Science Sampler: Six rules for integrating the arts

Journal Article | June 2006

How can teachers help their students to imagine and construct knowledge in the way that science sees it and simultaneously weave the arts into science lessons? By using the following six simple rules for integrating the…

Science 101: Why Do Leaves Fall Off Trees in the Fall?

Journal Article | February 2012

This column provides background science information for elementary teachers. In this month’s issue the author discusses the leaves of deciduous trees.

Clear Skies Ahead! Clearing Up Confusion About Clouds

Journal Article | November 2012

Discover how to identify different types of clouds and use them to predict future weather events.

Editor's Note: Life Cycles

Journal Article | January 2013

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

Early Primary Invasion Scientists

Journal Article | December 2010

“We really need to get the government involved,” said one student, holding his graph up to USDA scientist Steve Seefeldt. Dr. Steve studies methods to control invasive plants, plants that have been introduced to an area…

The National Science Education Standards

Journal Article | December 1999

The authors use the 1992 challenge from the National Committee on Science Education Standards and Assessment to frame the discussion in this article. Here is their challenge: . . . [C]reate a vision for the…

Science and History Come Alive in the Cemetary

Journal Article | October 2005

History and science are brought to life for students during a field trip to a local cemetery or as part of a homework assignment. This exciting activity integrates history into the science curriculum, and helps students…

Scope on the Skies: Summer skies—Planets, an eclipse, and shooting stars

Journal Article | June 2007

This summer, in addition to viewing several of the bright visible planets and another lunar eclipse, there will be an opportunity for viewing the target of an upcoming NASA mission, the asteroid Vesta. Highlights of the…

Science 101: Why Don't Spiders Stick to Their Own Webs?

Journal Article | August 2011

This column provides background science information for elementary teachers. In this month’s issue the author explores the world of spider webs.

Science 101: Do Moving Objects "Carry" a Force With Them?

Journal Article | December 2012

This column provides background science information for elementary teachers. This month’s issue discusses how forces change the motion of an object.

Scope on the Skies: Which Way Is North?

Journal Article | February 2013

This column focuses on astronomy throughout the year. This month’s issue discusses longitude, latitude, and Earth's poles.

Formative Assessment Probes: Does It Have a Life Cycle?

Journal Article | October 2010

If life continues from generation to generation, then all plants and animals must go through a life cycle, even though it may be different from organism to organism. Is this what students have “learned,” or do they have…

Science Safaris: Developing Bold Academic Explorers Outside the Science Classroom

Journal Article | February 2008

Science, like most subjects, can only come alive when students are actively engaged in real-life pursuits that interest and challenge them (VanTassel-Baska and Bass 1998). Here the author describes how she was able to…

A Remote-Sensing Mission

Journal Article | December 2007

Sponsored by NASA and the JASON Education Foundation, the remote Sensing Earth Science Teacher Education Program (RSESTeP) trains teachers to use state-of-the art remote-sensing technology with the idea that…

Sizing Up the Solar System

Journal Article | August 2011

Students learn about the importance of scale in scientific models. This article describes one approach teachers can use to elicit students' misconceptions about the distance between planets in our solar system.