Life Beyond Earth
K12Science
I was recently reading the November-December 2025 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. He wrote an article entitled, “Is Anyone Home?” We have always been curious about life beyond Earth, but we still do not have a definitive answer about that life beyond Earth. In a “big picture” sense, what we learn because of our curiosity, our intelligence, and certainly our technology offers us a chance to shape our future and, as educators, to increase our...
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Microbiomes
K12Science
I was recently reading the November-December 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, “Meet the Microbiome.” The human microbiome refers to the microorganisms that live on and in the human body. Colony B is a citizen science project that invites learners to engage in science and contribute to what is known about the human microbiome. Colony B was designed by researchers at McGill University, and it involves sorting and...
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Why We Persist
K12Science
I was recently reading the November-December 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, “The Enduring Impact of Science Education: Why We Persist.” Despite the challenges of teaching, science teaching is not just important work, but essential work. Our students, our communities, and our future need dedicated science educators now more than ever. That is why we continue to teach and why we persist.
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Creativity
K12Science
I was recently reading the November-December 2025 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. She wrote an article entitled, “Making Space for Creativity.” Now more than ever, the ability to think creatively has become most essential. Creative thinking through a discerning lens pushes students to think abstractly, consider diverse perspectives, and embrace unconventional approaches.
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Life Science
K12Science
I was recently reading the November-December 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 Patti McGinnis. She wrote an article entitled, “Life Science Matters.” Middle school is the age when students develop awareness of their place in the world; as such, it is the perfect age to challenge them to consider how human actions impact our planet.
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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.
info_outlineI 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 article listing the “2022 Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students.”
In this podcast, we look at eight “Outstanding Science Trade Books” recommended for middle school students in grades 6 - 8:
“Beavers: Radical Rodents and Ecosystem Engineers” by Frances Backhouse
“Inside In: X-Rays of Nature’s Hidden World” by Jan Paul Schuttten
“Tracking Tortoises: The Mission to Save a Galapagos Giant” by Kate Messner
“Ocean Planet: Animals of the Sea and Shore” by Ben Rothery
“Saving Sorya: Chang and the Sun Bear” by Trang Nguyen
“Fungarium: Welcome to the Museum” by Gaya Ester
“Fred and Marjorie: A Doctor, A Dog and the Discovery of Insulin” by Deborah Kerbel
“Wonder Women of Science” by Tiera Fletcher and Ginger Rue