All Science and Children resources

Journal Article

Science 101: What causes surface tension?

This column focuses on background science information for elementary teachers. In this month’s column, learn about surface tension....

Early Childhood Elementary Informal Education Middle School Chemistry General Science Physical Science Lesson Plans Teaching Strategies Professional Learning old

Journal Article

Water Pressure in Depth

An obvious lesson means far-from-enthusiastic students. By adding a second variable, this water pressure and depth investigation provides students with a problem to solve and identify. With two variables, students had to use inquiry to determine whic...

Journal Article

Teaching Through Trade Books: Let's Try It Out in the Air

This column includes activities inspired by children’s literature. In this month’s issue, the lessons challenge students' common misconception that air is "nothing." Students participate in activities, collect evidence, and develop explanations t...

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Got Inquiry?

Milk Fireworks, Cat's Meow, Breaking the Tension--whatever you call it, this lesson will provide strategies for taking a simple, hands-on activity and transforming it into inquiry. The lesson is ideally suited for teaching important concepts in exper...

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Editor's Note: Moving Toward Inquiry

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

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Formative Assessment Probes: The Mitten Problem

This column focuses on promoting learning through assessment. In this month’s issue, the theory of "immaculate insulation" is prevalent among students. This formative assessment probe will help students overcome this misunderstanding by allowing th...

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Fire Up the Inquiry

Lose the routine, tweak your "cookbook lab," and reach a level of open inquiry with these strategies used during a unit on heat....

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Natural Resources: Get Out There

This column helps bring the outdoors into your curriculum. This month’s issue will start you thinking of summer opportunities. For students with a special interest in the outdoors, or those with limited access to nature, summer camp might be a life...

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Methods and Strategies: Overcoming Difficulties

This column provides ideas and techniques to enhance your science teaching. In this month’s issue, bilingual second-grade students do scientific inquiry in pairs during a lesson on leaves. To help bilingual learners overcome language difficulties, ...

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Every Day Science Calendar: February 2011

This monthly feature contains facts and challenges for the science explorer. ...