Of great importance for achieving science education reform may be teachers' interest in science and enjoyment of science. This study explores the motivational qualities (rated for "interest," "fun," and "learning" value) of different levels of inquiry of hands-on class activities. The participants, 53 preservice teachers in two sections of a…

The particulate nature of matter is identified in science education standards as one of the fundamental concepts that students should understand at the middle school level. However, science education research in indicates that secondary school students have difficulties understanding the structure of matter. The purpose of the study is to describe…

This case study was an investigation of the role of the institutional culture of a university in the process of changing to reform-based practices for two college mathematics professors. A framework is presented for identifying and analyzing institutional norms and policies that are present and those lacking in supporting faculty efforts toward…

Describes integrated science and mathematics professional development programs for grades 4-10 science and mathematics teachers designed and implemented at Wright State University over the past five years. Presents evidence of enhanced participant content understanding and pedagogical preparation and discusses specific examples of modified teacher…

Investigates several problems with the sequences of numbers known as the Catalan numbers and the Bell numbers. Finds that the problems are appropriate for both pre- and in-service teachers, as well as students studying discrete mathematics. (Author/CCM)

Presents examples of how students can create drawings of sets of lines whose envelopes are parabolas, cardioids, epicycloids, or hypocycloids. Provides students with experience in problem solving, reasoning, communication, and connections between numbers and geometry, between mathematics and art, and between mathematics and other applications.…

Presents an activity that explores the derivation of Pi. Involves students taking a constructivist role by collecting data, making conjectures, and using the data to construct graphs and tables and discourse about appropriate algebraic representations. Uses the computer as an instructional aid to enable students to view the data in a variety of…

An egg-drop project, illustrating Newton's Laws of Motion, is described. (DT)

An activity is described in which PI is approximated by measuring the perimeters of regular polygons inscribed in a unit circle. (DT)

The concept of density is discussed. Three activities in which students can determine the density of materials are suggested. (DT)

A worksheet is provided for helping students compute the distance a stewardess walks while serving meals to passengers. (DT)

An ant city is used as the basis for counting and other numerical activities. (DT)

Elements of a science education program for preservice elementary and early childhood teachers are described; the use of seminars, opportunities for field experience, science learning activities, and evaluation of students are discussed. (DT)

A technique is illustrated for solving relative motion problems using a maneuvering board and vector algebra. The technique can be used to visually illustrate properties of vector algebra in a non-theoretical context. (MP)

Some possible uses of math lab materials and activities that are natural and appropriate to the development of process skills are explored through a discussion of a geoboard activity. (MP)