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K12Science

K12Science

248 episodes — Page 3 of 5

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

Dec 12, 20235 min

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.

Dec 5, 20235 min

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.

Dec 1, 20235 min

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

Nov 30, 20235 min

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.

Nov 28, 20234 min

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.

Nov 27, 20233 min

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.

Nov 23, 20232 min

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

Oct 18, 20232 min

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.

Oct 11, 20233 min

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/

Oct 4, 20235 min

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.

Sep 21, 20235 min

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.

Aug 29, 20233 min

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

Aug 5, 20231 min

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.

Jul 27, 20234 min

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

Jul 15, 20234 min

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.

Jul 11, 20234 min

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).

Jul 6, 20233 min

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).

Jun 26, 20235 min

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

Jun 22, 20235 min

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.

Jun 12, 20235 min

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.

Jun 8, 20233 min

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.

May 31, 20233 min

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

May 25, 20234 min

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.

May 16, 20233 min

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?

May 2, 20236 min

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?

Apr 29, 20233 min

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

Apr 25, 20232 min

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

Apr 17, 20234 min

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

Apr 12, 20233 min

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.

Apr 4, 20234 min

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

Mar 28, 20234 min

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

Mar 22, 20233 min

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.

Mar 17, 20234 min

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)

Feb 27, 20237 min

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

Feb 27, 20235 min

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.

Feb 22, 20234 min

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

Feb 14, 20235 min

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

Feb 11, 20234 min

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.

Feb 6, 20235 min

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

Jan 31, 20234 min

Ecosystem Dynamics

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 "From the Editor's Desk" column, written by Patti McGinnis. She wrote an article entitled, "Ecosystem Dynamics." A healthy ecosystem can be defined as one that "has the ability to maintain its structure and function over time in the face of external stress." Managing ecosystems in a manner that creates resilience and long-term sustainability is more crucial than ever.

Jan 23, 20233 min

Demonstrations

I was recently reading the November/December 2022 issue of "Science & Children" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the "Methods and Strategies" column, written by Christopher Roemmele, Steven Smith, Sarah Nern, Brett Criswell, and Miss Holzer. They wrote an article entitled, "Don't Forget the Demo." Demonstrations are defined as the manipulation of materials and equipment for learners to observe one or more aspects of scientific principles or phenomena, providing students with the opportunity for engagement of Science and Engineering Practices and Cross Cutting Concepts.

Jan 16, 20235 min

Geologist

I was recently reading the November/December 2022 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 a column entitled, "Geologist." Geologists study the Earth and the forces that shape its solid, liquid, and gaseous components. The article featured Michael Loso, the park geologist at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve in Copper Center, Alaska.

Jan 6, 20234 min

Environmental Justice

I was recently reading the November/December 2022 issue of "The Science Teacher" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the "Idea Bank" column, written by Fatemeh Mirghassemi. She wrote a column entitled, "Getting to the STEM of Environmental Justice: Equity Causes Enrich Student Learning in Science Classrooms." The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines environmental justice as "…the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies."

Dec 27, 20224 min

5E Learning Cycle

I was recently reading the November/December 2022 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 a column entitled, "Direct Instruction: A Healthy Place for Both Science Teachers and Students?" Direct instruction doesn't always work. What we know about human learning is that students need exposure to a concept at least five or six times before they can begin to move it into long term memory. Hence the 5E Learning Cycle: Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate.

Dec 19, 20225 min

5E Learning Cycle

I was recently reading the November/December 2022 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 a column entitled, "Direct Instruction: A Healthy Place for Both Science Teachers and Students?" Direct instruction doesn't always work. What we know about human learning is that students need exposure to a concept at least five or six times before they can begin to move it into long term memory. Hence the 5E Learning Cycle: Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate.

Dec 19, 20225 min

Mars On Earth

I was recently reading the November/December 2022 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 a column entitled, "Where on Earth is Mars." The day is coming when a crewed mission sets down on Mars and becomes the second group of humans to be "boots" on another world. The first group consisted of Apollo 12 astronauts who landed and returned from our Moon. However, getting to Mars is more of a challenge, as we have learned from the numerous robotic missions sent to Mars over the years. How will we prepare our astronauts for this mission?

Dec 13, 20224 min

Sknowledge (Snow Knowledge)

I was recently reading the November/December 2022 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 a column entitled, "Get in the "Sknow" for Science!" The Sknowledge project was formed around the natural curiosity that studnts have for the outdoors and the snow. The project goal is to help scientists ground truth winter weather data, one snowball at a time by measuring snow depth, air temperature, and cloud cover, and the ability to make a snowball. For more information, visit: https://www.sknowledge.ca

Nov 23, 20224 min

Three-Dimensional Learning

I was recently reading the November/December 2022 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 a column entitled, "Three-Dimensional Learning." The Next Generation Science Standards call for three-dimensional learning, or the intentional integration of disciplinary core ideas, crosscutting concepts, and scientific and engineering practices.

Nov 17, 20223 min

Astronomer

I was recently reading the September/October 2022 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 a column entitled, "Astronomer." Her article focused in on Chris Carilli, an astronomer at the National Science Foundation's Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array, where he uses radio-spectrum light captured by a series of antennas to study the early universe.

Nov 10, 20225 min