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

Touch, Talk, Text 11/30/2021

Touch, Talk, Text 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 text in their science instruction to support authentic scientific inquiry and disciplinary literacy for students. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/21328115

The Language of Science 11/26/2021

The Language of Science 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, represent, question, refute, and reach a consensus when learning to make sense of the natural world. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/21292109

Nature's Notebook 11/19/2021

Nature's Notebook 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 seasonal changes in your geographic area. For more information, please visit: /episode/index/show/k12science/id/21214916

The Importance of Professional Development 11/09/2021

The Importance of Professional Development 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. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/21106592

Soil Scientist 10/29/2021

Soil Scientist I was recently reading the September/October 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” written by Luba Vangelova. Luba wrote an article entitled “Soil Scientist.” Soil scientists study the soil, for the purpose of understanding it in its natural state, or in its capacity to serve human purposes. The podcast features Janes Hartsig, a soil scientist working in the role of vegetation manager, an Invenergy LLA in Denver, Colorado. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/20985941

Tricky Energy Terminology 10/21/2021

Tricky Energy Terminology I was recently reading the September/October 2021 issue of “Science & Children” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the section “Science 101” written by Matt Bobrowsky. Matt wrote an article entitled “What is Energy?” Energy is one of those scientific terms that is commonly used outside of science and outside of the classroom with a variety of colloquial meanings. This is another case where students don’t enter the classroom as blank slates but come with preconceptions about what energy means. It’s a good idea to first find out what your students already think energy is, and then later they can compare their original ideas with what we know about it from scientists. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/20897762

Three-Dimensional Teaching and Learning 10/16/2021

Three-Dimensional Teaching and Learning I was recently reading the September/October 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 “Three-Dimensional Teaching and Learning.” One of the most important starting points when implementing three-dimensional teaching and learning is the placement of students within the learning environment. Are students the drivers of the learning, or are they passive recipients of a well-crafted lesson focusing on content and practice? /episode/index/show/k12science/id/20838635

Stream Tracker 10/06/2021

Stream Tracker I was recently reading the September/October 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 “Stream Tracker Science.” Stream Tracker is a citizen science project that is helping to fill gaps in our understanding of intermittent streams, or streams that do not have continuous water flow throughout the year. For more information on the project, visit: /episode/index/show/k12science/id/20727386

Spoiler Alert! 09/28/2021

Spoiler Alert! I was recently reading the September/October 2021 issue of “Science Scope” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the section “Teacher’s Toolkit” written by Daniel J. Bergman. Daniel wrote an article entitled “Spoiler Alert! Avoiding Hazards to Science Inquiry and Classroom Creativity.” Spoilers can infiltrate our classrooms. Science education “spoilers” are elements or behaviors that sabotage, short-circuit, and short-change the learning process and student creativity. Here is a listing of several possible science education spoilers—hazards to authentic learning and creativity: 1. Objectives 2. Terminology 3. Cookbook Labs 4. Teachers 5. Students /episode/index/show/k12science/id/20632223

Creativity in the Science Classroom 09/21/2021

Creativity in the Science Classroom I was recently reading the September/October 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 Patty McGinnis. Patty wrote an article entitled “Creativity in the Science Classroom.” Students learn science—and use critical and creative thinking—by doing science. Rather than focusing on memorizing facts, they are engaged in application in which they apply content knowledge to real-world situations. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/20552768

NASA GLOBE Observer App 09/15/2021

NASA GLOBE Observer App I was recently reading the July/August 2021 issue of “The Science Teacher” 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 “Learning on Location with NASA GLOBE Observer” GLOBE Observer, the app of the GLOBE Program, invites you to make environmental observations that complement NASA satellite observations to help scientists studying Earth and the global environment. The GLOBE Observer App has multiple data collection tools. In this podcast, the “GLOBE Mosquito Habitat Mapper,” is featured. For more information, please visit: /episode/index/show/k12science/id/20485871

The Chicken or the Egg? 09/06/2021

The Chicken or the Egg? I was recently reading the July/August 2021 issue of “Science & Children” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the section “Science 101” written by Matt Bobrowsky. Matt wrote an article entitled “Which Came First - the Chicken or the Egg?” This is one of those questions that people jokingly ask assuming there is no answer to it - like “If a tree falls in a forest….” In this podcast we realize how the methods of science can provide us with “egg-celent” answers to so many questions. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/20382464

The Great Sunflower Project 08/30/2021

The Great Sunflower Project I was recently reading the July/August 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 “The Great Sunflower Project.” The Great Sunflower Project launched in 2008 to address questions about pollinator populations across varying habitats including urban, rural, and suburban landscapes. The project has over 100,000 participants contributing to pollinator citizen science. For more information, please visit: /episode/index/show/k12science/id/20309942

Lesson Closures 08/19/2021

Lesson Closures I was recently reading the July/August 2021 issue of “Science Scope” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the section “Science For All” written by Kaitlyn McGlynn and Janey Kelly. They wrote an article entitled “Wrapping It Up: Meaningful and Inclusive Lesson Closures to Recap the Day’s Learning.” Lesson closure provides a time for students to pause and ponder what they have just learned during the lesson as well as where their level of understanding currently lies. They discuss their favorite lesson closures, which include: Whip Around Elevator Pitch Thumbs Up, Middle Thumbs, Thumbs Down Stick it! Any Questions? /episode/index/show/k12science/id/20198045

Visual Literacy 08/17/2021

Visual Literacy I was recently reading the July/August 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 the editor, Patty McGinnis. Patty wrote an article entitled “Visual Literacy.” Visual literacy can be defined as a set of abilities that enables an individual to effectively find, interpret, evaluate, use and create images and visual media. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/20164565

What the 2020-2021 School Year Taught Us About Science Teaching and Learning 06/29/2021

What the 2020-2021 School Year Taught Us About Science Teaching and Learning I was recently reading the May/June 2021 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 the editor, Ann Haley MacKenzie. Ann wrote an article entitled “What the 2020-2021 School Year Taught Us About Science Teaching and Learning.” The school year has drawn to a close, although many schools have extended learning into the summer to address the gaps in learning experienced this year due to /episode/index/show/k12science/id/19638131

What Color is the Sun? 06/25/2021

What Color is the Sun? I was recently reading the May/June 2021 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. Matt wrote an article entitled “What Color is the Sun?” The fact that the Sun is white is why we can see so many different colors in the outdoor world. If sunlight were purely green, then everything outside would look green or dark. We can see the redness of a cardinal and the blueness of a /episode/index/show/k12science/id/19606634

Digital Literacy 06/16/2021

Digital Literacy I was recently reading the May/June 2021 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. Elizabeth wrote an article entitled “Digital Literacy.” Digital Literacy, according to Cornell University, is the ability to find, evaluate, utilize, share, and create content using information technologies and the internet. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/19501715

NOAA Satellites Predict and Protect 06/11/2021

NOAA Satellites Predict and Protect I was recently reading the May/June 2021 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. Bob wrote an article entitled “Earth Watch.” The planet Earth is currently the only place where we can live, and just like our homes, classrooms, and local communities, there is a constant need for environmental awareness. This should highlight both the importance of thinking globally while deal /episode/index/show/k12science/id/19437272

Citizen Science: Conservation Cameras 05/28/2021

Citizen Science: Conservation Cameras I was recently reading the May/June 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 “Conservation Cameras: From the Wild to Your Classroom.” The Zoological Society of London’s “Instant Wild” empowers you to take part in vital conservation work by bringing you LIVE images and videos from amazing locations all around the world for you to identify. For more information, please visit: /episode/index/show/k12science/id/19276916

The Intentional Integration of Computational Thinking 05/26/2021

The Intentional Integration of Computational Thinking I was recently reading the May/June 2021 issue of “Science Scope” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the section “Interdisciplinary Ideas” written by Raja Ridgway. Raja wrote an article entitled “The Intentional Integration of Computational Thinking.” Computational Thinking Practices: • Decomposition — Breaking down into components. • Pattern Matching — Finding similarities between components. • Abstraction — The process of reducing comp /episode/index/show/k12science/id/19248884

Mathematics and Computational Thinking 05/12/2021

Mathematics and Computational Thinking I was recently reading the May/June 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 Patty McGinnis. Patty wrote an article entitled “Mathematics and Computational Thinking: A Bridge to STEM Careers.” Science practices have changed drastically over the years as a result of digital tools at the disposal of scientists. As a result, the sheer volume of data available necessitates an unde /episode/index/show/k12science/id/19079336

Careers in Exploration Geology -- Prospecting 05/06/2021

Careers in Exploration Geology -- Prospecting I was recently reading the March/April 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” written by Luba Vangelova. Luba wrote an article entitled “Exploration Geologist Quinton Hennigh.” Exploration geologists, also known as prospectors, look for new sources of mineral deposits. They use a mix of geological, geophysical, and geochemical knowledge to analyze data and test hypotheses about where deposits are likely to be found. “You identify targets, drill holes, and try to find treasure,” says Quinton Hennigh. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/19008482

Stall Catchers: A Citizen Science Game to Accelerate Alzheimer’s Research 04/29/2021

Stall Catchers: A Citizen Science Game to Accelerate Alzheimer’s Research I was recently reading the March/April 2021 issue of “The Science Teacher” 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 “Accelerating Alzheimer’s Research with Stall Catchers.” Stall Catchers, created by the Human Computation Institute at Cornell University, is an online citizen science game designed to speed up Alzheimer’s disease research. You can learn more by visiting the game’s website at: /episode/index/show/k12science/id/18913373

Scientific Literacy 04/22/2021

Scientific Literacy I was recently reading the March/April 2021 issue of “The Science Teacher” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the section “Commentary” written by Andrew Zucker. Andrew wrote an article entitled “Teaching Scientific Literacy.” Here are five themes to consider in order to promote scientific literacy: • Pay attention to the personal and societal contexts of science. • Relate scientific literacy to traditional forms of literacy. • Teach about how /episode/index/show/k12science/id/18826055

Technology and Scientific Habits of Mind 04/14/2021

Technology and Scientific Habits of Mind I was recently reading the March/April 2021 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 Ann Haley Mackenzie. Ann wrote an article entitled “Technology and Scientific Habits of Mind.” The focus of her article was on the importance of curiosity, persistence and perseverance. If we are too busy covering the content instead of providing a place for uncovering the science content with the s /episode/index/show/k12science/id/18726671

Culturally Responsive Teaching 04/07/2021

Culturally Responsive Teaching I was recently reading the March/April 2021 issue of “Science and Children” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the “Editor’s Note” section, written by Elizabeth Barrett-Zahn. Elizabeth wrote an article entitled, “Culturally Responsive Teaching.” At the heart of Culturally Responsive and Relevant Teaching is a willingness to listen, reflect, and celebrate the richness that cultural and linguistic diversity has to offer. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/18639995

Best STEM Trade Books for Middle School Students 03/30/2021

Best STEM Trade Books for Middle School Students The National Science Teaching Association in collaboration with the Children’s Book Council released the 2021 list of the Best STEM Trade Books for Students. In this podcast we look at the 7 books recommended for students in grades 6 - 8. • All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys’ Soccer Team • Beastly Bionics: Rad Robots, Brilliant Biomimicry, and Incredible Inventions Inspired by Nature • Changing the Equation: 50+ US Black Women in STEM • Galileo! Galileo! • Machines That /episode/index/show/k12science/id/18529082

Best STEM Trade Books for Third - Fifth Grade Students 03/24/2021

Best STEM Trade Books for Third - Fifth Grade Students The National Science Teaching Association in collaboration with the Children’s Book Council released the 2021 list of the Best STEM Trade Books for Students. In this podcast we look at the 5 books recommended for students in grades 3 - 5. • Ada Lovelace • Machines in Motion: The Amazing History of Transportation • Marie’s Ocean: Marie Tharp Maps the Mountains Under the Sea • Numbers in Motion: Sophie Kowalevski, Queen of Mathematics • “Smelly” Kelly and His Super Senses • Wood, Wire, Win /episode/index/show/k12science/id/18452384

Best STEM Trade Books for Kindergarten - 2nd Grade Students 03/18/2021

Best STEM Trade Books for Kindergarten - 2nd Grade Students The National Science Teaching Association in collaboration with the Children’s Book Council released the 2021 list of the Best STEM Trade Books for Students. In this podcast we look at the 5 books recommended for K-2 Students. • Gnu and Shrew • Jumbo: The Making of the Boeing 747 • Mission to the Bottom of the Sea • Newton and Curie: The Science Squirrels • The Polio Pioneer /episode/index/show/k12science/id/18380795

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