All Life Science resources

Journal Article

Formative Assessment Probes: Vocabulary in Context: What Is an Amphibian?

This column focuses on promoting learning through assessment. This month’s issue explores what characteristics make an amphibian....

Elementary Life Science Assessment Disciplinary Core Ideas

Journal Article

Early Years: What Other Colors Can Bean Seeds Be?

This column discusses resources and science topics related to students in grades preK to 2. In this month’s issue students design a planting system ...

Early Childhood Elementary Life Science Science and Engineering Practices

Journal Article

Science 101: How Do Amphibians Breathe?

This column provides background science information for elementary teachers. This month’s issue discusses how all animals breathe, including amphibi...

Elementary Middle School Biology Life Science Professional Learning

Blog Post

You Teach What? I’m So Sorry! Building a Better Body and Building Better Argumentation

I am always amazed at the looks on people’s faces when I tell them I teach middle school. They seem to pity me for having a position I chose and lov...

By Cindy Workosky

Middle School High School Biology Crosscutting Concepts Disciplinary Core Ideas Learning Progression Lesson Plans Life Science NGSS Phenomena Science and Engineering Practices STEM Teaching Strategies Three-Dimensional Learning

Journal Article

Engineering Encounters: The Internet of Things for Kids

This column presents ideas and techniques to enhance your science teaching. In the “Talking Window Garden” project, students create “smart” pl...

Elementary Engineering Life Science STEM Technology

Journal Article

Exploring Terrestrial Isopods: How Terrestrial Isopods’ Behavior Can Influence Survival and Reproduction

Establish a breeding group of “roly polys” and examine the stimuli that affect their behavior....

Middle School Life Science Labs

Blog Post

My ‘Phenomenal’ Journey in Elementary

I am the type of educator who gets very excited about new strategies, new and innovative technology, and new activities for students. However, I was m...

By Cindy Workosky

Biology Climate Change Environmental Science General Science Inquiry Instructional Materials Learning Progression Lesson Plans Life Science New Science Teachers NGSS Phenomena Physical Science Science and Engineering Practices Teacher Preparation Teaching Strategies Three-Dimensional Learning

Blog Post

Introducing Crosscutting Concepts in the Elementary Grades

Four years ago, I moved from teaching middle school science to teaching grades 2–5 STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) la...

By Cindy Workosky

Early Childhood Elementary Preschool Biology Crosscutting Concepts Disciplinary Core Ideas English Language Learners Equity General Science Inquiry Labs Learning Progression Lesson Plans Life Science Literacy New Science Teachers NGSS Phenomena Preservice Science Education Science and Engineering Practices Teacher Preparation Teaching Strategies Three-Dimensional Learning

Journal Article

Science 102: The Sound of One Hand Clapping

This column shares exercises to challenge content knowledge. This month's issue presents a new challenge and answers the Raindrops Keep Falling challe...

Elementary High School Middle School Life Science Crosscutting Concepts Inquiry Phenomena

Journal Article

The Early Years: Exploring Biodiversity

This column discusses resources and science topics related to students in grades preK to 2. The objective in this month’s issue is to introduce chil...

Early Childhood Elementary Pre-service Teachers Preschool Biology Life Science

Journal Article

Science 101: Does the Weather Affect Your Body?

This column provides background science information for elementary teachers. This month’s issue focuses on three major weather factors and how they ...

Elementary Middle School Biology Life Science Professional Learning

Journal Article

From Fish Tank to Fuel Tank: Engineering Photobioreactors in the Classroom

Grow algae in the classroom to explore bioenergy and related concepts....

Middle School Engineering Life Science Labs