Investigating Phenomena: How Can You Balance an Object?
Carolina Phenomenon Phenomena-driven science! Phenomena are observable, naturally occurring events that are everywhere and spark student questions and investigations. Ask students to observe the DCI-linked phenomenon in the video and complete the attached student sheet prior to remote learning discussions. Observations: Carefully watch the balancing bird video. Gather all the evidence you can from the video, and […]
Investigating Phenomena: What Is Elephant Toothpaste?
Carolina Phenomenon Phenomena-driven science! Phenomena are observable, naturally occurring events that are everywhere and spark student questions and investigations. Ask students to observe the DCI-linked phenomenon in the video and complete the attached student sheet prior to remote learning discussions. Observations: Carefully watch the elephant toothpaste (catalyst impact reaction rate) video. Gather all the evidence you can […]
Lab Safety: Teacher Responsibilities
What every teacher should know about lab safety It is vital that you maintain a well-managed classroom and student laboratory. Before students return in the fall, take steps to ensure a successful, mishap-free year of science teaching. We suggest beginning your school term with a thorough examination of your laboratory work and storage areas. Teachers […]
Isolating Bacteria from a Mixture
Carolina Labsheets™ In this lab, students are introduced to a basic technique used in the study of bacteria: isolating a single species of bacterium from a mixture. Environmental surfaces are often sampled and the samples streaked on plates to isolate bacteria. In this activity, students practice the technique by using a mixture of bacteria of […]
Webinar: Building Understanding of Mendelian Genetics
Join us for a prerecorded webinar to see a 3-D lesson modeled with Wisconsin Fast Plants®. Building Understanding of Mendelian Genetics Across Grade Bands Using 3-D Learning One of the strengths of the 3-D learning model is that it is iterative, continually building on prior understanding. However, implementing it can be difficult. In this one-hour […]
Meteor Shower Guide
What is a meteor? When is your best chance to see a meteor? Get the details in this brief guide. Origins and characteristics of meteors Gaze up at the sky on a clear mid-December night, and you’ll likely see shooting stars, also known as meteors, entering the atmosphere. You’re observing the Geminid meteor shower, known […]
Webinar: Adapting a Lesson on Selection to Remote Learning
Using Wisconsin Fast Plant polycot seed lines to teach natural selection This webinar presents strategies for adapting a hands-on, minds-on lesson for remote learning or a socially distanced biology classroom, with minimal increased prep time. As a bonus, this webinar marks the debut of a new variety of Wisconsin Fast Plant Seeds, that have an […]
Shaving Cream and Food Coloring Chemistry
Decorate wrapping paper or eggs while illustrating scientific concepts and making real-world connections. Foam shaving cream is primarily composed of air and soap. Soap is an amphipathic substance, which means that its molecules have both a hydrophilic (water loving) and a hydrophobic (water fearing) end. Because of this, soap is able to combine with water […]
Webinar: Leading High School Science Investigations Remotely
Webinar: Leading High School Science Investigations Remotely How do you lead a science investigation remotely? Engage students, create explanations, and build students’ inquiry skills when everyone is remote or at a distance. Nationally recognized science education consultant Kristen Dotti provides teachers with the fundamentals and tips around delivering authentic science education remotely. In this follow-up […]
Selecting and Caring for Anatomical Models
Models are among the most traditional and useful items in a science educator’s toolbox. Whether your subject of study is leaf morphology, invertebrate zoology, general biology, or human anatomy, models are the perfect adjunct to texts and diagrams. They enable students to examine the finest structural details of an organism or its components in 3-dimensonal […]