All The Science Teacher resources

Journal Article

Using the Past in Class: Learning from historical models of cell membranes

Studying the history of science shows students how science is a process that occurs over time. A sample lesson in which secondary life science students examine the history of the development of the cell membrane model is included. After discussing th...

Journal Article

Commentary: Talk of the Town

An opinion piece about the concerns highlighted at the Town Meeting at the 2001 NSTA Convention. ...

Journal Article

Quicksand Query: Using a popular fallacy to teach about density and volume

A popular misconception—quicksand sucks people under—is used to teach students about density. In a series of lab activities, students create quicksand, determine its density, and measure the density of water and irregular objects. Students learn ...

Journal Article

Comparing Common Origins: Using biotechnology to teach evolution

The field of biotechnology creates exciting new pathways for students to engage in scientific inquiry. In this article, secondary biology students use protein electrophoresis and online genetic and taxonomic databases to study evolution and biotechno...

Journal Article

Learning to Remember: Building memory cues into a geology lesson

Current neuroscience and psychology research has tremendously affected what we know about how people learn. Recent insights into the brain’s natural tendencies can help educators align strategies and activities to maximize student learning. Knowing...

Journal Article

Soil Studies: Applying acid-base chemistry to environmental analysis

To help secondary students understand acid-base chemistry, two educators design experiments focusing on acid rain’s effect on soil. Students conduct experiments to measure the pH of rainwater and soil before and after rainwater has filtered through...

Journal Article

Alternative Assessment: A monthly portfolio project improves student performance

As an alternative method of assessment, students create portfolios by submitting monthly entries that demonstrate and expand their understanding of science concepts. Teachers can also use the portfolios to assess the success of their teaching practic...

Journal Article

Editor's Corner: The Standard Classroom

The Science Teacher’s editor shares thoughts on the current issue....

Journal Article

Is Inquiry the Answer? Using action research to analyze student performance and opinion

Action research is one of the most informative methods of investigating issues of concern within the educational community—it not only increases awareness of a particular issue but also allows students to discover important information about how t...

Journal Article

Inquiry by Design: Creating a national and state standards-based high school science program

In this article, the science coordinator examines the science program and wanders if it makes sense for student learning and if it could be adapted to meet state standards. The query was taken to the department and an agreement was reached to invest...

Journal Article

Idea Bank: Mirror, Mirror

The Idea Bank provides tips and techniques for creative teaching, in about 1,000 words. In this month’s Idea Bank learn about demonstrations using concave mirrors....

Journal Article

Quiz Clues: Providing visual cues for daily quizzes

The teaching strategy of using the word “QUIZ” to provide visual cues for daily quizzes prompted students to talk before class, debating the possible hidden meanings before the quiz. It is not necessary to prepare intricate artwork in advance—...