Articles tagged with Science Teaching
Increased collaboration between scientists and K-12 educators can enhance STEM outreach projects, but time management is a significant challenge. Teachers and scientists benefit from mutual growth, improved teaching strategies, and increased content knowledge.
A new study finds that simple design changes in life cycle diagrams can have a significant impact on undergraduate students' ability to understand ecology and evolution concepts. The study involved 684 undergraduates who were given three different diagram formats, with the linear format showing multiple offspring scoring highest on que...
A study by Professor Jongsik Christian Yi introduces a history of science curriculum at POSTECH, exploring its importance in teaching the Korean history of science. The author argues for a self-reflective approach to education, encouraging students to critically think about their roles and futures in Korean science and technology.
A new study in Japan explores the motivations of undergraduate students pursuing a teaching career, finding that positive school experiences and intrinsic value are major drivers. The research also highlights the challenges faced by aspiring teachers, including demanding skills and social pressures.
A recent study led by the Institute for Systems Biology highlights the transformative power of informal STEM learning, offering practical insights into co-creating experiences with students. The research shows significant gains among high school students participating in in-person and remote informal STEM programs.
A new study suggests that teachers' growth mindset is more influential than their warmth in shaping students' attitudes towards their classes. Students responded positively to instructors with a growth mindset, even if they were described as 'cold', while those with fixed mindsets fared worse, regardless of their demeanor.
Christi Bergin's research focuses on improving prosocial behavior in classrooms and communities, leading to better student engagement, academic achievement, and relationships. Her approach aims to reduce teacher stress and burnout by promoting empathy and kindness among students.
Researchers found that a large language model chatbot demonstrated more accuracy in making diagnoses than human clinicians, especially when test results were negative. This suggests the potential for AI to serve as a useful diagnostic partner for physicians, reducing overtreatment and improving decision-making.
Researchers created a unique dataset from flying discs, enabling students to learn basic signal processing tools and data visualization techniques. The experiment uses Doppler shift to determine velocity, providing valuable insights into acoustics.
Researchers develop a mathematical model that analyzes the future survival of plants in a changing climate by studying how far wind can carry seeds. The model provides fast and reliable predictions of seed movement, considering factors like seed type, plant height, and wind speed.
The Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has developed the "Bicycle Principles" to tackle the shortcomings of short STEM training programs. The principles aim to make training effective, inclusive, and scalable, with a focus on setting clear objectives and making training adaptable for different institutions.
Elea Abisamra's STEM writing program at Virginia Tech has been recognized by the journal Cell for its innovative approach to teaching science through storytelling. The program has already helped 95 kids publish books with over 150 tutors as editors, and plans to expand globally.
A new study by NYU researchers found that Black women teaching science are finding innovative ways to combine traditional curricula with lessons on race, gender, and class inequities. They make cultural connections to science, encourage critical thinking, and provide historical contexts to help students understand the impact of systemi...
Researchers found that nearly 70% of student tasks involved superficial learning, limiting opportunities for critical thinking and problem-solving. Teachers need support to plan interactive lessons promoting deep learning.
The project, funded by a $927,203 grant, uses virtual reality and machine learning to identify misconceptions in quantum information science. UCF will develop desktop and smartphone versions of QubitVR for broader impacts, aiming to empower students and professionals to harness the power of quantum computing.
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...
A new study by Chalmers University of Technology and KTH Royal Institute of Technology found that Swedish students performing in English-language programming courses obtained significantly worse results and dropped out prematurely compared to their peers studying in Swedish. The researchers measured student performance based on test qu...
A study by University of Washington Bothell and Seattle Pacific University researchers examines how teachers applied a holistic approach to analyze the social and cultural impacts of power plants. The authors found that connecting students with realities beyond the classroom prepares them to engage in community decision making.
Researchers have designed a hand-held model to demonstrate the concept of entropy for students, allowing them to confront the topic with new intuition. The model uses everyday materials to effectively demonstrate the quantitative nature of entropy, enabling students to reason correctly about its definition.
A recent study has found that high school science courses in Australia fail to mention the contributions of women in STEM, instead focusing on a male-centric narrative. This omission has significant implications for inspiring future generations of female scientists and engineers.
A new essay highlights how news stories about healthcare workers during COVID-19 often left out crucial socioeconomic and environmental contexts, which can impact consumer thoughts and responses. By introducing a public health framework, experts aim to broaden storytelling and reframed scientific information dissemination.
The University of Missouri is launching a five-year, $3 million doctoral training program to prepare the next generation of scientists and engineers for emerging fields like materials science and data science. The program aims to empower future workers with both technical expertise and data-driven insights.
Researchers will study how elementary teachers and students conceptualize and make sense of quantum science concepts. The two-year project aims to develop understanding of how quantum concepts can be taught at the elementary level.
A citizen science program led by North Carolina State University researchers inspired Girl Scouts to tackle environmental problems in their communities. The study found that the program not only taught girls about science but also motivated them to take action.
A study found that women STEM instructors are more likely than men to disclose their own stigmatized identities to undergraduates, such as depression or low-income backgrounds. This may be due to a desire to act as positive role models in an often unwelcoming environment.
A study found that UK schools affiliated with Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) use curriculum materials denying human-caused climate change and presenting evolution as a conspiracy theory. This raises concerns about the quality of science education in these schools.
A new UH study reveals that third-grade girls are initially enthusiastic about coding and computer science, with equal interest and confidence as boys. However, by middle school age, negative stereotypes and a decrease in confidence among girls become prevalent, limiting their participation in these fields.
A team of 995 undergraduate and graduate students analyzed 600 real solar flares, casting doubt on the theory that nanoflares heat up the sun's corona. The students' work provided a unique opportunity for early-career scientists to learn about collaborative research.
The 2023 and 2024 solar eclipses offer teachable moments for Americans to witness rare events. Expert astronomer Douglas Duncan provides guidance on preparation, fundraising, and safe viewing techniques for teachers, students, and communities.
Biyu J. He's groundbreaking research on perceptual cognition and subjective experience has challenged traditional views of consciousness. Her work explores how past experiences shape individual perception and understanding, using innovative techniques like fMRI and EEG.
A study by Ruhr-University Bochum investigated how 76 prospective biology teachers argue about controversial topics such as mandatory vaccination against COVID-19. The researchers found that the structural complexity of their argumentation was good, but they could include a broader range of content areas and perspectives in their argum...
A proof-of-principle study introduces a 'glowscope' - a $50 device that converts smartphones into fluorescence microscopes. The device allows for low-magnification imaging of cells, tissues, and organisms under fluorescent lighting.
The $4 million grant from the California Education Learning Lab will help expand LibreTexts' open homework system ADAPT, designed to provide students with agency in their learning experience. The platform aims to reduce equity gaps in STEM education and increase access to high-quality resources for low-income students.
A study by Rice University found that students in classes taught by STEM teachers who received professional development training were more likely to pursue STEM majors in college. Black female students showed the greatest increase, with nearly double the percentage of non-AMP! teachers.
A new method offers hope for struggling readers, focusing on giving children the right challenges. The approach resulted in outstanding reading results, including improved well-being and motivation.
A recent study from North Carolina State University suggests that participation in environmental education programs can motivate children across diverse language groups to act responsibly toward the environment. Bilingual or multilingual students saw bigger gains on average compared to students who spoke English primarily at home.
The UCF project, Project CENTRAL, aims to enhance collaboration between special education and school psychology using research-based practices. Scholars will receive enhanced education and preparation in a two-year program, addressing the state's critical shortage of high-quality professionals.
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.
The special issue explores key characteristics of ethical codes, their underlying values, and challenges in implementing them. Studies highlight common ethical values across cultures, emphasizing the importance of autonomy and care in early childhood education.
An experimental music piece by Alvin Lucier can be used to reveal details of the surrounding room and teach important lessons about acoustic resonance. Students can analyze the frequencies that make up the recording to determine which frequencies are resonances of the room, and then calculate the distance between pairs of walls.
A recent UNLV-led study discovered that women enthusiastically embraced live chat during pandemic Zoom classes, with ratings showing significantly higher engagement than men. The researchers hope this data can help colleges incorporate technology into hybrid and in-person courses to increase underrepresented groups' access to STEM fields.
A new study by Italian researchers reveals that teachers in Italy consistently award higher grades to girls than boys, even when their academic competences are similar. This bias could have long-term consequences for education outcomes, including college admissions, job choices, and earning potential.
A study by the University of Exeter shows that urban life leads to a decline in plant awareness, which can be addressed through activities like wild food foraging. The research found that people's interest in plants develops where they have frequent interactions with relevant plants.
Research found that STEM subjects have a social hierarchy based on stereotyped views of ideal students, which affects underrepresentation of women, people of color, and disabled students. Attitudes must shift to make STEM more inclusive and accessible.
A University of Missouri researcher and his team are using artificial intelligence to study anatomical research, creating detailed 3D computer models of muscles. This technology is advancing the field by enabling researchers to analyze muscle fiber orientation and develop a better understanding of motor control in animals.
A new study published in the Journal of Human Resources found that teachers play a critical role in detecting and reporting child maltreatment. The study suggests that time spent in school leads to increases in reports of child maltreatment, highlighting the importance of educators in protecting children.
Research finds that pre-teen children in Singapore associate brilliance with men more than women, with the stereotype strengthening as they grow older. This bias can lead girls to doubt their abilities, limiting their interests and career aspirations.
Carnegie Mellon University, Johns Hopkins University, and New York University team up with a $3 million NSF grant to develop Project ELEVATE, promoting equitable STEM career advancement for underrepresented faculty. The alliance aims to create a collaborative community for institutional change at private research institutions.
A decline in botany education is hindering environmental improvements and exacerbating climate crises. Basic plant identification skills are lacking among scientists and professionals.
A new study shows that community science activities can produce high-quality taxonomic data sets, empowering community scientists and supporting biodiversity discovery. Thousands of microscopic liverwort leaves were measured by community scientists over two years, with surprising accuracy.
A team of researchers studied the technique of placing wet chopsticks into hot oil to gain insight into the physics behind it. They found three distinct types of bubble events: explosion cavities, elongated cavities, and oscillating cavities. These findings have potential applications in scientific fields such as acoustic sensing.
A new study from the University of Kansas found that a professional development intervention improved an educator's teaching skills and boosted students' abilities to solve word problems, especially for Hispanic English-learning students with math learning disabilities. The program helped develop a 'feedback loop' between educator and ...
Students in a University of Illinois course used household items like buttercream frosting, toothpaste, and yogurt to measure fluid properties. They developed creative methods for carrying out rheometric measurements, including compression squeeze flow analysis and gravity-driven filament stretching.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University developed AI-enhanced museum exhibits that increased learning and engagement for elementary school-aged children. The intelligent exhibits featured a virtual assistant, NoRilla, which interacted with visitors, asking questions and guiding them through scientific challenges.
Researchers explore the effectiveness of culturally relevant pedagogy in attracting students of color and women to physics. The framework promotes academic excellence, cultural competence, and sociopolitical consciousness, encouraging teachers to address issues like racism and sexism.
A recent commentary by Dartmouth College's Bala Chaudhary highlights the challenges faced by women researchers who choose to get married and change their last names. The lack of a consistent way to update publication records can lead to biases in grant and tenure applications, potentially affecting career advancement.
Scientists from Carleton College and the University of Colorado Boulder present discussions and activities on DEI as a fundamental part of physics training. Instructors can design their own lessons using individual reflection activities or lead class discussions.
Using 1D kinematics, students calculate the winner of a 193 million year-old race between Usain Bolt and Dilophosaurus wetherilli. Newton's second law helps Bolt leverage his acceleration to win by 2 seconds.
A new study from North Carolina State University found that feeling inclusive in the classroom is key to promoting STEM education and student engagement. Students who felt their classrooms were inclusive were more likely to feel like they belonged and engage with their STEM classes.
A survey of incarcerated individuals and scientists participating in the INSPIRE program found significant benefits for scientists, including increased interest in taking action on social justice. The experience also produced counterstereotypical effects, shifting negative preconceived notions into empathy.