In the research and development activities for Energy in the Human Body members of the team have spent many hours attempting to understand how students learn and in developing appropriate middle school curriculum based on the findings. The generous support of the National Science Foundation has made this possible. In addition to the author and co-authors, a team of highly motivated and trained teachers were key in producing the final product. These teachers and support personnel work diligently to test various versions of the curriculum and provide additional activities. In addition, they allowed researchers to come into their classrooms to observe and videotape interesting lessons. Without their time, hard work, and constructive input, this project would not have been possible. The authors would like to thank all those who contributed to the development and testing of this book.

The following persons have provided valuable support to this project:

Mary Jane Else, Graduate Student, Science Education, University of Massachusetts, Amherst; Contributing Author

Helen Gibson, Curriculum Coordinator/Contributing Author

Renee Romano, Participating Teacher/Contributing Author, Amherst Regional Middle School

Jack Czajkowski, Participating Teacher/Contributing Author, Great Falls Middle School

Marsha Crawford, Participating Teacher/Contributing Author, West Springfield Middle School

Norm Price, Participating Teacher/Researcher, Amherst Regional Middle School

Jane McClure, Participating Teacher, West Springfield Middle School

Becky Bryant, Participating Teacher, West Springfield Middle School

Susan Fisher, Participating Teacher, Great Falls Middle School

Jim Tierney, Participating Teacher, West Springfield Middle School

Susan Smith, Participating Teacher, Great Falls Middle School

Tony Sindelar, Graduate Student, Technology Education, University of Massachusetts, Amherst; Technology development and support

Brian Emonds, Graduate Student, Math-Science Education, University of Massachusetts, Amherst; Video development and support

Bevan Bluemer, Amherst, Undergraduate University of Massachusetts; clerical assistant