JoinAll Blog Posts
Blog Post
Handouts about science to share with families—add your favorite resources
“What kind of science do you teach young children?!” people sometimes ask when they hear that the preschool curriculum includes science. Being able to share how the science activities are age appropriate, lay the groundwork for deeper understandi...
By Peggy Ashbrook
Blog Post
Easy clean up tip for fine-grained materials
Here’s a tip for simplifying the clean up of dry, fine materials. Put a smooth cloth down under the item, such as a Tenebrio beetle container or a tabletop sensory box....
By Peggy Ashbrook
Blog Post
Have you had any experience with partnerships between K-12 teachers and higher education faculty? We’re thinking of writing a grant proposal for this type of project and we’re open to suggestions. — David, Springfield, Massachusetts...
By MsMentorAdmin
Blog Post
This is a timely theme, considering that 2009 is the International Year of Astronomy. And this month’s Science Scope is full of relevant teaching ideas and lots of background information, such as simulating the vast spaces in the solar system, ...
By Mary Bigelow
Blog Post
Our principal has started doing 5-minute “walk-throughs” in our school. What can she learn from such a brief classroom visit? How should I prepare? — Rose, Burbank, CA...
By MsMentorAdmin
Blog Post
Online forums—communities that inform our practice
I like to visit other classes and learn what other teachers are doing—but not much time is allotted in a preschool budget for such networking....
By Peggy Ashbrook
Blog Post
“Kazoo” is a cool word and playing one is an easy way to ‘feel’ sound. Kids think so too, judging from the comments I hear from parents the day after their children bring home the kazoos they made in school. Here’s one:...
By Peggy Ashbrook
Blog Post
Classifying Classification describes how a team of first-grade teachers examined their own instruction in classification and how it related to their state standards. Check out the rubric they created and how it could be adapted for older students....
By Mary Bigelow
Blog Post
Science activities in early childhood prepare for a lifetime of learning
Like learning to count or to read, learning how to do science is a process. Children of all ages benefit from exposure to “science” situations where they are encouraged to fully experience our world, describe what they see, count and record data,...
By Peggy Ashbrook
Blog Post
Professional development on a shoestring
Our district professional development budget is being drastically reduced next year. Each department has been asked how to provide professional development on a shoestring. Do you have any suggestions for our science department? –Lisa, Montgome...
By MsMentorAdmin
Blog Post
Mixing colors combines art and science in one activity
Colored acetate sheets make new colors as they overlap. Give children just the primary colors–a dark pink, a blue, and a yellow—and they can create orange, green, purple, and deep grays and browns without any instruction....
By Peggy Ashbrook
Blog Post
Educators share why they attended the conference
I’d like to share a few more comments from people who took the time to talk to me either after a session, in the exhibit hall, or on the bus. Thank you all for sharing your views on the benefits of attending the conference....
By Lynn Petrinjak
Blog Post
Looking for ideas to ring in Spring? Check out the S&C article Breaking the Sound Barrier by Tom Brown and Kim Boehringer for ideas on exploring sound and making simple instruments with everyday materials (e.g., rubber band guitars and string...
By ManagingEditorSC
Blog Post
Data collection, display, and analysis
Cockroaches, fast food, roadkill, rainfall—the articles in this issue of Science Scope show that middle level science students and teachers can use inquiry skills in studying almost any topic....
By Mary Bigelow
Blog Post
Using tools to move water: observing children's creative problem solving
I’m looking for ideas on how children can move water in different ways outdoors when the weather warms up. Ideally we’d have a shallow, slow-moving stream of pristine water nearby…....
By Peggy Ashbrook