A kinesthetic technique for learning to recognize elements and compounds is presented in this article. The current common pedagogy appears to merge recognition and implementation into one naming method. A separate recognition skill is critical to students being able to correctly name and write the formulas of compounds. This article focuses on…

Land use and development are complex issues rooted in ecology and environmental science as well as in politics and economics. This complexity lends itself to a problem-based learning (PBL) lesson for environmental science students. In the lesson described in this article, students investigated developing a city-owned, 13-acre site where a shopping…

This article describes how teachers can turn their class into a STEM exploration hub where students engage with real-life scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Within this space, students have opportunities to connect "Next Generation Science Standards"-aligned learning targets with potential STEM career choices. Using the 7E…

While there is no official definition, making is generally thought of as turning ideas into products through design, invention, and building. Support is growing for integrating making into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. Making can help high school students explore science concepts and phenomena, yet, lacking…

Using an extended text in an upper-level science course is not a revolutionary idea. Introducing a novel or nonfiction book into the curriculum can reward both teacher and student, offering deep immersion into science content, but may seem daunting to many teachers, especially those with little training in literacy instruction. This article offers…

This article describes a nuclear chemistry unit on the Manhattan Project, a research effort that led to the development of the world's first nuclear weapons during World War II. The unit is appropriate for an introductory high school chemistry or physics course and takes from four to six weeks. The unit poses this essential question: "Over…

This article describes the benefits of high school science clubs, focusing on forging partnerships with local and regional organizations; the importance of a service-learning component; and how local science club activities bring students and community members together. The authors also address how educators can improve the work of the group to…

This article describes ways to adapt U.S. science curriculum to the U.S. National Research Council (NRC) "Framework for K-12 Science Education" and "Next Generation of Science Standards" (NGSS), noting their focus on teaching the physical sciences. The overall goal of the Framework and NGSS is to help all learners develop the…

Nitrogen- or phosphorus-based fertilizers, used in agriculture, can run off into nearby waterways during periods of heavy rain or high flow and cause harmful blooms (Paerl et al. 2016), low oxygen (Joyce 2000), and decreased biodiversity (Sebens 1994). Studies of the effects wetlands can have on water and habitat quality (Verhoeven and Meuleman…

This article describes beginner habits and misconceptions related to design practices. Once teachers are aware of these habits and misconceptions, they can more easily recognize them and work to remedy them through instruction. Presented herein are eight practice habits. Each item begins with the practice, describes a related design habit or…

Stromatolites are the rocklike structures produced by "microbial mats"--communities of microorganisms only a few millimeters thick--as they trap, bind, or precipitate minerals. This article provides activities and assessment ideas to help teachers incorporate stromatolites in their classrooms. It relates the study of stromatolites to the…

Understanding the spatial nature of the world is necessary in everyday life. Not only do people move about in 3D space, but spatial thinking is also important in many science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. This may be especially true in the geosciences, where learners often encounter unique spatial reasoning…

Science teachers are aware of many social issues that intersect with science. These socio-scientific issues (SSIs) are "open-ended problems without clear-cut solutions [that] can be informed by scientific principles, theories, and data, but…cannot be fully determined by [them]" (Sadler 2011, p. 4). This article describes the SSI lessons…

Scientists, science teachers, and serious students recognize that success in science classes requires consistent practice--including study at home. Whether balancing chemical equations, calculating angular momentum, or memorizing the steps of cell division, students must review material repeatedly to fully understand new ideas--and must practice…

Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a heart attack (Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics 2017). Students may experience or be affected by several incidences of heart attacks throughout their life. As such, students should be aware of the risk factors and learn the underlying reasons for a heart attack. Most students believe they are…