Learn to use inquiry-based practice to inspire young minds through science. This book gives educators a solid guide for using research-based principles of inquiry to help children explore their world. With real-life examples and information on facilitating and guiding children, you will be able to engage and maximize STEM learning. Web content and…

The number of students majoring in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) is declining due in part to a lack of student interest (Fairweather 2008; NRC 2012; PCAST 2010). One reason may be the difference between how science is done in school and how it is done in the field (Osborne, Simon, and Collins 2003). An interdisciplinary…

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) educators are facing the challenge of attracting more students. The disparity between the need for engineers and the enrollment of engineering students is growing (Genalo, Bruning, & Adams, 2000), and career aspirations of high school students are inconsistent with the employment…

Discusses a classroom activity to trigger student interest early in a chemistry class. Describes a take-home exercise to convince students that a basic knowledge of chemistry is relevant to a better understanding of course topics in their majors. (CCM)

Uses three kinds of questions in the classroom to establish an atmosphere of wonder, contemplation, and speculation: brain busters, mind games, and science chats. Includes samples of each. (ASK)

Describes visual experiments that illustrate some basic concepts in chemistry and their principles. (KHR)

Three papers--"The Science Gifted" by R. Youngs, "Science and the Gifted Adolescent" by K. Martin, and "Science for the Handicapped Gifted Child" by J. Schnur and G. Stefanich--address science instruction for gifted students. (SBH)

This book contains a series of hands-on science activities for young children. The activities are designed to be done by children with an adult partner. An interactive learning feature is also included. Through these activities, children can discover that science is all around them and that science helps to explain why things happen the way they…

Describes the science advocate program in which a science advocate visits elementary classrooms with hands-on activities that make science exciting for students. Highlights advocate activities and benefits of the presence of the science advocate. (JRH)

Suggests ways that popular literature in science can help to motivate students in a way that textbooks cannot. (MKM)

Proposes that physics teachers play the role of Galileo. Describes historical resources, costumes, materials, makeup, and objectives of the role-play. Provides three references on Galileo. (YP)

This book gives elementary and middle school teachers a set of physical science activities to help teach major concepts in the study of matter. The activities were developed to lend themselves to a guided inquiry approach for use with grades 3-8. To be effective over such a wide grade range, activities are designed to cover basic concepts but have…

Provides suggestions for science teachers, reading teachers, and librarians on how to share their knowledge and come up with interesting books for science students to read. Includes an inventory to determine students' science interests, with an appropriate book suggested for each item. (MKM)

This article presents a discussion of current and future effects of telecommunication satellites. Children need to be made aware of possible satellite applications and risks. Background information, teacher resources, classroom activities, and a children's booklist are provided to help prepare a telecommunications teaching unit. (DF)

The thinking process does not always start with problem situations that produce cognitive conflict, and the confrontation of students' misconceptions is not always successful as a teaching approach. Contends that curiosity and mystery appear to excite human thinking and could therefore be considered to be the starting point in science teaching and…