This study reports on the process and development of middle school science fair projects inspired by a summer science program of citizen science monitoring (Monarch Larvae Monitoring Project) with their classroom teacher. We gathered and analyzed qualitative data (interviews, focus groups, and project boards). Our analysis revealed three key…

This study investigated the use of a contextually sensitive instrument to assess the effect of invasive species monitoring training on the scientific literacy of citizen volunteers. The authors measured scientific literacy scores before and after 57 citizens participated in a 2-day event to learn to monitor invasive species with an instrument…

Can storytelling--a revered teaching tradition in many Native American cultures--be used to generate enthusiasm for science and technology among indigenous children and address the achievement gap that exists between Indian and non-Indian children? The Tribal Youth Science Initiative (TYSI) is an innovative new media project for young people, ages…

Many educators advocate the use of projects in the science classroom. This document describes an effort (LabNet) that has successfully implemented a program that allows students to learn science using projects. Chapter 1, "An Introduction to LabNet" (Richard Ruopp, Megham Pfister), provides an initial framework for understanding the…

Science as a Way of Knowing is a project being developed by the American Society of Zoologists' education committee. The project, co-sponsored by several professional organizations, seeks to increase the effectiveness of college-level biology. A report on the project's goals, symposia, publications, reprints, and sponsorship needs is presented.…

Discusses the approach taken in a science project program at a math/science/computer magnet school. Explains the procedures, student requirements, and scheduling needs of the program. Contains a checklist of 17 steps for completion of the project. (ML)

Describes 15 innovative college science programs identified by the Society of College Science Teachers. Gives nine generalizations regarding the programs. (YP)

Citing problems with a traditional introductory chemistry laboratory program, discusses a two-semester, project-oriented laboratory program using traditional experiments. A series of slide/tape programs discussing/illustrating potentially difficult concepts and techniques is used to facilitate instruction. Includes list of topics covered in the…

A summer/Saturday science program was designed to assist minority students with achievement in advanced mathematics and science courses at the high school level, and to encourage these students to pursue science and engineering degrees in college. The program involves field experiences and individual research projects. Students can earn advanced…

Reviews the results of the 47th Annual Science Talent Search sponsored by the Westinghouse Electric Corporation and the Westinghouse Foundation. Describes some of the projects done by students. Lists the names and schools of the 16- to 18-year-old winners. (CW)

For the past 13 years the JASON Project has offered students and teachers a unique opportunity to learn about how the earth and space systems support life, and technologies used to study the earth-space system. The JASON Project aspires to help teachers to increase student learning of content-specific information; and to engage students in…

Describes the Museum Research Apprenticeship Program (MRAP) for high school students at the Natural History Museum in Los Angeles. Participating students learn scientific research methods and have a unique opportunity to work with scientists in the museum and in the field. Offers tips to teachers for designing apprenticeship programs locally with…

Discusses how, in two three-week sessions, the Terre Haute (Indiana) college offers selected students a hands-on approach to all aspects of engineering from design and lab work to technical writing. Describes a group project requiring students to study and experiment with simple research problems. Lists 20 project ideas. (MVL)

The Institut fur die Padagogik der Naturwissenschaften (IPN) is the research institute for science education, with a national function in the Federal Republic of Germany. The IPN consists of biology education, chemistry education, physics education, educational science, research methodology/statistics, and administration/general services…

A workshop was organized to: (1) exchange ideas, views, teaching materials, and experiences between all individuals involved in present science education projects; (2) familiarize staff of the Lesotho Science Pre-Entry Course (LESPEC) with the working situation in these types of projects; and (3) start discussions of policy matters related to the…