K12Science
168 episodes - English - Latest episode: 7 days ago -The purpose of K12Science is to share ideas about science teaching for grades K-12 and beyond. K12Science is hosted by David Bydlowski, science educator in Michigan
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Episodes
Performance-Based Assessment
April 23, 2024 20:18 - 5 minutes - 8.09 MBI was recently reading the March/April 2024 issue of “Science Scope,” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the “Interdisciplinary Ideas” section written by Katie Coppens. She wrote an article entitled, “Designing Performance-Based Assessments That Engage!” Rather than stressful, an assessment should feel like a celebration of learning for students. Performance-based assessments allow students to demonstrate their understanding of one or more...
3D Assessment
April 12, 2024 16:01 - 4 minutes - 6.53 MBI was recently reading the March/April 2024 issue of “Science Scope,” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the “From the Editor’s Desk” column written by Patty McGinnis. She wrote an article entitled, “3D Assessment.” In the article she shared ideas about writing assessments aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards. The National Research Council recommends that teachers utilize a combination of constructed response, selected response...
Making Thinking Visible
April 04, 2024 15:05 - 4 minutes - 6.77 MBI was recently reading the January/February 2024 issue of “The Science Teacher,” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the “Editor’s Corner” written by Ann Haley MacKenzie. She wrote an article entitled, “How Can We Make Our Students’ Thinking Visible?” In the article she shared three strategies for making thinking visible. The strategies were taken from the books, “Making Thinking Visible” and “The Power of Making Thinking Visible.” The st...
Outstanding Science Trade Books for Early Elementary School Students - Part 2
April 02, 2024 17:09 - 5 minutes - 7.99 MBI was recently reading the January/February 2024 issue of “Science and Children,” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association, for elementary school science teachers. In this issue, I read the section on the “Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students.” The selections are a collaboration of the National Science Teaching Association and the Children’s Book Council. In part 2 of this two-part podcast series, I share eight books that were selected for early elementary stud...
Outstanding Science Trade Books for Early Elementary School Students - Part 1
March 28, 2024 15:39 - 5 minutes - 7.99 MBI was recently reading the January/February 2024 issue of “Science and Children,” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association, for elementary school science teachers. In this issue, I read the section on the “Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students.” The selections are a collaboration of the National Science Teaching Association and the Children’s Book Council. In part 1 of this two-part podcast series, I share nine books that were selected for early elementary stude...
Outstanding Science Trade Books for Middle School Students - Part 2
March 26, 2024 17:33 - 4 minutes - 7.07 MBI was recently reading the January/February 2024 issue of “Science Scope,” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association, for middle school science teachers. In this issue, I read the section on the “Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students.” The selections are a collaboration of the National Science Teaching Association and the Children’s Book Council. In part 2 of this podcast series, I share seven more books that were selected for middle-school students. The books a...
Outstanding Science Trade Books for High School Students
March 24, 2024 14:51 - 1 minute - 3.51 MBI was recently reading the January/February 2024 issue of “The Science Teacher,” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association, for high school science teachers. In this issue, I read the section on the “Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students.” The selections are a collaboration of the National Science Teaching Association and the Children’s Book Council. In this podcast, I share the two books that were selected for high school students. The books are: “Hidden Syst...
Outstanding Science Trade Books for Middle School Students - Part 1
March 22, 2024 15:22 - 3 minutes - 6.23 MBI was recently reading the January/February 2024 issue of “Science Scope,” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association, for middle school science teachers. In this issue, I read the section on the “Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students. The selections are a collaboration of the National Science Teaching Association and the Children’s Book Council. In this first of two podcasts, I share six of the twelve books that were selected for middle school students. The book...
Growing Beyond Earth
March 14, 2024 19:36 - 4 minutes - 7.51 MBI was recently reading the January/February 2024 issue of “Science Scope,” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association for middle school science teachers. In this issue, I read the “Citizen Science” section written by Jill Nugent. She wrote an article entitled, “Growing Beyond Earth: Cultivating 21st-Century Science Exploration.” The Growing Beyond Earth citizen science project, in partnership with NASA and the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden, partners with classrooms...
Eliciting Student Thinking
February 23, 2024 00:37 - 3 minutes - 5.16 MBI was recently reading the January/February 2024 issue of “Science Scope,” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association, for middle school science teachers. In this issue, I read the “Editorial” section written by Patty McGinnis. She wrote an article entitled, “Eliciting Student Thinking.” Eliciting student thinking is a high-leverage practice in which the teacher utilizes questions and tasks that encourage and promote student thinking and sharing of ideas.
Building Quality Science Instruction
February 14, 2024 17:11 - 4 minutes - 6.69 MBI was recently reading a WestEd blog post on the Next Gen Science website, dated January 10, 2024. In this blog, I read the post “Seeing is Believing: Building a Shared Vision of Quality Science Instruction.” It was written by Vanessa Wolbrink. In the years following the adoption of new science standards, states and districts must begin to navigate the complexities of transitioning to new learning goals — including updating instructional materials, professional learning, course descript...
Great Backyard Bird Count 2024
February 08, 2024 16:12 - 3 minutes - 5.88 MBI was recently visiting the Cornell Labs website. While visiting the site I was reminded of the upcoming Great Backyard Bird Count. The Great Backyard Bird Count takes place February 16-19, 2024. During this time you are encouraged to observe birds for at least 15 minutes and then report the data. You can observe for longer than 15 minutes and for more than one day. To learn about how to identify birds and how to submit data, please visit: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/k12/gbbc/
Clouds and the Middle School NGSS
February 01, 2024 17:43 - 5 minutes - 7.98 MBI was recently reading a community blog post on the GLOBE website, dated January 18, 2024. In this blog, I read the post “GLOBE Clouds and NGSS (Elementary and Middle School.” It was posted by Marile Colon Robles. A new resource is now available created by GLOBE educator Mr. Roger Rose as part of his NASA internship in 2023 titled, GLOBE Atmosphere Clouds and NGSS. This document compares portions of the clouds protocol to Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for elementary and midd...
Science Fair: The Series
January 25, 2024 18:46 - 4 minutes - 7.3 MBI was recently reading the December 11, 2023 issue of “Forbes” magazine. In this issue, I read the article “Bright Minds, Big Innovations: Exploring ’Science Fair: The Series’.” It was written by Tony Bradley. “Science Fair: The Series,” National Geographic’s latest documentary series, is a deep dive into the world of young scientific minds, capturing their journey through the highly competitive International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). It is available to stream on Hulu and Di...
Science Olympiad
January 17, 2024 04:38 - 7 minutes - 10.2 MBI was recently reading the September-October, 2023 issue of “Connected Science Learning,” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the article “40 Years of Inspiring Students to Explore STEM: What has Science Olympiad Learned?” It was written by John F. Loehr and Jenny Kopach. In May 2024, Science Olympiad will celebrate the 40th Annual Science Olympiad National Tournament at Michigan State University. The Olympiad has been successful over thes...
International Space Station
January 03, 2024 20:46 - 2 minutes - 3.72 MBK12Science Podcast: International Space Station I was recently reading the October, 2023 special issue of USA Today, entitled, “NASA at 65.” In this issue, I read the article “25 Years Up There: International Space Station Operators are Preparing for the Outpost’s Demise.” 25 years ago, the first two elements of the International Space Station were connected by shuttle astronauts. After 2030, NASA will need to bring the space station out of orbit.
Two More of the Best Science Books of 2023
December 19, 2023 17:48 - 5 minutes - 6.88 MBI was recently reading the December 7, 2023 issue of “Smithsonian” magazine. In this issue, I read the article “The Ten Best Science Books of 2023” written by Bridget Alex, Riley Black, Dan Falk, Shi En Kim, Carlyn Kranking, and Joe Spring. In the article they shared their top nonfiction science titles from the past year, selected by “Smithsonian” magazine’s editors and frequent contributors. In our last podcast, I shared the reviews of two of the top ten books. In today’s podcast, we ...
The Best Science Books of 2023
December 12, 2023 20:12 - 5 minutes - 6.88 MBI was recently reading the December 7, 2023 issue of “Smithsonian” magazine. In this issue, I read the article “The Ten Best Science Books of 2023” written by Bridget Alex, Riley Black, Dan Falk, Shi En Kim, Carlyn Kranking, and Joe Spring. In the article they shared their top nonfiction science titles from the past year, selected by “Smithsonian” magazine’s editors and frequent contributors. In this podcast, we look at two of their selections: “Fire Weather: A True Story From a Hott...
Acoustician
December 05, 2023 21:10 - 5 minutes - 8.15 MBI was recently reading the Fall, 2023 issue of “The Science Teacher” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the section “Career of the Month” written by Luba Vangelova. In this section, she focused on the career of an acoustician. An acoustician is an expert in the branch of physics concerned with the properties of sound. Tony Hoover is an acoustician and recommends interested students to have a great understanding of acoustics, which is an i...
Teaching Outdoors
December 01, 2023 18:58 - 5 minutes - 8.19 MBI was recently reading the Fall, 2023 issue of “Science Scope” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the section, “Practical Research” written by Samantha Lindgren, Meghan McCleary, Susan Gasper, Amanda Nieves, Kara Stengren, and Amira Shabana. They wrote an article entitled, “Outdoor Teaching and Learning in Natural Spaces and Outdoor Classrooms.” When we consider topics like climate change and the complex impacts it has on our students’ futu...
Beavers from Space
November 30, 2023 15:35 - 5 minutes - 7.39 MBI was recently reading the Fall, 2023 issue of “Science Scope” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the section, “Citizen Science” written by Jill Nugent. She wrote an article entitled, “Beavers from Space!” Beavers from Space is an online project that launched in 2023, and your help is needed to determine where beavers are found and where they appear to be absent, specifically in the waterways of Alberta, Canada. For more information, pleas...
Joanna Haigh
November 28, 2023 00:28 - 4 minutes - 5.99 MBI was recently reading the Fall, 2023 issue of “The Science Teacher” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the article “The Use of Storytelling to Model NGSS Science and Engineering Practices” written by Adrienne Larocque and Anna Babarinde. An important strand of three-dimensional learning in the Next Generation Science Standards is science and engineering practices. These practices replace the oversimplified “scientific method” often presen...
Things to Know About the Solar Eclipse
November 27, 2023 01:02 - 3 minutes - 5.94 MBI was recently reading the Fall, 2023 issue of “Science and Children” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the section, “Science 101” written by Matthew Bobrowsky. He wrote an article entitled, “What Can My Students See During the Upcoming Solar Eclipse?!” The total solar eclipse that will take place on April 8, 2024, will probably be your last chance to see one until 2025.
Scientific Ways of Doing
November 23, 2023 16:30 - 2 minutes - 3.88 MBI was recently reading the Fall, 2023 issue of “The Science Teacher” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the section, “Commentary” written by John Suchocki. He wrote an article entitled, “Pathways to Science Literacy.” The concepts of science and the practices of doing science are not the same. As science teachers, we should pull the rich practices of science (the ways of doing science) out front and center as a helix wrapping around the c...
Virtual Reality
October 18, 2023 13:22 - 2 minutes - 4.69 MBI was recently reading the Fall, 2023 issue of “Science Scope” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the section, “Integrating Technology,” written by Michael McKenzie and Alex Fegely. They wrote an article entitled, “Differentiate Science Lessons by Using VR in Station Rotations.” Blended learning strategies combined with innovative technology, for example, virtual reality (VR), can be used in science classrooms to differentiate teaching and en...
Cultivating Collaboration
October 11, 2023 17:18 - 3 minutes - 5.13 MBI was recently reading the Fall, 2023 issue of “Science Scope” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the section, “From the Editor’s Desk,” written by Patty McGinnis. She wrote an article entitled, “Cultivating Collaboration,” Collaboration is a key skill that is foundational to society. The expansion of scientific knowledge, coupled with today’s complex global issues, makes collaboration among scientists and engineers crucial if we are to deve...
Playground Physics
October 04, 2023 20:26 - 5 minutes - 8.95 MBI was recently reading the July/August 2023 issue of “Connected Science Learning” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read an article entitled, “Innovative Technology Enhances Outdoor Learning Experiences with Playground Physics.” It was written by Michaela Labriole, Judith Hutton, Laycca Umer, and Kate Maschak. Playground Physics is a free digital application and supplemental curriculum for grades 6-8 developed by the New York Hall of Science. Y...
Science, Science, Everywhere
September 21, 2023 16:34 - 5 minutes - 8.95 MBI was recently reading the April 2023 issue of “Connected Science Learning” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the editorial section written by Beth Murphy. She wrote an article entitled, “Science, Science, Everywhere.” If we look to the history of science and engineering, it all begins with phenomena-observations of the natural and human-made worlds that cause one to ask questions and identify problems worth answering and solving. In her e...
Agronomist
August 29, 2023 20:50 - 3 minutes - 6.23 MBI was recently reading the July/August 2023 issue of “The Science Teacher” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the “Career of the Month” column, written by Luba Vangelova. She wrote an article entitled, “Agronomist.” Agronomists, or agriculturists, use their knowledge of soil and plants to help farmers row crops more effectively. They can work for government agencies, nonprofits, academic institutions, or private enterprises. The article fe...
Dinosaur Names
August 05, 2023 19:46 - 1 minute - 3.12 MBI was recently reading the July/August 2023 issue of “Science and Children” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the “Science 101” column, written by Matt Bobrowsky. He wrote an article entitled, “Origin of Dinosaur Names.” Most of our English words have their roots in other languages. In this podcast we look at the origin of: Dinosaur Stegosaurus Tyrannosaurus rex
Biomimicry
July 27, 2023 16:15 - 4 minutes - 6.42 MBI was recently reading the July/August 2023 issue of “Science and Children” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the “Editor’s Note” column, written by Elizabeth Barrett-Zahn. She wrote an article entitled, “Inspired by Nature: Biomimicry.” Biomimicry is a powerful approach to designing and engineering sustainable solutions by taking inspiration from nature.
Megamovie 2024
July 15, 2023 16:01 - 4 minutes - 7.11 MBI was recently reading the July/August 2023 issue of “Science Scope” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the “Citizen Science” column, written by Jill Nugent. She wrote an article entitled, “Megamovie 2024: A Project to Eclipse All Others.” The primary goal of the Eclipse Megamovie Project 2017 was to produce a high definition, time-expanded, video of the total solar eclipse that crossed North America from the northwest to the southeast on Au...
Solar Eclipse 2024
July 11, 2023 15:40 - 4 minutes - 6.57 MBI was recently reading the July/August 2023 issue of “Science Scope” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the “Commentary” column, written by Kurtz Miller. He wrote an article entitled, “Preparing for the Great American Eclipse of 2024.” The Great American Eclipse of 2024 will pass across the United States on Monday, April 8, 2024, from Eagle Pass, Texas to Presque Isle, Maine. It is important to consider how to prepare for this upcoming even...
Teachable Moments
July 06, 2023 23:18 - 3 minutes - 4.99 MBI was recently reading the July/August 2023 issue of “Science Scope” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the “From the Editor’s Desk” column, written by Patty McGinnis. She wrote an article entitled, “Hurrah for Teachable Moments.” Two wonderful teachable celestial events will occur during this school year in North America, allowing plenty of time to plan. A solar eclipse “double-header” occurs on Saturday, October 14, 2023 (an annular eclip...
Building Science Engineer
June 26, 2023 20:16 - 5 minutes - 8.6 MBI was recently reading the May/June 2023 issue of “The Science Teacher” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the “Career of the Month” column, written by Luba Vangelova. She wrote an article entitled, “Building Science Engineer.” Broadly speaking, building science involves the study of how heat, air, and moisture move through a building’s components. Andrea DelGiudice is an associate principal and unit manager specializing in building enclosu...
Encouraging Scientific Literacy
June 22, 2023 21:16 - 5 minutes - 6.94 MBI was recently reading the May/June 2023 issue of “The Science Teacher” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the “Editor’s Corner” column, written by Ann Haley MacKenzie. She wrote an article entitled, “Promoting Scientific Literacy in the Science Classroom.” This is the second of a two-part podcast series on Scientific Literacy. In this podcast we will look at the strategies for encouraging scientific literacy: 1. Incorporate real-world ex...
Scientific Literacy
June 12, 2023 23:07 - 5 minutes - 8.12 MBI was recently reading the May/June 2023 issue of “The Science Teacher” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the “Editor’s Corner” column, written by Ann Haley MacKenzie. She wrote an article entitled, “Promoting Scientific Literacy in the Science Classroom.” This is the first of a two-part podcast series on Scientific Literacy. In this podcast we will look at the meaning of Scientific Literacy - “understanding how science is done.” The next...
Thunderstorms
June 08, 2023 18:06 - 3 minutes - 5.54 MBI was recently reading the May/June 2023 issue of “Science & Children” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the “Science 101” column, written by Matt Bobrowsky. He wrote an article entitled, “What Are Some Fun Activities Related to Thunderstorms?.” There are several activities you can do related to thunderstorms or just rain. One activity is to try and tell if a storm is getting closer to you or farther away and then determine the distance.
Natural Disasters
May 31, 2023 13:52 - 3 minutes - 5.54 MBI was recently reading the May/June 2023 issue of “Science & Children” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the “Editor’s Note” column, written by Elizabeth Barrett-Zahn. She wrote an article entitled, “Natural Disasters.” Our student population has been through a great deal in the last few years: a pandemic with gaps in school access, increased natural disasters, social unrest and violence. Instead of backing away from teaching about natural...
FrogWatch USA
May 25, 2023 16:26 - 4 minutes - 6.76 MBI was recently reading the May/June 2023 issue of “Science Scope” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the “Citizen Science” column, written by Jill Nugent. She wrote an article entitled, “Surveying Sounds of the Season.” Participation in FrogWatch USA provides students with authentic science engagement experiences. The large-scale and long-term project provides learners with a unique opportunity to contribute to real-world science, derive m...
Real-World Problems
May 16, 2023 15:50 - 3 minutes - 5.33 MBI was recently reading the May/June 2023 issue of “Science Scope” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the “From the Editor’s Desk” column, written by Patty McGinnis. She wrote an article entitled, “Exploring Real-World Problems.” Incorporating real-world projects provides your students with opportunities to grow not only in STEM, but also in their ability to think critically and compassionately.
Best STEM Books 2023 for Early Elementary Students
May 02, 2023 18:37 - 6 minutes - 8.54 MBI was recently reading the March/April 2023 issue of “The Science & Children” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read an article on the Best STEM Books 2023 for books published in 2022. Best STEM Books winners explore problems and possible solutions in the scientific world and, where applicable, in the lives of the protagonists. Instead of focusing on specific content, the Best STEM Books emphasize real-world issues that cross disciplinary bounda...
Ten Years of NGSS
April 29, 2023 16:19 - 3 minutes - 5.16 MBI was recently reading the March/April 2023 issue of “Science & Children” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the “Editor’s Note” column, written by Elizabeth Barrett-Zahn. She wrote an article entitled, “Ten Years of NGSS: Where Are We Now?” In the 10 years since the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) were released, 44 states have implemented standards influenced by NGSS and/or “A Framework for K-12 Science Education.” Where are we no...
Best STEM Books 2023 for High School Students
April 25, 2023 19:26 - 2 minutes - 3.94 MBI was recently reading the March/April 2023 issue of “The Science Teacher” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read an article on the Best STEM Books 2023 for books published in 2022. Best STEM Books winners explore problems and possible solutions in the scientific world and, where applicable, in the lives of the protagonists. Instead of focusing on specific content, the Best STEM Books emphasize real-world issues that cross disciplinary boundarie...
Best STEM Books 2023 for Middle School Students
April 17, 2023 23:00 - 4 minutes - 7.18 MBI was recently reading the March/April 2023 issue of “Science Scope” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read an article on the Best STEM Books 2023 for books published in 2022. Best STEM Books winners explore problems and possible solutions in the scientific world and, where applicable, in the lives of the protagonists. Instead of focusing on specific content, the Best STEM Books emphasize real-world issues that cross disciplinary boundaries. Th...
GLOBE Observer - Clouds
April 12, 2023 18:36 - 3 minutes - 5.81 MBI was recently reading the March/April 2023 issue of “Science Scope” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the “Scope on the Skies” column, written by Bob Riddle. He wrote an article entitled, “Castles in the Sky.” Bob jokingly talks about people suffering from Pareidolia, a human condition that has us seeing familiar patterns or images as we look around us. This, of course, is not a serious condition, but helps to explain the things we see wh...
Time Management
April 04, 2023 15:39 - 4 minutes - 6.94 MBI was recently reading the March/April 2023 issue of “Science Scope” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the “Practical Research” column, written by Alison Betz Seymour. She wrote an article entitled, ““But, I’m Not Done Yet!” Time Management in the Science Classroom.” Here are some practical, simple suggestions to develop time management skills: 1. Explicitly talk about time management. 2. Prompts such as “Check in with your time, ther...
Become a Salt Watcher
March 28, 2023 17:53 - 4 minutes - 7.54 MBI was recently reading the March/April 2023 issue of “Science Scope” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the “Citizen Science” column, written by Jill Nugent. She wrote an article entitled, “Become a Salt Watcher in Your Community.” When students think of salt, they typically think of table salt, which is sodium chloride. Road salt, also known as rock salt, is often sodium chloride or magnesium chloride. The goal of the Izaak Walton Leagu...
8 Billion Humans
March 22, 2023 20:25 - 3 minutes - 4.92 MBK12Science Podcast: 8 Billion Humans I was recently reading the March/April 2023 issue of “Science Scope” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the “From the Editor’s Desk” column, written by Patty McGinnis. She wrote an article entitled, “8 Billion and Counting.” Human population is increasing rapidly. More humans on the planet equates to more stress on the planet and its resources. 2022 — 8 Billion Humans 2010 — 7 Billion Humans 1950 —...
Systems Technology Engineer
March 17, 2023 00:24 - 4 minutes - 7.08 MBI was recently reading the March/April 2023 issue of “The Science Teacher” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the “Career of the Month” column, written by Luba Vangelova. She wrote an article entitled, “Systems Technology Engineer.” Systems technology engineers design, develop, test, and/or manage the software, hardware, and firmware that comprise information technology systems. Rebecca Herold of Des Moines, Iowa is the featured Systems Te...