Feed Up, Feedback, and Feed Forward

Journal Article | June 2011

In this article the authors describe how a kindergarten science teacher uses the feed up, feedback, and feed forward inquiry-based approach to assessment during a unit on conservation of resources.

Safer Science: Building Safety in Foreign Language

Journal Article | December 2010

A school is about to undergo major renovations and new construction to handle a growing student population. So some science classes and labs are assigned to other parts of the building temporarily. Most teachers are…

What's Bugging You?

Journal Article | March 2006

"'Ooh, these things give me the willies, and I am not getting near them." "Wonder what those things are and what they eat?" Statements like these were heard amongst preservice students as they embarked on "bug"…

Tried and true: Feeding of Diarmis Proboscis

Journal Article | December 2004

The feeding of Diarmis proboscis is an exciting outdoor laboratory activity that demonstrates a single concept of adaptations--cryptic colorations. The students are “transformed” into D. proboscis in order to learn how…

The Early Years: Measuring Learning

Journal Article | June 2011

This column discusses resources and science topics related to students in grades preK to 2. In this month’s issue the activity assesses what children understand about measurement.

Scope on the Skies: Lunar looks and latitude

Journal Article | November 2008

During December, the Sun gains a bit of notoriety as its celestial position this month marks a change of seasons, a solstice. The word solstice describes the day, or moment, when the Sun stops its north or south…

After the Bell: Weekend home labs

Journal Article | January 1999

Through a series of weekly homework assignments dubbed "Weekend Home Labs," families are enjoying learning science together. Students take home an assignment that asks them to use common household materials to…

Solving the Mystery of Mock Mummies: Using Scientific Inquiry Skills in an Integrated Lesson

Journal Article | October 2009

When the nature of science (NOS) is reinforced, middle school students will be able to appreciate scientific inquiry processes and communication, as outlined in the National Science Education Standards (NRC 1996). To…

Science Sampler: Fossil sharks—Learning from and about the past

Journal Article | January 2011

In this article, the authors describe a series of science activities for middle school students that focuses on the study of fossil sharks through an examination of the morphological characteristics of their teeth by…

Editor’s Roundtable: Our solar system and beyond

Journal Article | June 2007

This month’s column reveals our themes for the upcoming school year and beyond, which have been intentionally designed to touch on all the NSES content standards for grades 5-8. In addition, you are encouraged to write…

Editor's Corner: Summer Magic

Journal Article | June 2006

Does the question, “Why do I even bother?” ever occur to you at the end of the school year? If so, you’re in good company—the Field Editor asks himself this perennial question every June. He shares his reflections of…

Editor's Corner: Beyond Classroom Walls

Journal Article | March 2005

In this month's Editor's Corner, the Field Editor discusses the importance of community-school-student partnerships. Science activities that take students outside the school walls can combine the best aspects of service…

Teaching Through Trade Books: Unusual Creatures

Journal Article | October 2010

Triops, also called tadpole shrimp, are tiny aquatic animals that are easy to raise and fun to watch. Their rapid growth rate, underwater acrobatics, and entertaining feeding behaviors make these inexpensive and readily…

Career of the Month: An Interview with Ethnobotanist Maria Fadiman

Journal Article | June 2007

According to Plant Talk (2007), approximately 270,000 species of plants exist on Earth. The numbers of known species—including trees, flowers, fruits, and herbs—increases almost daily as scientists make new discoveries…

Science Learning Environments and Action Research

Journal Article | August 2006

A learning environment survey can be easily used in your science classroom to evaluate new instructional approaches, to spark enthusiasm, and to produce evidence showing that you are indeed becoming a reflective…