AIM for Professional Development

Journal Article | January 2004

Instructional materials help guide both what and how teachers teach and what and how students learn. Most educators, however, are not aware that the selection of instructional materials can serve as energizing, engaging…

Science 101: What causes the seasons?

Journal Article | December 2006

In this article, we learn about the relationship between the Earth and the sun at certain times of the year. Certain myths are broken, and we get a real lesson on what causes the seasons.

Commentary: Teacher-Partners

Journal Article | February 2001

An opinion piece about how Detroit teachers discovered that partnering with volunteer engineers from business and industry helped maximize student learning.

Spring Break: A Lesson in Circuits

Journal Article | August 2001

This case, taught in a problem-based learning format, introduces students to the topics of electricity and circuits within the context of house wiring. Students explore the properties of series and parallel circuits,…

Career of the Month: An Interview With Tsunami Researcher Vasily Titov

Journal Article | March 2010

When the Indian Ocean tsunami struck Sumatra in 2004, nations around the world were shocked to learn that tsunamis, though rare, are a major threat to people and property. Tsunami researchers investigate these natural…

Career of the Month: An Interview with Space Architect Constance Adams

Journal Article | September 2007

Drawing knowledge from many fields—including science, engineering, and art—space architects such as Constance Adams design structures for nonterrestrial environments. In one such project at NASA, Adams works on elements…

Every Day Science: May 2008

Journal Article | March 2008

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

Rock On!

Journal Article | February 2012

Gravel can be an effective, inexpensive, and abundant resource that helps students think critically during several interdisciplinary science activities and investigations.

Exploring the Science Framework

Journal Article | November 2012

This article discusses what it means for students to be mathematically proficient in the context of science and makes connections in math with the Common Core State Standards.

Research and Teaching: Criteria for Designing Inquiry Activities that are Effective for Teaching and Learning Science Concepts: Constructing Effective Inquiry-Based Lessons—Bringing Teaching in Line with the “National Science Education Standards”

Journal Article | November 1998

The criteria described in this article for designing inquiry activities is the result of an 8-year study completed by the author. This criteria should help educators construct effective inquiry-based lessons to…

Commentary: A Message from the NSTA President—Teaching With Purpose

Journal Article | August 2003

An opinion piece about "Teaching with Purpose." In essence, it means having a research-based rationale to guide your daily classroom teaching.

Commentary: Our Apartheid—The Imperative of Multiculturalism in Science Education

Journal Article | February 2002

An opinion piece about the lack of diversity in science. Courses, curricula, and classrooms must be more accessible and more friendly to include "science for all."

Assessing Student Participation in the Classroom

Journal Article | August 2001

We know that students should participate constructively in the classroom. In fact, most of us probably agree that a significant portion of a student’s grade should come from his or her participation. However, like many…

When Art Meets Einstein

Journal Article | January 2006

A New World View, a composition of pale blue glass and steel, is an homage to the most famous scientist in modern history -- Albert Einstein. View this masterpiece for yourself by visiting the World Year of Physics (WYP…

Commentary: Science the Write Way

Journal Article | September 2001

An opinion piece about the rapid advances in science and the challenges it represents for classroom teachers.