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

Science, Science, Everywhere 09/21/2023

Science, Science, Everywhere I was recently reading the April 2023 issue of “Connected Science Learning” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the editorial section written by Beth Murphy. She wrote an article entitled, “Science, Science, Everywhere.” If we look to the history of science and engineering, it all begins with phenomena-observations of the natural and human-made worlds that cause one to ask questions and identify problems worth answering and solving. In her editorial she looks at how the formal science education system as we know it came to be. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/28104626

Agronomist 08/29/2023

Agronomist I was recently reading the July/August 2023 issue of “The Science Teacher” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the “Career of the Month” column, written by Luba Vangelova. She wrote an article entitled, “Agronomist.” Agronomists, or agriculturists, use their knowledge of soil and plants to help farmers row crops more effectively. They can work for government agencies, nonprofits, academic institutions, or private enterprises. The article features Lee Briese a Certified Crop Advisor who lives in Jamestown, North Dakota. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/27885327

Dinosaur Names 08/05/2023

Dinosaur Names I was recently reading the July/August 2023 issue of “Science and 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, “Origin of Dinosaur Names.” Most of our English words have their roots in other languages. In this podcast we look at the origin of: Dinosaur Stegosaurus Tyrannosaurus rex /episode/index/show/k12science/id/27669297

Biomimicry 07/27/2023

Biomimicry I was recently reading the July/August 2023 issue of “Science and 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, “Inspired by Nature: Biomimicry.” Biomimicry is a powerful approach to designing and engineering sustainable solutions by taking inspiration from nature. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/27583374

Megamovie 2024 07/15/2023

Megamovie 2024 I was recently reading the July/August 2023 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, “Megamovie 2024: A Project to Eclipse All Others.” The primary goal of the Eclipse Megamovie Project 2017 was to produce a high definition, time-expanded, video of the total solar eclipse that crossed North America from the northwest to the southeast on August 21, 2017. With new knowledge in-hand they are ready to initiate Eclipse Megamovie 2024. The goals are to characterize transient plasma features in the solar corona while improving the quality of the Eclipse Megamovie aesthetically. For more information, please visit: /episode/index/show/k12science/id/27473232

Solar Eclipse 2024 07/11/2023

Solar Eclipse 2024 I was recently reading the July/August 2023 issue of “Science Scope” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the “Commentary” column, written by Kurtz Miller. He wrote an article entitled, “Preparing for the Great American Eclipse of 2024.” The Great American Eclipse of 2024 will pass across the United States on Monday, April 8, 2024, from Eagle Pass, Texas to Presque Isle, Maine. It is important to consider how to prepare for this upcoming event. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/27434244

Teachable Moments 07/06/2023

Teachable Moments I was recently reading the July/August 2023 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, “Hurrah for Teachable Moments.” Two wonderful teachable celestial events will occur during this school year in North America, allowing plenty of time to plan. A solar eclipse “double-header” occurs on Saturday, October 14, 2023 (an annular eclipse) and on Monday, April 8, 2024 (a total eclipse). /episode/index/show/k12science/id/27395073

Building Science Engineer 06/26/2023

Building Science Engineer I was recently reading the May/June 2023 issue of “The Science Teacher” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the “Career of the Month” column, written by Luba Vangelova. She wrote an article entitled, “Building Science Engineer.” Broadly speaking, building science involves the study of how heat, air, and moisture move through a building’s components. Andrea DelGiudice is an associate principal and unit manager specializing in building enclosures (exteriors). /episode/index/show/k12science/id/27279429

Encouraging Scientific Literacy 06/22/2023

Encouraging Scientific Literacy I was recently reading the May/June 2023 issue of “The Science Teacher” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the “Editor’s Corner” column, written by Ann Haley MacKenzie. She wrote an article entitled, “Promoting Scientific Literacy in the Science Classroom.” This is the second of a two-part podcast series on Scientific Literacy. In this podcast we will look at the strategies for encouraging scientific literacy: 1. Incorporate real-world examples 2. Encourage critical thinking 3. Provide hands-on learning opportunities 4. Use many kinds of media resources 5. Address misconceptions 6. Collaborate with community resources 7. Creating a culture of making student thinking visible /episode/index/show/k12science/id/27239943

Scientific Literacy 06/12/2023

Scientific Literacy I was recently reading the May/June 2023 issue of “The Science Teacher” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the “Editor’s Corner” column, written by Ann Haley MacKenzie. She wrote an article entitled, “Promoting Scientific Literacy in the Science Classroom.” This is the first of a two-part podcast series on Scientific Literacy. In this podcast we will look at the meaning of Scientific Literacy - “understanding how science is done.” The next podcast will look at strategies for incorporating Scientific Literacy. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/27130743

Thunderstorms 06/08/2023

Thunderstorms I was recently reading the May/June 2023 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 Are Some Fun Activities Related to Thunderstorms?.” There are several activities you can do related to thunderstorms or just rain. One activity is to try and tell if a storm is getting closer to you or farther away and then determine the distance. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/27084702

Natural Disasters 05/31/2023

Natural Disasters I was recently reading the May/June 2023 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, “Natural Disasters.” Our student population has been through a great deal in the last few years: a pandemic with gaps in school access, increased natural disasters, social unrest and violence. Instead of backing away from teaching about natural disasters, we must provide opportunities for our students to see how scientists and engineers are actively working on solutions. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/27000819

FrogWatch USA 05/25/2023

FrogWatch USA I was recently reading the May/June 2023 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, “Surveying Sounds of the Season.” Participation in FrogWatch USA provides students with authentic science engagement experiences. The large-scale and long-term project provides learners with a unique opportunity to contribute to real-world science, derive meaning from data, and make discoveries. For more information, please visit: /episode/index/show/k12science/id/26950146

Real-World Problems 05/16/2023

Real-World Problems I was recently reading the May/June 2023 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, “Exploring Real-World Problems.” Incorporating real-world projects provides your students with opportunities to grow not only in STEM, but also in their ability to think critically and compassionately. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/26855835

Best STEM Books 2023 for Early Elementary Students 05/02/2023

Best STEM Books 2023 for Early Elementary Students I was recently reading the March/April 2023 issue of “The Science & Children” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read an article on the Best STEM Books 2023 for books published in 2022. Best STEM Books winners explore problems and possible solutions in the scientific world and, where applicable, in the lives of the protagonists. Instead of focusing on specific content, the Best STEM Books emphasize real-world issues that cross disciplinary boundaries. There were two books in the list that were most appropriate for early elementary students. They are: Action! How Movies Began The Amazing World of Video Game Development Bear Builds a House Blips on a Screen: How Ralph Baer Invented TV Video Gaming and Launched a Worldwide Obsession In Our Garden Lion Lights: My Invention that Made Peace with Lions The Mystery of the Monarchs: How Kids, Teachers, and Butterfly Farms Helped Fred and Norah Urquhart Track the Great Monarch Migration Penny, the Engineering Tail of the Fourth Little Pig Something Great What is Math? /episode/index/show/k12science/id/26722431

Ten Years of NGSS 04/29/2023

Ten Years of NGSS I was recently reading the March/April 2023 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, “Ten Years of NGSS: Where Are We Now?” In the 10 years since the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) were released, 44 states have implemented standards influenced by NGSS and/or “A Framework for K-12 Science Education.” Where are we now with the implementation of the NGSS? /episode/index/show/k12science/id/26690799

Best STEM Books 2023 for High School Students 04/25/2023

Best STEM Books 2023 for High School Students I was recently reading the March/April 2023 issue of “The Science Teacher” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read an article on the Best STEM Books 2023 for books published in 2022. Best STEM Books winners explore problems and possible solutions in the scientific world and, where applicable, in the lives of the protagonists. Instead of focusing on specific content, the Best STEM Books emphasize real-world issues that cross disciplinary boundaries. There were two books in the list that were most appropriate for high school students. They are: American Murderer: The Parasite that Haunted the South Edward Lorenz and the Chaotic Butterflies /episode/index/show/k12science/id/26651082

Best STEM Books 2023 for Middle School Students 04/17/2023

Best STEM Books 2023 for Middle School Students I was recently reading the March/April 2023 issue of “Science Scope” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read an article on the Best STEM Books 2023 for books published in 2022. Best STEM Books winners explore problems and possible solutions in the scientific world and, where applicable, in the lives of the protagonists. Instead of focusing on specific content, the Best STEM Books emphasize real-world issues that cross disciplinary boundaries. There were six books in the list that were most appropriate for middle school students. They are: American Murderer: The Parasite that Haunted the South Break Down: Explosions, Implosions, Crashes, Crunches, Cracks, and More……A How Things Work Look at How Things Don’t Concrete: From the Ground Up No Boundaries: 25 Women Explorers and Scientists Share Adventures, Inspiration, and Advice Science Comics: Bridges: Engineering Masterpieces Superpower? The Wearable-Tech Revolution /episode/index/show/k12science/id/26570754

GLOBE Observer - Clouds 04/12/2023

GLOBE Observer - Clouds I was recently reading the March/April 2023 issue of “Science Scope” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the “Scope on the Skies” column, written by Bob Riddle. He wrote an article entitled, “Castles in the Sky.” Bob jokingly talks about people suffering from Pareidolia, a human condition that has us seeing familiar patterns or images as we look around us. This, of course, is not a serious condition, but helps to explain the things we see when looking at puffy cumulus clouds. This provided a lead into the citizen science project of studying clouds using the GLOBE Observer app, provided by the GLOBE Program. To learn more about the GLOBE Observer app, visit: /episode/index/show/k12science/id/26522868

Time Management 04/04/2023

Time Management I was recently reading the March/April 2023 issue of “Science Scope” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the “Practical Research” column, written by Alison Betz Seymour. She wrote an article entitled, ““But, I’m Not Done Yet!” Time Management in the Science Classroom.” Here are some practical, simple suggestions to develop time management skills: 1. Explicitly talk about time management. 2. Prompts such as “Check in with your time, there are about 10 minutes left for this task.” 3. Scaffold students’ ability to visualize time by using an analog clock with time intervals marked with dry-erase pens. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/26440584

Become a Salt Watcher 03/28/2023

Become a Salt Watcher I was recently reading the March/April 2023 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, “Become a Salt Watcher in Your Community.” When students think of salt, they typically think of table salt, which is sodium chloride. Road salt, also known as rock salt, is often sodium chloride or magnesium chloride. The goal of the Izaak Walton League of America Salt Watch project is to monitor chloride levels in local streams and creeks. For more information, please visit: /episode/index/show/k12science/id/26368476

8 Billion Humans 03/22/2023

8 Billion Humans K12Science Podcast: 8 Billion Humans I was recently reading the March/April 2023 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, “8 Billion and Counting.” Human population is increasing rapidly. More humans on the planet equates to more stress on the planet and its resources. 2022 — 8 Billion Humans 2010 — 7 Billion Humans 1950 — 2.5 Billion Humans 1804 — 1 Billion Humans /episode/index/show/k12science/id/26310306

Systems Technology Engineer 03/17/2023

Systems Technology Engineer I was recently reading the March/April 2023 issue of “The Science Teacher” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the “Career of the Month” column, written by Luba Vangelova. She wrote an article entitled, “Systems Technology Engineer.” Systems technology engineers design, develop, test, and/or manage the software, hardware, and firmware that comprise information technology systems. Rebecca Herold of Des Moines, Iowa is the featured Systems Technology Engineer. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/26255688

2023 Outstanding Science Trade Books for Elementary School Students 02/27/2023

2023 Outstanding Science Trade Books for Elementary School Students I was recently reading the January/February 2023 issue of “Science and Children” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read an article on the Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students in 2023. Here are the 13 books selected as outstanding for elementary school students: Luminous: Living Things That Light Up the Night (K-5) Moving Words About a Flower (K-2) The Mystery of the Monarchs (K-2) Animal Sidekicks: Amazing Stories of Symbiosis in Animals and Plants (3-5) Building (K-2) Hidden Habitats: Earth (3-5) A Journey Under the Sea (K-2) Life in Hot Water: Wildlife at the Bottom of the Sea (3-5) Over and Under the Waves (K-2) A Walk Through the Rain Forest (3-5) Narwhal: The Arctic Unicorn (K-2) The Whale Who Swam Through Time: A 200 Year Journey in the Arctic (K-2) Lion Lights: My Invention That Made Peace with Lions (K-5) /episode/index/show/k12science/id/26064633

Pandemic Impact on Students 02/27/2023

Pandemic Impact on Students I was recently reading the January/February 2023 issue of “The Science Teacher” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the “Editor’s Corner” column, written by Ann Haley MacKenzie. She wrote an article entitled, “Did the Pandemic Impact the Brains of Our Science Students?” A recent study in the Journal, “Biological Psychiatry: Global Open Science,” found that teen brains aged prematurely during the pandemic. The paper states that teenagers’ brains aged several years in just a few months during the isolation and stress of the pandemic lockdown. For more information on this study, please visit: /episode/index/show/k12science/id/26062188

The Sun's Heat 02/22/2023

The Sun's Heat I was recently reading the January/February 2023 issue of “Science & Children” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the “Science 101” column, written by Matthew Bobrowsky. He wrote a Q and A article entitled, “How Does the Sun’s Heat Get to Us Here on Earth?” Heat is the flow of energy from one object to another object because of their difference in temperature. That energy, thermal energy, results from the random motion of atoms and molecules. The molecules move around, bouncing off of each other and bouncing off anything with which the object comes into contact. The hotter the object, the faster the molecules are moving. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/26014638

Marine Iguanas 02/14/2023

Marine Iguanas I was recently reading the January/February 2023 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, “Iguanas from Above.” “Iguanas from Above’ is a citizen science project designed to answer questions about marine iguanas, their population, and their habitat. The project will help to determine the current population size of marine iguanas and their locations within the archipelagos. For more information, visit: /episode/index/show/k12science/id/25929063

2023 Outstanding Science Trade Books for High School Students 02/11/2023

2023 Outstanding Science Trade Books for High School Students I was recently reading the January/February 2023 issue of “The Science Teacher” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read an article on the Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students in 2023. Here are the 8 books selected as outstanding for high school students: American Murderer: The Parasite That Haunted the South Oceanarium: Welcome to the Museum Salmon: Swimming for Survival The Code Breaker — Young Readers Edition: Jennifer Doudna and the Race to Understand Our Genetic Code Queer Ducks (And Other Animals): The Natural World of Animal Sexuality Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teaching of Plants Urgent Message from a Hot Planet: Navigating the Climate Crisis The Woman Who Split the Atom: The Life of Lise Meitner /episode/index/show/k12science/id/25899204

Statistical Thinking 02/06/2023

Statistical Thinking I was recently reading the January/February 2023 issue of “Science Scope” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the “Interdisciplinary Ideas” column, written by Kristin Hunter-Thomson. She wrote an article entitled, “Why Should We All Embrace Statistical Thinking?” Statistical thinking is the mindset that we use when doing anything with data. The mindset is based on the following three criteria: 1. Any work with data involves interconnected processes. 2. All processes and data have variability. 3. Understanding variability and these processes is key to making sense of data. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/25846284

2023 Outstanding Science Trade Books for Middle School Students 01/31/2023

2023 Outstanding Science Trade Books for Middle School Students I was recently reading the January/February 2023 issue of “Science Scope” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read an article on the Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students in 2023. Here are the 7 books selected as outstanding for middle school students: Antarctica: A Melting Continent Oceanarium: Welcome to the Museum Salmon: Swimming for Survival The Code Breaker — Young Readers Edition: Jennifer Doudna and the Race to Understand Our Genetic Code Animal Allies: 15 Amazing Women in Wildlife Research How to Build a Human: In Seven Evolutionary Steps The Woman Who Split the Atom: The Life of Lise Meitner /episode/index/show/k12science/id/25788099

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