Describes how the gas laws are an excellent vehicle for introducing the steps of the scientific method. Students can use balloons and a simple apparatus to observe changes in various gas parameters, develop ideas about the changes they see, collect numerical data, test their ideas, derive simple equations for the relationships, and use the…

Uses math and the power of 10 to understand the intangible concept of magnitude with regard to science. Prefaces the subject of magnitude with a series of activities that check for students' understanding and allows students to explore the dimensions of various objects from the microscopic to the macroscopic level. (SAH)

Describes playing music between class periods in which the songs convey a message about science. Students walk into the classroom to the tune of various lyrics that can be related to physics topics. Songs about or mentioning scientific principles include: "Somewhere over the Rainbow" (color); "I sing the Body Electric" (electricity); and "Good…

Explains a geology activity and provides information for model construction. Uses different colors to represent different rock sequences. Provides a rubric for assessment. (YDS)

Describes an activity in which high school students did demonstrations for special education and elementary school students. Explains the difficulties that students have in their presentations and the benefits they receive. Lists elements of both the physical science demonstration set and the biology demonstration set. (YDS)

Focuses on problem-based learning (PBL). Explains ill-defined problems of PBL and compares PBL with the typical problem solving approach. Lists 10 steps to involve students in constructing understanding for use with PBL. (YDS)

Indicates the importance of the development of students' measurement and estimation skills. Analyzes earthquake data recorded at seismograph stations and explains how to read and modify the graphs. Presents an activity for student evaluation. (YDS)

Describes an activity for high school students on household plastic wraps to introduce polymer science. Tests wraps for added plasticizers and stress and strain properties. Suggests focus points for student evaluation. (YDS)

Uses a hypothetical ecology problem in which students need to apply problem based learning for a town government. Explains how to evaluate student results. (YDS)

Presents a futures wheel as a teaching tool that can be used to analyze science-related social issues. Provides an example to explain the development of the wheel. Lists topics that can be analyzed using the futures wheel. (YDS)

Focuses on using science-related issues in classrooms. Explains how to select these issues and create a scenario, and presents a sample scenario for a role-playing activity. Provides several format structures for role-plays. (YDS)

Tells the story of an experiment conducted by Galileo and proves that a light pebble and a heavy rock travel with equal speed when dropped from the same distance and touch the ground at the same time. Indicates the importance of open-mindedness and tolerance. First published in 1939. (YDS)

Targets the teacher shortage, which is mainly caused by low income levels. Lists the difficulties teachers have such as too many students, too many working hours, and not having materials needed for instruction. First published in 1947. (YDS)

Describes instructional strategies from an inductive teaching high school chemistry class. First published in 1953. (YDS)

Questions the percentage of science in the college curriculum and discusses the needs of science for progress. First published in 1957. (YDS)