The purpose of this article is to introduce the development of nanotechnology education in Taiwan using the example of evidenced-based lessons. Combining with the interest in STEM and gifted education, the goals were to cultivate teachers' capacity to teach new technology, to enhance K-12 high-ability students' interests and understanding of basic…

The historical under-representation of diverse youth in environmental science education is inextricably connected to access and identity-related issues. Many diverse youth with limited previous experience to the outdoors as a source for learning and/or leisure may consider environmental science as "unthinkable." This is an ethnographic…

This article describes the collective efforts educators and multiple community partners are taking to transform one alternative urban high school into a full-service community school. The article presents preliminary findings on the opportunities for bridging social capital that the full-service initiative has created and the impacts such…

Excursions to museums and science centres generally are great fun for students and teachers. The potential educational benefits beyond enjoyment, however, are rarely realised or analysed for their efficacy. The purpose of this paper is to describe four educational enrichment programs delivered at the Gravity Discovery Centre (GDC), near Gingin,…

In the natural world, learning emerges from the joy of play, experimentation, and inquiry as part of everyday life. However, this kind of informal learning is often difficult to integrate within structured educational curricula. This report describes an educational program that embeds naturalistic learning into formal high school, college, and…

Describes the use of seminar programs called convocations that offer gifted disadvantaged and culturally different students the opportunity to study scientific issues in-depth and to do creative work by proposing solutions to real problems. Related research and a pilot convocation involving sixth- and seventh-grade students are discussed.…

Described is a biochemistry program designed for highly motivated secondary students entering their junior or senior years. The course was organized around lecture-discussions, laboratories, and a research project. Student course achievement and evaluation feedback appear to imply that the biochemistry program was successful. (Author/MA)

Describes a 10 week Saturday program in open-ended, hands-on science activity. Sessions emphasize three stages of learning: (1) messing about with concrete materials; (2) introduction of new equipment and probing questions; and (3) large group sharing session. Discusses the teacher's role and extended activities. (MA)

Discusses a successful program in which University of Calgary science/engineering departments offer high school students the opportunity to work on a research project under guidance of a faculty member. Includes history and benefits of the program, selection of students, project work, and orientation/seminar days. (Author/JN)

Describes the three components of an enrichment program developed in Port Angeles, Washington, to improve mathematics and science instruction: (1) classroom instructional units conducted by a certified teacher, (2) teacher inservice sessions to develop teacher skills, and (3) Family Learning Nights to encourage parental involvement. Enrichment…

The University of North Carolina (UNC) Mathematics and Science Education Network (MSEN) Pre-College program is designed to increase the number of historically underrepresented students--minorities and females--who have sufficient interest and preparation to pursue mathematics and science fields at the university level, and to move into careers in…

Describes Waunakee Community School's six-week Summer Science Program for students entering the seventh grade. Students are selected for this science enrichment program on the basis of interest, ability, and maturity. Program content includes wetlands, forests, prairies, and animals, concluding with a camping trip. (DS)

Describes Turtle Mountain Community College's week-long College for Kids for students entering grades three through eight. Younger and older students engaged in separate activities designed to increase student knowledge of the indigenous plants, water, and insects in the region. Offers a day-by-day summary of activities. (DMM)

Describes one individual's efforts to help support early science education by making presentations to children in elementary schools. Discusses the following aspects of the program: (1) getting started; (2) obtaining funding; (3) assessing students ability levels; and (4) deciding what hands-on experiences to give students. (MDH)

Results of surveys and studies suggest that too few African-American and female students aspire to and achieve doctoral degrees in biological sciences. It has also been suggested that gender and racial inequities exist in teaching and research faculties in higher education, especially in the biomedical sciences. Thus, few role models are available…