Inquiry can be implemented in various ways, ranging from simple classroom discussions to longterm research projects. In this article, the authors developed a project in which high school students were introduced to the nature and process of scientific discovery through a two-week guided inquiry unit on "limnology"--the study of fresh water, which…

A significant body of research suggests that wide differences in concept and vocabulary knowledge exacerbate the achievement gap among students, especially in schools with large numbers of children of poverty. Educators sometimes attribute this difference to the Matthew effect: the sad reality that having a well-developed vocabulary allows a…

This article discusses the Hawai'i Student Film Festival (HSFF) which is more than an annual festival. It also facilitates nine, year-round, student outreach programs that are available to more than 400 public and private schools statewide. Through these programs, HSFF offers a wide array of film and video opportunities and experiences for…

International experiential learning projects have increased in popularity over recent years, and many of these projects focus on environmental topics in the developing world. An experimental course in International Groundwater Studies was developed to bridge the gap between extracurricular service type programs and academically-based study abroad…

It is argued that field trips and related activities in and out of the classroom, especially when well-planned, have educational, social, and cultural value for students of English as a Second Language (ESL). They offer meaningful learning experiences, extra learning opportunities, and authentic language encounters with native English-speakers.…

Law-related education's (LRE) use of community resources in general, and law enforcement professionals in particular, is what brings the law to life in the classroom. This handbook offers practical ideas for establishing partnerships to improve the quality of LRE in the classroom. Involving police and law enforcement officers in the classroom…

This case study explores the relationship between one chemistry teacher's conceptions of teaching science and his teaching practice. The teacher, Mr. Corrigan, comments on the researchers' interpretations of his thinking and practice. Mr. Corrigan exhibited a high level of disciplinary knowledge and clear views on teaching, learning, and content.…

This publication is intended for teachers bringing a class to visit the National Archives in Washington, D.C., for a workshop on primary documents. The National Archives serves as the repository for all federal records of enduring value. Primary sources are vital teaching tools because they actively engage the student's imagination so that he or…

This paper describes a practicum designed to increase parent and business involvement in the educational experiences of students in grades 4-7 at a rural school in the southeastern United States. Teacher surveys and other data indicated that the students had very little experience or understanding of the business world in which they eventually…

The University of Houston's Center for Gifted and Talented Education (Texas) conducts summer workshops for teachers and gifted/talented children in a program called HELP (Helping Exceptional Learners Progress). The children learn more about their abilities, interact with other gifted children, and solve some of the problems they face because of…

As part of the Professional Development Workshop at Calhoun Community College, the Department of Natural Sciences conducted the third annual Spring Wilderness Pilgrimage in March 1989, a week-long environmental awareness field trip for faculty and staff. Designed as a study of the plants and animals on a barrier island off the coast of Florida,…

The main goal of this study was to obtain insight about the factors that influence students' ability to learn during a field trip, in order to improve the planning and execution of learning field trips. The study was conducted in the context of a 1-day geological field trip for high school students in Israel. Three domains were tested by…

This book provides examples of a few simple activities that parents can do with their children. Being "scientific" is defined as being curious, observing, asking how things happen, and learning how to find the answers. This book suggests ways parents can interest their children from about 3 to 10 years of age in science. Included are (1)…

Middle school students from The College School, a private school in Webster Groves (Missouri) have completed a class called "Caves and Crystallography." A thematic approach was used in the course in which students and teachers read books telling how caves were formed, saw movies which explained the delicate balance of life underground,…

Because of its geographical location, topography, and climate, South Florida has unique water problems. When the rainfall situation is combined with changing land use patterns and increasing population growth rates, the result is often water shortages in some areas and floods in others. This study unit looks at some of the reasons for the present…