Science Teaching Challenges
K12Science
I was recently reading the January/February 2022 issue of “Science Scope” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the “Editor’s Desk” written by Patty McGinnis. She wrote an article entitled “Science Teaching Challenges.” The pandemic has been extremely challenging in ways that could never have been anticipated. How do teachers keep emotionally healthy, given the tremendous stress that they are under?
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Seven Teacher Tips to Create a Culture of Science Safety
K12Science
I was recently reading the October 20, 2021 NSTA Blog, hosted by the National Science Teaching Association. This blog was entitled, “Creating a Culture of Science Safety: 7 Teacher Tips for This Fall (and Beyond),” written by Mike Marvel. The seven tips that follow will help ensure safe lab practices year-round while helping educators establish a science culture rooted in safety: 1. Discuss risks 2. Conduct research 3. Never add methanol to a burning flame 4. Inspect equipment 5. Use a safety contract ...
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A Call to Action for Science Education
K12Science
I was recently reading the December 9, 2021 NSTA Blog, hosted by the National Science Teaching Association. This blog was entitled, “A Call to Action for Science Education,” written by Dr. Heidi Schweingruber, Director for Board on Science Education at National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine. Recognizing the urgency of elevating the importance of science education, the Carnegie Corporation of New York commissioned the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) to develop a report, “A Call to Action for Science...
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Radiochemist
K12Science
I was recently reading the November/December 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” which featured an article on Radiochemistry. It was written by Luba Vangelova. Radiochemists study radiation from an atomic and molecular perspective and find ways to harness the power of radioactive chemical reactions. The radiochemist featured is Catherine Riddle, senior research scientist, at the Idaho National Laboratory.
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Graphic Novels
K12Science
I was recently reading the November/December 2021 issue of “The Science Teacher” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read an article entitled “Picture This! The Versatility of Graphic Novels in Science Class” written by Rachelle Haroldson. The popularity of graphic novels in not surprising. They are colorful and engaging, marrying text to images, with diverse characters doing everything from strugling wi their tennis game to solving engineering problesm to battling villains from the Multiverse.
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Theory, Law, and Hypothesis
K12Science
I was recently reading the November/December 2021 issue of “Science & Children” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read an article entitled “Why Do Certain Terms in the Language of Science Cause So Much Confusion?” written by Matt Bobrowski. Language in the science classroom includes both technical/scientific terms and non-scientific words. Some problematic words include theory, law, and hypothesis.
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Touch, Talk, Text
K12Science
I was recently reading the November/December 2021 issue of “Science & Children” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read an article entitled “Touch, Talk, Text” written by Sarah J. Carrier, Jill F. Grifenhagen, and Danielle Scharen. They wrote an article entitled “Touch, Talk, Text.” Traditional approaches to science instruction often include reading science text, some hands-on science experiences, and teaching science language in isolation. They propose instead that teachers integrate touch, talk, and...
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The Language of Science
K12Science
I was recently reading the November/December 2021 issue of “Science & 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 “The Language of Science.” The language of science is much more than just knowing technical or content-specific words or phrases. Understanding science requires the development of an academically social language. Students need opportunities to see how language can be used to describe,...
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Nature's Notebook
K12Science
I was recently reading the November/December 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 “Taking the Pulse of Our Planet with Nature’s Notebook.” Nature’s Notebook, a project of the USA National Phenology Network, invites participants to help scientists “take the pulse of our planet.” With Nature’s Notebook, your students will have the opportunity to observe, document, and share...
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The Importance of Professional Development
K12Science
I was recently reading the November/December 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 Patti McGinnis. Patti wrote an article entitled “The Importance of Professional Development.” Professional Development is best conducted via opportunities to learn in the workplace through Professional Learning Communities, instructional coaching, or any vehicle that focuses on improving student achievement through teacher practices.
info_outlineI was recently reading the December 9, 2021 NSTA Blog, hosted by the National Science Teaching Association. This blog was entitled, “A Call to Action for Science Education,” written by Dr. Heidi Schweingruber, Director for Board on Science Education at National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine.
Recognizing the urgency of elevating the importance of science education, the Carnegie Corporation of New York commissioned the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) to develop a report, “A Call to Action for Science Education.” NASEM convened a committee of 10 experts to develop the report and solicited input from hundreds of educators across the country. The committee’s vision for K-16 science education, grounded in decades of research on effective teaching and learning, is that every student is able to experience the joy and wonder of science, learn how science can be used to solve local and global problems, see the pathways they can take into science-related careers, and feel welcomed and valued in science classrooms.