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Blog Post
Patterns: a crosscutting concept
Children notice patterns in nature in small moments as they play in natural areas and find a new kind of leaf, or suddenly realize one morning that they are leaving for school before the sun comes up. Did that happen recently with any of your childre...
By Peggy Ashbrook
Blog Post
Hesitate to Participate? Part 2
In a previous blog, a teacher posed a question about getting her students to participate in discussions. She shared her experiences in trying the strategies suggested by our colleagues and her reflections on the results:...
By Mary Bigelow
Blog Post
K-12 Primer on the Midterm Elections and Everybody’s Talking about Testing
There is plenty of discussion this week on what’s ahead for education and science as Americans head to the polls on November 4, and the testing/accountability issue is really moving to the front burner as major players in education—including Pres...
By Jodi Peterson
Blog Post
The Echo Meter Touch is a hardware module (with ultrasonic microphone) and software app that work together to let you monitor, record, and analyze bat echolocation. The module plugs into the power port of an Apple iPhone or iPad. Considering that bat...
By Ken Roberts
Blog Post
#NSTA14 Orlando: Highlights From the Hall
We’re just one short week away from the Orlando NSTA 2014 Area Conference on Science Education. We’ll be making ourselves at home at the Orange County Convention Center in sunny Orlando, Florida, November 6–8, 2014....
By Guest Blogger
Blog Post
Why Did Mrs. Carter Ask a Science Teacher to Create a Butterfly Garden?
It’s not every day that a science-teacher-turned-author gets the call that a former first lady of the United States could use his help. When that happened to me, I was uncertain if I would have anything to offer someone of Mrs. Carter’s stature....
By Guest Blogger
Blog Post
I know this is a rare problem: quiet kids. But what suggestions do you have for a ninth-grade class that is made up predominately of students who seem to be unwilling (or unable) to share thoughts or ask questions during class discussion. They’...
By Mary Bigelow
Blog Post
We often discuss differentiated or individualized instruction being important for students and then provide “one-size-fits-all” professional development for educators – the entire range from K-12. At one point in a previous article, I wrote “...
By Christine Royce
Blog Post
A clear vision supported by specific plans is critical to the success of any organization....
By Bill Badders
Blog Post
I’ve Been Hired as a Science Teacher, but I’m Not Certified to Teach Science. Help!
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By Carole Hayward
Blog Post
The Best Way to Answer Kids' Questions, and Other Things I Learned at #NSTA14 Richmond
When you bring a bunch of science teachers together, the most amazing, surprising connections are made....
By Lauren Jonas, NSTA Assistant Executive Director
Blog Post
Richmond, Virginia and science in early childhood 2014 NSTA area conference
Here are some glimpses from the NSTA 2014 Richmond, Virginia area conference where teachers shared their work and learned from others. The location is excellent—beautiful train station, hotels just across the street from the convention center, easy...
By Peggy Ashbrook
Blog Post
Crosscutting Concepts in NSTA Journals
The more I learn about NGSS, the more I’m intrigued by the crosscutting concepts. These concepts are the big ideas that transcend and connect the core ideas and processes within and in between traditional subject areas....
By Mary Bigelow
Blog Post
Observe. Everything. Young children, Science Friday and walks in nature
Why is a spider hanging out on a flower? Two-year-old children observed this spider but haven’t yet asked a question about it. Give them time. #ObserveEverything...
By Peggy Ashbrook