JoinAll Blog Posts
Blog Post
I had a hard time figuring out a way to get my second-grade students involved with recycling or something with the 3Rs. So, I was just wondering if you had any suggestions on something better? — N., Massachusetts...
By Gabe Kraljevic
Blog Post
Reflective questions for choosing resources or shaping your practice
Asking myself about my teaching practice and looking for evidence to answer reflective questions (see Resources) that support my growth as an educator means considering how I collect data when working with children or adults. ...
By Peggy Ashbrook
Blog Post
How Safe Are Biological Stains?
In middle and high school science labs, biological stains, such as basic fuchsin, crystal violet, and Congo red, are used to enhance properties of microscopic plant and animal cells/tissues. Fortunately, Safety Data Sheets (SDS) note that some of the...
By Kenneth Roy
Blog Post
Two NSTA Books Encourage Young Readers to Keep Questioning, Searching, and Expressing Wonder
NSTA Press author Emily Morgan wants young readers of her books to be filled with a sense of wonder about ordinary objects or phenomena—like bees—and to never stop exploring the “whys” of our natural world. ...
By Carole Hayward
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I want to demonstrate different states of matter and need activities for third graders for gases. — D., Georgia It’s hard to teach about something we can’t see! Here are a few ideas: Perfumes: Open a bottle of cologne in the room. Students ...
By Gabe Kraljevic
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Helping Students Take Control of Their Learning
I am responsible for teaching my students how to think, learn, solve problems, and make informed decisions. I firmly believe that science is everywhere and affects all aspects of our daily lives, from the food we eat to the way we communica...
By Cindy Abel
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A Physics Teaching Approach That Supports Real-World Science by Matt Holsten
Traditional physics education can leave many students confused, bored, or without the conceptual understanding of the equations they are required to memorize. I prefer an approach that allows students to use evidence to express, clarify, and justify ...
By Cindy Workosky
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Modeling How Students Can Share Ideas and Make Sense of Phenomena by Aaron Mueller
One of the most important steps I take to elicit student ideas in the classroom is to establish a classroom culture that makes students feel comfortable sharing their ideas. I take the time to develop a strong, receptive culture at the beginning of t...
By Cindy Workosky
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Finding Partners for Elementary Science
Guest blog post by Wendi Laurence and Laura Cotter One of my favorite things is discovering new people who can become partners in elementary science programming. While sometimes it is very hard to find those amazing partners; this is a short stor...
By Korei Martin
Blog Post
Guest blog post by Anne Lowery As the traditional school year winds down, it is time to bring explorations to an end or at least to a good stopping place. One of the best ways to signal an end or a transition is through science storytelling....
By Korei Martin
Blog Post
Chemistry is not my strength. Any hints or resources for teaching chemical equations at a basic level? — M., Maryland I find it useful to demystify why we use chemical equations....
By Gabe Kraljevic
Blog Post
Ed News: How to Engage All Students in STEM
This week in education news, CTE pathways prepare students for the rigors of STEM careers by giving them foundational skills and allowing for a broader interpretation of STEM; new report finds that 32% of teachers with one year or less of teachi...
By Kate Falk
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Encouraging Creativity in STEM Class
Creativity often may be overlooked in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), but STEM teachers are finding ways to make their lessons and courses innovative and encourage their students to be creative....
By Debra Shapiro
Blog Post
Ed News: What Does ‘Career Readiness’ Look Like in Middle School?
This week in education news, California schools preparing to ramp up course offerings and equip teachers to lead computer science courses; teaching students together and having them help one another learn may have more benefit to them and societ...
By Kate Falk
Blog Post
Some plants can be started from seed in the garden in midsummer’s warmest weather and still grow plants that reach maturity before the first killing frost in the fall. With multiple experiences handling and planting seeds children grow the...
By Peggy Ashbrook