The Starbase-Atlantis case study describes a successful implementation of a hands-on science curriculum program based on a partnership between the U.S. Navy and local Title I elementary schools. The program has improved students' achievements in mathematics and science. (MMU)

Presents ideas from elementary school teachers who have made hands-on science an integral part of their classrooms. Includes suggestions for overcoming obstacles to hands-on science, innovative teaching techniques that encourage girls to excel in science and math, model activities to win parent/teacher support, and a list of eight "sensational"…

Examines those theories of learning that have laid the groundwork for classroom approaches that encourage students to become active learners. Summarizes the National Science Education Standards (NCES) Teaching Standards B. (DDR)

Discusses the benefits of having students do research with other students and having teachers do research with other teachers. Recommends connecting topics for the investigative process with issues from students' real life experiences. (DDR)

Recommends a number of investigations using video-capture and two readily available, non-pathogenic larval Digeneans with contrasting life cycles and behavior. The activities support the hypothesis that parasites exhibit behavior that increases their chances of a host infection. (DDR)

Describes an after-school program designed to increase minority girls' interest in science and engineering. The program targeted seventh and eighth grade urban middle school girls and included such pedagogical practices as hands-on science, cooperative learning, mentoring, and role modeling by women engineers. Student surveys indicated that the…

Reviews the focus of the Millennium Commission and describes the science attractions that have been funded through this effort. Considers planning and curricular issues that these attractions present for science educators. (DDR)

Discusses the need for college science teachers to show students the fundamentals before expecting them to "dive in." Argues for the importance of homework in post-secondary science classes. (WRM)

Describes Internet sites that are useful for educators planning a school garden. These sites offer information from copy-ready lessons to advice on every topic at all grade levels. Topics range from how-to's for basic gardening, to theme gardening, to discussions of agricultural crops and endangered plants. Many include links to other sites,…

School composting programs that have met the challenges inherent in long-term composting have several traits in common: a supportive educational program, schoolwide participation, and a consistent maintenance program. Examines the elements of success, offers examples of incorporating composting into the curriculum, and describes three methods of…

Describes advantages that high schools have in schoolyard greening projects (such as budgets and student maturity), how to involve multiple departments, use of extra-curricular opportunities, and how to sustain student interest. (PVD)

Describes the cross-national educational network, Schools for a Living River Elbe. The project is thought to be the largest educational water-quality project in the world. The establishment of the project and the results of an initial survey show that the project is in a position to develop instructional and ecologically stimulating activities.…

Baylor College of Medicine, a Houston-area school district, and the Harris County Department of Education implemented a real-world science-instruction model in all district K-4 classrooms. The 7-year Environment as a Context for Learning Science (ECOS) program provokes student interest by centering on locally relevant environmental issues. (9…

We present a laboratory practice aimed to clarify and discuss the concept of bioindicator molecules in environmental health. It has been implemented as a hands-on laboratory exercise in postgraduate courses in public health (in Brazil) and in a course entitled Biology Applied to Natural Resources Sustainability (in Spain) but can be useful for…

Forensic science courses encompasses the disciplines of biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics, which provides an opportunity for students to become engaged in all content areas within one course. The inquiry-based learning environment allows visualization of results almost immediately, facilitating student interest. The laboratory…