July/August 2026
Volume 63, Issue 4
This issue of Science and Children focuses on using new tools to spark inspiration–for teachers and students alike. For example, Wilcox and co-authors share strategies for using board games to support third graders thinking critically about lifecycles of organisms. In another example, Haas and colleagues use the schoolyard as an instructional tool for learning about interactions within ecosystems. These are just a few of the many ideas authors have shared in this edition that have certainly turned the wheels in my head and inspired me to switch things up. I think you’ll enjoy the inspiration as well. I encourage you to explore these pages and discover fresh tools to invigorate your own practice.
Table of Contents
Open Access Articles:
Leadership Matters Column Editor needed!
NSELA and NSTA are in search of a veteran educator to serve as the next Leadership Matters Column Editor for Science & Children.
The Column Editor’s responsibilities include:
- Soliciting articles on elementary science leadership topics from a diverse mix of engaged educators; and
- Overseeing the manuscript review process to ensure articles demonstrate research-informed, equity-centered, and practice-relevant insights on elementary science education leadership at the classroom, school, district, university, and policy levels.
The ideal candidate is an organized, articulate, and effective educator, team player, and communicator who can tap into a network of exemplary elementary level science educators. In particular, the successful candidate should have the following qualifications:
- Experience as a classroom teacher of elementary science;
- Be an active member of NSTA and NSELA with demonstrated familiarity with Science & Children and other similar education journals;
- Familiarity with the findings of The National Academies Press publication (2022) Science and Engineering in Preschool Through Elementary Grades: The Brilliance of Children and the Strength of Educators.
- A solid science background with a working knowledge of the Next Generation Science Standards;
- Insight into enduring objectives and current trends in elementary science education;
- Ability to network in search of suitable content for the journal; and
- Ability to communicate effectively with authors as well as NSELA and NSTA members, committees, board of directors, and staff.
This is a voluntary appointment, with no stipend available. You would work closely with column editors from other NSTA journals (Science Scope and The Science Teacher).
To apply, e-mail a letter that specifies related experience and background to Peter Lindeman by October 15, 2026. The position will remain open until filled.
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