, and includes a list of resources for classroom use. (LS)

Argues that secondary economics teachers must help students learn to apply fundamental economics concepts to real problems. Advocates the critical thinking approach. Outlines goals, objectives, content, and procedures for an inquiry lesson that teaches the concepts land, labor, and capital through a problem-solving, hypothesis-testing method.…

Many of the most talented authors and artists of the past and present have shared their thoughts and their gifts with young children through picture books. Many picture books allow young children to explore important ideas and to stretch their minds far beyond rote memorization. Young children absorb knowledge at a very rapid pace. In an age of…

When teachers present students with real topics in science and social studies instead of artificial, abstract writing exercises, the students will both develop and extend their interests and learn to think and communicate clearly about them. Choosing such a topic provides an opportunity to discuss student interests. Next, list building and small…

Presents a social studies lesson, Head-Smashed-In, based on inquiry and cooperative learning principles, that asks students to hypothesize about the mystery of an Indian buffalo jump. Provides clues and topographical maps for the Head-Smashed-In jump in Alberta, Canada. Objectives include understanding the relationship between physical environment…

Designed for middle school students, this award winning, six-day teaching unit helped students learn about the concepts of specialization, interdependence, efficiency, and profit. At the onset of the lesson the students were already familiar with the concepts of scarcity, goods, services, profits, supply, demand, and opportunity costs. The unit's…