Today's scientific theories are the result of a long collaborative process, sometimes over centuries, among many different scientists from various parts of the world. To communicate this concept to middle school students and introduce them to the theory of plate tectonics and continental drift, they are placed in the role of geologists attending a…

This article suggests several ways teachers can get their students really excited about science by bringing scientists to the science fair in a different role than the traditional "judge." With a bit more effort, scientists can become actively involved as presenters of hands-on activities. This article discusses: what happens when the tables are…

Biographies are sometimes considered to be a bridge between fact and fiction. As students read real life accounts of the lives of scientists, they can expand their view of what kinds of things scientists do; realize that all kinds of people do science; find out how the scientific community influences the acceptance of scientific knowledge; learn…

Conference attendees arrive at the registration desk at 9:00 a.m. sharp, eager to start their day. While standing in line, they talk excitedly about the sessions they've chosen to see, the original investigation they'll be presenting, off-site field trips for which they've registered, and the businesses scheduled to have booths in the Exhibitor's…

Presents an activity on translating scientists' names that gives students an opportunity to learn the Cyrillic alphabet. Sequences science-related translations as a series of puzzles. (JRH)

Presents three biographical sketches of scientists including John Wesley Powell (first to explore the geology of the Grand Canyon), Joseph von Fraunhofer (his work in optics led to the science of spectroscopy), and Gregor Mendel (of Mendelian genetics fame). Other scientists are mentioned along with sources for additional biographical information.…

Presents activities that involve students working as research and development scientists and exploring the world of glues-- how to make them, test them, and apply them to classroom projects. Enables students to gain technical knowledge and experience the excitement and responsibilities of being research scientists. (JRH)

Describes a project that enriches astronomy lessons with hands-on activities facilitated by an astronomer. The project links professional and amateur astronomers with middle-level classroom teachers and informal educators. Families and community organizations are also involved in the project. Provides information on how to join the ASTRO network.…

Nanotechnology deals with machines, materials, and structures and their behaviors at the scale of atoms and molecules, or the nanoscale. By working on this scale, scientists are able to create enhanced materials with desirable properties, such as stain-resistance. The authors developed the activity described in this article to introduce middle…

When students investigate science, they model, imitate, and perform science much as scientists do. Learning science in this way is best, according to the locus of control research. Based on this research, students need to develop an internal belief that they can control science outcomes and become a part of science through their own hands-on…

Genetics is often a fascinating but difficult subject for middle level students. They can see the results of genes in every organism, but trying to visualize what happens at the level of genes is challenging for concrete thinkers. The author discusses an approach that helps students understand how genotypes can translate into phenotypes, then…

Presents ways to incorporate discussion of the lives of famous scientists into the classroom. Suggests a monthly focus on a different scientist with students researching each subject and using the information in a poster or timeline project toward the end of the year. (DDR)

Describes the PowerTools Project, a partnership program between schools and research scientists at the University of Texas Health Center. Discusses the beginnings and the scaling up of the project. (JRH)

Describes a one- to two-week project where students create a biographical scrapbook to document the life of a chosen scientist. When sources are not easily found, students are encouraged to use their imaginations to create birth certificates, news articles, letters, and interviews. (PR)

Describes a program for teachers that focuses on environmental issues and stresses the development of collaborative relationships with scientists. (DDR)