Investigates the five most common reasons teachers give for not involving students in hands-on classroom activities: too much work, too chaotic, lack of teacher science content knowledge, incompatibility with the curriculum, and lack of materials. Provides strategies for avoiding these excuses. (DDR)

Focuses on Sea Partners, by the United States Coast Guard, that enables students to understand how pollution affects the marine environment. Correlates the activities with the National Science Education Standards. (DDR)

Provides a list of web sites that pertain to rivers that are practical, well organized, and have authentic content. (DDR)

Explains cultural differences and how they affect the meaning of curriculum for students. Discusses factors that affect the learning of mathematics and science for students living on the Crow Indian Reservation in Montana and strategies for the development of a relevant curriculum through the integration of mathematics and science in a…

Discusses how the topic of cratering can be used to help students develop inquiry skills. Details five activities that focus on the nature and processes of cratering. (DDR)

Provides details of an activity in which students in grades 4-10 determine the Average Passenger Occupancy (APO) in their community and develop, administer, and analyze a survey to determine attitudes toward carpooling. (DDR)

Summarizes the American Society for Engineering Education's (ASEE) project called Engineering Education for a Changing World. Outlines each step of the project and explains the reasons for altering the theory and practice of engineering education. (DDR)

Considers the idea that concept mapping has applications beyond those associated with student assessment. Outlines further uses for concept mapping in the classroom along with suggestions for implementing this powerful tool. (DDR)

Argues on ontological grounds against the idea that technology is simply applied science. The premise of the argument is that technology can also be considered a necessary precursor to scientific knowledge. Contains 19 references. (DDR)

Presents three demonstrations that can help teachers explain crystal properties. The equipment used includes a laser, quartz crystals, and chalk dust. The laser light enables students to observe characteristics of structure that cannot be made with white light. (DDR)

Gives details of three experiments with alcoholic fermentation by yeasts which yield carbon dioxide and ethanol. Lists procedures for making cider, vinegar, and fermentation gases. Provides some historical background and detailed equipment requirements. (DDR)

Specifies some of the conflicts in philosophies, values, and priorities regarding scientific knowledge present in the development of science education curriculum standards through the use of the "Science for All Americans project." Excerpts interviews to identify key issues. Examines interest groups concerned with controversial issues…

Provides an historical perspective of the popular topics that have influenced science education during the past quarter century and reviews current international debate on scientific literacy and science pedagogy. Suggests that there is still considerable cause for concern for school science curriculum and sociopolitical action needs to be taken.…

Reports on a study that examines how well middle school programs support the attainment of key scientific ideas specified in the national science standards. Identifies the typical strengths and weaknesses of these programs using research-based criteria. (Contains 88 references.) (DDR)

Outlines chemistry labs used during the first quarter of study and advises about framing the course for students. Topics of the labs include observation; blind observation; measurement, determination of conversion factors, and percent error; taking and reporting data over time; and density. (DDR)