All Science Scope resources

Journal Article

Tech Trek: Converting sunlight into other forms of energy—Using photovoltaic cells made from silicon alloys for solar power

Experts, politicians, and large numbers of American citizens recognize that our present dependence on oil is a major obstacle to the progress of this nation; an examination of the potential solar alternatives will likely be of considerable interest t...

Journal Article

Tried and True: The romance of the atoms—Animated atomic attractions

Since the formation of atomic bonds is active, the authors sought a way of learning through drama or kinetic activity. To achieve this goal, they developed an activity called Romance of the Atoms. The activity requires students to use computer-animat...

Journal Article

Science Sampler: The National Science Digital Library—An effective organizational tool for teaching middle school science

The National Science Digital Library (NSDL) provides a wealth of resources to assist teachers with easy access to standards, resources, and assessment tools. The author has found NSDL to be an invaluable tool throughout the school year. In particular...

Journal Article

Science Sampler: Literacy for the digital generation—Enabling students to develop 21st-century skills through real-world chemistry

A method for elevating the thinking level of students while accommodating their digital needs is to use real-world, problem-based projects. One such project is the Poison Blog, which requires middle school students to group content that is usually ta...

Journal Article

Tried and True: Save the penguins—Teaching the science of heat transfer through engineering design

Engineers, scientists, and environmental groups around the globe are hard at work finding solutions to mitigate or halt global warming. One major goal of the curriculum described here, Save the Penguins, is to help students recognize that what we do ...

Journal Article

Science Sampler: Metric-asaurus—Conceptualizing scale using dinosaur models

For middle school students who have seen only pictures of dinosaurs in books, in the movies, or on the internet, trying to comprehend the size of these gargantuan animals can be difficult. This lesson provides a way for students to visualize changing...

Journal Article

Building Models to Better Understand the Importance of Cost Versus Safety in Engineering

While some disasters involving engineered structures are due to events in nature (e.g., tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes), others may be caused by inadequate materials, design flaws, and poor maintenance. These catastrophes result in the loss of hu...

Journal Article

Scope on Safety: Blueprint for safety

If your lab facilities are going to be replaced or renovated, you should insist that the science instructors be involved in the process from planning to construction. You know what you’ll need in a facility, and your input should be sought out by a...

Journal Article

Caving in the Classroom

During Cave Week, more than 200 students explore a simulated cave environment and participate in cave-related activities. Active cavers from a local club bring in equipment and photos and speak about their caving experiences. As student groups explor...