Science Sampler: Correcting student misconceptions

Journal Article | December 2005

Before learning any formal science, children try to make sense of natural phenomena on their own. However, several studies have shown that it can be difficult to convince a student to give up a long-held misconception…

Teacher's Toolkit: Two-tiered assessment

Journal Article | January 2006

Developing good instruments that can be used to assess what students really know about scientific content is one of the most difficult tasks facing teachers in middle school classrooms today. However, two-tiered tests…

Reach for the Stars!

Journal Article | December 2011

This article describes NASA and NSTA teaching resources that can accentuate your Earth and space science lessons.

Presenting the Scientific Process

Journal Article | November 2003

In a course titled Scientific Process, the authors introduce undergraduates to the philosophy and practice of science and initiate them into a 2-year undergraduate research track. Engaging exercises and discussions help…

A Natural Integration

Journal Article | March 2007

A five-week study taught students how to write a field guide that identified the plants in a small wooded area they passed through on their way to their school playground. By creating this authentic genre of science…

Every Day Science Calendar—November 2007

Journal Article | October 2007

This monthly feature contains facts and challenges for the science explorer.

Career of the Month: Chief Executive Officer

Journal Article | June 2012

This column shares interviews with professionals using science in the workplace. This month’s issue describes the work of the chief executive officer for the National Ecological Observatory Network.

A Traveler's Guide to the Universe

Journal Article | March 2012

Summer enrichment activities about space keep students' minds engaged wherever they travel.

Reconstructing Environmental Change Using Lake Varves as a Climate Proxy

Journal Article | February 2012

This article describes an investigative activity in which eighth-grade students reconstructed past environmental change in the New England area using data from lake varves in central Vermont to examine evidence of…

Editor's Roundtable: Sleuthing with science

Journal Article | February 2011

Science Scope’s editor shares thoughts regarding the current issue.

Scope on Safety: Safe Speakers

Journal Article | October 2003

This column shares safety information for your classroom. In this month’s issue the author discusses how guest speakers can motivate students and help them understand real-world science. The steps that teachers need to…

Talking Bones

Journal Article | August 2002

Bones reveal many facts about the animals from which they come, making them a great hands-on educational tool. For several years, the Saint Louis Zoo has offered a summer course on bones, where children in grades three…

Scope on the Skies: The new Milky Way galaxy

Journal Article | January 2009

When students are asked about the Milky Way galaxy and where our solar system is located, most will describe it as a spiral-shaped galaxy with the Sun located on one of the spiral arms. While this is essentially correct…

Society for College Science Teachers: Is Academic Freedom a Threat to Teaching Introductory Science?

Journal Article | October 2005

As academics we value different viewpoints, the right and need to pursue scholarly interests, and the importance of discussing controversial topics as a means of engaging students, promoting critical thinking, and…

Scope on Safety: What Is Your First Aid Policy?

Journal Article | December 2003

Would you know what to do if one of your students had an accident with a chemical that resulted in contact with the skin? What would you do if a student spilled boiling water on his or her hands? These are the types of…