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From classroom to Mars: European students return from six-day analog space mission

Nine European high school students completed a six-day simulated Mars mission in Portugal, operating rovers and conducting scientific experiments. The EXPLORE-2 mission aimed to develop young Europeans' STEM skills and team management capabilities, with participants designing their own mission plans and making operational decisions.

From snack to science: Innovative grant brings popcorn into the classroom

The project aims to develop a standardized Next Generation Science Storyline that can be delivered in any high school classroom, increasing science literacy and critical thinking among students. Pop-omics, a popcorn-based curriculum, will also provide hands-on lessons on machine learning and AI, connecting with the national AITC program.

Study shows simulator, combined with app, helps teachers correct mistakes before entering classroom

A new study co-written by a researcher from the University of Kansas examined TeachLivE, a simulator that allows pre-service teachers to deliver lessons in front of a virtual classroom of avatars. The results showed that the simulation experience combined with personalized feedback data can support teachers' practice of skills of their...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalEducation Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 21, 2023

Breaking in the black box of pedagogical authority

A team from Université de Genève and University of Teacher Education, State of Vaud conducted an innovative field study on pedagogical authority. They found that 'double addressing' strategies, combining direct and indirect communication, are particularly effective in exercising teaching authority. This approach allows teachers to prev...

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalTeaching and Teacher Education·TypeNews article·DateSep 19, 2023

MU researcher combats bullying of students with disabilities

A University of Missouri researcher created an evidence-based, online professional development curriculum to help teachers recognize, respond to, and prevent bullying towards students with disabilities. The curriculum emphasizes building rapport, social skills, and communication skills to improve classroom climates and reduce bullying.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalEducation and Urban Society·TypeCase study·DateAug 30, 2023

New study shows scientists improve communication, education skills after working with teachers

A new case study shows that scientists who worked with K-12 teachers improved their communication skills, gained a better understanding of teaching, and wanted to continue K-12 outreach. The study also found that these partnerships had a positive impact on the quality of lesson plans and classroom management.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalEvolution Education and Outreach·DateDec 20, 2022

Join the challenge to explore the Moon!

The 2022 EXPLORE Lunar Data Challenge identifies hazards on the Moon's surface using images from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. Participants train models to recognize craters and boulders, then create a map of optimal rover routes to avoid hazards.

COVID curriculum brings science home for high school students

Researchers at the University of Arizona developed a new curriculum that allows high school students to learn about coronaviruses, genetics, and bioinformatics from home. The lesson plan, which was created before COVID-19 vaccines were introduced, teaches students how different vaccines work and analyzes protein sequences. Students who...

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalThe American Biology Teacher·DateOct 15, 2021

Science Chicago a world-class success

The Science Chicago program is raising awareness about the significance of science in everyday life, offering opportunities for people of all ages to learn and have fun with science. The initiative features various activities, including Science Works!, Science Saturdays, LabFests! and Jr. Science Cafes.

Cornell Ornithologist Lauds Use Of Volunteers

Cornell ornithologist Andre Dhondt highlights the importance of involving volunteers in scientific research and education. He notes that thousands of school children and teachers contribute valuable data to projects like Project FeederWatch and Classroom FeederWatch, helping scientists answer real-world questions.