K12Science

The purpose of K12Science is to share ideas about science teaching for grades K-12 and beyond. K12Science is hosted by David Bydlowski, science educator in Michigan

Life Beyond Earth 12/19/2025

Life Beyond Earth 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 student’s curiosity and appreciation for the magnitude of the universe and the possibilities of life beyond Earth. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/39477250

Microbiomes 12/10/2025

Microbiomes 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 analyzing microbiome data that were gathered as part of the American Gut Project. To learn more about this citizen science project, visit their website at: /episode/index/show/k12science/id/39361860

Why We Persist 12/04/2025

Why We Persist 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. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/39280010

Creativity 11/25/2025

Creativity 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. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/39169770

Life Science 11/20/2025

Life Science 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. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/39110970

Seven Tips for Science Instruction 11/11/2025

Seven Tips for Science Instruction 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 Approach to Evaluating Instructional Materials 6. Prioritize Student Curiosity and Wonder 7. Scaffold Support for Science Learners /episode/index/show/k12science/id/39001385

Gravity 11/06/2025

Gravity 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. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/38938780

Stream Ecology 10/16/2025

Stream Ecology 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: /episode/index/show/k12science/id/38608750

Middle School Picture-Books 09/24/2025

Middle School Picture-Books 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 tool for students of all ages. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/38346385

Engineering in Middle School 09/17/2025

Engineering in Middle School 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. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/38257855

Assessment in the Age of AI 09/10/2025

Assessment in the Age of AI 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? /episode/index/show/k12science/id/38169605

Lady Edison 09/03/2025

Lady Edison 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. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/38075525

Rollercoaster Engineer 08/21/2025

Rollercoaster Engineer 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. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/37913400

Parent Newsletters 08/13/2025

Parent Newsletters 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 of maintaining consistent communication with families involves the construction of a parent newsletter. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/37804535

Disciplinary Literacy 08/08/2025

Disciplinary Literacy 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. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/37737615

Real-World Problems 07/31/2025

Real-World Problems I was recently reading the July-August 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, “Exploring Real-World Problems.” Students in classrooms are encouraged to act as problem-solvers, inventors and young scientists. Real-world problems, big or small, offer meaningful opportunities to engage students in authentic science that matters. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/37622010

Outside the Classroom 07/17/2025

Outside the Classroom I was recently reading the July-August 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, “‘Science Beyond Classroom Walls.” Moving science beyond the classroom can cultivate a sense of environmental stewardship. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/37442275

Best Practices for Science Classroom Chemicals 07/09/2025

Best Practices for Science Classroom Chemicals I was recently reading the June 30, 2025 blog posting on the National Science Teachers Association website. The blog was posted by Ken Roy and the title of his blog post was “Dealing with Chemical Waste in the Science Instructional Space.” Unattended hazardous chemical waste can be unsafe, and at times, dangerous. In Ken’s blog posting, he shares 10 key factors to consider for an appropriate chemical disposal program in school. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/37347255

Teaching Science to Girls 07/02/2025

Teaching Science to Girls I was recently reading the June 20, 2025 blog posting on the National Science Teachers Association website. The blog was posted by Susan Deemer and the title of her blog post was “Why Teaching Science to Girls Now is More Important Than Ever.” Susan said that the longer she teaches, the more she realizes that cultivating a scientific mindset is the most important thing that she can teach, particularly when teaching girls, as she has for most of her career. This is important for two reasons: 1. Scientific thinking can help eradicate self-defeating thought patterns and deconstruct stereotypes about girls and women perpetuated for generations. 2. A scientific mindset is critical as girls grow up to become consumers of products, news, and services, as well as citizens who effect change in their communities. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/37263765

Logistics Engineer 06/18/2025

Logistics Engineer I was recently reading the May - June 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, “‘Logistics Engineer Ron Charest.” Logistics engineers typically work on supply chains, which encompass all of the steps required to get finished products to users, from procuring raw materials for factories, to warehousing and transporting goods. Ron Charest is a logistics engineer for the Coast Guard in Washington, DC. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/37064780

Logistics Engineer 06/18/2025

Nature Scavenger Hunt 06/09/2025

Nature Scavenger Hunt I was recently reading the May - June 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, “‘What Would Be An Activity That Involves Both Learning and Play?.” A nature scavenger hunt can encourage exploration, observation, and critical thinking while being fun and engaging which shows that it can be an activity that involves both learning and play. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/36930260

Amazing Summer 06/04/2025

Amazing Summer I was recently reading the May - June 2025 issue of “Science and Children”, a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the section, “The Poetry of Science” written by Amy Ludwig VanDerwater. She wrote an article entitled, “‘Out of the Box Summer.” As we enter, “Summer Vacation Time,” it is helpful to provide students with some creative ways that they can enjoy summer outdoors. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/36854805

Amazing Summer 06/04/2025

Playful Classroom 05/29/2025

Playful Classroom I was recently reading the May - June 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 Barret-Zahn. She wrote an article entitled, “‘Prioritizing Play.” We can’t turn every lesson into an open-ended discovery session. But where can discovery, creativity and fun be sprinkled in? With a subtle mindset change, we can make learning feel less like work and more like play. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/36770690

Bumble Bee Watch 05/22/2025

Bumble Bee Watch I was recently reading the May - June 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, “‘Participate in Pollinator Science This Season with Bumble Bee Watch.” Spring and summer serve as a rewarding time for students to survey pollinator biodiversity. In fact, the month of June is known as pollinator month, making this a natural time of the year to incorporate pollinator science in your classroom. Bumble Bee Watch is a collaborative project focused on tracking North American Bumble Bees. To learn more, visit the project website at: /episode/index/show/k12science/id/36666205

A Passionate Teacher 05/14/2025

A Passionate Teacher I was recently reading the May - June 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, “‘The Power of a Passionate Teacher.” Passionate teachers inspire their students to learn, they create collaborative learning environments where risk-taking is encouraged, and they help students connect their learning to real-world applications. Passionate teachers are committed to their discipline, are knowledgeable to world events, and are committed to ensuring their students learn. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/36563820

Innovation, Creativity and Curiosity 05/08/2025

Innovation, Creativity and Curiosity I was recently reading the May - June 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, “‘Fostering Innovation, Creativity, and Curiosity in Science Education.” In this article, Brooke shared many practical strategies that teachers can implement immediately, regardless of resources, in the areas of: Community-Connected Science Resource-Conscious Innovation Curiosity-Driven Learning /episode/index/show/k12science/id/36491030

STOP Doing 04/30/2025

STOP Doing I was recently reading the March - April 2025 issue of “The Science & Children”, a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the section, “The Poetry of Science” written by Amy Ludwig VanDerwater She wrote an article entitled, “‘If We Stopped.” When we imagine acting as Earth’s stewards, we often focus on what we can DO, but in this poem, the author challenges us to consider what we might STOP doing. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/36380815

Bird Count History 04/24/2025

Bird Count History I was recently reading the March - April 2025 issue of “The Science Teacher”, a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the section, “Right to the Source,” written by Jessica Fries-Gaither She wrote an article entitled, “‘The 1900 Christmas Bird Census: Introducing a New Annual Tradition and Citizen Science Project. This “historical” podcast provides an entry point for students in the Christmas Bird Count’s history and current applications in ornithology. Students use data from the Count’s history to help construct their scientific understanding. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/36298065

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