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Journal Article
The law of conservation of mass can be counterintuitive for most students because they often think the mass of a substance is related to its physical state. As a result, students may hold a number of alternative conceptions related to this concept, i...
Journal Article
"New Science" and Societal Issues
As a “new science,” nanotechnology has brought many nanoscale-based applications to the forefront of society. This article describes one such application—a nanosensor that can precisely detect a variety of chemical stimuli in the environment�...
Journal Article
Career of the Month: An Interview With Science Writer Tina Saey
The term science writer describes a range of careers. Some science writers author books. Others work for colleges, universities, or businesses and communicate research underway at those institutions. Some help scientists compose grant applications fo...
Journal Article
Labels such as “low-fat” and “trans-fat free” are seen on food products everywhere, and yet most of my students do not know what these terms really mean. Can you help me?...
Journal Article
Editor’s Corner: Science in Society
There are many important reasons for students to learn science. It prepares them, as the next generation of workers, for careers in the ever-expanding science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. It also enables them to understand...
Journal Article
Socratic Seminars in Science Class
Discussions are important classroom tools—and those that focus on science in society have the potential to interest and engage students. However, a conversation can quickly veer out of control if expectations are not clearly set by the teacher and ...
Journal Article
The Prepared Practitioner: Historical Perspectives
In the June 2009 issue of Phi Delta Kappan, author Noah Feinstein argues that a discrepancy exists between society’s stated goal—that science education prepare all citizens for the future—and the reality, which is oriented toward creating a sci...
Journal Article
Idea Bank: Wiffle Ball Physics
Projectile motion, a cornerstone topic of introductory physics, is usually a student’s first exposure to the problem-solving techniques used in this subject. Often, this is an inactive learning experience—students work with pencil and paper to re...
Journal Article
What causes diabetes, and how does it affect a person’s health?...
Journal Article
Safer Science: EMFs: Pulling the Plug!
Over the past decade, many headlines have noted the potential dangers of extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic field (EMFs) exposures—especially for children and young adults. Unfortunately, the jury is still out on EMF(s) and their long-te...
Journal Article
While not organic in nature, quick-“growing” artificial membranes can be a profound visual aid when teaching students about cellular processes and the chemical nature of membranes. Students are often intrigued when they see biological and chemica...
Journal Article
In this unit, each student calculates his or her own ecological footprint as the basis for becoming more environmentally friendly. Over two weeks, students analyze their own lifestyles and use their understanding of environmental chemistry to synthes...
Journal Article
The Science Behind Nanosunscreens
In this article, the authors provide a brief overview of the emerging field of nanoscience and why it is an important area of education. They next explain the science behind the new nanoparticulate sunscreens, describe the different elements of the u...