Student Symposia on Primary Research Articles

Journal Article | October 2000

This article describes how conducting in-class symposia in which students present primary research articles can provide a window into the process of scientific research and communication, broaden students’ exposure to…

Idea Bank: Sun's Rays Strike Earth

Journal Article | January 2000

The Idea Bank provides tips and techniques for creative teaching, in about 1,000 words. This month’s Idea Bank features tips for explaining the angle at which the Sun's rays strike the Earth's surface.

Craftsman/NSTA Young Inventors Awards Program—Students of Invention

Journal Article | August 2004

Thomas A. Edison said, "To invent, you need a good imagination and a pile of junk." Well, the finalists in this year's Craftsman/NSTA Young Inventors Award Program had no shortage of imagination but chose more useful…

Thinking <em>Inside</em> the Box

Journal Article | January 2011

The authors conducted a test to determine whether they could incorporate a discovery box into a preschool setting was successful. It stimulated the students’ natural inquiry processes while promoting understanding of…

SMART Boards Rock

Journal Article | November 2011

When knowledge about rock types is paired with interactive whiteboards for introductory instruction, the combination is an ideal fit for children and teachers.

Methods and Strategies: The 6-E Learning Model

Journal Article | October 2004

Most teachers are familiar with the 5-E model of science instruction—Engage, Explore, Explain, Expand, and Evaluate. This model adds a sixth "E" to the tool: "e-search." E-search encompasses any use of electronic media…

Who Stole the Doughnuts? An Interdisciplinary Forensics Unit

Journal Article | February 2011

There was a doughnut thief loose and the students were determined to put their science skills to use to track down the culprit. They would use forensic science to eliminate suspects and identify the thief who stole the…

Scope on the Skies: Luna

Journal Article | August 2006

Our Moon, Luna, will be the focus of the Scope on the Skies columns for this coming school year. Data and information will be provided so that each month you and your students can follow the Moon and the Earth as the…

The Early Years: Building With Sand

Journal Article | February 2010

Children playing in damp sand invariably try to make a tower or a tunnel. By providing experiences with a variety of materials, alone and together, teachers set up the conditions for children to learn through their…

Rethinking Models

Journal Article | December 2002

While models and analogies are integral to both the learning and practice of science, their use is complex and potentially troublesome. Misconceptions can arise when parts of a model are misleading, missing, or…

Forest or Field?

Journal Article | August 2009

An open field—with its wildflowers, grasses, and vole tunnels—became an instant classroom. Students’ senses were awakened there, and upon entering a nearby forest, they immediately detected a difference: less light and…

A Look at the <i>Next Generation Science Standards<i/>

Journal Article | February 2013

This article and the accompanying diagram provide an overview on the architecture of the Next Generation Science Standards.

Sand: Up Close and Amazing!

Journal Article | August 2003

Discover the surprising diversity and scientific value of sand from around the world.

Sci-Fi Science: Using science fiction to set context for learning science

Journal Article | October 2000

Keeping students motivated is one of the greatest challenges for science teachers. One way to stimulate and maintain interest in science is to set a contextual framework for learning, This article uses an approach…

Scientific and Engineering Practices in K–12 Classrooms

Journal Article | November 2011

The author presents the science and engineering practices from the recently released A Framework for K–12 Science Education: Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Core Ideas.