All Biology resources

Journal Article

Formative Assessment Probes: Uncovering Young Children’s Concept of a Plant

This column focuses on promoting learning through assessment. This month’s issue uses the “Is It a Plant?” formative assessment probe, which was...

Early Childhood Elementary Biology Assessment

Journal Article

Science 101: How Do Amphibians Breathe?

This column provides background science information for elementary teachers. This month’s issue discusses how all animals breathe, including amphibi...

Elementary Middle School Biology Life Science Professional Learning old

Blog Post

Using Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning (CER) Strategy to Improve Student Learning

This past school year, I used claim, evidence, reasoning (CER) statements to show three-dimensional learning in my classroom. Several tools are availa...

By Cindy Workosky

Middle School High School Biology Chemistry Crosscutting Concepts Disciplinary Core Ideas Earth & Space Science Evolution General Science Learning Progression Lesson Plans New Science Teachers NGSS Phenomena Physical Science Preservice Science Education Science and Engineering Practices Teacher Preparation Teaching Strategies Three-Dimensional Learning

Blog Post

You Teach What? I’m So Sorry! Building a Better Body and Building Better Argumentation

I am always amazed at the looks on people’s faces when I tell them I teach middle school. They seem to pity me for having a position I chose and lov...

By Cindy Workosky

Middle School High School Biology Crosscutting Concepts Disciplinary Core Ideas Learning Progression Lesson Plans Life Science NGSS Phenomena Science and Engineering Practices STEM Teaching Strategies Three-Dimensional Learning

Blog Post

My ‘Phenomenal’ Journey in Elementary

I am the type of educator who gets very excited about new strategies, new and innovative technology, and new activities for students. However, I was m...

By Cindy Workosky

Biology Climate Change Environmental Science General Science Inquiry Instructional Materials Learning Progression Lesson Plans Life Science New Science Teachers NGSS Phenomena Physical Science Science and Engineering Practices Teacher Preparation Teaching Strategies Three-Dimensional Learning

Blog Post

Introducing Crosscutting Concepts in the Elementary Grades

Four years ago, I moved from teaching middle school science to teaching grades 2–5 STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) la...

By Cindy Workosky

Early Childhood Elementary Preschool Biology Crosscutting Concepts Disciplinary Core Ideas Multilingual Learners Equity General Science Inquiry Labs Learning Progression Lesson Plans Life Science Literacy New Science Teachers NGSS Phenomena Preservice Science Education Science and Engineering Practices Teacher Preparation Teaching Strategies Three-Dimensional Learning

Journal Article

The Early Years: Exploring Biodiversity

This column discusses resources and science topics related to students in grades preK to 2. The objective in this month’s issue is to introduce chil...

Early Childhood Elementary Pre-service Teachers Preschool Biology Life Science

Journal Article

Science 101: Does the Weather Affect Your Body?

This column provides background science information for elementary teachers. This month’s issue focuses on three major weather factors and how they ...

Elementary Middle School Biology Life Science Professional Learning old

Journal Article

Food and Energy for All: Turning a Demonstration Into an Inquiry Activity

Explore the reactants of photosynthesis to explain that they are raw materials and not food....

Middle School Biology Life Science Inquiry