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Learn What Science Teachers Are Reading
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You are what you read. As many teachers know, summer reading requirements don’t just apply to students. In the fields of science, many teachers never stop reading about what is happening and where their field is…
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Opportunities for learning and networking at NSTA conferences
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I just returned from the NSTA area conference in Denver. As always and whenever they are, these conferences are wonderful learning opportunities for science teachers. Now that I’ve filled out the session evaluations and…
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Helping students learn the language of science
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Science students at all grade levels often struggle with the vocabulary. It’s as if we’re all SLLs—Science Language Learners. Textbooks and websites are full of specialized words that challenge our students. Some are…
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Learning from "mistakes?"
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I’d like to try hands-on labs with my fourth graders, but I’m worried they’ll make mistakes. I guess I’m afraid they won’t learn the concepts if they don’t get the right answers. Is there a way to make the activities…
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Learning doesn't take a vacation
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Table of Contents Although it’s snowing on this April day in the Northeast, I suspect that many students (and teachers) are thinking of the summer break. But as the theme of this issue suggests, students will keep…
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Science notebooks: Archive or learning tool?
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In my Earth science classes, I require the students to keep notebooks. I give them directions as to what pages to put in the notebook and in what order. I thought this would be an easy grade for the students, but many…
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Important lessons learned from a teacher
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After reading the moving NPR story of a neurosurgeon who thanked his high school science teacher, investigative reporter Steve Silberman began to imagine all the other stories out there of a teacher’s influence on…
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Teaching and learning about wind energy
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On an appropriately blustery morning in Kansas City, the short course “Wind Energy for the Science Classroom,” led by Joe Rand of The KidWind Project in St. Paul, MN, supplied participants with background information…
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The value of resources and peers in the learning process
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Recently, I was searching NSTA’s archives for membership quotes. Resources was a prominent theme; “thanks for the resources”, “I didn’t know you had such great resources”, and “where can I find resources”. It reminded…
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Making Cooperative Learning Groups Work
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How can I keep my students more engaged in their science cooperative learning groups? —A., California Group working must be intentional. Defined roles help students keep one another accountable. They have to see and…
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Learning About STEM and Preventing Fires
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During a state-mandated earthquake drill held by Wilson High School in Los Angeles, California, and the Los Angeles Fire Department, students learn how to properly move an earthquake victim. Photo credit: Michael Sheu…
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An image gallery of ideas for learning centers
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Setting up science learning centers for young children in early childhood programs sometimes means just grabbing what you have at hand because your teaching partners have been out sick all week, and the materials you…
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Helping Students Take Control of Their Learning
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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…
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Learning About STEM Through BMX
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Fourth graders at Liberty Elementary School in Tucson, Arizona, build a scale BMX track as part of the USA BMX Foundation’s Track Modeling Program. Photo courtesy of Sandra Havelka Teaching students science,…