JoinAll Science Scope resources
Journal Article
Scope on Safety: Fire safety fundamentals
Planning and prevention is the best defense against fires in school. This is particularly true in the science laboratory due to the presence of flammable gases, liquids, combustibles, and other potential sources of fire. This article outlines prudent...
Journal Article
Science Sampler: Creative projects stimulate classroom learning
In a perfect world, what would a good classroom strategy look like? It would definitely include the use of projects. Classroom projects are original pieces of student work that may be in the form of art, writing, models, experiments, and various othe...
Journal Article
Science Sampler: Successful lab reports through model analysis
Despite your best efforts, are the majority of your middle school students unable to write detailed, complete lab reports? If your answer is a resounding “yes,” try implementing Model Analysis into your science curriculum. This strategy effective...
Journal Article
The physical demands of the Tour de France and the success of American cyclist Lance Armstrong provide a great "hook" to teach middle school students about nutrition and physiology. This article describes how an ordinary nutrition and physiology un...
Journal Article
Natural Hazards in Your Community
The Earth is a powerful, active, and ever-changing planet. Earthquakes and volcanoes reshape the Earth’s crust with sudden bursts of movement or with eruptions that last decades. Powerful storms develop in the swirling atmosphere, creating cumuloni...
Journal Article
Science Sampler: Lab report blues
For middle school students, writing a formal lab report can be challenging. For middle level teachers, reading students’ lab reports can be overwhelming. As a solution, why not try peer editing? By having students critique each other in a construct...
Journal Article
Strategies for Teaching Something New
It is the beginning of another school year and, after teaching sixth-grade life science for 15 years, you are now asked to teach eighth-grade Earth science! Panic sets in and you begin to feel like a first-year teacher all over again. The following s...
Journal Article
Student time on task is the most influential factor in student achievement. To maximize time on task, teachers need to make decisions about the systems they install in their classroom well before any students enter the room. Beginning the school yea...
Journal Article
Scope on Safety: It's hard saying goodbye to an old flame
Given the concerns about alcohol lamps and the relatively high frequency of accidents, are there any viable alternatives for heat sources? Yes! Depending on the amount and consistency of heat needed for middle school science experiments, there are at...
Journal Article
Tried and True: Traffic control tips for hands-on labs
The following are some tried and true methods of avoiding materials management and traffic problems associated with hands-on activities. While each class has its own personality and each teacher has his or her own style, these tips can be useful and ...
Journal Article
English Language Learners in the Science Classroom
What can we as teachers do to help English Language Learners (ELLs) learn science when we do not speak their languages or know their cultures? Both pre- and in-service teachers have successfully used the following strategies in teaching in teaching ...
Journal Article
With a little direction and a few resources, students can be scientists at home in a way that is rewarding to the teacher, students, and their families. Through “My Own Science,” a home science program, students are able to choose, research, dev...
Journal Article
One of the most abstract concepts that you will teach to your students is the concept of time. Usually introduced at the beginning of the school year, the concept of time is taught along with measurements and scientific units such as length, mass, an...
Journal Article
Creating a Fair Classroom Environment
Reduce your students’ first day jitters by implementing these specific classroom management suggestions that are designed to reduce student anxiety and create a fair environment. These strategies will effectively help all students to participate an...