In this study we constructed a special three-in-one resonance tube for a harmonic series sound waves experiment. It is designed for three different experiments: both-open-end, one-closed-end and both-closed-end tubes. The resonance tube consists of a PVC conduit with a rectangular hole, rubber tube, plastic stopper with an embedded microphone and…

Many students (and adults) do not understand a basic tenet of energy literacy: how electricity is produced. They do not know how coal or other fossil fuels are used to make electricity, nor do they understand how nuclear power, hydroelectric power, and wind power work. The author developed a series of lessons to help students understand how…

There are many published examples of strategies for using movies in science education, ranging from individual activities within a class to complete courses like "The Biology of Jurassic Park" at Hood College or "The Physics of Film" at the University of Central Florida (Borgwald and Schreiner 1994; Dubeck et al. 1988; Dubeck…

In this article, the author, Science Coordinator at St. Julian's Primary School in Wales, talks about giving children the bigger picture around science and STEM and making it relevant. She says the key is to find a subject or theme that your children are interested in and then sit down and identify all the cross-curricular links. This…

Mass spectrometry is frequently introduced to undergraduate students as an instrument for both qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis. One of the most common uses of mass spectrometry (MS) is to deduce or confirm a compound's chemical formula, by relying on high-resolution accurate-mass measurements. However, like all forms of instrumental…

The Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) reforms in the South African school system came with an increased emphasis on laboratory practicals for the physical sciences. While reform implementation is known to be fraught with a myriad of challenges, for science teachers such significant changes in the practical components magnified the…

Elementary and middle school science curricula typically focus on generating an interest in science and engineering through the use of hands-on activities that demonstrate specific concepts. Laboratory activities designed in this manner often circumvent some of the main challenges that engineers and scientists face, namely balancing advantages and…

Consumer-grade manufacturing tools such as 3D printers are becoming increasingly prevalent in STEM education environments, especially as tools to develop inexpensive, tactile visualization models. Presented here is a workflow for creating 3D-printed periodic tables displaying a variety of trends from traditionally taught relationships such as…

A hands-on design activity named "electrochemistry designette" that incorporates design thinking with the aims to strengthen electrochemistry concepts, introduce prototyping ideas, encourage student class participation, and foster creativity is presented. This active learning activity, which lies at the interface of design and…

FLEET is a free ship-design simulator that reaches students in their native environment--video games. It is also a physics simulator that applies content first learned through hands-on scientific investigations. Using FLEET, students design and use ships for various naval missions by mastering scientific concepts such as force, energy, and work,…

Garden-based learning (GBL) curricula represents a pedagogy that increases student exposure to nature and connects them to engaging activities for higher classroom achievement. GBL is proposed to enhance student science self-perceptions, engagement, and desired outcomes in science learning and identity by connecting students to relatable,…

Inquiry-based learning can be an effective approach when students are provided with sufficient guidance. However, there is an ongoing debate among practitioners about the nature, type, and level of such guidance. This study investigated the effects on middle school students' (N = 116) conceptual knowledge and inquiry skills acquisition of…

Development of key practical skills is fundamental to bioscience courses in higher education. With limitations on access to laboratory time due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a "Bioskills at home" kit was developed to create opportunities for first year undergraduate students to develop these skills using online support resources to guide…

My dissertation is a pre-mid-post-test, quantitative research design, including surveys and written assessments, to answer these research questions: 1. How do students' science mindset vary over time when engaged in science inquiry activities? Is there a difference between male and female students? 2. Is there a relationship between 7th grade…

Hands-on experiences in biomechanics and biomaterials courses are an important part of biomedical engineering education. Curricula of those courses often include laboratory modules on material testing and characterization. Unfortunately, large and expensive mechanical testing equipment may not be available to all students, thus limiting students'…