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…

Favorite Demonstration: The Cell Organelle Pageant

Journal Article | February 2011

The Cell Organelle Pageant is an activity to reinforce student’s understanding of the structure and function of eukaryotic cell organelles. This activity should follow readings and a lecture presentation on cell types…

Science Sampler: Deal me in—Using playing cards to model the periodic table of elements

Journal Article | November 2010

Unfortunately, the terms “resource deprived” and “science teacher” are too often paired. Gaining access to inexpensive materials to teach with serves both teachers and students well, and simple materials do not…

Going Places With Books

Journal Article | June 2008

The National Science Education Standards encourage teachers to go on their own special path to professional development. Whether your budget and personal schedule allow real travel or vicarious adventure, summer is a…

Science 101: How do atomic clocks work?

Journal Article | October 2008

You might be wondering why in the world we need such precise measures of time. Well, many systems we use everyday, such as Global Positioning Systems, require precise synchronization of time. This comes into play in…

Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12 (2004 List)

Journal Article | February 2005

The annual list of Outstanding Science Trade Books for K-12 students was selected by a committee of National Science Teacher Association members. This comprehensive list of selected books were all published in 2004.

The New Teacher's Toolbox: Defining Your Homework Stance (Part 1)

Journal Article | November 2012

This column shares tips for teachers just beginning their career. This month’s issue discusses different approaches to homework.

Homestudy Assignments: An Experiment in Promoting Active Learning in Introductory Chemistry—Preparing Students for Today’s Cooperative Work Environment

Journal Article | January 1997

In this article, students are given "Homestudy Assignments." These are written assignments completed by teams of two or three students both inside and outside of class. The assignments had several benefits in addition…

Guest Editorial: The universe: It’s yours to discover—and to share

Journal Article | March 2009

In 1609, Galileo turned his telescope to the sky and began a series of observations that would forever change our view of our place in the universe. This year, each and every one of us has an opportunity to follow in…

Tech Trek: Science research on the Internet

Journal Article | January 2003

Young students often get frustrated when trying to find useful information on the Internet for school purposes and end up jumping from one point of interest to another, keeping little focus on the task at hand. To help…

Ladybugs Across the Curriculum

Journal Article | March 2004

A thematic unit centered in ladybugs offered cross-curricular opportunities for kindergarteners. A series of activities designed to build on individual learning styles included observing ladybugs, role-playing, drawing…

Teaching Through Trade Books: The Great Quake of 1906

Journal Article | September 2006

Natural disasters such as the 1906 San Francisco earthquake serve as reminders of the need for geologic research and investment in disaster preparedness of all types. Although young students may view their world as a…