Integrated STEM activities are espoused as appropriate for enhancing student learning in relation to statistical concepts; however, a greater understanding of the way in which students' ideas about those concepts develop is needed to maximise the learning potential offered by engagement in STEM activities. For this study, plant growth was chosen…

This action research study aimed to find ways to adjust my practice by incorporating inquiry-based, science activities and virtual simulations to improve student conceptual understanding of physical and chemical changes. A multi-lesson, curricular intervention combining inquiry-based activities and virtual simulations was developed using…

To enhance teaching and learning about Earth's climate and global climate change (GCC) in secondary science classrooms, the authors are engaged in a four-year, National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded project to develop, implement, and evaluate a new four-week curriculum module grounded in the use of a data-driven, computer-based climate modeling…

The Periodic Table of Elements is a valuable resource for chemists and all kinds of STEM professionals. However, it can be initially overwhelming and intimidating to some students. This hands-on lesson introduces abstract concepts in the periodic table through a tangible experience with simple toys and household objects. Students collaborate and…

Recently, there have been many calls for an increase in instruction on the nature of science (NOS) in schools (i.e. NRC, 1996; NGSS Lead States, 2013). These calls recognize the importance of this topic at all levels of science education, but there is little guidance in terms of how to address it effectively in curricula. Similarly, there have…

Despite its familiarity and the fact that it becomes a formal area of study in early upper primary grades, optics remains a cognitive challenge for young as well as advanced learners, not only because much of it is counter-intuitive but also because its conceptual comprehension involves negotiating the vocabulary and graphical symbolism involved…

In this paper, we analyze the science activities offered at 7th grade in the Turkish science and technology curriculum along with addressing the curriculum's original intent. We refer to several science education researchers' ideas, including Chinn & Malhotra's (Science Education, 86:175--218, 2002) theoretical framework and Edelson's (1998)…

Understanding the particulate nature of matter (PNM) is vital for participating in many areas of science. We assessed 11 students' atomic/molecular-level explanations of real-world phenomena after their participation in a modelling-based PNM unit. All 11 students offered a scientifically acceptable model regarding atomic/molecular behaviour in…

Explains the use of a card lab to demonstrate how a population bottleneck impacts genetic diversity and the survival of a population. Uses a standard deck of playing cards to show how age structure can magnify bottleneck effects. (DDR)

Presents an activity on the electrostatic phenomenon known as induction. Reviews the principles illustrated by each of the activities described in this series. (DDR)

Presents a case for using wood frogs to study biology with students. Offers tips on where to find the eggs, how to care for them, what to expect as they hatch, and how to engage students in a study of their stages of development. (DDR)

Argues that the common assumption about the lack of intermediate forms in evolutionary history is inaccurate and misleading. Points out that there are many transitional forms, although special creationists refuse to recognize them as such. (DDR)

Presents a demonstration that is a safe blend of two other vivid and memorable demonstrations. Combines two exothermic reactions involving granulated sugar to devise a reaction that produces a small amount of smoke and a growing column of black carbon. (DDR)

Uses learning style assessments to justify more extensive use of creative work and asks why creative work appears to be difficult to initiate. Evaluates three case studies that provide evidence that creative work can be integrated into lessons with interesting consequences. (DDR)