Why did you decide on science as a career? For many, it was the inspiration of a mentor or model--an explorer who could communicate excitement and a sense of adventure to others. During the school year, teachers take on that role of motivator for students. But as they recharge over summer break, it is great to treat themselves again to the stories…

This article describes summer programs that allow high school students to participate in an "authentic scientific research experience" (ASRE). These summer programs are specifically designed to embed students in working laboratories and research groups. Summer ASRE programs for secondary learners range in length from a couple of weeks to…

When does a scientific mentality begin, and why? Vertebrate paleontologist Edward Drinker Cope (1840-1897), known for Cope's Rule--that organisms of a species tend to get larger over time--recorded observations of "Ichthyosaurus," an extinct marine reptile, at the tender age of 6. He was obviously an inquisitive child. What about students of…

Research Experiences for Teachers (RET), funded by the National Science Foundation, offer teachers an opportunity to participate in current, hands-on scientific research in laboratories across the United States. These experiences provide an avenue for teachers to understand the process of research and gain insight on emerging technologies with the…

A high school senior describes her adventures as part of an eight-week glacier expedition in Alaska and British Columbia. Also includes information on how to obtain unique summer enrichment opportunities for teachers and students. (ZWH)

Describes a statewide co-operative College-School Science Program (NSF supported) using Introductory Physical Science as a means to improve physical science teaching in grades 8 and 9. Teachers received summer and inservice training regarding I.P.S. inquiry methods, and behavioral objectives. (LS)

Reports on two science field trips which inservice teachers completed through the Earthwatch organization. Participants learned about microbial mats and evolutionary theory on a coastal expedition and about archeology on a dig in the Mediterranean. Teachers returned with firsthand experience of scientific investigation and renewed enthusiasm for…

Describes a six week summer course for junior high school students designed to acquaint them with one of the many branches of oceanographic studies. (PB)

Teachers can easily identify what subjects their students have trouble with, whether it is transcription and translation, glycolysis and fermentation, balancing chemical equations, or vector analysis of forces acting on an object. Yet, no matter how teachers try to make these complex issues more accessible to students, or how new editions of…

Describes a three-week summer program in environmental education and field botany for inservice and prospective teachers at the University of North Carolina. Stressing that the aesthetic viewpoint is one often overlooked by educators and scientists, this article reasons that self-awareness is a positive outcome of this approach. (CS)

Described is a summer institute for secondary science teachers designed to integrate interdisciplinary wastewater management units into science courses. (SL)

The Virtual Gorilla Modeling Project--a professional development project--is a collaboration of middle and high school inservice teachers, Zoo Atlanta primatologists, science and computer educators, and students. During a 10-day professional development summer workshop, middle and high school teachers explore the world of the gorilla through…

Across the United States, only 10% of all teachers are members of minority groups, indicating that teachers are far less diverse than the current population of students they teach. The West Virginia Health Sciences and Technology Academy, a math and science afterschool program and summer institute, was created specifically to reach out to…