Who hasn't heard of Einstein? Science educators everywhere are familiar with Einstein's genius and general theory of relativity. Students easily recognize Einstein's image by his white flyaway hair and bushy mustache. It is well known that Einstein was a brilliant physicist and an abstract thinker who often used his creativity and imagination in…

Science, like most subjects, can only come alive when students are actively engaged in real-life pursuits that interest and challenge them (VanTassel-Baska and Bass 1998). Here the author describes how she was able to bring science to life for her middle school students through a series of Science Safaris--inquiry-based excursions to a variety of…

As our society becomes more technologically advanced and jobs require additional related skills, it is important that all girls, not just those interested in science, technology, engineering, and math (commonly referred to as the STEM disciplines), take advanced levels of science and math in high school. Evidence suggests that intervention…

Scientific inquiry provides the framework for the content and strategies recommended in the National Science Education Standards (NRC 2000). It's a hot topic at workshops and conferences, and many feel a bit guilty that they aren't doing more of it. Why is scientific inquiry currently at the forefront of science education reform? Inquiry works!…

Encouraging students' interest in science has never been more important. Science plays a greater role in everyones lives than ever before, and students who have a solid foundation in science are prepared to pursue a wide range of opportunities in high school, college, and the workplace. Yet many students--particularly girls and students from…

Describes the West Michigan Science Festival which features a variety of interactive events in manufacturing, electronics, health care, engineering, and other fields. Brings together students, businesses, industries, and educators in a community celebration of science, mathematics, and technology. Discusses beginnings, business partners, events,…

Describes the Merck Institute for Science Education whose goals are to communicate the excitement and relevance of science to students through science teaching, and to work with teachers and instill in them an understanding and appreciation of science. Involves industry volunteers contributing to the professional development of teachers and…

Uses science fiction films such as "Jurassic Park" or "Anaconda" to teach science concepts while fostering student interest. Advocates science fiction as a teaching tool to improve learning and motivation. Describes how to use science fiction in the classroom with the sample activity Twister. (YDS)

Describes an education initiative, Putting Children First, in which men and women of the Eastman Chemical Company work with area teachers to provide real-life science experiences for area students. Discusses the beginnings of the program, its implementation, and its current status. Lists services offered by the program. (JRH)

Describes the Agricultural Research Service Science Education Collaborative (ARSC), a project aimed at making the U.S. Department of Agriculture's research labs more accessible to the educational community and encouraging students to consider careers in science. Presents a case study of a teacher in the project and discusses the impacts of the…

Discusses the classroom management, instructional design, and interactive grouping of cooperative learning. Lists six of the positive results of cooperative learning. (YP)

While some textbooks still teach students that there is one scientific process that must be rigidly followed, this stagnant portrayal of the process of science can lead students to think that science and scientists are quite boring. Through integrating visual art and microscopy, students learn about the creativity of scientists and begin to…