The United States Boy Scout merit badge program provides non-formal educational experiences for boys from ages 10-17. This study analyzes the objectives of the twenty-three science related merit badges using the lens of the revised Bloom's taxonomy. Merit badges requirements serve as objectives for this program. The verbs in the requirements were…

Having taught K-12 students and preservice teachers for almost 20 years, the author knows the problems that arise when students are asked to generate an investigation of their own design. Therefore, she developed some lessons that significantly increased the diversity and quality of the investigations students generated. This article describes…

A project that introduced scientists to students and engaged students in creative scientific activities is described. Students were asked to help scientists identify patterns on the wing of a species of fruit fly. A combined research/education program is recommended. (KR)