Life Sciences Education
Resources for Elementary Science Education
"Crime Lab Chemistry" and "Paper Towel Testing" are two of a series of activity books from the Lawrence Hall of Science Great Explorations in Math and Science (GEMS) series, targeted at grades 4-9. For ordering information, contact GEMS, c/o Lawrence Hall of Science, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, (510) 642-1016.
Brain Link materials from Baylor College of Medicine: 1) Activities in Neuroscience -- three booklets, "Brain Comparisons," "Motor Highways," and "Sensory Signals," each containing six classroom activities; 2) Adventure stories for children -- "Danger at Rocky River," "Skullduggery," "Trouble at Tsavo," and "The Cookie Crumbles," and 3) "Explorations in Neuroscience" -- three take-home newsletters with activities and readings to do with friends and family. For ordering information, contact Baylor College of Medicine, Brain Link Staff, Division of School Based Programs, 1709 Dryden, Suite 545, Houston, TX 77030, (800) 798-8244.
Cells Are Us" and "Cell Wars" by Fran Balkwill and Mic Rolph. These full-color children's stories describe the various types of cells in the human body and how cells fight infections. Two new publications are also available "DNA Is Here To Stay" and "Amazing Schemes Within Your Genes." For ordering information, contact Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, 10 Skyline Drive, Plainview, NY 11803-9729, (800) 843-4388.
"Foodworks: Over 100 Science Activities" and "Fascinating Facts that Explore the Magic of Food," include a nice balance of facts and activities. Ontario Science Center, 1987; Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA or Available at bookstores.
"The Growing Classroom: A Living Laboratory Science and Nutrition Curriculum" for grades 2-6 is a three-book set of activities and curricular aids. Includes eye-pleasing graphics and easy-to-copy pages. For ordering information, contact Life Lab Science Program, 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95064.
"Animal Research-Search for Life" is a general booklet appropriate for grades 2-5. Copies are available from the Information Resources and Inquiries Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, Room 15C-05, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857, (301) 443-4515.
"Science and Children" is a professional journal for pre-elementary and elementary teachers. Articles include instructional activities, design and use of materials, instructional media, curriculum reviews, book reviews, and national and global issue updates. For ordering information, contact the National Science Teachers Association, 1840 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22201 (703) 243-7100.
"Science Experiences for Preschoolers" is an activity sourcebook compiled and edited by Leon Ukens for the Council for Elementary Science International. For ordering information, contact ERIC Clearinghouse for Science, Mathematics, and Environmental Education, The Ohio State University, 1929 Kenny Road, Columbus, OH 43210, (800) 276-0462.
"What Will Happen If...Young Children and the Scientific Method" by Barbara Sprung, Merle Froschl, and Patricia B. Campbell describes how to involve young children in the scientific method and includes a variety of science activities designed for young children. For ordering information, contact Gryphon House, Inc., 3706 Otis Street, P.O. Box 275, Mt. Rainier, MD 20712, (800) 638-0928.
"WonderScience" is a magazine for students in grades 4-6, featuring experiments, stories, and puzzles; most activities are related to chemistry and/or physics. It is published eight times each year and group subscriptions are available. Contact the American Chemical Society, 1155 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036, (202) 452-2113.
Resources for Middle and High School Science Education
The American Association of Immunologists (AAI) distributes two laboratory lesson plans - "Food Forensics: A Case of Mistaken Identity" and "Warlord's Revenge: Can You Dig It?" Contact the AAI Education Committee, 9650 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20814, (301) 634-7179.
"Crime Lab Chemistry" and "Paper Towel Testing" are two of a series of activity books from the Lawrence Hall of Science Great Explorations in Math and Science series, targeted at grades 4-9. For ordering information, contact GEMS, c/o Lawrence Hall of Science, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, (510) 642-1016.
"Curiosity is the Key to Discovery: The Story of How Nobel Laureates Entered the World of Science" is available from the Information Resources and Inquiries Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, Room 15C-05, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD, 20857, (301) 443-4515.
"Favorite Labs from Outstanding Teachers" includes a variety of laboratory activities and lessons developed by winners of the National Association of Biology Teachers' (NABT) Outstanding Biology Teacher Award. NABT also has "A Sourcebook of Biotechnology Activities" available for purchase. The 230-page notebook contains laboratory activities on basic concepts in molecular biology, the universality of the DNA molecule, incorporating and recombining DNA, applications of biotechnology, and societal issues. "Teaching Critical Thinking Skills in Biology" is a monograph providing practical techniques and procedures for teachers to apply in the classroom to help foster students' critical thinking skills. "Teaching Hands-On Investigative Biology On a Shoestring" is also available. "The American Biology Teacher," published eight times a year, provides specific how-to suggestions for the laboratory, field activities, and interdisciplinary programs with a large selection of articles about the life sciences. This journal comes with membership in NABT. For information, contact NABT at 11250 Roger Bacon Drive #19, Reston, VA 22090, (703) 471-1134.
Incurably Ill for Animal Research (iiFAR) provides a packet of educational materials about the use of animals in research. Of particular use is the brochure, "Issues and Answers." Contact iiFAR, P.O. Box 27454, Lansing, MI 48909, (517) 887-1141.
"Science Service Directory of Student Science Training Programs for Precollege Students" lists all of the summer science camps, museum programs, etc. in which students can participate. Published yearly by Science Service, Inc., 1719 N Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036, (202) 785-2255.
The Society for Neuroscience publishes "Brain Facts: A Primer on the Brain and Nervous System," a 32-page overview of current understanding and research. They also provide a series of Brain Concepts, four-page handouts for students on topics such as "Looking and Seeing," "What is Pain?," "Sleep and Dreaming," and "Stress and the Brain." For ordering information, contact the Society for Neuroscience, 11 Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20036, (202) 462-6688.
Several science professional journals are targeted specifically toward teachers. Three which provide excellent resources in the life sciences are "The American Biology Teacher" from the National Association of Biology Teachers (see address above), "Science Scope" (for middle school teachers) and "The Science Teacher" (for high school teachers) from the National Science Teachers Association (see address under "Science and Children" above).
"How Schools Shortchange Girls: A Study of Major Findings on Girls and Education" is available from the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Educational Foundation, 1111 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036-4873, or call their toll-free number at 1-800-225-9998, Ext. 294.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has a variety of materials available: 1) "Science Education News" and "Parent Enlightenment" are free newsletters highlighting, respectively, resources and events in science education and strategies to help parents stimulate children's interest and achievement in science and mathematics; 2) "Science Books and Films" includes reviews by scientists and educators of trade science, math, and technology books and films and produces special issues focused on textbook reviews and specific content areas; and 3) IDEAAS; "Sourcebook for Science, Mathematics, & Technology Education" is published yearly and includes information on scientific organizations, state and federal agencies, education associations, museums, and a wide variety of programs and materials for educators. Contact the Directorate for Education and Human Resources Programs, AAAS, 1333 H Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005, (202) 326-6670 for these and other resources.
"Frequently Asked Questions About Animal Research," "Animal Research: Fact Vs. Myth," "Animal Research for Animal Health," "What If there Were No Animal Research?" and "Who Cares About Laboratory Animals?", can be ordered from the Foundation for Biomedical Research, 818 Connecticut Avenue, NW., Suite 303, Washington, DC 20006, (202) 457-0654. A variety of posters can also be ordered from Biomedical Research.
"Biotechnology - Careers for the 21st Century," (middle and high school). Distributed by the National Association of Biology Teachers, 11250 Roger Bacon Drive #19, Reston, VA 22090, (703) 471-1134. A limited number of free copies are available for members. Cost is $10 plus shipping for non-members.
"Magnetic Moments: Science Teaching That Works," (elementary teachers). Good overview of teaching strategies that work in science classrooms, demonstrated in an in-class setting. Order from National Science Teachers Association, 1840 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22201-3000, (703) 243-7100.
"Physiology: An Inside View," (high school). This amusing video highlights the work of contemporary physiologists. Originally produced by The Physiology Society (United Kingdom), it is available from the American Physiological Society, 9650 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20814-3991, (301) 634-7132.
"You Can Be a Scientist Too!" (elementary) presents the lives of women scientists from childhood through adulthood. A coordinated set of children's books is available, as well. Order from The Equity Institute, P.O. Box 31245, Bethesda, MD 20814, (301) 654-2904.
"Why I Should Stay Awake in Science Class" (upper elementary, middle school, early high school) comes with teacher guide and three student activities. "Caring For Life" focuses on the humane care and treatment of laboratory animals and "A Question of Safety" provides easily understood terms emphasizing the reasons for safety testing of consumer products. Contact the Foundation for Biomedical Research, 818 Connecticut Ave, NW, Suite 303, Washington, DC 20006, (202) 457-0654.
Catalog: Hawkhill Science - Live Action Videos for Science Literacy. With order, you receive a free subscription to the Hawkhill Science Newsletter, published six times a school year. For a free catalog, call 800-422-4295.