Reports on the implementation of an extracurricular course for fifth-grade students that focuses on the structure and function of animals. Students participate in direct observation of animals, watching videotapes, group discussion, and building kits and games. (DDR)

Discusses how to best approach the science education of a range of students in higher education. Focuses on the importance of hands-on experiences, organization of courses, relevance and interest level of the content, and the faculty dilemma of the roles of research and teaching. (DDR)

Discusses various problems with Activitymania (prepackaged activities for science instruction) in the context of teaching scientific inquiry. Suggests that teachers clearly define conceptual goals and their relationships to students' lives and interests before selecting classroom activities. (PVD)

Presents an instructional framework for real-world, problem-based studies that can be used in a variety of settings. Discusses background knowledge, problem exposition, data collection and analysis, data synthesis and solution presentation, and career information. (JRH)

Describes a college course enhanced by hands-on science applications and a service-learning project. Requires registered students to participate in volunteer training at a nature center and offers certification in several environmental education curricula. Reports successful outcomes with regard to conceptual development and teaching experiences.…

Uses science fiction films such as "Jurassic Park" or "Anaconda" to teach science concepts while fostering student interest. Advocates science fiction as a teaching tool to improve learning and motivation. Describes how to use science fiction in the classroom with the sample activity Twister. (YDS)

Describes the design and implementation of an activity to teach electrocommunication in animals using scientific inquiry and engineering design to pose questions, seek answers, and develop solutions in understanding electrocommunication in electric fish; develop explanations of natural phenomena as a creative process; and help understand that…

Explains the objectives of an interdisciplinary elective course for middle school students in which the scientific principles, artistic processes, cultural aspects, and environmental concerns of papermaking are integrated. (DDR)

Presents an activity that can be an effective way to teach the key concepts of density, specific gravity, miscibility, and immiscibility without expensive reagents or equipment. Includes pre-laboratory discussion tips and student laboratory worksheets. (DDR)

Reports on a study that examines the experiences of six teachers at three schools in learning about and beginning to implement or enhance project-based learning in their middle school science classrooms using a variety of resources available on the Internet. Contains 25 references. (DDR)

Presents an alternative way of developing biochemistry courses for first-year veterinary medicine students. The courses employ a problem-based learning approach that enables students to be responsible for their own learning while enabling teachers to be facilitators. (DDR)

Reports on Try Science, a program designed to investigate the learning experiences and outcomes of teachers engaged in a unique collaboration--a master's degree program in science education for elementary and middle school teachers conducted entirely online. Discusses the learning experiences, degree of understanding of meaning of inquiry in…

Describes the Computers in Science course which integrates computer-related techniques into the science disciplines of chemistry, physics, biology, and Earth science. Uses a team teaching approach and teaches students how to solve chemistry problems with spreadsheets, identify minerals with X-rays, and chemical and force analysis. (Contains 14…

Describes the implementation and evaluation of a nondirected student research project that aimed at acquainting students with some of the procedures used by physicists in the real world. Outlines specific project designs used by the students. (JRH)

Describes the Science Bound project, a partnership aimed at increasing the participation of ethnic minority students in science and technology and encouraging them to prepare for careers as scientists, engineers, and technologists. Presents eight successful field-tested strategies for ensuring that students in multicultural settings learn science.…