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

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

Earth Day 2025 04/15/2025

Earth Day 2025 I was recently reading the March - April 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, “‘Human Impacts. As Earth Day 2025 approaches, we must ask: What kind of world are we leaving behind? Will we continue to exploit resources without regard for limitations, or will we treat the Earth’s resources as gifts to be respected and shared? The choices we make now will shape not only the future of the planet but also the future of the children we teach. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/36154375

Water for Life 04/06/2025

Water for Life I was recently reading the March - April 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, “‘Water Bound: Part I” Space missions that search for water are important because they could add to our understanding of the origin and evolution of life on Earth and elsewhere in the solar system and beyond. Finding the presence of water is an important aspect of the search for life beyond the confines of our planet. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/36026145

EarthEcho Water Challenge 03/26/2025

EarthEcho Water Challenge I was recently reading the March - April 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, “‘Water’ Are You Waiting For? Dive Into Action With the EarthEcho Water Challenge.” The EarthEcho Water Challenge engages students in local water quality monitoring while fostering environmental stewardship. The project is part of EarthEcho International, founded by the Cousteau family in honor of Jacques Cousteau’s legacy and life’s work advocating for environmental and ocean conservation. To learn more about the challenge visit the project website at: /episode/index/show/k12science/id/35873175

The Importance of Water 03/13/2025

The Importance of Water I was recently reading the March - April 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, “Water: Earth’s Most Vital Resource.” Oceans, rivers, lakes, glaciers, and groundwater are all part of a dynamic system that not only shapes Earth’s physical landscape, but also supports all forms of life. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/35675880

Aurorasaurus 03/01/2025

Aurorasaurus K12Science Podcast: Aurorasaurus I was recently reading the January - February 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, “Illuminating the Northern Lights with Aurorasaurus.” Aurorasaurus invites participants from around the world to contribute to aurora research by reporting sightings and observing real-time data. Auroras are stunning natural light displays that occur near our planet’s poles. To learn more about this citizen science project, visit: /episode/index/show/k12science/id/35493635

Sensemaking 02/17/2025

Sensemaking I was recently reading the January - February 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, “Helping Students Make Sense.” Creating a classroom in which the emphasis shifts the learner role from “learning about” to “figuring out” requires students to engage in the collaborative task of sensemaking. The type of classroom discussion is critical to sensemaking. STEM Teaching Tools, at: can help you plan for student discussions. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/35319685

Why We Remember 01/16/2025

Why We Remember I was recently reading the December 9, 2024 issue of “Smithsonian” magazine. In this issue, I read an article entitles, “The Ten Best Science Books of 2024,” written by Joe Spring, Riley Black, Shi En Kim, Dan Falk, Christian Elliott, and Benjamin Cassidy. The book review that I enjoyed the most was “Why We Remember: Unlocking Memory’s Power to Hold On to What Matters,” written by Charan Ranganath. Ranganath draws on 25 years of experience studying the mechanisms of human memory to explain how remarkable it is that we remember anything at all. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/34886905

Ecosystems 01/10/2025

Ecosystems I was recently reading the November/December 2024 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, “Q: What’s a Good Way of Explaining Ecosystems?” An ecosystem is like a big neighborhood where plants, animals, and even tiny things like bugs and mushrooms all love together. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/34807940

Buoyancy Misconceptions 01/08/2025

Buoyancy Misconceptions I was recently reading the November/December 2024 issue of “Science and Children” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the “Early Years” column, written by Alissa A. Lange. She wrote an article entitled, “Deconstructing Common Misconceptions in Early Science.” Misconceptions are common in science—even into adulthood. Instead of feeling guilty when we discover our misconceptions, what if we, as adults, turn this feeling into curiosity? What if we help our students to do the same? /episode/index/show/k12science/id/34767170

Expanding Science Knowledge 12/22/2024

Expanding Science Knowledge I was recently reading the November/December 2024 issue of “Science and Children” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the “Guest Editorial” column, written by Emily Adah Miller and Ayca Fackler. They wrote an article entitled, “Expanding Science Knowledge Through Expansive Science Teaching.” To prepare students for future scientific endeavor and to be scientifically literate world citizens, teachers must challenge the status quo, pushing the limits of science education by using local place to contextualize and increase science understanding. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/34572855

Expansive Science Teaching 12/17/2024

Expansive Science Teaching I was recently reading the November/December 2024 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, “Expansive Science Teaching Practices.” Expansive learning theory, rooted in activity theory, provides a framework for how learners create new knowledge and practices for novel situations. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/34491380

Gemologist 12/11/2024

Gemologist /episode/index/show/k12science/id/34400395

Gemologist 12/11/2024

Gemologist /episode/index/show/k12science/id/34400380

Asking Why 12/04/2024

Asking Why Recently, I had the pleasure of reading the November-December 2024 issue of “The Science Teacher,” a journal published by the National Science Teaching Association. Within this issue, I encountered the “Right to the Source” section, authored by Michael Apfeldorft. His article, titled “Joyfully Asking Why,” provided insightful information on a list of questions compiled by Carl Sagan and his wife, author/producer Ann Druyan. In the mid-1990’s, Carl Sagan and Ann Druyan conceived of an interesting way to help young learners confidently ask questions and think about the world around them. Carl and Ann compiled a list of 150 questions to develop a book series, where the title of each book would begin simply with the word WHY? To download this manuscript of questions, please, visit: /episode/index/show/k12science/id/34288815

Monarch Butterflies 11/25/2024

Monarch Butterflies Recently, I had the pleasure of reading the November-December 2024 issue of “Science Scope,” a journal published by the National Science Teaching Association. Within this issue, I encountered the “Citizen Science” section, authored by Jill Nugent. Her article, titled “Journey of the Monarchs: Studying North America’s Nomadic Butterfly,” provided insightful information on the migration of Monarch populations. Journey North, a participatory science project based at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum, offers a special way for educators to bring the study of the monarch butterfly migration into their classrooms. To learn more about this project, visit: /episode/index/show/k12science/id/34146805

Reading in Science 11/19/2024

Reading in Science Recently, I had the pleasure of reading the November-December 2024 issue of “Science Scope,” a journal published by the National Science Teaching Association. Within this issue, I encountered the “From the Editor’s Desk” section, authored by Patty McGinnis. Her article, titled “Reading in the Science Classroom,” provided insightful information on the science of reading. Reading plays a pivotal role in all disciplines, and science is no exception. If you are seeking reading-based strategies to incorporate into your classroom, The California Academy of Sciences offers several before, during, and after active reading strategies that can assist students in comprehending science texts. To access these active reading strategies, kindly visit: /episode/index/show/k12science/id/33998732

Food Scientist 11/12/2024

Food Scientist Recently, I had the pleasure of reading the September-October 2024 issue of “The Science Teacher,” a journal published by the National Science Teaching Association. Within this issue, I came across the “Career of the Month” section, authored by Luba Vangelova. Her article, titled “Amy DeJong, Food Scientist,” provided insightful information on the field of food science. Food science is an applied science that merges chemistry, engineering, and microbiology to develop safe, palatable, and nutritious food products. Amy DeJong, a process development engineer, is employed by Mars Wrigley in Chicago. Her role involves contributing to research and development efforts aimed at enhancing food quality and safety. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/33903912

Addressing Science Misconceptions 10/29/2024

Addressing Science Misconceptions I was recently reading the September-October 2024 issue of Science and Children, a journal published by the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the “Science 101” section, written by Matthew Bobrowsky. He wrote an article entitled: “Q: How Can I Address Science Misconceptions Using Phenomena-Driven Instruction?” A phenomena might just be the best way to address misconception because research has shown that misconceptions are very persistent, and merely teaching the correct information doesn’t automatically remove the misconception. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/33674177

Fall Colors 10/16/2024

Fall Colors I was recently reading the September-October 2024 issue of Science and Children, a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the “Poetry of Science” section, written by Amy Ludwig VanDerwater. She wrote an article entitled: “Changes in the Leaves.” Included in the article was a poem entitled, “Saving the Best for Last,” written by David L. Harrison. Leaves change color in the fall because the amounts of chemical pigments inside the leaves change. The intensity and timing of fall colors can be affected by weather, both in fall and earlier in the growing season. /episode/index/show/k12science/id/33484197

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