
K12Science
258 episodes — Page 3 of 6

Outstanding Science Trade Books for Middle School Students - Part 1
I was recently reading the January/February 2024 issue of "Science Scope," a publication of the National Science Teaching Association, for middle school science teachers. In this issue, I read the section on the "Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students. The selections are a collaboration of the National Science Teaching Association and the Children's Book Council. In this first of two podcasts, I share six of the twelve books that were selected for middle school students. The books are: "My Indigo World" by Rosa Chang "Before Colors: Where Do Pigments and Dyes Come From" by Annette Bay Pimental "Grizzly Bears: Guardians of the Wilderness" by Frances Backhouse "Mission Arctic: A Scientific Adventure to a Changing North Pole" by Katharina Weiss-Tuider "We Need to Talk About Vaginas" by Dr. Allison K. Rodgers "Evolution" by Sarah Darwin and Eva-Maria Sadowski

Growing Beyond Earth
I was recently reading the January/February 2024 issue of "Science Scope," a publication of the National Science Teaching Association for middle school science teachers. In this issue, I read the "Citizen Science" section written by Jill Nugent. She wrote an article entitled, "Growing Beyond Earth: Cultivating 21st-Century Science Exploration." The Growing Beyond Earth citizen science project, in partnership with NASA and the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden, partners with classrooms and identifies edible plant varieties that are well suited for beyond Earth growing conditions. For more information, visit: https://fairchildgarden.org/gbe

Eliciting Student Thinking
I was recently reading the January/February 2024 issue of "Science Scope," a publication of the National Science Teaching Association, for middle school science teachers. In this issue, I read the "Editorial" section written by Patty McGinnis. She wrote an article entitled, "Eliciting Student Thinking." Eliciting student thinking is a high-leverage practice in which the teacher utilizes questions and tasks that encourage and promote student thinking and sharing of ideas.

Building Quality Science Instruction
I was recently reading a WestEd blog post on the Next Gen Science website, dated January 10, 2024. In this blog, I read the post "Seeing is Believing: Building a Shared Vision of Quality Science Instruction." It was written by Vanessa Wolbrink. In the years following the adoption of new science standards, states and districts must begin to navigate the complexities of transitioning to new learning goals — including updating instructional materials, professional learning, course descriptions and requirements, and assessments. In order to determine what changes are needed and how to enact them effectively, we need to ask the question, "What does it really take to build a shared understanding of the shift in teaching and learning expected in today's science classrooms?"

Great Backyard Bird Count 2024
I was recently visiting the Cornell Labs website. While visiting the site I was reminded of the upcoming Great Backyard Bird Count. The Great Backyard Bird Count takes place February 16-19, 2024. During this time you are encouraged to observe birds for at least 15 minutes and then report the data. You can observe for longer than 15 minutes and for more than one day. To learn about how to identify birds and how to submit data, please visit: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/k12/gbbc/

Clouds and the Middle School NGSS
I was recently reading a community blog post on the GLOBE website, dated January 18, 2024. In this blog, I read the post "GLOBE Clouds and NGSS (Elementary and Middle School." It was posted by Marile Colon Robles. A new resource is now available created by GLOBE educator Mr. Roger Rose as part of his NASA internship in 2023 titled, GLOBE Atmosphere Clouds and NGSS. This document compares portions of the clouds protocol to Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for elementary and middle school with tips and resources to use in the classroom. To view this blog post, please visit: https://www.globe.gov/globe-community/blogs/community-blogs/-/blogs/120484191/maximized

Science Fair: The Series
I was recently reading the December 11, 2023 issue of "Forbes" magazine. In this issue, I read the article "Bright Minds, Big Innovations: Exploring 'Science Fair: The Series'." It was written by Tony Bradley. "Science Fair: The Series," National Geographic's latest documentary series, is a deep dive into the world of young scientific minds, capturing their journey through the highly competitive International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). It is available to stream on Hulu and Disney+. This documentary series is a must-watch for anyone interested in the power of education, the resilience of youth, and the hopeful future shaped by bright, young minds.

Science Olympiad
I was recently reading the September-October, 2023 issue of "Connected Science Learning," a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the article "40 Years of Inspiring Students to Explore STEM: What has Science Olympiad Learned?" It was written by John F. Loehr and Jenny Kopach. In May 2024, Science Olympiad will celebrate the 40th Annual Science Olympiad National Tournament at Michigan State University. The Olympiad has been successful over these 40 years because it has demonstrated the following four factors: Recognition - Students' work and efforts are displayed and recognized in a very public fashion. Personal Choice - Students have the autonomy to decide how they want to be involved in the program. Peer and Professional Networks - Students' passion and interest in topics is recognized and celebrated by both their peers and STEM professionals. Responsiveness - The 23-event structure gives Science Olympiad the flexibility to adapt to changing interests, circumstances, and needs.

International Space Station
K12Science Podcast: International Space Station I was recently reading the October, 2023 special issue of USA Today, entitled, "NASA at 65." In this issue, I read the article "25 Years Up There: International Space Station Operators are Preparing for the Outpost's Demise." 25 years ago, the first two elements of the International Space Station were connected by shuttle astronauts. After 2030, NASA will need to bring the space station out of orbit.

Two More of the Best Science Books of 2023
I was recently reading the December 7, 2023 issue of "Smithsonian" magazine. In this issue, I read the article "The Ten Best Science Books of 2023" written by Bridget Alex, Riley Black, Dan Falk, Shi En Kim, Carlyn Kranking, and Joe Spring. In the article they shared their top nonfiction science titles from the past year, selected by "Smithsonian" magazine's editors and frequent contributors. In our last podcast, I shared the reviews of two of the top ten books. In today's podcast, we will look at the reviews of two more books from the list: Crossings: How Road Ecology is Shaping the Future of Our Planet by Ben Goldfarb Starborn: How the Stars Made Us (and Who We Would Be Without Them) by Roberto Trotta

The Best Science Books of 2023
I was recently reading the December 7, 2023 issue of "Smithsonian" magazine. In this issue, I read the article "The Ten Best Science Books of 2023" written by Bridget Alex, Riley Black, Dan Falk, Shi En Kim, Carlyn Kranking, and Joe Spring. In the article they shared their top nonfiction science titles from the past year, selected by "Smithsonian" magazine's editors and frequent contributors. In this podcast, we look at two of their selections: "Fire Weather: A True Story From a Hotter World" by John Vaillant "Of Time and Turtles: Mending the World, Shell by Shattered Shell" by Sy Montgomery

Acoustician
I was recently reading the Fall, 2023 issue of "The Science Teacher" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the section "Career of the Month" written by Luba Vangelova. In this section, she focused on the career of an acoustician. An acoustician is an expert in the branch of physics concerned with the properties of sound. Tony Hoover is an acoustician and recommends interested students to have a great understanding of acoustics, which is an interdisciplinary field that involves a lot of physics, math, and engineering.

Teaching Outdoors
I was recently reading the Fall, 2023 issue of "Science Scope" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the section, "Practical Research" written by Samantha Lindgren, Meghan McCleary, Susan Gasper, Amanda Nieves, Kara Stengren, and Amira Shabana. They wrote an article entitled, "Outdoor Teaching and Learning in Natural Spaces and Outdoor Classrooms." When we consider topics like climate change and the complex impacts it has on our students' futures, learning in outdoor spaces and using the natural environment as a primary learning resource becomes an important and timely approach to science education. This type of learning draws on the fields of outdoor and environmental education, which emphasize place-based and experiential pedagogies, interdisciplinary, and the relationships between people and nature.

Beavers from Space
I was recently reading the Fall, 2023 issue of "Science Scope" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the section, "Citizen Science" written by Jill Nugent. She wrote an article entitled, "Beavers from Space!" Beavers from Space is an online project that launched in 2023, and your help is needed to determine where beavers are found and where they appear to be absent, specifically in the waterways of Alberta, Canada. For more information, please visit: https://workingwithbeavers.ca

Joanna Haigh
I was recently reading the Fall, 2023 issue of "The Science Teacher" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the article "The Use of Storytelling to Model NGSS Science and Engineering Practices" written by Adrienne Larocque and Anna Babarinde. An important strand of three-dimensional learning in the Next Generation Science Standards is science and engineering practices. These practices replace the oversimplified "scientific method" often presented in science textbooks that bears little resemblance to actual scientific research. It requires time and effort to research and prepare accounts about people who model the Scientific and Engineering Practices. Joanna Haigh is one of those people.

Things to Know About the Solar Eclipse
I was recently reading the Fall, 2023 issue of "Science and Children" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the section, "Science 101" written by Matthew Bobrowsky. He wrote an article entitled, "What Can My Students See During the Upcoming Solar Eclipse?!" The total solar eclipse that will take place on April 8, 2024, will probably be your last chance to see one until 2025.

Scientific Ways of Doing
I was recently reading the Fall, 2023 issue of "The Science Teacher" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the section, "Commentary" written by John Suchocki. He wrote an article entitled, "Pathways to Science Literacy." The concepts of science and the practices of doing science are not the same. As science teachers, we should pull the rich practices of science (the ways of doing science) out front and center as a helix wrapping around the core concepts of science.

Virtual Reality
I was recently reading the Fall, 2023 issue of "Science Scope" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the section, "Integrating Technology," written by Michael McKenzie and Alex Fegely. They wrote an article entitled, "Differentiate Science Lessons by Using VR in Station Rotations." Blended learning strategies combined with innovative technology, for example, virtual reality (VR), can be used in science classrooms to differentiate teaching and enrich learning experiences. An app often used in classrooms is YouTube VR. You can learn more by visiting: https://www.youtube.com/@360

Cultivating Collaboration
I was recently reading the Fall, 2023 issue of "Science Scope" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the section, "From the Editor's Desk," written by Patty McGinnis. She wrote an article entitled, "Cultivating Collaboration," Collaboration is a key skill that is foundational to society. The expansion of scientific knowledge, coupled with today's complex global issues, makes collaboration among scientists and engineers crucial if we are to develop solutions to difficult problems.

Playground Physics
I was recently reading the July/August 2023 issue of "Connected Science Learning" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read an article entitled, "Innovative Technology Enhances Outdoor Learning Experiences with Playground Physics." It was written by Michaela Labriole, Judith Hutton, Laycca Umer, and Kate Maschak. Playground Physics is a free digital application and supplemental curriculum for grades 6-8 developed by the New York Hall of Science. You can learn more by visiting: https://noticing.nysci.org/apps/playground-physics/

Science, Science, Everywhere
I was recently reading the April 2023 issue of "Connected Science Learning" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the editorial section written by Beth Murphy. She wrote an article entitled, "Science, Science, Everywhere." If we look to the history of science and engineering, it all begins with phenomena-observations of the natural and human-made worlds that cause one to ask questions and identify problems worth answering and solving. In her editorial she looks at how the formal science education system as we know it came to be.

Agronomist
I was recently reading the July/August 2023 issue of "The Science Teacher" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the "Career of the Month" column, written by Luba Vangelova. She wrote an article entitled, "Agronomist." Agronomists, or agriculturists, use their knowledge of soil and plants to help farmers row crops more effectively. They can work for government agencies, nonprofits, academic institutions, or private enterprises. The article features Lee Briese a Certified Crop Advisor who lives in Jamestown, North Dakota.

Dinosaur Names
I was recently reading the July/August 2023 issue of "Science and Children" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the "Science 101" column, written by Matt Bobrowsky. He wrote an article entitled, "Origin of Dinosaur Names." Most of our English words have their roots in other languages. In this podcast we look at the origin of: Dinosaur Stegosaurus Tyrannosaurus rex

Biomimicry
I was recently reading the July/August 2023 issue of "Science and Children" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the "Editor's Note" column, written by Elizabeth Barrett-Zahn. She wrote an article entitled, "Inspired by Nature: Biomimicry." Biomimicry is a powerful approach to designing and engineering sustainable solutions by taking inspiration from nature.

Megamovie 2024
I was recently reading the July/August 2023 issue of "Science Scope" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the "Citizen Science" column, written by Jill Nugent. She wrote an article entitled, "Megamovie 2024: A Project to Eclipse All Others." The primary goal of the Eclipse Megamovie Project 2017 was to produce a high definition, time-expanded, video of the total solar eclipse that crossed North America from the northwest to the southeast on August 21, 2017. With new knowledge in-hand they are ready to initiate Eclipse Megamovie 2024. The goals are to characterize transient plasma features in the solar corona while improving the quality of the Eclipse Megamovie aesthetically. For more information, please visit: https://eclipsemegamovie.org/megamovie

Solar Eclipse 2024
I was recently reading the July/August 2023 issue of "Science Scope" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the "Commentary" column, written by Kurtz Miller. He wrote an article entitled, "Preparing for the Great American Eclipse of 2024." The Great American Eclipse of 2024 will pass across the United States on Monday, April 8, 2024, from Eagle Pass, Texas to Presque Isle, Maine. It is important to consider how to prepare for this upcoming event.

Teachable Moments
I was recently reading the July/August 2023 issue of "Science Scope" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the "From the Editor's Desk" column, written by Patty McGinnis. She wrote an article entitled, "Hurrah for Teachable Moments." Two wonderful teachable celestial events will occur during this school year in North America, allowing plenty of time to plan. A solar eclipse "double-header" occurs on Saturday, October 14, 2023 (an annular eclipse) and on Monday, April 8, 2024 (a total eclipse).

Building Science Engineer
I was recently reading the May/June 2023 issue of "The Science Teacher" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the "Career of the Month" column, written by Luba Vangelova. She wrote an article entitled, "Building Science Engineer." Broadly speaking, building science involves the study of how heat, air, and moisture move through a building's components. Andrea DelGiudice is an associate principal and unit manager specializing in building enclosures (exteriors).

Encouraging Scientific Literacy
I was recently reading the May/June 2023 issue of "The Science Teacher" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the "Editor's Corner" column, written by Ann Haley MacKenzie. She wrote an article entitled, "Promoting Scientific Literacy in the Science Classroom." This is the second of a two-part podcast series on Scientific Literacy. In this podcast we will look at the strategies for encouraging scientific literacy: 1. Incorporate real-world examples 2. Encourage critical thinking 3. Provide hands-on learning opportunities 4. Use many kinds of media resources 5. Address misconceptions 6. Collaborate with community resources 7. Creating a culture of making student thinking visible

Scientific Literacy
I was recently reading the May/June 2023 issue of "The Science Teacher" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the "Editor's Corner" column, written by Ann Haley MacKenzie. She wrote an article entitled, "Promoting Scientific Literacy in the Science Classroom." This is the first of a two-part podcast series on Scientific Literacy. In this podcast we will look at the meaning of Scientific Literacy - "understanding how science is done." The next podcast will look at strategies for incorporating Scientific Literacy.

Thunderstorms
I was recently reading the May/June 2023 issue of "Science & Children" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the "Science 101" column, written by Matt Bobrowsky. He wrote an article entitled, "What Are Some Fun Activities Related to Thunderstorms?." There are several activities you can do related to thunderstorms or just rain. One activity is to try and tell if a storm is getting closer to you or farther away and then determine the distance.

Natural Disasters
I was recently reading the May/June 2023 issue of "Science & Children" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the "Editor's Note" column, written by Elizabeth Barrett-Zahn. She wrote an article entitled, "Natural Disasters." Our student population has been through a great deal in the last few years: a pandemic with gaps in school access, increased natural disasters, social unrest and violence. Instead of backing away from teaching about natural disasters, we must provide opportunities for our students to see how scientists and engineers are actively working on solutions.

FrogWatch USA
I was recently reading the May/June 2023 issue of "Science Scope" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the "Citizen Science" column, written by Jill Nugent. She wrote an article entitled, "Surveying Sounds of the Season." Participation in FrogWatch USA provides students with authentic science engagement experiences. The large-scale and long-term project provides learners with a unique opportunity to contribute to real-world science, derive meaning from data, and make discoveries. For more information, please visit: https://www.akronzoo.org/frogwatch

Real-World Problems
I was recently reading the May/June 2023 issue of "Science Scope" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the "From the Editor's Desk" column, written by Patty McGinnis. She wrote an article entitled, "Exploring Real-World Problems." Incorporating real-world projects provides your students with opportunities to grow not only in STEM, but also in their ability to think critically and compassionately.

Best STEM Books 2023 for Early Elementary Students
I was recently reading the March/April 2023 issue of "The Science & Children" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read an article on the Best STEM Books 2023 for books published in 2022. Best STEM Books winners explore problems and possible solutions in the scientific world and, where applicable, in the lives of the protagonists. Instead of focusing on specific content, the Best STEM Books emphasize real-world issues that cross disciplinary boundaries. There were two books in the list that were most appropriate for early elementary students. They are: Action! How Movies Began The Amazing World of Video Game Development Bear Builds a House Blips on a Screen: How Ralph Baer Invented TV Video Gaming and Launched a Worldwide Obsession In Our Garden Lion Lights: My Invention that Made Peace with Lions The Mystery of the Monarchs: How Kids, Teachers, and Butterfly Farms Helped Fred and Norah Urquhart Track the Great Monarch Migration Penny, the Engineering Tail of the Fourth Little Pig Something Great What is Math?

Ten Years of NGSS
I was recently reading the March/April 2023 issue of "Science & Children" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the "Editor's Note" column, written by Elizabeth Barrett-Zahn. She wrote an article entitled, "Ten Years of NGSS: Where Are We Now?" In the 10 years since the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) were released, 44 states have implemented standards influenced by NGSS and/or "A Framework for K-12 Science Education." Where are we now with the implementation of the NGSS?

Best STEM Books 2023 for High School Students
I was recently reading the March/April 2023 issue of "The Science Teacher" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read an article on the Best STEM Books 2023 for books published in 2022. Best STEM Books winners explore problems and possible solutions in the scientific world and, where applicable, in the lives of the protagonists. Instead of focusing on specific content, the Best STEM Books emphasize real-world issues that cross disciplinary boundaries. There were two books in the list that were most appropriate for high school students. They are: American Murderer: The Parasite that Haunted the South Edward Lorenz and the Chaotic Butterflies

Best STEM Books 2023 for Middle School Students
I was recently reading the March/April 2023 issue of "Science Scope" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read an article on the Best STEM Books 2023 for books published in 2022. Best STEM Books winners explore problems and possible solutions in the scientific world and, where applicable, in the lives of the protagonists. Instead of focusing on specific content, the Best STEM Books emphasize real-world issues that cross disciplinary boundaries. There were six books in the list that were most appropriate for middle school students. They are: American Murderer: The Parasite that Haunted the South Break Down: Explosions, Implosions, Crashes, Crunches, Cracks, and More……A How Things Work Look at How Things Don't Concrete: From the Ground Up No Boundaries: 25 Women Explorers and Scientists Share Adventures, Inspiration, and Advice Science Comics: Bridges: Engineering Masterpieces Superpower? The Wearable-Tech Revolution

GLOBE Observer - Clouds
I was recently reading the March/April 2023 issue of "Science Scope" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the "Scope on the Skies" column, written by Bob Riddle. He wrote an article entitled, "Castles in the Sky." Bob jokingly talks about people suffering from Pareidolia, a human condition that has us seeing familiar patterns or images as we look around us. This, of course, is not a serious condition, but helps to explain the things we see when looking at puffy cumulus clouds. This provided a lead into the citizen science project of studying clouds using the GLOBE Observer app, provided by the GLOBE Program. To learn more about the GLOBE Observer app, visit: https://observer.globe.gov

Time Management
I was recently reading the March/April 2023 issue of "Science Scope" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the "Practical Research" column, written by Alison Betz Seymour. She wrote an article entitled, ""But, I'm Not Done Yet!" Time Management in the Science Classroom." Here are some practical, simple suggestions to develop time management skills: 1. Explicitly talk about time management. 2. Prompts such as "Check in with your time, there are about 10 minutes left for this task." 3. Scaffold students' ability to visualize time by using an analog clock with time intervals marked with dry-erase pens.

Become a Salt Watcher
I was recently reading the March/April 2023 issue of "Science Scope" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the "Citizen Science" column, written by Jill Nugent. She wrote an article entitled, "Become a Salt Watcher in Your Community." When students think of salt, they typically think of table salt, which is sodium chloride. Road salt, also known as rock salt, is often sodium chloride or magnesium chloride. The goal of the Izaak Walton League of America Salt Watch project is to monitor chloride levels in local streams and creeks. For more information, please visit: http://iwla.org

8 Billion Humans
K12Science Podcast: 8 Billion Humans I was recently reading the March/April 2023 issue of "Science Scope" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the "From the Editor's Desk" column, written by Patty McGinnis. She wrote an article entitled, "8 Billion and Counting." Human population is increasing rapidly. More humans on the planet equates to more stress on the planet and its resources. 2022 — 8 Billion Humans 2010 — 7 Billion Humans 1950 — 2.5 Billion Humans 1804 — 1 Billion Humans

Systems Technology Engineer
I was recently reading the March/April 2023 issue of "The Science Teacher" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the "Career of the Month" column, written by Luba Vangelova. She wrote an article entitled, "Systems Technology Engineer." Systems technology engineers design, develop, test, and/or manage the software, hardware, and firmware that comprise information technology systems. Rebecca Herold of Des Moines, Iowa is the featured Systems Technology Engineer.

2023 Outstanding Science Trade Books for Elementary School Students
I was recently reading the January/February 2023 issue of "Science and Children" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read an article on the Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students in 2023. Here are the 13 books selected as outstanding for elementary school students: Luminous: Living Things That Light Up the Night (K-5) Moving Words About a Flower (K-2) The Mystery of the Monarchs (K-2) Animal Sidekicks: Amazing Stories of Symbiosis in Animals and Plants (3-5) Building (K-2) Hidden Habitats: Earth (3-5) A Journey Under the Sea (K-2) Life in Hot Water: Wildlife at the Bottom of the Sea (3-5) Over and Under the Waves (K-2) A Walk Through the Rain Forest (3-5) Narwhal: The Arctic Unicorn (K-2) The Whale Who Swam Through Time: A 200 Year Journey in the Arctic (K-2) Lion Lights: My Invention That Made Peace with Lions (K-5)

Pandemic Impact on Students
I was recently reading the January/February 2023 issue of "The Science Teacher" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the "Editor's Corner" column, written by Ann Haley MacKenzie. She wrote an article entitled, "Did the Pandemic Impact the Brains of Our Science Students?" A recent study in the Journal, "Biological Psychiatry: Global Open Science," found that teen brains aged prematurely during the pandemic. The paper states that teenagers' brains aged several years in just a few months during the isolation and stress of the pandemic lockdown. For more information on this study, please visit: https://www.bpsgos.org/article/S2667-1743(22)00142-2/fulltext

The Sun's Heat
I was recently reading the January/February 2023 issue of "Science & Children" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the "Science 101" column, written by Matthew Bobrowsky. He wrote a Q and A article entitled, "How Does the Sun's Heat Get to Us Here on Earth?" Heat is the flow of energy from one object to another object because of their difference in temperature. That energy, thermal energy, results from the random motion of atoms and molecules. The molecules move around, bouncing off of each other and bouncing off anything with which the object comes into contact. The hotter the object, the faster the molecules are moving.

Marine Iguanas
I was recently reading the January/February 2023 issue of "Science Scope" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the "Citizen Science" column, written by Jill Nugent. She wrote an article entitled, "Iguanas from Above." "Iguanas from Above' is a citizen science project designed to answer questions about marine iguanas, their population, and their habitat. The project will help to determine the current population size of marine iguanas and their locations within the archipelagos. For more information, visit: https://www.iguanasfromabove.com

2023 Outstanding Science Trade Books for High School Students
I was recently reading the January/February 2023 issue of "The Science Teacher" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read an article on the Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students in 2023. Here are the 8 books selected as outstanding for high school students: American Murderer: The Parasite That Haunted the South Oceanarium: Welcome to the Museum Salmon: Swimming for Survival The Code Breaker — Young Readers Edition: Jennifer Doudna and the Race to Understand Our Genetic Code Queer Ducks (And Other Animals): The Natural World of Animal Sexuality Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teaching of Plants Urgent Message from a Hot Planet: Navigating the Climate Crisis The Woman Who Split the Atom: The Life of Lise Meitner

Statistical Thinking
I was recently reading the January/February 2023 issue of "Science Scope" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the "Interdisciplinary Ideas" column, written by Kristin Hunter-Thomson. She wrote an article entitled, "Why Should We All Embrace Statistical Thinking?" Statistical thinking is the mindset that we use when doing anything with data. The mindset is based on the following three criteria: 1. Any work with data involves interconnected processes. 2. All processes and data have variability. 3. Understanding variability and these processes is key to making sense of data.

2023 Outstanding Science Trade Books for Middle School Students
I was recently reading the January/February 2023 issue of "Science Scope" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read an article on the Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students in 2023. Here are the 7 books selected as outstanding for middle school students: Antarctica: A Melting Continent Oceanarium: Welcome to the Museum Salmon: Swimming for Survival The Code Breaker — Young Readers Edition: Jennifer Doudna and the Race to Understand Our Genetic Code Animal Allies: 15 Amazing Women in Wildlife Research How to Build a Human: In Seven Evolutionary Steps The Woman Who Split the Atom: The Life of Lise Meitner