How do scientists make inferences for something they cannot directly observe? The Black Box approach seems ideal to help students understand how scientists work. Black Boxes are sealed units; their interior is not accessible. The effort to determine their possible content (internal structure) demands successive modifications in hypothesis,…

Environmental education for all students is becoming more urgent as societies strive to deal with challenges such as climate change and loss of biodiversity. Teachers have an important role to play in defining the environmental knowledge, beliefs, and actions of the next generation. Understanding the anthropogenic inputs responsible for alteration…

Scientists and other professionals across the globe require employees to collaborate, think critically, and solve problems effectively. To this end, the "Next Generation Science Standards" (NGSS) have a vision of ensuring that through inquiry, collaboration, and evidence-based instruction, students will have the necessary skills to be…

The Idea Bank provides tips and techniques for creative teaching, in about 1,000 words. For this article, the authors analyzed 93 educational applications (apps) that have the potential to help students meaningfully engage in the science practices outlined in the Next Generation Science Standards. Some of the ways teachers can use these apps in…

Introduces the Peer-Led Team Learning (PLTL) model as an alternative to traditional cooperative learning. Discusses the difficulties of PLTL based curriculum which include finding the peer leaders, selecting the right materials for implementation, and training techniques for peer leaders. (YDS)

Introduces an activity in which students prove that milliliters and cubic centimeters are equal. Assigns students in groups for the activity and starts with a realistic story to increase student interest. (YDS)

Presents three problems based on the price of aluminum designed to encourage students to be cooperative and to use an investigative approach to learning. Students collect and synthesize information, analyze results, and draw conclusions. (AIM)

Introduces a professional development workshop designed for in-service secondary school science teachers that provides experiences for teachers in inquiry-based physical science. Features three components: (1) a three week summer institute; (2) two one-day, follow-up workshops; and (3) classroom visitation. Promotes the inquiry approach in science…

Introduces the Magic in a Tube activity in which students formulate questions and practice science skills. (YDS)

Described is a team assignment where groups of students work on stoichiometry problems that apply to the real world. Teams of students act as chemical companies that have orders to fill for a customer. Included are the details of the customer order, student participation, and the evaluation procedure. (KR)

Introduces a Storm Trackers unit that uses actual hurricane data to track hurricane movements. Uses an inquiry-based teaching approach in a cooperative learning environment. (YDS)

Described is a way to modify the classroom environment so that females and minorities are more encouraged to participate in activities. The use of cooperative skills are emphasized such as active listening and checking for understanding. (KR)

Describes a program where teams of fifth graders and high school junior and senior physics students work together to explore physical science principles and create a student-constructed exploratorium. Incorporates and synthesizes scientific inquiry, hands-on activities, and creative and critical problem-solving approaches in a motivating and fun…

Presents four stoichiometric problems and their solutions that use spot metal prices quoted from the newspaper to integrate economics and chemistry. (MDH)

Describes activities that can be added to any chemistry curriculum and can offer students an opportunity to gain and practice skills in research, written and verbal communication, and database creation and use while working as a part of a problem-solving team. (JRH)