Group items tagged

Keep up to date on the latest science news from around the world. Kim

Sponsored by the National Science Foundation, Science360 is an up-to-date view of breaking science news from around the world.

This publication gives you a variety of angles to choose from in implementing a study of polar science in the middle school science classroom. Topics covered include visualizing the polar regions, the physical attributes, biology and ecology, research projects and environmental issues, and the associated National Science Education Standards.

Ever thought of integrating polar science into your teaching? Kim

Games, blogs, science history, myths, solar system, the universe - this site provides an amazing number of exemplary resources.

Windows to the Universe is a user-friendly learning system covering the Earth and Space sciences for use by the general public. The site includes a rich array of documents, including images, movies, animations, and data sets, that explore the Earth and Space sciences and the historical and cultural ties between science, exploration, and the human experience. The site is written in three reading levels approximating elementary, middle school and high school reading levels. These levels may be chosen by using the upper button bar of each page of the main site. A Spanish version of the site is available.

This resource guide from the Middle School Portal 2: Math and Science Pathways project provides insight into how teachers can help middle school science students develop science vocabulary.

Did it sneak up on you again this year? Kidding aside, Richter Scale Day is April 26, the birthday of Charles Richter (1900-1985), inventor of the Richter scale. Most middle school science curricula include earth science studies in plate tectonics and its related phenomena, including earthquakes. Catastrophic events, such as the recent Italian earthquake, provide teachable moments. What better time to integrate a study of the Richter scale technology with science content?

You didn't miss Richter Scale Day, did you?

"A learning cycle approach is an effective strategy for bringing explorations of the natural world and scientific questioning into the classroom. A summary of research supports the conclusion that a learning cycle approach can result in greater achievement in science and improved attitudes toward science and science learning." This page describes each stage.

Even though it says K-5 many middle school teachers use these resources.

Beyond Penguins and Polar Bears is an online magazine integrating science, literacy, and the polar regions. In each month's issue, you can: Explore the Arctic and Antarctica; Learn science concepts and literacy strategies; Read about misconceptions, equity, and technology; Discover standards-based lessons and resources; and Integrate polar science into your curriculum.

With all the news of the Swine flu outbreak and eventhough flu is caused by a virus - here is a really good resource about bacteria on your hands.

This blog post discusses how many bacteria can be found on your hands and that there are differences in men and women. In addition, ideas for integrating these ideas into middle school science classrooms are provided.

"Textmasters was created to bring the collaborative learning environment of literature circles to content area reading with a science or social studies textbook. "

Great strategy for helping students read the textbook.

"On both the blog and the YouTube channel you will find more than 100 videos demonstrating various science experiments, demonstrations, and middle school science lessons."

Thanks Kimberly. Looks like a great resource.

Sensor hardware and software for Science in schools

This blog post provides ideas on how to turn a science news article into an inquiry-based lesson.

Blog post about how turkeys are raised and how to mitigate the waste using natural, sustainable materials. Ways to turn the science story into an inquiry-based lesson are included.

Forensic science is always interesting to students. The mystery and puzzle solving are hard to resist. Here's a real case you can use to get students thinking scientifically while integrating knowledge of insect life cycles-a timely topic for spring.

Rotting corpses always get kid's attention!

This page includes the Climate Literacy: The Essential Principles of Climate Science guide, links to highlighted presentations, and related documents. The guide includes the most important concepts in climate science.

This guide says that humans can take actions to reduce climate change and its impacts. Hope we aren't too late.

Songs in science

This article from NSTA's middle level science journal looks at the new Framework for K-12 Science Education and provides an explanation of the scientific practice of explanation and argumentation.

"This week, we're looking back at the school year and collecting the lessons we published by subject area. On Tuesday, we published our social studies, history, geography and civics collection; Thursday, look for English language arts, fine arts and journalism. Below, you'll find everything we did that falls into the categories of science, math, health and technology. And if you want even more lessons in these subject areas, you might take a look at our 2010 and 2011 collections as well."

This wiki page provides links to all the Math and Science Explore in Depth wiki pages. Explore in Depth pages provide context to exemplary online math and science resources.