Astrophotography
K12Science
I was recently reading the July-August 2024 issue of Science Scope, a journal published by the National Science Teaching Association, for middle school teachers. In this issue, I read the “Scope on the Skies” section. In the section was an article entitled, “Capturing Photons,” written by Bob Riddle. One way to make astronomy more accessible and engaging to students is to introduce them to astrophotography. The most direct way is probably with the student’s own smartphone.
info_outline
Trustworthy Scientific Information
K12Science
I was recently reading the July-August 2024 issue of Science Scope, a journal published by the National Science Teaching Association, for middle school teachers. In this issue, I read the “Commentary” section. In the section was an article entitled, “Finding Instructional Resources for Teaching About Scientific Misinformation,” written by Andy Zucker. The nonprofit Media Literacy Now has developed a first-of-its-kind online database where teachers can find and access instructional materials to help student resists false and misleading information. To access the...
info_outline
Secchi Disk
K12Science
I was recently reading the July-August 2024 issue of Science Scope, a journal published by the National Science Teaching Association, for middle school teachers. In this issue, I read the “Citizen Science” section, written by Jill Nugent. She wrote an article entitled “Summer Science With the Secchi Dip-In Project.” The Robert Carlson Secchi Dip-In Project is a demonstration of the potential of volunteer monitors to gather environmentally important information on our lakes, rivers, and estuaries. For more information, visit:
info_outline
Phenomena in the Classroom
K12Science
I was recently reading the July-August 2024 issue of Science Scope, a journal published by the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read an article entitled “Phenomena in the Classroom,” written by Patty McGinnis. An engaging phenomena is determined more by how the students generate compelling lines of inquiry that create real opportunities for learning. Paul Anderson’s “Wonder of Science” website has an extensive list of phenomena organized by grade level and standard. It is available at:
info_outline
Why Teach Science?
K12Science
I was recently reading the book, “Transformative Science Teaching: A Catalyst for Justice and Sustainability,” written by Daniel Morales-Doyle. In this book, Daniel looks at two questions: "Why teach science?" "How does my teaching reflect the world in which my students live and project the world they would like to see?"
info_outline
Goal of Science Education
K12Science
I was recently reading the book, “Transformative Science Teaching: A Catalyst for Justice and Sustainability,” written by Daniel Morales-Doyle. In this book, Daniel challenges the goal of science education.
info_outline
AI: Friend of Foe?
K12Science
I was recently reading the March/April 2024 issue of “The Science Teacher,” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read “Editor’s Corner” written by Ann Haley Mackenzie. She wrote an article entitled, “Artificial Intelligence: Friend or Foe?” Artificial Intelligence (AI) is here, in a big way. Do you see it as a friend or foe in your science classroom? The possibilities for AI are endless. Do you feel comfortable with AI developing further? Are you skeptical of AI? Do you see the many possibilities of AI for your...
info_outline
Field Trips to Zoos and Aquariums
K12Science
I was recently reading the January/February 2024 issue of “Connected Science Learning” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read an article written by Benjamin Krause Recchia and T.J. McKenna. The article was entitled, “Field Trips to Zoos and Aquariums: Solving Pedagogical Challenges Using the Next Generation Science Standards.” Though zoos and aquariums have become increasingly focused on conservation education, their unique and diverse learning opportunities have been underused. Active learning pedagogy aligned with the Next Generation...
info_outline
National Parks
K12Science
I was recently reading the May/June 2024 issue of “The Science Teacher” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the “Right to the Source” section written by Danna Bell. This section included an article entitled, “See America and Its National Parks.” Today over 300 million people annually visit the 429 individual designated properties that are managed by the National Park Service, covering 85 million acres in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the territories.
info_outline
The Importance of Math in Science
K12Science
I was recently reading the May/June 2024 issue of “Science & Children” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the “Science 101” section written by Matt Bobrowsky. He wrote an article entitled, “What Activity Can I Use to Illustrate the Importance of Math in Science?” Matt summarized 7 ways in which math is not only useful but essential in science: 1. Being Clear and Precise 2. Measuring 3. Modeling and Simulation 4. Problem-Solving 5. Discovery of Patterns and Relationships 6. Verification of...
info_outlineI 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.