Integrating the Nature of Science

Journal Article | August 2014

A lesson on interdependent relationships and ecosystems gets a boost when students learn how they are acting like scientists.

Editor's Note: Learning About the Nature of Science (NOS)

Journal Article | August 2014

Science and Children’s editor shares thoughts regarding the current issue.

Guest Editorial: Nature of Science and Its Fundamental Importance to the Vision of the Next Generation Science Standards

Journal Article | August 2014

This article shows how NOS is related to the NGSS

Teaching Through Trade Books: How Do We Know What We Know About the Universe?

Journal Article | August 2014

This column includes activities inspired by children’s literature. This month’s lessons focus on how our understandings about the universe change as we develop technologies that allow us to gather new evidence.

The Early Years: The Nature of Science in Early Childhood

Journal Article | August 2014

This column discusses resources and science topics related to students in grades preK to 2. This month’s issue discusses ways to incorporate nature of science into the early childhood classroom.

Formative Assessment Probes: Is It a Theory? Speaking the Language of Science

Journal Article | August 2014

This column focuses on promoting learning through assessment. This month’s issue focuses on a probe that is designed to find out if students (and teachers) distinguish scientific theories from the common use of the word…

Science 101: How Do We Use Calculus in Science?

Journal Article | August 2014

This column provides background science information for elementary teachers. This month’s issue describes the role of calculus in science classes.

Safety First: Feather, Feet, and Fin Safety in the Classroom

Journal Article | August 2014

This article describes the safety and responsibility issues that come with using animals in the classroom.

Methods and Strategies: Sculpt-a-Scientist

Journal Article | August 2014

This column provides ideas and techniques to enhance your science teaching. This month’s issue describes an artistic activity that shapes fourth-grade students' perceptions of scientists.

Engineering Encounters: The Tightrope Challenge

Journal Article | August 2014

When confronted with a robotics engineering task, fourth-grade students develop growth mindsets.

Magnetism: More Than Just Objects Attracted to Refrigerators

Journal Article | August 2014

Use the 5E model to assess students' prior knowledge about magnetism.

Assessing Student Progress Along a Solar System Learning Progression

Journal Article | August 2014

Unify disparate astronomical concepts with the help of the NGSS.

Just Do It! Performance Tasks in the Science Classroom

Journal Article | August 2014

Provide opportunities for students to become familiar with and comfortable using hands-on performance tasks.

A Penny for Your Thoughts

Journal Article | August 2014

Help students learn how to develop the essential skill of creating their own testable hypotheses.

Gearing Up for Engineering

Journal Article | August 2014

Explore gears and forces through a hands-on investigation using simple machines.