How many times do teachers assign writing in science class only to be exasperated by their students' lack of writing skills? They often have difficulty making claims and using evidence; instead of explaining their reasoning, they state, "Just because." But teaching writing isn't just for English/language arts (ELA) class. Over the past two years,…

One physical science topic that is difficult for middle school students is the transfer of thermal energy: Research indicates many have trouble understanding that thermal energy naturally transfers from the "warmer" object to the "colder" object until both objects reach the same temperature (Driver et al. 1994; Keeley, Eberle, and Tugel 2007).…

This article describes an instructional model that science teachers can use to promote and support student engagement in scientific argumentation. This model is called the evaluate-alternatives instructional model and it is grounded in current research on argumentation in science education (e.g., Berland and Reiser 2009; McNeill and Krajcik 2006;…

When the nature of science (NOS) is reinforced, middle school students will be able to appreciate scientific inquiry processes and communication, as outlined in the National Science Education Standards (NRC 1996). To this end, the authors developed a mummy-making and dissection activity to help sixth- and seventh-grade students learn more about…

How can a science teacher find professional development (PD) opportunities that are meaningful, coherent, and sustained that will foster teacher and student learning? The authors believe that science teachers can and should be savvy consumers of PD--seeking out learning experiences that are designed with a few key features in mind. The purpose of…

Fort Hays State University and Emporia State University partnered with high-needs rural school districts to develop and offer a three-year professional development institute. The statewide institute was planned collaboratively to specifically meet the needs of middle school science teachers. The institute was managed concurrently at the two sites…

In this article, the authors discuss a unique and challenging laboratory exercise called, the paint-stir-stick submarine, that keeps the students enthralled. The paint-stir-stick submarine fits beautifully with the National Science Education Standards Physical Science Content Standard B, and with the California state science standards for physical…

Reflecting on one's practice, whether it is a conversation with a single student, a lesson, or a unit plan, is the surest way for a teacher to improve. Going through the process of becoming a National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT) is a journey of reflective practice. The National Board of Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) is a nonprofit,…

Scientists have associated the El Nino/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon with extreme climate events such as flooding in California, droughts in Australia, fires in Indonesia, and increased hurricane activity in the Atlantic Ocean. The popular media is constantly attributing individual storms to the ENSO phenomenon. The reality is that a…

Investigating the field of engineering offers the opportunity for interdisciplinary, hands-on, inquiry-based units that integrate real-world applications. However, many K-12 students are not exposed to engineering until they enter college. Get a Grip! is a problem-based unit that places middle school students in the role of engineers who are…

Presents strategies to use rainsticks with middle grade students. Teaches scientific inquiry using a rainstick activity that challenges students to explore posing, probing, and persuasion and represents the National Science Standards. Allows for the integration of different disciplines. Provides instructions on how to make a rainstick. (YDS)

"The National Science Education Standards" direct science educators to employ inquiry as a basic teaching strategy, and to place more emphasis on understanding student needs, abilities, and interests, and actively engaging in scientific investigations. Although they generally accept this emphasis as desirable, educators--particularly new…

Presents a unit on motion that allows students to apply what they learn from doing hands-on, minds-on activities, a key component of the National Science Education Standards. Also includes examples of the assessment instrument. (DDR)

Presents science activities used to teach 7th-grade students about the atom. Examines student misconceptions, age-appropriateness, and conflicts between state and federal science standards. (DKM)

At the beginning of each year, teachers have the daunting task of deciding which concepts and skills to teach their students. Many teachers feel the pressure to teach "the whole book". This pressure comes in multiple forms. There is ever-increasing pressure to perform well on state, national, and international exams. An added pressure is the…