JoinAll Blog Posts
Blog Post
Many current approaches to the design of curriculum and instruction are emphasizing the use of “big ideas” (aka essential questions, overarching themes) as an organizing framework for courses or units. I’ve done several presentation...
By Mary Bigelow
Blog Post
I’m concerned about the decrease in scheduled time for science instruction, especially in the primary grades. The teachers say that it’s all because of NCLB (No Child Left Behind) and its emphasis on reading and mathematics. Is this the c...
By MsMentorAdmin
Blog Post
Although I credit my early childhood exposure to orchard, field, woods, and creek as the foundation for my understanding of the natural world, I would despair if I thought that same understanding is lost to children who grow up in urban, constructed ...
By Peggy Ashbrook
Blog Post
Preschool play as assessment tool
Preschool play can reflect young children’s knowledge about the natural world and the human interaction experiences they’ve had. I get to observe and learn what the children express through play when we finish our opening discussion and they move...
By Peggy Ashbrook
Blog Post
The June/July issue of Learning and Leading with Technology has a description of the website Science Buddies, a comprehensive resource for science fair participants of all ages....
By Mary Bigelow
Blog Post
My school does not have a recycling program, but as a science teacher I’d like to set an example of “green” behavior. What can I do in a single classroom? — Tyler, Louisville, KY I’m sure you’ve heard of the expres...
By MsMentorAdmin
Blog Post
From the Early Years photo cache (click the pic for more)....
By Peggy Ashbrook
Blog Post
Standards and guidelines are great resources for lesson planning
Wanting to use best teaching practices and develop my students’ science thinking to the best of their capability, I look at what governments and curriculum developers think should be happening in an early childhood classroom, and what topics should...
By Peggy Ashbrook
Blog Post
From the Early Years photo cache (click the pic for more)....
By Peggy Ashbrook
Blog Post
Even if you’re not a member of the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), you can access their 2009 NECC conference blog. The National Educational Computing Conference is scheduled for June 28-July 1 in Washington, DC, and ...
By Mary Bigelow
Blog Post
I just finished my first year in the classroom. It was a challenge, but I learned a lot. With the end of the school year approaching, do you have any tips for what should I think about or prepare for next year? —Rene, South Bend, Indiana...
By MsMentorAdmin
Blog Post
One of the arguments against year-round schools is that “kids need a break.” But isn’t it ironic that by the end of July, we see articles in newspapers or blogs on the topic of what to do when kids say they’re bored?...
By Mary Bigelow
Blog Post
Sometimes you see a new application on the web and think “This is cool!” – and then as a teacher you wonder “How can I use this?” I recently was introduced to Wordle, a free, Internet-based application. Wordle takes wor...
By Mary Bigelow
Blog Post
I have the opportunity next year to co-teach two science classes with a special education teacher. Approximately one-third of each class will be special education students. We’re both interested but a little apprehensive. How do we make this wo...
By MsMentorAdmin
Blog Post
Certain trees in my neighborhood are currently supporting populations of growing Eastern Tent Moth caterpillars. Children were excited to tell me about the “nest” they saw “way high” up in the tree (about 15 feet up)....
By Peggy Ashbrook