In this paper the development of science pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) in elementary teachers is considered, with a particular focus on beginning teachers. Explored is a conceptualization of the development of science pedagogical content knowledge in elementary teachers which emerged from two studies. The first examined the science teaching…

In this activity, students build a city out of sugar cubes, bouillon cubes, and gelatin cubes. The city is then put through simulated earthquakes to see which cube structures withstand the shaking the best. This activity requires a 50-minute time period for completion. (Author/SOE)

The GLOBE Program is a worldwide, hands-on educational program for elementary and secondary school students. GLOBE aims to increase student achievement in mathematics and science, awareness towards the environment, and improve science process skills through network technology. This teacher's guide provides an overview of the GLOBE program and…

The purpose of this study was to determine if there were any statistically significant differences in the pretest and posttest examination scores between students in two undergraduate biology classes taught in two fundamentally different praxes at the University of Nevada, Reno. Biology 100, an introductory biology course for non-majors, was…

This 23-minute videotape features information, for children in grades K-4, about stars including their composition, brightness, and location. How stars are formed, why they seem to move across our sky, and how humans have used their patterns to form the constellations are discussed. A hands-on activity related to the reflecting telescope is also…

Case studies were conducted of four female cooperative education (co-op) students who participated in two 4-month co-op placements in a veterinary clinic as part of a high school biology credit. Two graduate students gathered data onsite during two phases: an initial 2-month period that oriented the methods of the inquiry at the clinic to match…

Describes results from a survey of elementary school students' perceptions of scientists, school science, and the application of science in daily life. Students drew scientists with various stereotypic features such as lab coats, and most were depicted as white males. Most students pictured themselves studying science by doing an activity.…

Describes a science activity using gummy worms to help primary students develop the mathematical skills of measurement concepts, units of measure, estimation, and graphing needed for science learning. Groups of two begin by estimating the number of gummy worms in their package and identifying the colors they expect to find. Individual worms are…

Offers suggestions for leading a field trip to a pond. Such field trips encourage children to be comfortable in natural habitats, to ask questions about the natural world and to discuss the validity of the answers, understand that their behavior affects the environment, and take active part in preserving resources. Includes activities and…

Building a pond in a schoolyard is a rewarding way to help boost local populations of amphibians, to increase the natural value of school grounds, and to serve as a locale for observing the life cycles of plants, invertebrates, and amphibians. This article outlines important considerations in designing and building a pond from siting through…

These activities focus on the unifying concept of faster-moving fluids lowering fluid pressure. Students are able to visualize and measure the dynamics of fluid pressure with the hands-on approach of these activities, which helps to develop conceptual understanding. Activities are organized to show many examples of the same concept to reveal…

Presents examples of experiments designed for high school students with the help of a microcomputer-based laboratory called Explorer. Argues that these tools enable students to investigate many principles of physics that were not feasible in the past. (DDR)

Proposes that once the elements of procedural understanding have been explicitly defined, appropriate teaching strategies can then be used to enable student understanding. Argues that explicitly teaching these concepts may add rigor to GNVQ assignments. (DDR)

Describes a program where teams of fifth graders and high school junior and senior physics students work together to explore physical science principles and create a student-constructed exploratorium. Incorporates and synthesizes scientific inquiry, hands-on activities, and creative and critical problem-solving approaches in a motivating and fun…

Introduces GLOBE, a science and education program designed to use environmental research as a means to improve student achievement in basic science, mathematics, geography, and the use of technology. Indicates positive impact of GLOBE on students' ability to use scientific data in decision-making and their scientifically informed awareness of the…