Articles tagged with Science Teaching
Francisco Ayala, a renowned evolutionary biologist, has won the 2010 Templeton Prize for his contributions to affirming life's spiritual dimension through scientific research. He promotes mutual respect between science and faith, suggesting they are not mutually exclusive but rather complement each other.
The Pathways to Inquiry program developed by LSU professors Yiping Lou and Pamela Blanchard has shown a significant increase in student science inquiry skills, with an average gain of 12%. The program provides teachers and students with evidence-based tools to analyze and build inquiry skills through interactive activities.
Researchers transformed an agricultural science course for Kú teachers to incorporate culturally relevant learning, improving teacher confidence and student satisfaction. The course built a community of practice among teachers, incorporating project-based learning and Hawaiian culture.
A team of researchers, including MSU geologist David Mogk, won a national award for their web site 'On the Cutting Edge', which promotes sharing scientific content and teaching methods. The site offers over 4,000 pages of educational resources, attracting 550,000 visitors in 2008.
Research suggests that video games can optimize learning by providing information in a timely manner and creating an environment of 'pleasantly frustrating' challenges. This approach is known as 'situated learning,' where students are immersed in real-world problems to develop deep understanding and critical thinking skills.
The program, launched in a year ago, provides weekly seminars on topics such as creating a good syllabus, working with students who have disabilities, and dealing with academic dishonesty. Graduate student Sarah Eddy credits the program for her win of the 2009 OSU Frolander Outstanding GTA award.
A renowned science educator, Marvin Druger, reflects on his mission to inspire students to enjoy the adventure of learning. His new book, Practical Perspectives on Science Education, offers practical tips, personal reflections, and a passion for making science education meaningful and motivational.
Developed at the University of Utah's Genetic Science Learning Center, the websites are providing an excellent source of new material while educating a hugely diverse audience. They have been honored with the Science Prize for Online Resources in Education, recognizing their value as educational tools.
Research at the University of Chicago found that female teachers' math anxiety negatively impacts girls' math achievement, causing them to endorse stereotypes that boys are good at math. This can lead to lower math scores and decreased confidence in learning mathematics.
The U.S. Department of Education has awarded Kansas State University a $783,000 grant to support a new graduate fellowship training program in ecology, evolution, and genomics. The program aims to train seven graduate fellows in integrative learning and training across the disciplines of ecology, evolution, and genomics.
A Michigan State University researcher found that providing small classes for at least several consecutive grades starting in early elementary school improves test scores and narrows the achievement gap with high-achievers. Low-achieving students benefited the most from small classes, likely due to increased attention from teachers.
The five-year grant will investigate the effect of instructional coaches on elementary school math education and identify what coaches need to know about math and coaching. The researchers will train 60 coaches, analyze data, and gather feedback from classrooms in multiple states.
Plant biologists are key players in advancing scientific literacy, and recent research highlights the importance of teaching inquiry methods, raising public awareness of science, and creating an accessible reference for teachers. By working together, scientists can build a more receptive audience and enhance capacity to change the future.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham has won a two-year grant from the National Science Foundation to train teachers in using XO laptops for math and science education. The goal is to extend laptop use beyond basic tasks and increase the number of minority students entering the STEM career pipeline.
The book provides a grand tour of mathematics in 10 essential lessons, introducing key concepts such as symbolic logic, infinity, and calculus, with the goal of instilling an appreciation for mathematics as both an art and a science. Professor King's approach aims to make real mathematics enjoyable and palatable for non-technical readers.
Boston College has been awarded $11.5M to conduct the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2011, a global assessment of fourth and eighth-grade student math and science achievement. The study's findings will help nations and states compare their children's math and science achievement with others.
Kelvin Lee, a prominent researcher in biochemical engineering, has been awarded the Biochemical Engineering Journal Young Investigator Award. He will receive a cash prize of $2,500 and present a lecture at the upcoming conference.
Yadong Yin, an assistant professor of chemistry at UC Riverside, has been awarded the Cottrell Scholar distinction for his outstanding teaching and research in materials science. He will use a portion of his $100,000 award to support his research and attend the annual Cottrell Scholar Conference.
Underage drinking can lead to memory loss, as the brain's hippocampus is still maturing. Alcohol also impairs judgment, leading to risky behaviors like unprotected sex or drunk driving. Additionally, teens who drink are more likely to engage in violent behavior and experience dehydration, headaches, and hangovers.
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.
Researchers found that alternative teacher certification programs (ATCPs) lack focus on teacher development and support. Teachers with prior educational-relevant experience demonstrate higher instruction quality and greater empathy for students.
A study published in Psychological Science reveals that hand movements can aid in creating new math concepts and aid learning. Fourth-grade students who repeated a specific gesture during a lesson solved more problems correctly than those who only spoke the words or partially correct gestures.
At WPI, a new initiative 'The Connected Lab' enables biology students to share lab results in real-time, enhancing teaching and student achievement. Students can analyze each other's data and produce multimedia content to prepare for class or as a resource.
Michigan State University's NSF-funded Faculty Institutes for Reforming Science Teaching will train 200 postdoctoral researchers to teach scientifically. The program aims to equip future college professors with skills for teaching science effectively, using inquiry-based learning and promoting scientific literacy.
A study of college freshmen in China and the US found that Chinese students knew more science facts than their American counterparts, but both groups struggled with scientific reasoning. The research suggests that educators must go beyond teaching science facts to boost students' reasoning ability.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison has developed a scientifically-led training program for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers to learn effective teaching methods. The approach focuses on fostering scientific inquiry, diverse learning styles, and rigorous self-evaluation.
BioServe is launching two educational experiments involving butterflies and spiders on a space shuttle mission in November. The experiments will compare the life cycles of butterflies and spiders in space to those on Earth, with over 100 K-12 students from Colorado participating.
A Kent State University study shows that voters' trust in elections increases when they interact with fresh faces at polling places. The research team found that voters gave higher marks to precincts staffed by new poll workers recruited from local schools and businesses, suggesting a positive impact on voter confidence.
The Crop Science Society of America recognized six individuals for their outstanding contributions to crop science. Palle Pedersen received the ASA–CSSA–SSSA Early Career Professional Award for his work on soybean production problems. The award also went to Crystal Rose-Fricker, who developed cool-season turfgrasses with improved disea...
Dr. Randy Moore, a professor at the University of Minnesota, is receiving the 2008 Evolution Education Award for his innovative classroom teaching and community education efforts to promote evolutionary biology. His approach incorporates evolution as a unifying element of modern biology, helping students understand and appreciate nature.
The University of Illinois report 'We Move the Kids' recommends integrating physical activity throughout the curriculum, beyond traditional P.E. classes, to promote healthy habits and combat obesity. Experts suggest innovative strategies like pedometer tracking, rewards, and goal-setting to encourage kids to be physically active.
A new approach to teaching agriculture was developed to focus on social learning and sustainability. The method, which includes exercises that build awareness of individual and collective knowledge and knowing, helped students develop a broader capacity to approach sustainability challenges systemically and collectively.
The new book, Soil Science: Step-by-Step Field Analysis, offers clear guidance on improved soil management techniques. The soft-cover guide covers topics such as site evaluation, surveying techniques, and measuring soil pH, making it an essential resource for professionals in the field.
The WELIM initiative will create professional development materials for teachers and develop science curriculum using innovative instructional technologies. The program aims to teach environmental science in a comprehensive and innovative way, addressing global issues such as climate change and energy usage.
Carl Brett, a key figure in UC's paleontology program, has been awarded the second-ever Digby McLaren Medal for his significant international contributions to stratigraphy. The medal celebrates Canadian paleontologist Digby Johns McLaren, who was recognized for his impact theory and advocacy.
A college biology teacher found that by addressing student misbehavior directly, he was able to improve classroom attention and engagement. The study suggests that simply being direct with students can resolve problems and encourage cooperation.
Jean M. Eason, a senior member of the IEEE, received the Robert S. Walleigh Distinguished Contributions to Engineering Professionalism Award for her long-term leadership and accomplishments in IEEE-USA professional activities. She is one of 24 award recipients recognized for their professionalism and technical achievements.
Researchers found that college students who learned a mathematical concept with abstract symbols were more likely to apply it in new situations, while those learning with concrete examples struggled. The study's findings question the effectiveness of using real-world examples in math education.
A new project uses street theater to teach young children about the basics of science, including chemistry and the scientific method. The 'Science-In-A-Box' initiative has shown significant improvements in kids' understanding of science concepts and their appreciation for science.
A UBC study and Harvard research found that spending money 'pro-socially' on gifts for others or charitable donations leads to greater reported happiness. The researchers used a nationally representative sample of Americans to test their theory that how people spend their money is at least as important as income earned.
A University of Missouri researcher has developed a program that keeps girls interested in science, with a recent study showing an 81% success rate. The Magic of Chemistry program provides hands-on, inquiry-based workshops on campus, encouraging girls to ask questions and think critically about scientific applications.
The American Institute of Physics awarded prizes to four winners for their outstanding science writing. Quantum mechanics expert Tim Folger won for his article on the effect of gravity on a speck of dust, while physicist James Trefil received an award for explaining dark matter and dark energy in the universe's future.
A partnership between a professor and a librarian helps undergraduate students search for and validate online scientific literature. The tutorial teaches skills to sift through growing amounts of information, identifying valid peer-reviewed scientific research and experimentation.
The iPlant Collaborative, a $50 million NSF grant, unites researchers from various plant biology fields to address 'grand challenge questions' with an all-encompassing computer- and internet-based infrastructure. The initiative also includes outreach materials for students and public education.
A coalition of 17 scientific organizations emphasizes the importance of teaching evolution in schools, citing a national survey that shows public support for evolution over creationism. The organizations argue that science education is fundamental to understanding natural phenomena and promoting critical thinking.
A seven-year study found that individuals who take time to reflect on their losses are more likely to mature and achieve a potentially more durable sense of happiness. Participants who acknowledged past loss showed personality development over time.
A recent Michigan State University study found US middle school math teachers to be ill-prepared compared to their counterparts in other countries. The study, which surveyed over 2,600 future teachers, revealed that the US ranked mediocre in math knowledge and practical teaching skills.
A new smartpen and paper technology developed by Livescribe aims to enable blind college students to learn complex STEM subjects like physics, calculus, and biology. The technology allows students to explore diagrams and figures through touch and audio, making it more accessible and interactive.
Osama Eljabiri, a pioneer in experiential learning at NJIT, was recognized for his diligence and dedication to promoting this new type of learning. The capstone program has engaged over 2,000 students in 250 projects with sponsors including major companies like NASA and McKesson Corp.
The university is implementing an active learning approach in computer science education, focusing on studio courses with team projects and interdisciplinary collaboration. This transformation aims to raise student interaction levels and promote motivation through creative problem-solving activities.
A recent survey of teachers found that neuroscience can make an important contribution to educational areas, with over 87% of respondents supporting its use. However, the scientific basis of some brain-based teaching methods is highly contentious and often misapplied.
Felice Frankel, a renowned scientific imagist, has been awarded the 2007 Lennart Nilsson Award for her exceptional work in creating crystal-clear scientific illustrations. Her photographs reveal previously invisible aspects of the world and have captivated the attention of scientists and the general public alike.
Researcher Heidi Kloos investigates why young children are stumped by science, particularly the concept of density. Her findings suggest that alternative teaching approaches can help children navigate these waters more smoothly.
The Entomological Society of America has selected nine new Fellows and one new Honorary Member, recognizing their outstanding contributions to research, teaching, extension, or administration in the field of entomology. The honorees will be recognized during the ESA Annual Meeting in San Diego, California.
French scientists Christian Sardet and Ali Saib have won the EMBO Award for Communication in the Life Sciences. They use innovative media to educate researchers, students, and the broader public about science.
Penn State has taken over NASA's Aerospace Education Services Program, shifting its focus from one-time school visits to university-based summer courses. The program aims to make science come alive in students and teachers across the nation, using innovative technologies like GeoWall.
The American Society of Plant Biologists awarded Fellow of ASPB, Adolph E. Gude, Jr., Award, Charles Albert Shull Award, Charles Reid Barnes Life Membership Award, Corresponding Membership Award, Excellence in Teaching Award, and Martin Gibbs Medal to distinguished researchers and educators in plant biology.
The AAAS project aims to provide a science-based understanding of alcohol's effects on the body, focusing on key scientific concepts and recent advances in neuroscience. The initiative will offer students and teachers a comprehensive resource for teaching and learning about underage drinking.
The Ecological Society of America recognizes Daniel Laughlin, Carolyn Kurle, Paul Fine, Jordi Bascompte, and Carol Brewer for their outstanding contributions to ecology. The awards honor excellence in research, education, and corporate sustainability.
During the International Polar Year, University of Alaska Fairbanks hosts summer institutes to train K-12 teachers on climate change. Seven UAF scientists provide hands-on lessons, translating scientific research into classroom useable content. The goal is to energize youth about science and promote Alaska's Grade Level Expectations.