Chemoween and Other Spooky Science
Treat your ghosts and ghouls to some spirited demos and hands-on activities, and celebrate Halloween as the finale to your October science explorations. You can create a memorable learning experience out of this spooktacular holiday with a discussion of chemistry topics such as acid-base chemistry, density, indicators, polymers, properties of matter, and phase changes. Anatomy, […]
Explaining Patterns in the Periodic Table
Identifying family and period properties within the periodic table Too often, students remember for a short time certain trends and properties associated with groups and periods of elements yet come away from a study of the periodic table without really understanding or appreciating how much information the table provides. In the following activities, students discover […]
Biotechnology: An Essential Curriculum
This essential curriculum for introductory biotechnology covers DNA structure and function, basic lab techniques, transformation, electrophoresis, restriction analysis, PCR and sequencing, bioinformatics, and bioethics. Supplemental materials include a biotechnology vocabulary assessment and optional labs and activities. DNA structure and function Our curriculum begins with a DNA extraction lab. This introductory lab lets your students examine […]
DNA Barcoding: Solving Old and New Problems in Biology
A History of DNA Barcoding DNA Barcodes: The beginning Paul Hebert of the University of Guelph coined the term DNA barcode to mean a unique DNA sequence that identifies each living thing in the same way that the unique pattern of bars in a Universal Product Code (UPC) identifies each consumer product. DNA barcoding relies […]
Smithsonian and Carolina Biological Launch New Hands-On Science Curriculum for Kindergarten
BURLINGTON, NC, April 12, 2021—During the NSTA 2021 Virtual Conference for K-12 science educators, Carolina Biological and the Smithsonian Science Education Center launched a new grade level of kindergarten curriculum for Smithsonian Science for the Classroom™. Published by Carolina, the leading school science supplier and NSTA gold sponsor, Smithsonian Science for the Classroom™ is now a complete K-5 […]
Move Your Classroom Outside
Outdoor Learning Activities Spring is in the air, and if your students are like mine, they’re just itching to be outside. An outdoor classroom, whether a formal classroom area or just an informal gathering spot, is the perfect way to help students maintain focus as the school year winds down. Plan your final quarter with […]
Top 5 Reasons to Teach Forensics
Have you considered bringing forensics into your classroom? Consider these 5 reasons you should teach this science. 1. Make a real-world connection Teaching forensic science is a simple and impactful way to bring the real world into your classroom. Your students are probably familiar with forensics from the news, TV shows, and online articles. Forensics […]
Greener Chemistry Labs for Good!
Safer, Engaging Chemistry Lessons Green chemistry. The term conjures different images for different people. Perhaps for the business minded, it’s chemistry dedicated to generating a lot of greenbacks (dollars). For others, maybe it’s a huge cauldron of bubbling green goo with a who-knows-what toxic vapor rising from the brew. In fact, it is neither of […]
Investigating Phenomena: Why Does the Candle Relight?
Phenomenon Driven Science Phenomena drive science! They’re observable, naturally occurring events that are everywhere and spark student questions and investigations. Ask students to observe the DCI-linked phenomenon in these videos and complete the attached student sheet prior to remote learning discussions. Observations: Carefully watch the reigniting candle video. Gather all the evidence you can from […]
Remote Learning Suggestions for Science Classrooms
Remote learning may require you to reduce content coverage to maintain good science instruction. During this difficult time of remote or socially distanced learning, it is important not to give up on good science educational practices such as sensemaking and using all 3 dimensions of the NGSS framework to help students learn. Remote learning may […]