Field learning is considered an essential part of geoscience education, yet there are many practical challenges that limit broad and equitable access to field learning. Virtual field experiences can now help to broaden access to field learning. This work details the learning design and technical components of immersive, interactive virtual field…

This study examined the effect of learning by teaching on pre-service science teachers' attitudes towards chemistry. The method used in this study; learning by teaching, was developed by Jean-Pol Martin for foreign language classes and is frequently used in Germany. This method has been restructured over a 3-year process to be used in a science…

It is uncommon for large service courses in geology to provide engaging outdoor activities that effectively mimic the experiences of working geologists, despite the fact that field experiences are a well-established pathway for recruiting students to the geosciences. We address this problem by creating extra credit activities that are integrated…

The Reggio-inspired approach often leads a teacher down unexpected paths, as many class explorations originate from students' observations of problems or phenomena. Students then work collaboratively with the teacher; the teacher consistently observes and questions the students to discover what the students are thinking and why. The teacher…

With the continuous development and innovation of information technology, virtual reality (VR) has become an important topic of education technology in recent years. VR is not only applied in many industries, but is also used by scholars for education applications as it enables students to have an immersive learning experience to enhance their…

In this article, we share design guidelines for the development and use of online, video-based "teaching playgrounds," which provide opportunities for prospective teachers to engage in professional noticing of teaching practices. Through teaching playgrounds, we provide an instantiation of the Presence+Experience framework, which…

Vertical amusement rides let your body experience the tickling sensation of feeling light, but also feeling much heavier than as usual, due to velocity changes as you move up and down. Family rides offer different possibilities to visualize the forces that are experienced by your accelerating body. This paper presents a number of different ways to…

As teachers the authors aim to inspire and instill curiosity while teaching science and this can be enriched by tapping into pupils' interest in what is happening in the outside world. At Whitehill Junior School, they endeavor to make the most of real-life events and seek to foster meaningful links with scientists and engineers to help bring STEM…

"Heuristic approach" is a teachers' professional development (TPD) method supported by principled practical knowledge (PPK) which focuses on principled practical guidance that develops teachers' capacity in innovative learning designs. This study reports the key features of the design and implementation of a TPD programme aimed at…

In Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, subject teachers of English medium in government schools are recruited from overseas and have a wide range of years of teaching experience. Research is divided into whether or not years of experience necessarily translates into a positive correlation with student-centred classroom practice…

This study presents the features and measured effects of an extra-curriculum program called "4thlabs: science magazine" which targets the promotion of important soft skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, communication and collaboration in high school students. Program's main features include project-based learning and the…

This column presents ideas and techniques to enhance your science teaching. This month's issue shares information about trying (again) to engineer an egg package. Engineering is an essential part of science education, as emphasized in the "Next Generation Science Standards" (NGSS Lead States 2013). Engineering practices and performance…

The essence of Genetics lies in the understanding of the concepts of Central Dogma of Molecular Biology. Although these ideas are fundamental to the field, they are notoriously difficult to understand and visualize. While simulation-based instructional materials are found to improve the teaching-learning process in science education, little has…

Engaging undergraduates in the environmental consequences of fossil fuel usage primes them to consider their own anthropogenic impact, and the benefits and trade-offs of converting to renewable fuel strategies. This laboratory activity explores the potential contaminants (both inorganic and organic) present in the raw fuel and solid waste…

An integrated and inquiry-based experiment on solid state chemistry is applied to an inorganic chemistry lab course to provide insight into the characteristics of the solid phase reaction. In this experiment, students have the opportunity to synthesize long-lasting phosphors with formula xSrO·yAl[subscript 2]O[subscript 3]:Eu[superscript 2+],…