Citizen Science: Power Up Science Learning With NOVA’s Energy Lab

Journal Article | November 2016

This column highlights formal and informal science research projects that students can join and contribute to by gathering and sharing data. This month's column will help teachers transform science learning from passive…

Learning and Applying Systems Thinking When Studying a Local Creek System

Journal Article | January 2017

Help students see the big picture as they attempt to identify the boundary and parts of a local creek system.

After the Bell: Strategies for learning and metacognition—Identifying and remembering big ideas

Journal Article | September 2007

Classification promotes visual discrimination, observation, memory development, organizational skills, and problem-solving ability. The science curriculum depends on the skill of classification for concept building.…

Editor’s Corner: Community Service Learning—Making Education Interesting and Relevant

Journal Article | March 2007

It makes good sense that community service learning can engage students. For students at risk of dropping out, it may provide the vital connection with adults and peers—and the opportunity for interesting, authentic…

Science Sampler - Project weigh-in: Learning about mass and weight

Journal Article | August 2005

Using the triple beam balance to measure mass in metrics is just one of the many skills we want our students to master. This article highlights a few effective and fun approaches to develop this skill over a couple of…

Watershed Waypoints: Using GPS and GIS to Learn About Watershed Features

Journal Article | January 2013

Explore your local watershed with the help of GPS technology to map topography.

Developing University and Community Partnerships: A Critical Piece of Successful Service Learning

Journal Article | December 2014

This article talks about developing a partnership framework through purposeful communication with all partners for a successful service-learning project.

There's a Glacier in Your Backyard: Modeling Glaciers Through Active Learning

Journal Article | October 2015

Create your own glaciers to explore how they move, erode, and deposit material.

Tried and True: Bird-Brained Foraging: Learn to Eat Like a Crow

Journal Article | December 2015

This column provides classic demonstrations and experiments with a new twist. This month’s issue presents a role-playing activity that is a great way for middle school biology or environmental science students to learn…

Student-Generated Cases: Giving Students More Ownership in the Learning Process

Journal Article | December 2013

This article describes a novel method used during the past two years for an introductory neurobiology course that required students to generate their own cases.

Designed for Successful Learning: Using multiple intelligence assessment in the science classroom

Journal Article | October 2002

This article reports the results of a research study that assessed the multiple intelligences of high school students enrolled in physics courses.

Throwing Paper Wads in the Chemistry Classroom: Really Active Student Learning

Journal Article | October 2005

It is well-known that too many students learn to “plug and chug” formulas while gaining very little concomitant understanding of the underlying concepts. Active engagement in the classroom is one of the best tools…

Taking Ownership of Learning in a Large Class: Group Projects and a Mini-Conference

Journal Article | June 2009

Helping students take ownership of their learning is often a challenge in a large lecture course. In this article, the authors describe a nature of science-oriented group project in a chemistry course in which students…

Using Formative and Alternative Assessments to Support Instruction and Measure Student Learning

Journal Article | December 2010

Using formative assessment involves gathering data from students on their progress and comprehension so that instruction can be adjusted to meet their learning needs (Popham 2001; Greenstein 2010). This article…

Improving Active Learning by Integrating Scientific Abstracts Into Biological Science Courses

Journal Article | December 2011

The author discusses using scientific abstracts in a genetics course. Students are introduced to topics via abstracts within lectures, as quiz material, and as homework to develop their understanding of how and why…