Supplementary Science Programs
Great Explorations in Math and Science (GEMS).
Berkeley, CA: University of California.
Level(s): P, I, M, H, R
GEMS materials consist of teacher’s guides, assembly presenter’s
guides and exhibit guides and range in appeal from preschool through high school. These
publications integrate math with life, earth and physical science, fostering a
“guided discovery” approach to learning.
Project AIMS. Fresno, CA: AIMS Education
Foundation.
Level(s): P, I, M, R
AIMS conducts research, provides national leadership training and local
workshops and seminars and publishes elementary and middle school integrated curriculum
materials for grades K-9 that have been written and tested by teachers. Publications
provide grade-appropriate activities in a flexible format. The AIMS materials are an
outgrowth of a National Science Foundation project, under the auspices of Fresno Pacific
College.
William and Mary Problem-Based Science.
Williamsburg, VA: College of William and Mary.
Level(s): P, I, M, R
The William and Mary problem-based science curriculum integrates science process
content and the concept of systems through the study of real-world problems. The use of a
real-world problem as a catalyst for unit learning implies a constructivist approach to
science teaching, which emphasizes learning that is centered on the student, the role of
the teacher as coach and authentic assessment. Through a problem-based learning approach,
students learn about how science systems interact with real-world social, political and
economic systems. The units encourage an in-depth study of selected content relevant to
understanding the central problem of the unit. The students then engage in a scientific
research process that leads them to create their own experiments and to design their own
solutions to each unit’s central problem. These units were developed to be used as a
30-hour supplement to a core science curriculum or as a specialized science program for
high-ability learners. Available titles include: Dust Bowl, a model ecosystem which
requires that students study the effects of global weather systems and their
interrelationships; Acid, Acid Everywhere, an acid spill on a local highway which
addresses understanding of humankind’s need for transportation and its chemical
effects on ecological habitats; Electricity City, building and wiring a part of a local
city; The Chesapeake Bay, the pollution of the Chesapeake Bay which requires that students
learn about ecosystems, chemical reaction systems, government systems and economic systems
and their interconnectedness; and Hot Rods, a nuclear power plant in a fictitious town
which focuses on issues of nuclear energy, such as radiation exposure and nuclear waste
disposal.
Event-Based Science. New York: Addison Wesley, 1996.
Level(s): M, H, R
Event-Based Science begins with television coverage of a real event.
Following this hook, students use guiding questions from the student editions to discuss
the news event. Next, students are given a task set in the context of the event, which
provides them with an opportunity to make real-world connections. During the next several
weeks, the teacher uses the inquiry-based activities to provide concepts and skills needed
to tackle the task. Tasks included are those dealing with volcanoes, floods, toxic leaks,
hurricanes, oil spills, disease outbreaks and so on.
Foundations and Challenges to Encourage
Technology Based Science (FACETS) . Washington, DC: American Chemical Society.
FACETS is a modular, interdisciplinary middle school science
curriculum designed for grades 6, 7 and 8. It infuses research and technological design
challenges into common middle level science content topics. It is a hands-on program in
which students are involved in real-world problem solving and decision making.
Investigations explore science in the cities, marketplace, farmlands, shorelines and
within ourselves and include such topics as air quality, food additives, exercise,
handling communication, artificial fabrics, pest control and aging. FACETS is
student-centered and involves cooperative group inquiry and learning which involves
critical thinking skills in a real-world context.
Science Sleuths: Volumes 1 & 2. CD-ROM. Seattle, WA: Videodiscovery.
Level(s): P, I, M, H, R
Science Sleuths is a series of zany mysteries that students solve by
investigating clues and conducting experiments in a virtual science lab. The humorous
problems are real-life puzzles involving life, earth and physical science concepts.
Students gather information and test their theories by examining dozens of video
interviews, news reports, photographs and articles. Armed with raw data, students record
their findings in their electronic notebook and prove their case through a fun yet
thorough science review. The multi-step review reinforces important concepts and helps
student evaluate what they have learned. Captivating characters, real science and great
software finally come together to turn middle school students into full-fledged Science
Sleuths.
Science Sleuths. Elementary Series. CD-ROM. Seattle, WA:
Videodiscovery.
Level(s): P, I, M, H, R
The Science Sleuths Elementary CD-ROM Series uses humorous science mysteries
to engage students in the process of problem solving and critical thinking. The mystery
episodes are fictitious, but introduce important science concepts and processes. Each
CD-ROM contains one complete episode that challenges students to solve science-based
problems by investigating clues and evaluating the evidence. Students can access a wide
variety of interactive resources and record and print out their findings in the
easy-to-use on-line lab book. When students have solved the mystery, they take the
interactive science review to test what they have learned. The Science Sleuths Elementary
CD-ROM Series uses students’ natural curiosity and is ideal for self-directed
learning or as a small group activity.
STS Science Forums 1 & 2.
STS Science Forums is an interactive role-playing program that focuses on 12
“Science, Technology and Society” issues. Student teams research and articulate
conflicting points of view and use the laserdisc to analyze issues, develop logical
positions and present their cases to the class. Students and teachers shape the direction
each Forum takes. There are six Forums per
volume.