In this article, the author reflects on chemistry teaching in the next century. He questions--Was anything he taught in his fundamental chemistry course of value? And, how will our current understanding of the molecular world change during his students' lifetimes? It reminded him of a pseudo-quote he remembered from his own university…

"Think outside the box" is a very common phrase, routinely used to convey the idea of finding creative and unconventional solutions to problems. Although widely used as a cliche in the business world, this phrase is significantly applicable to people who do science for a living, because scientists are constantly developing and testing new ideas.…

This article features the message from the president of National Science Teachers Association. With the theme, "Developing a World View for Science Education," the president calls for science teachers to join in developing a world view for science education and nurturing NSTA members into thinking not just with a local, regional, or national…

In traditional science teaching, teachers expect the average student to implicitly learn and apply subtle concepts and to connect seemingly disjointed information. Teachers expect them to actively assemble the building blocks of critical thinking, often without example (Meyers 1986). The critical analysis of issues and problems is second nature to…

Active engagement in the classroom is one of the best tools available for overcoming conceptual difficulties. Science educators agree that students of all ages learn more by participating actively in the interpretation of scientific phenomena (NAS 2003; NSF 1998). In this article, the authors describe demonstrations in class using paper wads as an…

Graves (2005) suggested that academic freedom might impede efforts to improve institutional performance and achieve the goals set for learning outcomes, cost efficiency, and preparing students for the workplace. The author's initial response to threats to academic freedom and calls for efficiency is to bristle, because he views these as threats to…

This brief article consists of the author's personal observations after attending the Society of College Science Teachers/National Science Teachers Association national convention. The author focuses particularly on the need to make an effort to encourage more graduate students to attend this type of conference, citing the importance of…

Provides background information on Advanced Placement science courses and how colleges and universities handle credit for these courses. Argues that university and high school faculty could work together with great benefit to students. (DDR)

Provides background information on Advanced Placement science courses and discusses several articulation issues between high school and college faculty. Argues that increased communication among university and high school faculty is an effective tool for enhancing science instruction. (DDR)

Reports on the current state of the Society for College Science Teachers, an organization that supports-through an interdisciplinary context-the pedagogical side of the profession for college-level science teachers as opposed to the research aspect. Describes Society membership benefits and reviews program topics, awards to encourage teaching…

Highlights some National Science Board's science and engineering indicators that confirm that those who teach college-level science appear to be doing something right. Presents ideas about how they can continue to improve. (JRH)

Discusses the role of community colleges in the preparation and ongoing support of elementary and secondary science teachers. Highlights the National Science Education Standards both as a guide to what teachers need to know and be able to teach, as well as a template for expanded roles for community colleges in creating opportunities from which…

Discusses the integration of research and teaching at undergraduate institutions and the overall effect that changing funding patterns have on large and small undergraduate institutions. (JRH)

Discusses the role of the Society for College Science Teachers (SCST) column in the Journal of College Science Teaching in providing a forum for interdisciplinary interaction among teachers of science at all institutions of higher education. (JRH)

Points out changes in technology and therefore in teaching methods. Introduces the use of electronic mail. Discusses the early retirement of faculty and the problems it may cause. (YDS)