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NSTA Press Book

Uncovering Student Ideas in Science, Volume 3: Another 25 Formative Assessment Probes

Because you demanded it! Since publication of Volume 1 of this series, thousands of teachers are using these innovative classroom tools to improve student learning in science. Following in the footsteps of earlier volumes in the Uncovering Student Id...

By Page Keeley, Francis Eberle, Chad Dorsey

Elementary High School Middle School Earth & Space Science Life Science Physical Science Assessment Curriculum Instructional Materials Inquiry Lesson Plans NGSS Phenomena Teaching Strategies Interdisciplinary New Science Teachers Professional Learning old Research Teacher Preparation

NSTA Press Book

Uncovering Student Ideas in Science, Volume 2: 25 More Formative Assessment Probes

If Hollywood filmed this sequel, the studio would call it “Probes II: More Battles Against Misunderstandings.” Like the blockbuster before it, Volume 2 will reveal the surprising misconceptions students bring to the classroom—so you can adjust ...

By Page Keeley, Francis Eberle, Joyce Tugel

Elementary High School Informal Education Middle School Earth & Space Science General Science Life Science Physical Science Assessment Curriculum Instructional Materials Inquiry Lesson Plans Phenomena Teaching Strategies Interdisciplinary New Science Teachers Professional Learning old Research Teacher Preparation

Darkness at Night

Book Chapter

Darkness at Night

The purpose of this probe is to elicit students’ ideas about the day/night cycle. The probe is designed to find out if students recognize that the Earth’s rotation is responsible for the day/night cycle. ...

Earth & Space Science Assessment Phenomena

Emmy's Moon and Stars

Book Chapter

Emmy's Moon and Stars

The purpose of this assessment probe is to elicit students’ ideas about the relative position of common objects seen in the sky. The probe is designed to find out if students recognize how far away the stars are in relation to the Earth and the Moo...

Elementary Middle School Astronomy Earth & Space Science Assessment Phenomena

Under Pressure

Book Chapter

Under Pressure

The contents of this chapter deal with air pressure and water pressure and what causes those things to increase and decrease. In addition, the real-world results of those increases and decreases in air and water pressure will be addressed....

Elementary High School Middle School Earth & Space Science General Science Physical Science Preservice Science Education Safety

Balloons and Other Things That Sometimes Float

Book Chapter

Balloons and Other Things That Sometimes Float

Hot air balloons float--sometimes. Regular old balloons that you get at a party float--sometimes. Boats float--sometimes. What makes them float and what makes them sink? How can a boat made of steel float but a solid chunk of steel sink to the bottom...

Middle School Technical and Vocational Education Aerospace Earth & Space Science General Science Physical Science Physics

Small-Scale Weather

Book Chapter

Small-Scale Weather

The concepts covered so far that pertain to the Earth's weather will finally be applied in this chapter. A number of basic mechanisms that govern small-scale things such as cloud formation, rain, fog, dew point, and humidity, will be addressed. ...

Middle School Aerospace Earth & Space Science Engineering

Large-Scale Weather

Book Chapter

Large-Scale Weather

In the previous chapter, we dealt with how the properties of air and water affected small-scale weather such as the formation of clouds, the formation of fog, and how comfortable you feel at different times of the year. In this chapter, we're going t...

Middle School Aerospace Earth & Space Science Environmental Science

The Severe Stuff

Book Chapter

The Severe Stuff

So far, small-scale and large-scale weather patterns have been dealt with. What seems to interest people most, though, are the "special" events related to weather. Those special events include thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, and drought...

Middle School Aerospace Earth & Space Science

Scope on the Skies: Ancient Skies

Journal Article

Scope on the Skies: Ancient Skies

Writing this month’s column is quite literally a once in a millennium opportunity. As the New Year, century, and millennium get underway, many of us are wondering what lies ahead. But before we take look at the evening skies of our future, the auth...

Middle School Astronomy Earth & Space Science General Science News

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