Introduces an inquiry-based lesson plan on evolution and the Galapagos Islands. Uses the 5E instructional model which includes phases of engagement, exploration, explanation, elaboration, and evaluation. Includes information on species for exploration and elaboration purposes, and a general rubric for student evaluation. (YDS)

Explains the term "inquiry" and what it means in science instruction. Describes the types of inquiry--open or full inquiry, guided inquiry, coupled inquiry, and structured inquiry--in order to develop an understanding of the different aspects of inquiry among teachers. (YDS)

Introduces a 4x1 block scheduling method that was developed as an alternative to 4x4 block scheduling. Schedules Fridays for summer school, test preparation, and enrichment and elective courses. Includes suggestions on how to alleviate drawbacks of the 4x1 block schedule. (YDS)

Introduces a science demonstration that illustrates the effects of pressure and gravity on humans using a marshmallow man and a vacuum pump. Demonstrates the same concept with shaving cream, balloons, and boiling water without raising temperature. (YDS)

Makes suggestions for standards-based test development with regard to true-false items and multiple choice tests. Provides examples for multiple choice test items. (YDS)

Reports on the project Join Underrepresented in Science and Technology (JUST) which aims to increase the enrollment and completion of minority students in math and science courses. Uses a problem-based teaching approach in both science and mathematics education and includes parents, communities, and institutions of higher education as participants…

Introduces a professional development workshop designed for in-service secondary school science teachers that provides experiences for teachers in inquiry-based physical science. Features three components: (1) a three week summer institute; (2) two one-day, follow-up workshops; and (3) classroom visitation. Promotes the inquiry approach in science…

Describes problem based learning (PBL) as a science teaching approach that combines both school and real-world science. Explains how to design an ill-structured problem considering local, state, and national standards; finding and preparing data; implementing PBL in the classroom; and its benefits and student assessment. Includes an example of PBL…

Points out that second-language learners, females, low-income students, and students of color sometimes experience difficulties and struggle with science instruction. Describes the interactive lecture in which students use critical thinking skills and suggests possible techniques that teachers can use when conducting an interactive lecture. (YDS)

Introduces an inquiry-based laboratory experiment in which students identify an unknown bacterial species by using techniques such as Gram staining. Uses an authentic problem solving approach in a scenario entitled, "What poisoned the apple juice?" (YDS)

Describes the Standard Model, a basic model of the universe that describes electromagnetic force, weak nuclear force radioactivity, and the strong nuclear force responsible for holding particles within the nucleus together. (YDS)

Explains how to use multiple intelligences in science instruction in inquiry classrooms. Describes using touch and movement, music and rhythm, visualization, interpersonal intelligence, and multiple approaches in science teaching. (YDS)

Discusses biology instruction focusing on evolution-related policies and state guidelines. Reports on teacher preferences for teaching either creationism or evolution in science classes and compares these results between states based on grade level and how they treat evolution in their educational standards. (Contains 26 references.) (YDS)

Reports on first year college students' opinions regarding their high school chemistry classes. Investigates the relationship between high school chemistry experiences and student attitudes toward chemistry. Identifies characteristics that correlate with positive attitudes such as teacher enthusiasm, teacher effectiveness, the teacher's content…

Presents an inquiry-based science activity on pulse rate. Includes observations; developing a research question; constructing the hypothesis; designing the study; collecting, summarizing, and analyzing data; and interpretation stages in the activity. Presents information on how to use standards and benchmarks in this activity. (YDS)