Is there a way to e-Bologna? Cross-National
Collaborative Activities in University Courses
This article describes a study of distance collaborative activities that
have been conducted in a cross-national setting between a Greek and a German
university. We discuss issues related to organization, technology, and curricula
considerations. In addition, we analyze the modes of cooperation that have been
chosen in the students' work on creative problem solving tasks and conclude
that for complex learning scenarios succesful collaboration and peer tutoring in
advanced learning support enviro
Approaches to Studying and Perceptions of University Teaching-Learning Environments: Concepts, Measu
This paper introduces work on a major ongoing research project being carried out
collaboratively between Edinburgh, Durham and Coventry Universities in Britain. The main
concepts and conceptual frameworks being used in the project are introduced, along with a
brief summary of a literature review used to define the most salient aspects of teachinglearning
environments in higher education. The remainder of the paper describes the
development and initial analyses of two questionnaires completed by
Environmental History Timeline
Students develop critical thinking skills by interviewing a person who has perspective on environmental history. Students explore the concept of a timeline, including historical milestones, and develop a sense of the context of events.
Examining a Potential Paper Topic
This writing exercise, designed by the department of English at Northern Illinois University, provides students with the opportunity to think through paper topics before actually writing essays. The activity it allows two classmates to respond to the topic and ask questions regarding the topic. Then the original student is asked to respond to her/his classmates questions and concerns. Students also develop computer skills such as word processing. This exercise is part of a greater NIU writing mo
Environmental Education Materials: Guidelines for Excellence Workbook
This online workbook was developed for use as a companion to the Environmental Education Materials: Guidelines for Excellence. It provides recommendations for selecting, evaluating, and producing quality environmental education lesson plans, curricula, and other instructional materials. Key characteristics of the workbook are fairness and accuracy, depth, emphasis on skills, action orientation, instructional soundness, and usability. The workbook is organized in modules so the user can choose to
Developing Analytical and Communication Skills in a Mock-Trial Course Based on the Famous Woburn, Ma
This Journal of Geoscience Education article discusses a mock trial in which undergraduates serve as expert witnesses and law students serve as their attorneys. The article identifies the trial as an effective vehicle for developing quantitative skills and enhancing written and oral communication skills. The course discussed is unabashedly about applying scientific principles to solve real-world problems. The entire course revolves around the analysis, interpretation, and presentation of scienti
Cooperative Learning
This site from SERC's Starting Point features cooperative learning, a method that incorporates interdependence, interaction, individual accountability, interpersonal skills, and group processing. Information and links on reasons this is an efficient teaching method, how to include it in the classroom, related resources, and examples are also included.
Celebration of the arrival of African Americans in Massachusetts
Hope Kelly reports on a celebration at the Museum of Afro-American History marking the arrival of the first African Americans in Massachusetts. Kelly notes that the first African Americans arrived as immigrants, not as slaves. Kelly's report features footage of Henry Hampton (Chairman, Museum of Afro-American History) addressing the gathering. Kelly reviews the history of African Americans in Massachusetts. Kelly's report is accompanied by historical photos and drawings related to African Americ
Aborigines
Australian aborigines visit Franklin ParkProgram focuses of the culture of Australian aborigines. Host David Crippens introduces Dighton Spooner's interview with Gulpilil (and other aborigines visiting Boston) on music, ceremonies, instruments, costuming, and the requirements for the cultural survival of Australia's aboriginal people. Interviews touch upon offers from European companies to purchase tribal lands, Australia's attempts to restore native culture, Australian rules governing 'mixed bl
3... 2... 1... Liftoff! Educator Guide
Introduces children to the International Space Station (ISS), the most complex international scientific endeavor in history. Activities focus on the purpose and construction of the ISS, the history of rockets, and the role of rockets in space station assembly. Activities emphasize hands-on involvement, data collection, observation, exploration, prediction, interpretation, problem solving, and language skills.
Middle School Portal: Math and Science Pathways (MSP2)
Hosted by Access Excellence at the National Health Museum, the Backyard Birding -- Research Project was created by Monte Vista high school teacher Stan Hitomi. This hands-on project is targeted towards high school-aged life science and biology students and can be adapted to run from between two months to an entire year. The project emphasizes research, cooperative learning, and community outreach skills as students construct bird feeders, maintain a journal, design a research project, and commun
Middle School Portal: Math and Science Pathways (MSP2)
The Coastal Ocean Observatory Laboratory (COOL) of Rutgers Marine and Coastal Sciences invites teachers and students to use the COOL Classroom, a series of Internet-based instructional modules that link middle and high school classrooms with active research investigations conducted by Rutgers scientists. In the Gone Fishing module, students explore the role of phytoplankton in the marine food web, and learn a lot about the experimental design in the process. A printable teacher's guide helps edu
Analytical Instruments and Spectroscopic Concepts
Primers for different analytical techniques (HTML, PDF). Also links to animations and audio descriptions of analytically related concepts. Techniques include atomic absorption, spectrophotometry, chemiluminescence, gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, and atomic emission.
Measuring maze
This activity will allow students to apply measuring skills. Students will draw a series of lines of given lengths and directions that will end with a 45 degree angle. The supplies needed are 8 1/2x11 paper and a ruler. Copyright 2005 International Technology Education Association
Three forces on a glider
A glider is a special kind of aircraft that has no engine. Paper airplanes are the most obvious example, but gliders come a wide range of sizes. Toy gliders, made of balsa wood or Styrofoam, are an excellent way for students to study the basics of aerodynamics. This resource discussed the historical applications of the glider design, its comparison to powered air vehicles, and its ability to generate lift. Copyright 2005 International Technology Education Association
Structures index page
Students will learn about structures: Bridge and Tower. This site provides an extensive easy-to-follow step-by-step guide to structures. This index provides 24 links to specific information, historical concepts, and modeling projects. Copyright 2005 International Technology Education Association
The Adventures of Josie True
The Adventures of Josie True is a web-based historical adventure game for girls. The hero of the game is Chinese-American Josie True, a regular girl who becomes involved in intrigue across time and space as she tries to find her inventor-turned-teacher Ms. Trombone. She time travels with one of Ms. Trombone's inventions, the Intellicat. Includes a guide for teachers and parents with lesson plans. For girls 9-11 years of age. We want to give real girls good content and provide real historical rol
Field Journal: Compare
This online activity is part of the museum's Online Field Journal Web site, where young children can explore the wonders of nature with the help of an adult. The challenge here is to compare examples within categories of field evidence. On the opening page, the 11 comparison activities are listed: Seashells, Birds, Insects, Butterflies, Rocks, Leaves, Animal Tracks, Reptiles, Flowers, Fish, and Spiders. On the first page of each comparison activity, there are side-by-side photos of three differe
Draw a Monarch Butterfly
This OLogy activity helps kids to learn about scientific illustrations by walking them through the steps for drawing a monarch butterfly. The activity begins by introducing kids to the importance of scientific illustration and why scientists prefer drawings to photographs. A photograph of a monarch and a printable monarch butterfly outline are included. In addition, students need color photographs, other research materials, paper, an eraser, and a variety of pencils. The process of creating the
Using the Internet to Promote Inquiry-Based Learning
This site is an e-paper that describes a structured approach to inquiry-based learning using the World Wide Web as a primary information resource. Specifically, the paper addresses an 8-step process that begins with an essential question and ends with a product produced by students, typically completed in a cooperative setting. The paper also discusses the skills required by both student and teacher to make inquiry-based learning with the internet a successful endeavor. Finally, the paper discus
