Articles tagged with Science Teaching
A new approach to teaching chemistry at Brandeis University seeks to capture the imaginations of potential scientists through interactive and technology-driven learning. The program aims to build a 'science posse' of disadvantaged students, providing them with academic support, paid lab jobs, and a two-week boot camp.
A US-Asian teaching gap exists in math instruction, with US teachers utilizing fewer spatial supports and gestures that encourage active reasoning compared to Hong Kong and Japan. This could contribute to lower US student performance on international math tests.
Amir Hoveyda, a renowned chemist at Boston College, has received the prestigious Max Tishler Prize for his groundbreaking research in organic and organometallic chemistry. His work focuses on developing new N-heterocyclic carbenes with exciting frontiers in reactivity, selectivity, and catalysis.
Jeffrey L. Osborn, a University of Kentucky professor, has been named the 2007 Arthur C. Guyton Teacher of the Year by the American Physiological Society for his classroom teaching and research on renal sodium and water balance. He received a $1,000 honorarium and funding to attend an APS meeting.
Kent State faculty members Dr. Michael Kalinski and Dr. Daniel Holm have been awarded Fulbright grants to study and teach abroad, with Kalinski heading to India and Holm researching in Poland
Biomimetics applies natural adaptations to teach students about interdisciplinary research and knowledge transfer, promoting a holistic approach to science education. Researchers use biomimetic product development to integrate scientific, social, economic, and ecological aspects, increasing understanding of interconnected subjects.
A study by the University of Virginia found that only a small percentage of elementary school classrooms provide high-quality instruction, leading to mediocre student outcomes. High-quality teaching involves active learning environments, teacher-student interaction, and emotional support, but is often lacking in US schools.
Blind and visually impaired students can engage with nanoscience through tactile models, bridging the gap between observation and experimentation. The 3D models are created from data generated by tools like SEM and AFM, allowing for a more immersive experience.
The AAAS Board has released its first consensus statement on global climate change, confirming that human activities are causing the Earth's temperature to rise. The statement emphasizes the urgent need for action to address this growing threat to society, citing rapid melting of glaciers and sea level rises.
A new approach to teaching biology classes at Ohio State University has led to a four-fold increase in test scores among students who are given more freedom to think for themselves. By using real experiments and encouraging critical thinking, students were able to demonstrate a deeper understanding of biological concepts.
Engineers trained to solve problems objectively need to consider sustainability's ideological and normative aspects. The concept of sustainability is difficult to define, requiring a unique approach that acknowledges egalitarianism and the redistribution of wealth.
Four authors and an illustrator of children's science books won the 2007 AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books, recognized for promoting scientific literacy and appreciation. The winners include Dianna Aston and Sylvia Long for Children's Science Picture Book, Catherine Thimmesh for Middle Grades Nonfiction Science Boo...
A Florida State University researcher has challenged the conventional wisdom on teaching reading, finding that a one-size-fits-all approach is ineffective and that personalized instruction is key. Using diagnostic tools and algorithm-guided individualized instruction, teachers can tailor curriculum to each student's unique needs.
A new system uses machine-learning methods to identify authors based on similar names, affiliations, and publication data, achieving 90.6% accuracy in a large-scale test. The algorithm will be integrated into the next generation of CiteSeer, the largest academic search engine.
A FSU professor has received two National Science Foundation grants to study effective models for teacher preparation and professional training, aiming to enhance student achievement. The research projects will focus on developing a model of teacher knowledge development and analyzing data analysis methods.
Researchers have cracked the workings of the Antikythera Mechanism, a 2,000-year-old computer that tracked astronomical movements with remarkable precision. The ancient Greek device predicted eclipses and recreated the moon's irregular orbit, challenging previous assumptions about their technological capabilities.
A UGA professor studied the origins of Calories, a unit measuring food energy. He found that there is controversy about who invented the Calorie, with different sources citing Frenchmen P.A. Favre and J.T. Silbermann, German physician Julius Mayer, and French chemist Nicholas Clement as contributors to its development.
The National Science Foundation has awarded FSU a $2.4-million grant to study effective teacher training in inquiry learning, a key component of science education. The research aims to improve the teaching force and address science illiteracy in the US.
Geologists at Rutgers University have created three hands-on demonstrations to explain how volcanoes form and evolve. These interactive activities captivate kids while providing a solid foundation for studying earth science in high school. The demos show the actual forces that caused Mt. St. Helens and Kilauea eruptions.
A national center for the Materials World Modules (MWM) program has been created at Northwestern University to expand educational efforts introducing materials science topics to students in grades 7-12. The program aims to spark interest in STEM fields by providing hands-on learning tools and real-world applications.
The Center for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching (CELT) will apply current research on learning and cognitive psychology to improve teaching and assessment. The program aims to address the gap in supporting students with diverse learning styles and developing critical thinking, creative, social, and practical reasoning skills.
A new curriculum is being developed to teach data literacy to 7th grade students, focusing on water use and quality in the Middle East. The program will also test an instructional model called Preparation for Future Learning (PFL) to enhance learning outcomes.
Robert Angelici receives ACS Award for Distinguished Service in the Advancement of Inorganic Chemistry, recognizing his significant service and outstanding research in inorganic chemistry. He has published over 370 papers and is known for pursuing unique research problems.
The NIH has awarded over $8.5 million to seven science education programs aimed at engaging the public in medical research and reducing health disparities. The programs target minorities and students in rural and underserved communities, providing hands-on science curricula and training for teachers.
Researchers discovered older meerkats introduce dead and injured prey before live food as pups learn to hunt, using calls to gauge age and ability. The helpers monitor pup behavior and adjust prey presentation accordingly.
The University of Washington's Restoration Ecology Network empowers students to take on real-world restoration projects, from streamside restorations to neighborhood revitalization. By developing stewardship plans and working with clients, teams gain hands-on experience and create lasting bonds between the university and the public.
A nationwide study found that there is no consensus across the US on whether to teach K-12 students about human-environmental interactions. Research suggests that most states prioritize teaching about human impacts on the environment over environmental impacts on humans and society.
HHMI awards Brandeis professor $1 million to develop a program that recruits and retains disadvantaged students in undergraduate science and medicine. The program is based on the university's successful Posse Foundation program and aims to increase minority representation in these fields.
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) has named 20 new million-dollar professors to improve undergraduate science education. These educators, selected for their teaching talent and research expertise, will receive grants to design engaging programs that promote diversity and hands-on learning experiences.
Richard Zare, a renowned chemist, has been awarded the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Professorship to develop an innovative undergraduate course on laser technology and its applications. He aims to ignite scientific curiosity in students through hands-on experiences and interdisciplinary approaches.
A proven track record in engendering productive partnerships helps ensure each individual can explore laboratory science. The course in genomic sequencing methods for undergraduate biology majors is a prime example of successful partnership-based learning.
The new SAL2 system combines accessible curricula, games and reference materials in a unified platform to open up new opportunities for learning, job-readiness and entertainment for people who prefer tactile and auditory channels. The system is significantly cheaper than the original device, reaching a wider audience.
The new section will showcase peer-reviewed research and original content on science education, focusing on undergraduate and graduate levels. Innovative approaches to teaching, such as collaborative research and novel methods, will be highlighted to promote productive scholarly and public discourse.
The new education section aims to revitalize science education by featuring peer-reviewed research, scholarly literature reviews, and original writing. It focuses on undergraduate and graduate level education while showcasing innovations in K-12 science education.
The NIH will provide nearly $10 million in funding for nine Science Education Partnership Awards, supporting programs that increase science literacy among K-12 students and teachers from underserved populations. These awards aim to make science more accessible and encourage young people to pursue careers in science.
Researchers and students are working together to advance scientific understanding of the role of major arctic rivers in the changing arctic and global systems. The Student-Partners Project aims to collect high-frequency river water samples, fostering appreciation for the pivotal role rivers play in the Arctic System.
The TIMSS 1999 Video Study found that while countries exhibit unique teaching patterns, there is also significant global convergence in classroom methods. This suggests that teachers from different countries can recognize familiar practices and be surprised by their differences.
Washington University will receive funding to develop a mobile science classroom that provides interactive experiences and exhibits for elementary school students. The program aims to improve science education in underrepresented public schools, aligning with Missouri standards.
Researchers at Kansas State University have created a system using personal digital assistants that allows instructors to assess students' understanding in real-time. This technology enables instructors to provide individualized feedback, promoting active learning and social interaction among students.
Manuel Ares has developed a teaching exercise for undergraduate biology classes that helps students resolve conflicts in scientific data and apply processes used by scientists. The exercise involves laboratory experiments, literature searches, and presentations to develop a model of the system.
Hatfull, a Pitt professor, discusses ways to make research experiences available to students at all stages of education. He has turned high school students into
The new center aims to connect scientists with teachers to effect meaningful change in student learning outcomes. The CCEN will conduct basic research on how people learn, focusing on brain mechanisms involved in language, science, reading, and math acquisition.
The New York Academy of Sciences launches a new science essay contest for NYC high school juniors, encouraging them to explore the impact of Nobel Prize-winning achievements on science and society. The contest aims to promote public awareness of the Nobel Prizes and their contributions to everyday life.
The NIH has awarded a grant of $540,000 to train 1,200 middle school teachers in the use of MedMyst, a web-based science curriculum that uses interactive computer adventures to teach kids about infectious diseases and microbes. The training will allow teachers to enrich the science curriculum for 150,000 students over two years.
A US team of biomedical engineering students from Johns Hopkins University has won a British biotech business plan competition. The team presented their idea for an automated retina imaging device to a panel of judges in Edinburgh, Scotland, and was selected as one of the top four teams representing North America.
A new report by Science Museum of Minnesota identifies three key factors: Engagement (spark), Capacity (skills) and Continuity (pathways) needed for students to succeed in sciences and quantitative disciplines. The authors emphasize the need for a unified effort among parents, mentors, teachers, administrators and resources.
Researchers found that adult members of the Pirahã tribe performed accurately with small sets of objects but struggled with larger numbers, indicating that their language lacks precise numerical representation. The study suggests that having the right linguistic resources can carve out one's reality and influence perception.
The US National Science Foundation has named eight distinguished teaching scholars, recognized for their innovative approaches to education. The scholars were awarded $300,000 grants over four years to work on new projects or continue existing work that benefits students and the scientific community.
A Marine Biological Laboratory researcher and science teacher embark on a two-week research trip to Siberia, studying the Lena River's freshwater runoff. They collaborate with students via virtual experiences, teaching science concepts like convection currents and watersheds.
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute is awarding $49.7 million in grants to support undergraduate science programs at 42 colleges across 17 states and Puerto Rico. The funding will enhance diversity and inclusion in STEM education, with a focus on underrepresented minorities and disadvantaged students.
Schiff's dedication to undergraduate education has led to numerous student awards and publications, as well as her election to the University of Minnesota's Academy of Distinguished Teachers. Her commitment to excellence in teaching and mentoring is recognized through the Carski Foundation Award.
Jorge Escalante-Semerena has supervised 21 Ph.D. students, many of whom have won awards and fellowships. He is renowned for helping students gain recognition for their work, while also being a productive researcher focusing on cobalamin biosynthesis.
John Alderete, a renowned microbiologist, has been recognized with the 2004 William A. Hinton Research Training Award for his tireless efforts to promote diversity in science. He is celebrated for mentoring dozens of graduate students and underrepresented minority groups, offering valuable advice and career opportunities.
University of Michigan's approach to teaching ethics in chemistry research involves providing students with critical thinking skills to handle sticky situations. By focusing on analyzing options and principles, students become more conscious of their actions and are better equipped to make informed decisions.
The new 'Understanding Evolution' Web site offers a one-stop-shop for science teachers, providing practical examples and strategies for teaching evolution. The site features Evolution 101, a primer on evolutionary theory, as well as discussions on the nature of science and the history of evolutionary thought.
NSF plans to develop new programs to attract underrepresented groups to science and engineering careers, including African Americans, Alaska Natives, and people with disabilities. The agency aims to ensure that the US has a skilled, technically literate workforce capable of meeting the demand for a knowledge-based economy.
The project aims to design exercises that help students develop mathematical descriptions of the natural world, applying statistical concepts to understand variation in plant growth. Researchers will also study statistical consultants in practice and develop technologies to support learning.
The project implemented a vision system to improve part inspection, introduced a computerised quality management system to enhance efficiency, and installed a co-ordinate measuring machine for fast measurements. These new systems have had wide-reaching benefits for the company, improving production processes and staff working conditions.
The Faulkes Telescope project provides UK schools with access to two robotic telescopes in Hawaii and Australia, allowing students to explore the Universe and participate in research programmes. The telescopes can be controlled directly from classrooms via PC and internet connection.
Carnegie Mellon University has received a grant to develop and implement effective science instruction methods for middle school students at four urban Pittsburgh schools. The project aims to address the significant achievement gap faced by low-income African American children, who historically underperform on science tests.