Digging Science: Building a fossil pit in your schoolyard

Journal Article | April 2000

Many scientists are treasure hunters—the valued treasure resulting from a hunt can range from discovering a new component of a neutron to locating a new star in a distant galaxy. These monumental treasures are usually…

Teaching Forward

Journal Article | January 2011

Educators and educational researchers alike are discovering that inductive methods—in which learners start with specific observations, problems, or cases and infer general laws from these instances—are more effective…

Prayer Study

Journal Article | January 2004

Students read an article about a study of the effects of intercessory prayer on cardiac patients published in a renowned medical journal. After reading the case and discussing the questions in small groups, students…

Fungus Amongus

Journal Article | October 2005

Yikes! There is fungus among us! Your middle school students will enjoy this role-playing simulation that's designed to help teach them about the typical lifecycle of a fungus. Students assume the roles of fungi, spores…

Scope on the Skies: Neptune—The planet exterior to Uranus

Journal Article | October 2007

This month, the three most outer planets—Jupiter, Uranus, and Neptune—and one of the larger dwarf planets, Pluto, will be in the evening skies after sunset. While only Jupiter and Uranus will be visible through small…

They Dig It!

Journal Article | June 2005

Sixth-grade students learn about the scientific processes of archaeology and paleontology when they participate in this activity. Students participate in integrated lessons based on the two disciplines, with language…

Never Too Cool for School

Journal Article | January 2012

Parent science nights help a teacher connect with parents of upper elementary students while at the same time provide time to present exciting science challenges and problem-solving situations.

Editor's Corner: Training Grounds for the Future

Journal Article | September 2002

Training student teachers is a critical skill. The Science Teacher’s editor shares thoughts on student teaching.

Ducks Overboard

Journal Article | December 2012

The story of rubber bath toys falling off a cargo ship provides an opportunity to make multiple connections to crosscutting concepts and to integrate science and social studies under the auspices of environmental…

Guest Editorial: MOOCs in Your Future

Journal Article | February 2013

Guest editor Lester Paldy talks about massive open online courses.

A message from the NSTA President: Meeting the Needs of the New World Student (September 2007)

Journal Article | August 2007

To succeed in the 21st century, students have to learn how to be creative problem solvers who can work in collaborative groups. These new-world students must have the ability to think critically, use technology…

Commentary: Never Have an Ordinary Day

Journal Article | January 2002

An opinion piece—from a retired science teacher—about ways to avoid having an ordinary day, featuring suggestions on things that can influence your teaching the most.

A Two-Sided Mirror of Science Education: Reflecting on the Distant World of Science to See Close Connections to Everyday Life

Journal Article | April 1999

This paper describes students using critical reflection to assume the role of the director of the National Science Foundation. This exercise helps sharpen writing and persuasion skills and motivates students to think…

The Case Study: The Cheerleader and the Football Player

Journal Article | October 2001

This is a classic engineering problem involving pulleys. It is suitable for any basic class where Newtonian mechanics are discussed. The objective of the case is straightforward: to teach the mechanical principle of the…

Every Day Science: May 2010

Journal Article | March 2010

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