The Science Teacher (TST) is seeking manuscripts that describe new and creative ideas for the secondary science classroom. Manuscripts should provide worthwhile ideas and practical help for teachers as they relate to the themes listed below. TST also always encourages manuscripts outside of the listed themes (see “The Fine Print”).
Forensic Science
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: JUNE 1, 2013
Forensic science is both an important part of our criminal justice system and also an avenue for engaging students in scientific inquiry. From Sherlock Holmes to CSI, the analysis of forensic evidence has fascinated citizens for centuries. By its nature, forensics is an interdisciplinary subject, bringing in modern analytic techniques from chemistry, molecular biology, physics, and Earth science. Do you use forensics activities in your classes? Have you found new strategies and engaging activities to teach this fascinating subject? If so, TST wants to hear from you.
Crosscutting Concepts in Science
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: June 15, 2013
A Framework for K–12 Science Education identifies crosscutting concepts of science—those big ideas that “bridge disciplinary boundaries” and have “explanatory value throughout much of science and engineering.” The seven crosscutting concepts are:
- Patterns
- Cause and effect: Mechanism and explanation
- Scale, proportion, and quantity
- Systems and system models
- Energy and matter: Flows, cycles, and conservation
- Structure and function
- Stability and change
Have you found a way to effectively teach these crosscutting concepts in your science classes? If so, please share them with our readers.
Patterns
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: JULY 1, 2013
Patterns are discernible throughout the natural world, in the symmetry of snowflakes and sunflowers, the changes of the seasons, the motion of pendulums, and the molecular geometry of water molecules in an ice crystal. The recognition and explanation of patterns is one of the central tasks of science and engineering and one of the seven crosscutting concepts identified in A Framework for K–12 Science Education. This issue of TST will feature ways to teach this central concept. Please share your activities and teaching strategies with TST readers.
Science for All
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Ongoing
TST is seeking manuscripts for this annual issue devoted to the inclusion of all learners. The issue offers ideas and strategies to mitigate academic achievement gaps associated with ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender, physical disabilities, limited English-language proficiency, learning differences, and even gifted abilities.
Activities and Investigations
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Ongoing
Activities and investigations play a central role in all science courses. Do you have a new activity that promotes inquiry and allows students to better understand important science content? Have you found ways to improve on an old favorite or to integrate technology? What about low-cost alternatives? Have you modified an activity to align it with the new Framework for K–12 Science Education or the Next Generation Science Standards or created a new investigation with these new standards in mind? TST is looking for manuscripts describing interesting, practical investigations that can be incorporated into science classrooms and laboratories.
General Topics
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Ongoing
Do you have an article idea in mind that does not fit with one of TST’s themes? Write about it and submit it for review! General articles, not targeted to a requested theme, are published in every issue. If you have written a manuscript on a secondary education topic, please submit it at any time.
Idea Banks
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Ongoing
TST is always seeking Idea Banks—short articles of about 1,000 words. If you want to share an experience, activity, or classroom tip but do not think it will work as a feature-length article, consider submitting an Idea Bank!
Commentaries
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Ongoing
Commentaries of approximately 750 words on any secondary education topic are accepted at any time. Do you have thoughts on science education that you would like to share with your peers? Write up a Commentary and submit it to TST for review.
Letters to the Editor
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Ongoing
Have you used an activity published in TST in the last year, or liked—or disliked—something you read? Send us an e-mail at smetz@nsta.org. We welcome your comments and feedback at any time.
The Fine Print
In addition to submitting articles specifically targeted to the focus of each issue, authors are always encouraged to submit original manuscripts, Idea Bank articles, or commentaries on any secondary science education topic at any time for further consideration by the peer-review panel and the field editor. Manuscripts should describe successful lessons implemented in secondary classrooms, as well as provide specific details for educators who might wish to use the activities with their own students. The manuscripts should include appropriate assessment tools and specifically reference the National Science Education Standards where appropriate. Examples of student work to illustrate results of a successful lesson are encouraged, as are figures, sidebars, and accompanying photos. Author Guidelines can be found here.