What happens when university curriculum developers are mixed with motivated elementary teachers? ? An awesome learning collaboration that benefits researchers, teachers, and students! That's what the authors discovered when they--university researchers involved in the Physics for Elementary Teachers (PET) project--teamed up with local elementary…

One of the easiest ways to capture students sense of wonder is to provide them an opportunity to participate in scientific research and display their findings in a science exhibition. Giving students the freedom to follow their own interests and develop their own science exhibition projects ensures active involvement in the learning process as…

This article features a project at Ohio's Miami Valley Career Technology Center (MVCTC) which has made a real difference in the wetland environment on campus. The goals of the wetland project were to replace a poorly functioning tile system and develop two wetland areas for local and migratory wildlife. The environmental/natural resources students…

In 2000, Oil City Elementary School faced collapsing enrollment, a high-risk student population, and a reputation as the place for kids who were not smart enough to attend the nearby academic magnet. The school was slated for closure. But the school had a history of connection to Oil City, a town of 1,500 in western Louisiana, and school staff…

In this article, we explore how two informal educational contexts--an aquarium and an after-school science program--enabled disenfranchised learners to adopt an identity as insiders to the world of science. We tell the stories of four youth, relating what doing science meant to them and how they positioned themselves in relation to science. We…

The role of the science teacher is essential in determining the quality of the school science program. When teachers are aware of the relationship between science and society, they can relate classroom learning to practical application. This results in more positive student attitudes. The continuous evolving of scientific knowledge requires…

The Institute in Physical Science was developed to address the need for updated information and training in physics, chemistry, and technology among teachers of physical science. Five major objectives addressed were to: (1) improve physical science teachers' understanding of fundamental concepts in physics and chemistry; (2) provide physical…

This book examines learning science from multiple perspectives--especially a child's. The whimsical character of Mary Froggins guides readers through the steps of igniting students' natural sense of wonder, incorporating brain research, integrating science concepts with other subjects, and applying science to daily life. The authors demonstrate…

Described are the Undergraduate Research Participation and Student-Originated Studies programs supported by the National Science Foundation. These summer programs offer undergraduate students firsthand research experiences in science and engineering. Students gain a better appreciation of the way science works and experiences in research…

The purpose of this study was to describe what federally funded teacher enhancement looks like at its best and to determine whether best practice can be recognized as such by professionals in the field. Narrative descriptions of programs were analyzed for strength of evidence supporting key elements of best practice. Other data collection methods…

Science education reform is an ongoing, forever changing process. The purpose of this booklet is to provide a brief overview of the players in science education reform, the similarities in their underlying beliefs, and the essential changes that need to be made in science education to ensure maximum use of resources that promote effective learning…

The chronicle describes programs and offers other information relevant to the education of gifted students. The following are among the articles and features contained in this issue: "Science Museums and Gifted Students" (about the role of science centers in the education of gifted students) by M. Hyman; tips for students on Advanced Placement…

In this article science kits were considered as units developed to encourage children to become actively involved in learning through the testing and investigation of a variety of materials. (Author/RK)

Article presented solutions for recharging old, weakened magnets and suggested why the study of nature should always be of the utmost importance in elementary science. (Author/RK)

The institute was designed to provide intensive exposure to evaluation models and some important new evaluation techniques for persons employed in key administrative, supervisory, consultant, or instructional roles in science education. Seventy-seven persons participated in the Institute. A Semantic-Differential scale in pre- and post-response…