This study examined the effects of science and engineering (S & E) inquiry on preschool and kindergarten children's academic outcomes using a randomized control-group design. Participants were divided into three groups: a classroom-only group (C-only) receiving NGSS-aligned S & E inquiry; a classroom plus family engagement group (C + F)…

The SunSpaceArt (SSA) project, led by the author, a solar scientist at the University of Cambridge, comprises a diverse team of scientists and visual artists who run STEAM (STEM + Arts) workshops in schools, space camps and at other venues (museums, science centres and so on). The project focuses mainly on 7- to 12-year-olds, which is a key age…

Science instruction reform efforts call for increased opportunities for students to engage with science content and practices. School-based citizen science (CS), when implemented well, addresses this call and provides a meaningful context for student learning. Despite CS projects' increasing role in formal science instruction, research on the…

Attitude toward science has been recognized as highly influential in students' engagement with science and future career choices. Science is important in our everyday lives as well, in a society demanding more scientific vocations and higher levels of scientific literacy. There is little research on how attitudes develop and evolve at early ages,…

Given the current emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education and its key attributes, middle school is an optimal time to implement STEM-based curricula. However, the interdisciplinary and open-ended nature of STEM projects often makes implementation difficult. In this article, we describe a professional development…

Outlines the development of an after school science club in which students find a science topic of interest and create a storyboard through photographs. Includes tips for shooting photographs and equipment suggestions. (DDR)

Explores the most appropriate form of activities to help children develop science concepts. Provides arguments and evidence from a pilot study that point to the significance of wonder for the invitation of children to the world of science. Argues that activities that do not appear to be pedagogically appropriate should not be excluded from…

Data were collected from grades 3 to 8 students (N=377) in order to identify the determinants of their intentions to perform laboratory and non-laboratory science activities. Fishbein and Ajzen's Theory of Reasoned Action was used as the basis for the study. The theory posits that the immediate determinant of behavior is intention. Intention is…

Authors describe a biology course for nonmajors that appealed to student interests while retaining content integrity. The other philosophical foundations of the course were to increase student involvement and to conduct at least half of the laboratory aspect of the course at field-based locations. Details of transportation considerations,…

Presents case study data on one sixth-grade classroom of Kids as Global Scientists (KGS) project participants during the eight-week program. Finds that students made significant gains in weather content knowledge, and interviews revealed a high level of student motivation and satisfaction with the project. (Contains 38 references.) (Author/WRM)

Introduces an interdisciplinary activity using a cola drink. Describes the lesson plan, including objectives, procedures, evaluation, projects, and conclusions. Provides two laboratory sheets containing problem, hypothesis, materials, procedure, observations, and conclusions, vocabulary table, and data table. (YP)

Describes science activities which use simple chemical tests to distinguish between materials and to determine some of their properties. Explains the water, iodine, heat, acid, baking soda, acid/base indicator, glucose, and sugar tests. Includes activities to enhance chemical testing and a list of suggested powders for use. (RT)

Discusses a visit to a hospital to help students gain an appreciation of technological application. Describes the potential, general and specific considerations, and evaluation of such a field trip. (YP)

Outlines the various activities students are involved in on Physics Students' Day at an amusement park and the mechanics of organizing this type of an event. Includes a real problem and the list of resource material. Suggests resource material for use with amusement park physics. (YP)

Describes a three-day classroom activity combining criminal investigations and scientific skills, especially observation skills. Provides detailed classroom procedures with an illustration of eight basic fingerprint patterns and a classification chart. (YP)