K12Science

I was recently reading the July/August 2021 issue of "Science & Children" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the section "Science 101" written by Matt Bobrowsky. Matt wrote an article entitled "Which Came First - the Chicken or the Egg?" This is one of those questions that people jokingly ask assuming there is no answer to it - like "If a tree falls in a forest…." In this podcast we realize how the methods of science can provide us with "egg-celent" answers to so many questions.

I was recently reading the July/August 2021 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. Jill wrote an article entitled "The Great Sunflower Project." The Great Sunflower Project launched in 2008 to address questions about pollinator populations across varying habitats including urban, rural, and suburban landscapes. The project has over 100,000 participants contributing to pollinator citizen science. For more information, please visit: https://www.greatsunflower.org

I was recently reading the July/August 2021 issue of "Science Scope" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the section "Science For All" written by Kaitlyn McGlynn and Janey Kelly. They wrote an article entitled "Wrapping It Up: Meaningful and Inclusive Lesson Closures to Recap the Day's Learning." Lesson closure provides a time for students to pause and ponder what they have just learned during the lesson as well as where their level of understanding currently lies. They discuss their favorite lesson closures, which include: Whip Around Elevator Pitch Thumbs Up, Middle Thumbs, Thumbs Down Stick it! Any Questions?

I was recently reading the July/August 2021 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 the editor, Patty McGinnis. Patty wrote an article entitled "Visual Literacy." Visual literacy can be defined as a set of abilities that enables an individual to effectively find, interpret, evaluate, use and create images and visual media.

I was recently reading the May/June 2021 issue of "The Science Teacher" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the section "Editor's Corner" written by the editor, Ann Haley MacKenzie. Ann wrote an article entitled "What the 2020-2021 School Year Taught Us About Science Teaching and Learning." The school year has drawn to a close, although many schools have extended learning into the summer to address the gaps in learning experienced this year due to COVID. Some schools were remote all year, some have been face-to-face, and others have been hybrid. The year was surreal and reminded many of their first year of teaching or starting teaching all over again.

I was recently reading the May/June 2021 issue of "Science and Children" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the section "Science 101" written by Matt Bobrowsky. Matt wrote an article entitled "What Color is the Sun?" The fact that the Sun is white is why we can see so many different colors in the outdoor world. If sunlight were purely green, then everything outside would look green or dark. We can see the redness of a cardinal and the blueness of a blue jay because sunlight contains red and blue light. The same is true for all the other colors. All of these colors combined make the light from the Sun look white.

I was recently reading the May/June 2021 issue of "Science and Children" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the section "Editor's Note" written by Elizabeth Barrett-Zahn. Elizabeth wrote an article entitled "Digital Literacy." Digital Literacy, according to Cornell University, is the ability to find, evaluate, utilize, share, and create content using information technologies and the internet.

I was recently reading the May/June 2021 issue of "Science Scope" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the section "Scope on the Skies" written by Bob Riddle. Bob wrote an article entitled "Earth Watch." The planet Earth is currently the only place where we can live, and just like our homes, classrooms, and local communities, there is a constant need for environmental awareness. This should highlight both the importance of thinking globally while dealing with local circumstances and the importance of monitoring our "home" from a global perspective, using for example, NOAA Satellites.

I was recently reading the May/June 2021 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. Jill wrote an article entitled "Conservation Cameras: From the Wild to Your Classroom." The Zoological Society of London's "Instant Wild" empowers you to take part in vital conservation work by bringing you LIVE images and videos from amazing locations all around the world for you to identify. For more information, please visit: https://instantwild.zsl.org

I was recently reading the May/June 2021 issue of "Science Scope" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the section "Interdisciplinary Ideas" written by Raja Ridgway. Raja wrote an article entitled "The Intentional Integration of Computational Thinking." Computational Thinking Practices: Decomposition — Breaking down into components. Pattern Matching — Finding similarities between components. Abstraction — The process of reducing complexity by focusing on the main idea. By hiding details irrelevant to the question at hand and bringing together related and useful details, abstraction reduces complexity and allows one to focus on the problem. Algorithms — A step-by-step process to complete a task.

I was recently reading the May/June 2021 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. Patty wrote an article entitled "Mathematics and Computational Thinking: A Bridge to STEM Careers." Science practices have changed drastically over the years as a result of digital tools at the disposal of scientists. As a result, the sheer volume of data available necessitates an understanding of data management and analytics.

I was recently reading the March/April 2021 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. Luba wrote an article entitled "Exploration Geologist Quinton Hennigh." Exploration geologists, also known as prospectors, look for new sources of mineral deposits. They use a mix of geological, geophysical, and geochemical knowledge to analyze data and test hypotheses about where deposits are likely to be found. "You identify targets, drill holes, and try to find treasure," says Quinton Hennigh.

I was recently reading the March/April 2021 issue of "The Science Teacher" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the section "Citizen Science" written by Jill Nugent. Jill wrote an article entitled "Accelerating Alzheimer's Research with Stall Catchers." Stall Catchers, created by the Human Computation Institute at Cornell University, is an online citizen science game designed to speed up Alzheimer's disease research. You can learn more by visiting the game's website at: https://stallcatchers.com

I was recently reading the March/April 2021 issue of "The Science Teacher" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the section "Commentary" written by Andrew Zucker. Andrew wrote an article entitled "Teaching Scientific Literacy." Here are five themes to consider in order to promote scientific literacy: Pay attention to the personal and societal contexts of science. Relate scientific literacy to traditional forms of literacy. Teach about how to find reliable information about science and how to reject junk science. Include some important events in the history of science. Help females and minority students realize their potential in science.

I was recently reading the March/April 2021 issue of "The Science Teacher" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the section "Editor's Corner" written by Ann Haley Mackenzie. Ann wrote an article entitled "Technology and Scientific Habits of Mind." The focus of her article was on the importance of curiosity, persistence and perseverance. If we are too busy covering the content instead of providing a place for uncovering the science content with the students, then many chances for curiosity, persistence, and perseverance are lost.

I was recently reading the March/April 2021 issue of "Science and Children" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the "Editor's Note" section, written by Elizabeth Barrett-Zahn. Elizabeth wrote an article entitled, "Culturally Responsive Teaching." At the heart of Culturally Responsive and Relevant Teaching is a willingness to listen, reflect, and celebrate the richness that cultural and linguistic diversity has to offer.

The National Science Teaching Association in collaboration with the Children's Book Council released the 2021 list of the Best STEM Trade Books for Students. In this podcast we look at the 7 books recommended for students in grades 6 - 8. All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys' Soccer Team Beastly Bionics: Rad Robots, Brilliant Biomimicry, and Incredible Inventions Inspired by Nature Changing the Equation: 50+ US Black Women in STEM Galileo! Galileo! Machines That Think!: Big Ides that Changed the World Spaceman: The True Story of a Young Boy's Journey to Becoming an Astronaut Who Gives a Poop?: Surprising Science from One End to the Other

The National Science Teaching Association in collaboration with the Children's Book Council released the 2021 list of the Best STEM Trade Books for Students. In this podcast we look at the 7 books recommended for students in grades 3 - 5. Ada Lovelace Machines in Motion: The Amazing History of Transportation Marie's Ocean: Marie Tharp Maps the Mountains Under the Sea Numbers in Motion: Sophie Kowalevski, Queen of Mathematics "Smelly" Kelly and His Super Senses Wood, Wire, Wings: Emma Lilian Todd Invents an Airplane Work It Girl: Blast Off Into Space Like Mae Jemison

The National Science Teaching Association in collaboration with the Children's Book Council released the 2021 list of the Best STEM Trade Books for Students. In this podcast we look at the 5 books recommended for K-2 Students. Gnu and Shrew Jumbo: The Making of the Boeing 747 Mission to the Bottom of the Sea Newton and Curie: The Science Squirrels The Polio Pioneer

I was recently reading the March/April 2021 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. Jill wrote an article entitled "The Return of the River Herring." The Mystic River Herring Education Project is an online citizen science project with a user-friendly website full of information and resources. To engage in the citizen science project, student will visit the project home page and watch short video clips of migrating river herring. They will count the number of river herring that they observe swimming from right to left on the screen. To learn more, visit: https://www.mysticherring.org

I was recently reading the January/February 2021 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. Luba wrote an article entitled "Entomologist Ary Faraji." Entomologists study insects and may work for educational or research institutions, government agencies, private industry, and consulting. Ary Faraji works as an entomologist in a local government agency in Salt Lake City, Utah. The mission of his agency is to reduce the annoyance levels posed by biting mosquitoes and to protect residents from pathogens mosquitoes can carry.

I was recently reading the January/February 2021 issue of "The Science Teacher" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the section "Current Science Classroom" written by Chris Anderson. Chris wrote an article entitled "Field Trips Last a Lifetime." Nothing can replace the authenticity and impact of an in-person field experience for kids, however, until the public health and school funding battles are won it's up to us to get creative and bring the world to our students.

I was recently reading the January/February 2021 issue of "The Science Teacher" 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 "A Window to the Wild." "Instant Wild" is a Citizen Science project that brings you live images from cameras around the world. Students can tag the animals to help conservation research. You can visit the "Instant Wild" website at: https://instantwild.zsl.org

I was recently reading the January/February 2021 issue of "Science & Children" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read an article written by Matt Bobrowsky. His article was entitled "Q: Can a Simple Engineering Project Be Used to Teach Some Science?." Within the article, the author takes a quick look at the difference between science and engineering. Science increases our knowledge about the universe and our surroundings in a systematic way, while engineering is the application of this knowledge to create new and better products.

I was recently reading the January/February 2021 issue of "Science & Children" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read an article written by Ryan S. Nixon, Shannon L. Navy, Sarah Barnett, Marissa Johnson, and Delaney Larson. Their article was entitled "Pinning and Planning: Five Tips for Using Pinterest to Teach Science." Pinterest is an online resource that teachers seem to enjoy and find useful. Pinterest is a social media website where individuals can bookmark content found elsewhere on the internet in one convenient place. Nixon and his students spent several months closely analyzing 1600 pins and their associated websites for teaching the topics of force/motion and adaptations. Their research pointed out the benefits and weaknesses of Pinterest as a teaching resource.

The National Science Teaching Association in collaboration with the Children's Book Council released the 2021 list of the Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students. In this podcast we look at the 12 books recommended for Third through Fifth Grade Students. The Kitchen Pantry Scientist: Chemistry for Kids: Homemade Science Experiments and Activities Inspired by Awesome Chemists Past and Present Animal Homes Audubon Birding Adventures for Kids: Activities and Ideas for Watching, Feeding, and Housing Our Feathered Friends North Pole/South Pole: From Pole to Pole: A Flip Book Grow: Secrets of Our DNA Bones: An Inside Look at the Animal Kingdom Pika Country: Climate Change at the Top of the World Pretty Tricky: The Sneaky Ways Plants Survive The Big Bang Book Journey Under the Arctic Wildlife Ranger Action Guide: Track, Spot and Provide Healthy Habitat for Creature Close to Home Bright Dreams: The Brilliant Ideas of Nikola Tesla

The National Science Teaching Association in collaboration with the Children's Book Council released the 2021 list of the Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students. In this podcast we look at the 9 books recommended for K-2 Students. Nesting The Polio Pioneer: Dr. Jonas Salk and the Polio Vaccine If You Take Away the Otter Marjory Saves the Everglades: The Story of Marjory Stoneman Douglas Packs: Strength in Numbers What Do You Do If You Work at the Zoo? Dinosaur Lady: The Daring Discoveries of Mary Anning, the First Paleontologist Jumbo: The Making of the Boeing 747 What Do Scientists Do All Day?

The National Science Teaching Association in collaboration with the Children's Book Council released the 2021 list of the Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students. In this podcast we look at the 12 books recommended for Middle School Students. Condor Comeback Exploring the Elements: A Complete Guide to the Periodic Table Old Enough to Save the Planet Darwin's Rival: Alfred Russel Wallace and the Search for Evolution Return From Extinction: The Triumph of the Elephant Seal Sea Otters: A Survival Story The Big One: The Cascadia Earthquakes and the Science of Saving Lives Blood and Germs: The Civil War Battle Against Wounds and Disease Born Curious: 20 Girls Who Grew Up to be Awesome Scientists Changing the Equation: 50+ US Black Women in STEM Plasticus Maritimus: An Invasive Species To Fly Among the Stars: The Hidden Story of the Fight for Women Astronauts

I was recently reading the January/February 2021 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. Her article was entitled "Learning for All." The changing demographics of our classrooms require differentiation strategies to ensure all students are working toward the performance expectations outlined in the NGSS. One resource that you may find useful is the Universal Design for Learning framework, in which the teacher thoughtfully analyzes the learning environment and plans for all learners by removing barriers to learning.

I was recently reading the November/December 2020 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. Her article was entitled "Meteorologist." Meteorology is a branch of atmospheric science. It emphasizes the study of atmospheric chemistry and physics, with the aim of forecasting weather. Maureen McCann is the featured meteorologist in this podcast. She is a meteorologist at Spectrum News 13, a television station in Orlando, Florida.

I was recently reading the November/December 2020 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. Her article was entitled "Why Science Teachers Must Employ Interdisciplinary Science Methods to Save the World." Interdisciplinary science is when two disciplines come together to broaden the portrait of the concepts being uncovered by their students. Climate change, cancer, overpopulation, food deserts, pollution, and other critical topics benefit from individuals ingaging in collaborative interdisciplinary science. It is a way to help students see the interconnections of the natural world.

I was recently reading the November/December 2020 issue of "Science & Children" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the "Formative Assessment Probes" column written by Page Keeley. Her article was entitled "The Day-Night Cycle: Adding Models to Probe Explanations." As you select formative assessment probes to use with your lessons, consider ways to have students use a model to support their explanation. In this example, students use the Earth's motion and position in relation to the Sun to explain the day-night cycle and why it seems to us from an Earth perspective, that the Sun appears to rise, move across the sky, and set. Models, such as a globe and a flashlight representing the Sun are used to explain the pattern of day and night.

I was recently reading the November/December 2020 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. Her article was entitled "What a Year." As we move toward the early winter of 2020 we look back at schools following a patchwork of face-to-face, hybrid, and virtual models of instruction. All teachers, at whatever grade-level, have been returned to their "rookie year" of teaching as they struggle to find ways to meet the needs of learners in their physical classrooms and on screens.

I was recently reading the November/December 2020 issue of "Science Scope" a publication for middle school teachers from the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the "Citizen Science" column written by Jill Nugent. Her article was entitled "Count Birds for Science This Winter with Project FeederWatch." You can feed birds from the comfort of your classroom or your home this winter and contribute to real world scientific discovery with Project FeederWatch! For more information, visit their website at: https://feederwatch.org

As the holiday season approaches, I am reminded of some of the songs that I recorded with the group, Science Explosion. All of the songs that we sang were written by group member Fred Ribits. Many of the songs were written to familiar tunes and some of them were written to the tunes of traditional Christmas songs. In this podcast I will share three of the songs. If you enjoy them and want to share them with others, just visit: http://k12science.net/scienceexplosion/songs There you will be able to listen to and download the vocal and instrumental tracks for the songs. You will also be able to download a Science Explosion songbook that includes the lyrics, critical thinking questions, and mind-mapping opportunities for each song. The three songs are most appropriate for elementary and middle school students. 1. The first song will be a life science song entitled "Energy Flow" (1:13) written to the tune of "We Wish You a Merry Christmas." 2. It will be followed by another life science song, "Natures Way" (1:00), written to the tune of "Jingle Bells." 3. The final song is a science practices and concept song entitled "Creative Expression" (1:14) written to the tune of "What Child Is This?" Happy Holidays!

I was recently reading the November/December 2020 issue of "Science Scope" a publication for middle school teachers from the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read "The Online Teacher" column written by Denise Wright. Her article was entitled "Conducting Science Labs in a Virtual World." This is the third in a three-part series on the three strategies for conducting science labs in the virtual world. Part 1 — Virtual Simulations Part 2 — Science at Home Part 3 — Use of Data Sets Data sets are a great way to get students to analyze scientific data. Online science courses can contain virtual labs that can be applied to real life applications. In the online world, students have the opportunity to create their own experiments, analyze data, and participate in meaningful learning.

I was recently reading the November/December 2020 issue of "Science Scope" a publication for middle school teachers from the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read "The Online Teacher" column written by Denise Wright. Her article was entitled "Conducting Science Labs in a Virtual World." This is the second in a three-part series on the three strategies for conducting science labs in the virtual world. Part 1 — Virtual Simulations Part 2 — Science at Home Part 3 — Use of Data Sets Teachers can include labs in online learning by using science experimentation at home with an emphasis on safety and family involvement. In this environment, don't forget that flexibility can be provided by allowing digital options, which allows for student choice and equity. The results of these experiments can be shared on a virtual bulletin board. When conducting at-home science experiments, follow National Science Teaching Association guidelines and require parent supervision.

I was recently reading the November/December 2020 issue of "Science Scope" a publication for middle school teachers from the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read "The Online Teacher" column written by Denise Wright. Her article was entitled "Conducting Science Labs in a Virtual World." This is the first in a three-part series on the three strategies for conducting science labs in the virtual world. Part 1 — Virtual Simulations Part 2 — Science at Home Part 3 — Use of Data Sets Online science labs can be rich experiences that students enjoy. Teachers can include labs in online learning by using virtual simulations that include written directions, a screencast explaining directions, and questions for discussion.

I was recently reading the November/December 2020 issue of "Science Scope" a publication for middle school teachers from the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the "From the Editor's Desk" column written by Patty McGinnis. Her article was entitled "Using Literature in the Science Classroom." The Next Generation Science Standards contain numerous connections to the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts as verification of the supporting role that literature serves when learning science.

I was recently reading the September/October 2020 issue of "Science & Children" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the "Formative Assessment Probes" column written by Page Keeley. Her article was entitled "Using Formative Assessment Probes with Real or Virtual Field Trips." Using a formative assessment probe prior to a real-time or virtual field trip activates students' thinking about the concepts and phenomena they will be learning about during their experience.

I was recently reading the September/October 2020 issue of "Science Teacher" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the "Current Science Classroom" column written by Chris Anderson. Her article was entitled "The New Normal." What can we do, as educators, in the face of the worst pandemic in the last 100 years.? It can seem like an insurmountable problem, but in this podcast we share six things that are within our control that can have a positive impact on our school and community.

I was recently reading the September/October 2020 issue of "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. Her article was entitled "Online Science Educator." Online educators present courses on a broad range of topics, to children or adults. Course lengths and formats vary to — they can be live or asynchronous, interactive or lecture based, or any combination thereof. Julia Brodsky is one of these online science Educator and teaches astrobiology to elementary and middle school students. She teaches world-wide while located in Rockville, Maryland.

I was recently reading the July/August, 2020 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. His article was entitled "What's a Fun Activity that Combines Science with Art?" There are many connections between science and art, and one of the easiest to investigate, in school or at home, has to do with color. The investigation works with coffee filter strips labeled with a black marker. The coffee filters are then placed in water and the colors from the marker separate in the filter paper. This investigation lets us see that there are different colors in a substance, such as tree leaves, which turn different colors in the fall.

I was recently reading the July/August, 2020 issue of "Science and Children" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the "Methods and Strategies " column written by Meredith Hayes, P. Sean Smith, and W. Robert Midden. Their article was entitled "Students as Citizen Scientists." Citizen Science involves individuals who are not professional scientists in authentic scietific endeavors, typically in collaboration with or supervised by professional scientists or scientific institutions. Increasingly, Citizen Science is making its way into schools and into science classes in particular.

I was recently reading the July/August, 2020 issue of "The Science Teacher," a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the "Notes from the Editor " column written by Ann Haley MacKenzie. Her article was entitled "Equity for All: Essential for All Facets of the Scientific Enterprise." Under the microscope, the cell being observed does not care who is observing it. Woman, man, African American, Latinx, Asian, gay, middle-class, hearing-challenged, Native American: why has the scientific playing field not been equal for ALL? How can we, as science educators, erase inequitable practices in our teaching?

I was recently reading the September/October, 2020 issue of "Science Scope," a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the Online Teacher column "Creating a New Environment for Science Learning" written by Denise Wright. Moving from the face-to-face classroom to the online setting doesn't happen without challenges. The main objective is for all students to have a passion for learning. A positive online learning environment can be created from a personalized approach. Making a personalized connection is the key to building a positive climate in an online classroom.

I was recently reading the September/October, 2020 issue of "Science Scope," a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the Editor's Note column "Straight from the Headlines" written by Patty McGinnis. There are many ways that current events can be incorporated into the classroom. Current events can be used as an introductory phenomenon to a problem, can support a claim, or can be utilized to provide students with an engineering task. The use of websites can provide teachers with vetted articles about recent events and current events, most of which are identified by Lexile score. Resources include: Readworks — http://readworks.org TweenTribune — https://www.tweentribune.com Science News for Students — https://www.sciencenewsforstudents.org Science Daily — https://www.sciencedaily.com

I was recently looking at ideas for at home learning and I came across a fun investigation from "Physics Central." The investigation is entitled: "Create Your Own Rainbow." The investigation and rainbows share the same principles: refraction — light bending reflecting — light bouncing back