COLUMBUS, Ohio — A study of college freshmen in the United States and in China found that Chinese students know more science facts than their American counterparts — but both groups are nearly identical when it comes to their ability to do scientific reasoning.
Neither group is especially skilled at reasoning, however, and the study suggests that educators must go beyond teaching science facts if they hope to boost students’ reasoning ability. (Inquiry-based learning is one recommendation.) The research appears in the January 30, 2009 issue of the journal Science. Read full press release.
Hi Darlene,
My name is Joe Bruno. I just read your article in C&E News and would like to congratulate you on your fresh, new approach in promoting science.
I am the coordinator for the Junior Solar Sprint (JSS) here in Philadelphia. Last year, we had over 200 students from, over 30 schools, race 80 solar model cars at the Wissahickon Charter School. On February 7th, 2009, I will host a workshop where teachers will learn how to lead students to design, build, and race model cars powered by solar energy.
The Philadelphia Solar Energy Association has been hosting the Junior Solar Sprint for the past 15 years and have had no luck at all with any type of publicity. I sent out press releases to all the news papers, TV & radio stations and received only one mention in the community calendar section. Is there any advice you could give me in getting press coverage for the JSS?
Thank you for your time,
Joe Bruno
joegbruno@comcast.net
Hi Darlene,
How about doing a project to make the science behind drug discovery more understandable to the general public?
Thanks,
Scott
Hello, –In connection with the Year of Science, 2009, I want to bring my work to your attention. I am the author of several children’s science books that address a range of topics. My book about invasive species, ALIENS FROM EARTH. was recently selected by New York City Public Schools in support of the 4th-grade science requirement for the study of ecosystems. The invasive species in my book include kudzu, zebra mussels, Africanized, or “killer” bees, gypsy moths, and fire ants. At the end of the book, there is a list of things that young people can do to minimize their impact on local environments. More information about my book, including teacher guides, is available on the publisher Peachtree’s website:http://www.peachtree-online.com/product/2553.aspxor on my website: http://www.marybatten.com My most recent book, PLEASE DON’T WAKE THE ANIMALS, is about different sleeping behaviors. This book was just named a 2008 Honor Book (Science k-6) by the Society of School Librarians International. My book HUNGRY PLANTS (about carnivorous plants) was selected for SRA/McGraw Hill’s 2008 Corrective Reading Program; ANTHROPOLOGIST: SCIENTIST OF THE PEOPLE (about an anthropologist who studies hunter-gatherers in Paraguay) was selected as an Outstanding Science Trade Book for Students by the National Science Teachers Association and the Children’s Book Council. My other children’s science books include WHO HAS A BELLY BUTTON? (about people and other mammals), HEY DADDY! (about animal fathers), and WILD CATS (about the family of wild cats). I am also available for school presentations
I agree on this kind of thing especially that you still need to know some process about these facts in order for you to reason out well. It would matter on how far did you understand that kind of thing for you to explain it well to the people.