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

Mark My Bird! 05/18/2022

Mark My Bird! I was recently reading the May/June 2022 issue of “Science Scope” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the “Citizen Science” column, written by Jill Nugent. She wrote an article entitled, “Mark My Bird!” Mark My Bird is a global online citizen science project associated with the University of Sheffield that invites participants to study the how and why of bird biodiversity and change over time by studying bird bills. For more information, please visit: /episode/index/show/k12science/id/23156210

Equity in the Science Classroom 05/12/2022

Equity in the Science Classroom I was recently reading the May/June 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 an article entitled, “Equity in the Science Classroom.” Despite advances in science education, there remains an opportunity gap; historically underperforming populations often opt out of advanced courses and are not equitably represented in the STEM fields. As teachers, we are tasked with closing this gap through practices that allow all students to succeed and thrive. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/23088791

Cool Water 05/04/2022

Cool Water I was recently reading the March/April 2022 issue of “Science & Children” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the Science 101 column, written by Matt Bobrowsky. He wrote an article entitled, “What’s Cool About Water?” Water is a good example to use when discussing how matter can be in different states — solid, liquid, or gas. Students are quite familiar with solid water and liquid water but gaseous water is a bit more abstract. Bubbles in boiling water are made of water vapor (gaseous water). They are not empty, they are not air bubbles, and they are not made of separate hydrogen and oxygen gases. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/23005907

The Ocean 04/27/2022

The Ocean I was recently reading the March/April 2022 issue of “Science & Children” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the Formative Assessment column, written by Page Keeley. She wrote an article entitled, “Uncovering Student Ideas About Earth’s Defining Feature: The Ocean.” Earth’s ocean is the defining feature of our planet. Principle #1 of the “Ocean Literacy Framework” states the Earth has one big ocean with many features. But research shows that both children and adults believe a common misconception that the oceans are not connected and act alone. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/22924124

Water In Our World 04/19/2022

Water In Our World I was recently reading the March/April 2022 issue of “Science & Children” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the Editor’s Note column, written by Elizabeth Barrett-Zahn. She wrote an article entitled, “Water In Our World.” Water is critical whether we are floating in canoes, learning about waterfowl habitats, saving a local swamp, or building weather models. With over 2 billion people struggling to find safe drinking water access, the topic remains one of the most critical issues of this century. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/22846592

Best Middle School STEM Books 04/02/2022

Best Middle School STEM Books I was recently reading the March/April 2022 issue of “Science Scope” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, the National Science Teaching Association in collaboration with the Children’s Book Council, selected the best STEM books for 2022. In this podcast, we look at the nine middle school STEM books that were featured: A Shot in the Arm: Big Ideas that Changed the World #3 — by Don Brown Bones Unearthed (Creepy and True #3) — by Kerrie Logan Hollihan Eat Bugs! #1: Project Startup — by Laura D’Asaro, Rose Wang, and Heather Alexander Molly the Mathematical Mysteries: Ten Interactive Adventures in Mathematical Wonderland — by Eugenia Cheng Race to the Bottom of the Earth: Surviving Antarctica — by Rebecca E. F. Barone Scene of the Crime: Tracking Down Criminals with Forensic Science — by Hp Newquist Upstream, Downstream: Exploring Watershed Connections — by Rowena Rae What is Nintendo? (What Was?) — by Gina Shaw Wonder Women of Science: Twelve Geniuses Who Are Currently Rocking Science, Technology, and the World — by Tiera Fletcher and Ginger Rue /episode/index/show/k12science/id/22655414

Land Loss Lookout 03/22/2022

Land Loss Lookout I was recently reading the March/April 2022 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, “The Land Loss Lookout Project.” Land Loss Lookout is a citizen science project from Healthy Gulf and Northeastern University designed to monitor land loss in the Mississippi River Delta region. Students can help categorize wetland impact patterns by looking at color infrared aerial images online. For more information, please visit the project’s website at: /episode/index/show/k12science/id/22532894

Nature Journals 03/18/2022

Nature Journals I was recently reading the March/April 2022 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, “Creating Confidence and Community Through Nature Journals.” Nature journals are a great tool for teaching students how to think about and express science in a way that’s individualized to their needs, while also connecting them to their classmates, teacher, and nature. Nature journaling also allows students to grow in their ability to observe, reflect, and document their own scientific understanding. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/22492163

Implicit Bias 03/10/2022

Implicit Bias I was recently reading the March/April 2022 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, “Implicit Bias Has No Room in the Classroom.” The tendency for stereotype-confirming thoughts to pass spontaneously through our minds is what psychologists call implicit bias. One way to cultivate an awareness of our own implicit biases is to participate in Harvard University’s Project Implicit: The project website contains numerous tests designed for individuals to uncover their biases. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/22409093

Classroom Success 03/04/2022

Classroom Success I was recently reading the January/February 2022 issue of “The Science Teacher” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the section, “Focus on Physics,” written by Paul G. Hewitt. He wrote an article entitled, “A Personal Journey to Classroom Success.” There are some central rules to heed, in order to be, an appreciated and effective science teacher: 1. Attitude 2. Do Less professing and more questioning and listening 3. Not knowing everything is okay 4. Pace your class well 5. Exam coverage 6. Don’t frown on the notion of “teaching to the test” 7. Exam fairness 8. Grade exams in a timely manner and post scores quickly 9. Respect is a two-way street /episode/index/show/k12science/id/22342805

Uncovering Students' Ideas About Using Designs From Nature 02/23/2022

Uncovering Students' Ideas About Using Designs From Nature I was recently reading the January/February 2022 issue of “Science & Children” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the section, “Formative Assessment Probes,” written by Page Keeley. She wrote an article entitled, “Uncovering Students’ Ideas About Using Designs From Nature.” Scientists seek to understand the natural world, while engineers solve problems in a human-designed world. While there are similarities and differences between the work of scientists and engineers, some students may think the natural world applies only to science. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/22232660

Design Thinking 02/15/2022

Design Thinking I was recently reading the January/February 2022 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. She wrote an article entitled, “Design Thinking.” Design Thinking is a solution-based technique used to solve problems. The basics of Design Thinking are: Empathize - consider others’ needs, not just solve the problem Define - define the problem and create a meaningful and actionable problem statement Ideate - encourage innovation through brainstorming Prototype - identify and develop the best solution through multiple iterations Test - evaluate prototypes and consider improvements /episode/index/show/k12science/id/22142627

Outstanding Science Trade Books for Middle School Students 02/07/2022

Outstanding Science Trade Books for Middle School Students 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 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 /episode/index/show/k12science/id/22053161

Outstanding Science Trade Books for Grade 3-5 Students 02/05/2022

Outstanding Science Trade Books for Grade 3-5 Students 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 article listing the “2022 Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students.” In this podcast, we look at 13 “Outstanding Science Trade Books” recommended for students in grades 3-5: “The Body Book” Illustrated by Hannah Alice “Pooper Snooper” by Jennifer Keats Curtis “The Dirt Book” by David Harrison “Dr. Fauci: How a Boy from Brooklyn Became America’s Doctor” by Kate Messner “History Smashers: Plagues and Pandemics” by Kate Messner “Fearless World Traveler: Adventures of Marianne North, Botanical Artist” by Laurie Lawlor “Fossils from Lost Worlds” by Helene Rajcak and Damien Laverdunt “Masters of Disguise: Camouflaging Creatures and Magnificent Mimics” by Marc Martin “Summertime Sleepers” by Melissa Stewart “Disasters by the Numbers” by Steve Jenkins “A Life Electric: The Story of Nikola Tesla” by Azadeh Westergaard “She Persisted: Virginia Apgar” by Dr. Sayantani DasGupta and Chelsea Clinton “Scientists: Inspiring Tales of the World’s Brightest Scientific Minds” by Isabel Thomas /episode/index/show/k12science/id/22033811

Outstanding Science Trade Books for K-2 Students 02/04/2022

Outstanding Science Trade Books for K-2 Students 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 article listing the “2022 Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students.” In this podcast, we look at six “Outstanding Science Trade Books” recommended for K-2 students: “The Secret Life of the Sloth” by Laurence Pringle “If Bees Disappeared” by Lily Williams “Over and Under the Canyon” by Kate Messner “The Beak Book” by Robin Page “Curious About Fish” by Cathryn Sill “Hello Earth! Poems to Our Planet” by Joyce Sidman /episode/index/show/k12science/id/22027787

Woodpecker Cavity Cam Project 02/04/2022

Woodpecker Cavity Cam Project 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 section “Citizen Science” written by Jill Nugent. Jill wrote an article entitled “The Woodpecker Cavity Cam Project.” The Woodpecker Cavity Cam Project study site is based at the Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve in Eastern Minnesota. The research site features the oak savanna habitat and is home to over 100 breeding red-headed woodpecker adults each year. Researchers have deployed nest cavity cams at this location to study the woodpeckers and life at the cavity nest sites. For more information, visit: /episode/index/show/k12science/id/22027061

Science Teaching Challenges 01/19/2022

Science Teaching Challenges 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? /episode/index/show/k12science/id/21827432

Seven Teacher Tips to Create a Culture of Science Safety 01/13/2022

Seven Teacher Tips to Create a Culture of Science Safety 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 6. Provide frequent reminders 7. Build student confidence /episode/index/show/k12science/id/21766883

A Call to Action for Science Education 01/06/2022

A Call to Action for Science Education 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 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. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/21696767

Radiochemist 12/29/2021

Radiochemist 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. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/21626723

Graphic Novels 12/15/2021

Graphic Novels 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. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/21496070

Theory, Law, and Hypothesis 12/10/2021

Theory, Law, and Hypothesis 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. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/21439322

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

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