Seven Tips for Science Instruction
K12Science
K12Science Podcast: Seven Tips for Science Instruction I was recently reading the November 6, 2025, NSTA Blog, a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. I read the blog entry “Seven Essential Tips for Modern Science Instruction” written by Jason Strohl. The Seven Essential Tips are: 1. Focus on Science and Engineering Practices Over Content Delivery 2. Connect Science to Real-World Problems in Students’ Communities 3. Embrace Crosscutting Concepts and Interdisciplinary Connections 4. Be Intentional About Technology Integration 5. Develop a Systematic...
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Gravity
K12Science
I was recently reading the September-October 2025 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. He wrote an article entitled, “Q: Is There Gravity in Space? Is There Gravity on the Moon?” Gravity is a fundamental force that attracts two masses toward each other. The Moon, having mass, exerts a gravitational force. This force is sufficient to keep objects anchored to its surface and to influence tides in the Earth’s oceans.
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Stream Ecology
K12Science
I was recently reading the September-October 2025 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, “Study Stream Ecology This Season!” The Leaf Pack Network citizen science project was developed by the Stroud Water Research Center, a global leader in freshwater ecosystem research, education, and restoration. To learn more about the project and how to get your students involved, visit their website at:
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Middle School Picture-Books
K12Science
I was recently reading the September-October 2025 issue of “Science Scope”, a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the section, “Interdisciplinary Ideas” written by Katie Coppens. She wrote an article entitled, “Enhancing Understanding Through Science-Themed Picture Books.” Embedding a high-interest, science-themed picture book into a unit enhances students’ ability to learn vocabulary and visualize scientific concepts. The approachable style and ability to convey information visually makes picture books an engaging learning...
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Engineering in Middle School
K12Science
I was recently reading the September-October 2025 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, “Engineering in the Middle School Science Classroom” If you are looking for engineering ideas for your classroom, you can peruse sites such as: or both of which contain a searchable database of Next Generation Science Standards aligned activities.
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Assessment in the Age of AI
K12Science
I was recently reading the NSTA Blog, dated July 15, 2025, a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the blog entry “Rethinking Science Assessment in the Age of AI,” written by Christine Anne Royce and Valerie Bennett. Recent questions about how students are using AI in their classes have included questions focusing on how much of students’ work is their own and how much is generated by AI. How do we ensure that assessment still reflects what students know, understand, and can do?
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Lady Edison
K12Science
I was recently reading the July-August 2025 issue of “The Science Teacher”, a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the section, “Right to Source” written by Jessica Fries-Gaither. She wrote an article entitled, “Exploring Everyday Inventions with “Lady Edison”.” Beulah Louse Henry (1887-1973) was a self-taught inventor, earning 49 patents and creating over 100 inventions over a 50 year period, including a vacuum ice-cream freezer, a bobbinless sewing machine, and an umbrella with color-coordinated snap-on covers.
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Rollercoaster Engineer
K12Science
I was recently reading the July-August 2025 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. She wrote an article entitled, “Rollercoaster Engineer Greg Lewis.” Rollercoaster engineers design and maintain amusement park rides. The largest parks have staff engineers; the rest contract out such work to companies that specialize in this field. Greg Lewis works for Skyline Attractions, based in Orlando, Florida.
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Parent Newsletters
K12Science
I was recently reading the July-August 2025 issue of “The Science Teacher”, a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the section, “Idea Bank” written by Alexander Eden. He wrote an article entitled, “The Power of Newsletters: Welcoming Parents into the Biology Classroom Community.” When leveraged correctly, engaging parents and families can have a positive impact on students and the classroom. It is critical to maintain a line of communication with families that is not solely based on when student concerns arise. One method...
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Disciplinary Literacy
K12Science
I was recently reading the July-August 2025 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 Brooke A Whitworth. She wrote an article entitled, “Developing Disciplinary Literacy.” We can think of disciplinary literacy in two ways, when it comes to science: 1. Broadly, in terms of how science compares to other content areas. 2. Specifically, in terms of how the subdiscipline of chemistry differs from biology or physics or earth science.
info_outlineI 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.