NSTA Learning Center Professional Development Tools

Archive: Anti-matter Eyes on the Gamma-ray Skies November 12, 2009

11/12/2009 12:00:00 AM

This Web Seminar took place on November 12, 2009 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Presenting was Dr. Lynn Cominsky, Chair of the Physics and Astronomy Department at Sonoma State University (SSU). Dr. Cominsky talked about the Fermi telescope and the vision of space that is pictured by gamma ray ‘eyes'. For more information about this web seminar, its presenter(s), read what participants said about it, and to see and download its PowerPoint slides <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall09/NASA/webseminar1.aspx" target=_Blank">go here</a>.

Archive: Knowing Nano: New Video, Web, and Print Resources from DragonflyTV, November 11, 2009

11/11/2009 12:00:00 AM

This Web Seminar, developed in collaboration with the National Science Digital Library, took place on Wednesday, November 11, 2009 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time. Dr. Lisa Regalla, Science Editor for DragonflyTV provided participants with a greater understanding of nanoscale science by giving a brief history of how our understanding of nanotechnology has rapidly grown over time. Dr. Regalla cited several examples of nano-level phenomena found in nature that scientists have studied. These phenomena help us to understand the structure of matter on a very minute scale and gives scientists and engineers opportunities to design nanoscale materials as a result. Stronger tennis racquets made from nanotube fibers, nano cleaning agents for water, and odor-absorbing socks made with nanosilver are all examples of how nanotechnology is being used in our everyday consumer products. For more information about this web seminar, its presenter(s), read what participants said about it, and to see and download its PowerPoint slides <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/NSDL4/webseminar2.aspx" target=_Blank">go here</a>.

Online Courses: AMNH Seminars on Science

11/10/2009 12:00:00 AM

Seminars on Science, six week online graduate courses in the life, Earth, and physical sciences, incorporate the American Museum of Natural History's resources plus interaction with scientists and educators. CEUs and graduate credits available. Each course costs $465. Graduate credit is available at an additional cost. For more information go to <a href="http://learn.amnh.org" target="_Blank">http://learn.amnh.org</a>.

The Early Years: A Reason to Write

11/5/2009 12:00:00 AM

Children love seeing their work and photos of themselves at work. Make this an opportunity for an early literacy experience by creating a book about a classroom investigation. Document each step of the process with photographs and student drawings. With help, your children can add further explanation, describing their actions or thoughts in writing. Lessons on buoyancy work well as explorations to document and are part of the National Science Education Content Standards A: science as inquiry and B: physical science, properties of objects and materials.

Methods and Strategies: Connecting Science and Literacy Through Talk

11/5/2009 12:00:00 AM

When students are motivated, engaged, and have opportunities to practice and develop discussion skills taught during literacy time, they can deepen their understanding of science concepts. Communication is an important tool for the development of scientific knowledge; group discussions such as the one portrayed in this article are critical to the development of student understanding of concepts and of the nature of scientific inquiry. They not only help students communicate, they help students become proficient in science.

Speed Kills! (Or Does It?)

11/4/2009 12:00:00 AM

Students can't ask for much more fun than skateboarding during class time. With some additional concept learning, that kind of fun can be incorporated into a debate that encourages students to practice scientific argumentation. With a debate comes the opportunity to include a social or moral dilemma and have students use argumentation techniques as well as science to justify a position. This engaging hands-on activity with a skateboard introduces the scientific knowledge that will be used for a later debate about speed limits.

Archive: Design Squad: Today's Students, Tomorrow's Engineers November 4, 2009

11/4/2009 12:00:00 AM

In this program, Natalie Hebshie, and Margot Sigur talked about Design Squad - a reality competition series on PBS where teenagers tackle engineering challenges from real word clients, and how to give kids a working understanding of physical science concepts while increasing their enthusiasm for engineering. The presenters highlighted a number of free educational resources, particularly, Design Squad's latest resource, the Design Squad Teacher's Guide that unleashes middle school kids' ingenuity and get them thinking like engineers. Ms. Hebshie and Ms. Sigur explained that the activities are linked to national science and technology standards and use low cost, readily available materials. For more information about this web seminar, its presenter(s), read what participants said about it, and to see and download its PowerPoint slides <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/WGBH/Webseminar1.aspx" target=_Blank">go here</a>.

Everyday Engineering: Time's up, turkey-Pop-up thermometers

11/3/2009 12:00:00 AM

Meat thermometers can be awkward to use in terms of placement and avoidance of bones. Because of these problems, each year 30 million Thanksgiving turkeys have a built-in thermometer that pops up when the turkey is properly cooked. Turkey timers are an example of how engineering solved a common, everyday problem. The following 5E learning cycle activity, as with all of the activities in the Everyday Engineering series, integrates this engineering concept with science content, in this case, to investigate the development of the disposable pop-up cooking thermometer.

Science Shorts: Solar Pizza Friday

11/1/2009 12:00:00 AM

In an effort to bridge the gap between science and technology and its effects on everyday life, this lesson engages students in a study of solar energy and technological design. Students make real world connections and develop their skills in scientific inquiry in the process. Read on to find out how to set up a pizza box solar cooker, and get cooking with homegrown or purchased ingredients.

Web Seminar: A Century of Cosmic Surprises December 8, 2009

10/28/2009 12:00:00 AM

Join Dr. James Lochner of the Center for Research and Exploration in Space Science and Technology for a historical overview with cosmic significance. Over the past century, the model we use to describe the universe has changed from static to expanding to accelerating. In this workshop we trace some of the questions scientists have asked about the universe, and describe the tools they used to answer those questions. We show how in many cases, these led to surprising, unforeseen answers which have shaped our current understanding of the nature of the universe.

Web Seminar: From Sound Waves to Microwaves: "Listening" to the Oldest Light of the Universe with the Planck Mission December 16, 2009

10/28/2009 12:00:00 AM

Join Jatila van der Veen, Ph.D. Education and Public Outreach Coordinator for the Planck Mission, JPL/NASA Visiting Project Scientist, Department of Physics, University of California, Santa Barbara in exploring the Cosmic Microwave Background - the oldest light we can observe - and the Planck Mission, a joint mission between NASA and the European Space Agency to map this primeval light with unprecedented detail. Learn how we use the physics of music to derive information about the early universe from the signal strength of the Cosmic Microwave Background at different frequencies.

The Foundational Science Content

10/27/2009 12:00:00 AM

Four of the big ideas represent the basic science content: Size and Scale, Structure of Matter, Forces and Interactions, and Quantum Effects. And all four are interrelated. None of the science-content big ideas stands alone; each informs and is informed by the others. In this chapter, the authors identified connections among the big ideas, their associated content, illustrative phenomena, and learning goals. In addition, possible interdisciplinary connections are described as well as their relationship to the 7-12 curriculum. This free selection includes the Table of Contents, Introduction, and Index.

Construct-a-Catapult (e-book)

10/16/2009 12:00:00 AM

Catapult into physics and technology with the heavy weaponry of the Middle Ages. Construct-a-Catapult integrates history, physics, mathematics, and technology in its challenge to high school students to design and build a working catapult system. They engage in a hands-on application of concepts such as torsion and elasticity as they learn the physics behind overcoming gravity and hurling objects through the air-SAFELY. In addition, students investigate elasticity, projectile launching, and learn about frequency distribution while working through the process of product design.

That Magnetic Dog

10/16/2009 12:00:00 AM

Bruce Whatley plays with the meaning of magnetic to hilarious effect in this endearing story of a dog who attracts … food! On the first page, the author acknowledges the more traditional definition of magnetic (though young scientists will spot an inaccuracy in his explanation), but students will quickly recognize that Skitty's relationship with food does in some ways mimic the behavior of magnets and iron materials. And they'll love the playful images of the large, boxer-like dog and the food that just seems to fly to him.

Archive: Chemistry Comes Alive IV: Oxidation/Reduction, October 15, 2009

10/15/2009 12:00:00 AM

This Web Seminar, developed in collaboration with the National Science Digital Library, took place on Thursday, October 15, 2009 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The presenters John Moore, Lynn Diener, and Shannon Stahl shared experiments, methods, and resources for teaching oxidation and reduction. For more information about this web seminar, its presenter(s), read what participants said about it, and to see and download its PowerPoint slides <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/NSDL4/webseminar1.aspx" target=_Blank">go here</a>.

Construct-a-Boat (e-book)

10/15/2009 12:00:00 AM

Construct-a-Boat deepens students' knowledge of principles of mass, buoyancy, friction, and acceleration. Working with a simple model powered by a battery-driven fan, students get a feel for the forces involved in moving a boat through water. To improve performance, students use their understanding of physics to analyze parameters and design a faster boat. This immersion in learning-by-doing translates abstract concepts into tangible objectives and teaches students lessons in modeling and design. The other books in the series are Construct-a-Glove, Construct-a-Catapult, and Construct-a-Greenhouse.

Construct-a-Glove (e-book)

10/15/2009 12:00:00 AM

Physics and technology go hand-in-hand in this practical demonstration of thermodynamics. By testing a simple prototype of an insulated grove, students learn about homeothermic regulation and the variables that influence heat transfer. The challenge to improve upon their initial model introduces them to the design process and the relationship between form and function. Working in teams, your students will learn how to integrate their knowledge of scientific principles with properties of the materials at hand in a fitting display of technological mastery.

Answers to Science Questions From the Stop Faking It! Guy (e-book)

10/8/2009 12:00:00 AM

This valuable and entertaining compendium of Bill Robertson's popular "Science 101" columns, from NSTA member journal Science and Children, proves you don't have to be a science geek to understand basic scientific concepts. The author of the best-selling Stop Faking It! series explains everything from quarks to photosynthesis, telescopes to the expanding universe, and atomic clocks to curveballs-all with his trademark wit and irreverence. The 33 short columns, plus a new introduction, provide an introductory science course of sorts, covering topics in life science, Earth and space science, physical science, technology, and more-perfect for K-8 teachers, homeschoolers, or parents who just want to boost their science know-how. Easily understood prose and lively illustrations by cartoonist Brian Diskin make this volume an engaging-and more important, readable-course you can pass with flying colors. Bill Robertson has written eight Stop Faking It! books to date, drawing on his many years of experience as a college physics instructor, cognitive science researcher, curriculum developer, science reviewer, and teacher workshop leader as inspiration for his informative but humorous approach to science. The family's two dogs, Misha and Pasha, sometimes help too. Brian Diskin illustrates all of Bill's books and columns … when he's not drawing a blank.

Application of the K-W-L Teaching and Learning Method to an Introductory Physics Course

10/7/2009 12:00:00 AM

The K-W-L method of teaching is a simple method that actively engages students in their own learning. It has been used with kindergarten and elementary grades to teach other subjects. The authors have successfully used it to teach physics at the college level. In their introductory physics labs, the K-W-L method helped students think about what they know about a topic and started the students questioning their own ideas about physics. After gathering data in class, the students were ready to talk about what they learned from the laboratory information.

Science Sampler: The Element Walk

9/30/2009 12:00:00 AM

"The Element Walk" lesson is effective at teaching students the elements that exist in common substances encountered every day. Students walk away from the lesson with a set of general rules that help them to easily identify the elements around them. They also end up with a greater appreciation of the elemental compositions of living, once-living, and nonliving objects, and the connections among the three categories.

Science Sampler: Enhancing student understanding of physical and chemical changes

9/30/2009 12:00:00 AM

Students within the Findlay, Ohio, City School District, as well as students across the country, struggle with understanding physical and chemical changes. Therefore, in this article, the authors suggest some standards-based activities to clarify misconceptions and provide formative assessments to measure your students' progress as they determine the difference between chemical and physical changes.

Tried and True: Inquiry-based dissolving

9/30/2009 12:00:00 AM

This project highlights a dissolving unit that was part of an eighth-grade, semester-long investigation into matter. During the dissolving unit, students explored the concepts of mixture, solution, dissolving, saturation, and conservation of mass. Dissolving is an advanced concept that involves the atomic structure of matter and the nature of chemical bonds. However, dissolving is also a common experience in students' lives (e.g., when they mix sugar in lemonade). The unit allowed students to explore everyday materials in new ways, address common misconceptions, and pursue scientific discovery.

No More Leaks: A Process-Oriented Lesson Exploring the Invention and Chemistry of Disposable Diapers

9/29/2009 12:00:00 AM

High school chemistry can be intimidating to some students, so it is critical that we engage students in nonthreatening preparatory investigations during middle school. Based on the learning cycle model (Bybee and Landes 1990), this lesson invites students to investigate disposable diapers. As they explore the properties of sodium polyarcylate, a super-absorbent polymer exposed to water and simulated urine (colored salt water), students practice many inquiry skills: observation, measurement, graphing, and data analysis.

That Is Not Where That Element Goes … Ah, the Nature of Science

9/29/2009 12:00:00 AM

Learning how the periodic table has developed over time can provide an important foundation for students' future science learning, as they begin to explore the explanatory power of other models in science. In this activity, students are given the opportunity to investigate the generation of the modern periodic table, through a process of creating their own plausible periodic tables. In addition, students learn about Mendeleev's contribution and the nature of science through inquiry-based instruction.

Korean Kimchi Chemistry

9/29/2009 12:00:00 AM

Connecting science with different cultures is one way to interest students in science, to relate science to their lives, and at the same time to broaden their horizons in a variety of ways. In the lesson described here, students make kimchi, a delicious and popular Korean dish that can be used to explore many important chemistry concepts, including fermentation, chemical reactions, and acidity and alkalinity. During this activity, students use scientific techniques and methods to explore the nature of kimchi, they learn to measure the pH of a food using a variety of techniques, and they come to understand the ways that food can be preserved.

Watching the Pot to Improve Inquiry Skills

9/29/2009 12:00:00 AM

The International Boiling Point Project is an online, collaborative project for students in grades 6-12 in which they investigate the impact of four factors (room temperature, elevation, volume of water and heating device) on the boiling point of water. A detailed procedure is provided for students in order to limit the number of variables involved, so students can make valid comparisons of the data submitted by classes from around the world. An overview of the experiment is provided here with an emphasis on the data-collection and analysis aspects of the project.

Science Sampler: Chemistry in action-Triple delight

9/29/2009 12:00:00 AM

Melt away the winter blues with this series of chemistry investigations. Here the author describes how she capitalizes on students' love for snow days, bubble gum, and ice cream to reinforce what they have learned about percentage concentration of solutions and the effects of a solute on the solution. To do this, students perform three different 45-minute inquiry-based labs on these topics.

Science Matters - Achieving Scientific Literacy, New Edition, Expanded and Updated

9/29/2009 12:00:00 AM

Knowledge of the basic ideas and principles of science is fundamental to cultural literacy. But most books on science are often too obscure or too specialized to do the general reader much good. Science Matters is a rare exception-a science book for the general reader that is informative enough to be a popular textbook for introductory courses in high school and college, and yet well-written enough to appeal to general readers uncomfortable with scientific jargon and complicated mathematics. And now, revised and expanded for the first time in nearly two decades, it is up-to-date, so that readers can enjoy Hazen and Trefil's refreshingly accessible explanations of the most recent developments in science, from particle physics to biotechnology.

Problem Solving by Design

9/23/2009 12:00:00 AM

In a unique school-university partnership, methods students collaborated with fifth graders to use the engineering design process to build their problem-solving skills. By placing the problem in the context of a client having particular needs, the problem took on a real-world appeal that students found intriguing and inviting.

Addressing Misconceptions

9/9/2009 12:00:00 AM

The law of conservation of mass can be counterintuitive for most students because they often think the mass of a substance is related to its physical state. As a result, students may hold a number of alternative conceptions related to this concept, including, for example, the believe that gas has no mass, that solids have greater mass than fluids, or that matter (like salt) is destroyed when it dissolves (Driver et al. 1994). Given these issues, the authors developed a lesson that can be used by teachers to help students understand the law of conservation of mass and use it to make sense of new observations.

Podcast: Thermal Energy

9/9/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Thermal Energy is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall06/energy/webseminarII.aspx">Energy: Stop Faking It! Energy, Heat, and Heat Transfer</a>, February 8, 2007. The podcast is 28 minutes 32 seconds in duration. In the source Web Seminar, Dr. Robertson talked about three important concepts in physical science: temperature, heat, and heat transfer. About temperature, he said that it is related to the average speed of the molecules in a substance. He also talked about gases and said that they do not necessarily expand when you heat them or contract when you cool them. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSE07_Feb8">Energy: Stop Faking It! Energy, Heat, and Heat Transfer</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Scientific Method

9/4/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Scientific Method is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/JPL2/webseminar3.aspx">How Science REALLY Gets Done</a>, October 16, 2007. The podcast is 7 minutes 10 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was developed in collaboration with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and Arizona State University's (ASU) Mars Education Program. The presenter was Dr. Phil Christensen, Principal Investigator for the 2001 Mars Odyssey Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) instrument, and the Thermal Emission System (TES) instrument on Mars Global Surveyor. Dr. Christensen talked about how scientists approach complex problems, and how the scientific method is used within this context. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSHSR07_oct16">How Science REALLY Gets Done</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Newton's Second Law

9/4/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Newton's Second Law is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall08/ForceandMotion/webseminar.aspx">Force and Motion: Stop Faking It! I</a>, December 11, 2008. The podcast is 7 minutes 56 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the first, of two, scheduled as a follow-up to the Force and Motion: Stop Faking It! Symposium that took place at the NSTA Area Conference on Science Education in Portland, OR. In this program Dr. Robertson talked about speed, velocity, inertia, acceleration, Newton's Second law, mass, and weight. He used several science simulations available in the NSTA Force and Motion SciGuide to help illustrate the concepts. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSFAM08_Dec11">Force and Motion: Stop Faking It!</a> I to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Gravity

9/4/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Gravity is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall06/forces/webseminarI.aspx">Force and Motion: Stop Faking It! Gravity!</a>, December 5, 2006. The podcast is 7 minutes 59 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the first of two on the topic of Force and Motion. The presenter was Dr. Bill Robertson, author of the popular NSTA Press series of books: Stop Faking It! The presentation focused on the topic of gravity, a topic discussed on Dr. Robertson's book: Force and Motion: Stop Faking It! Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSFM06_Dec5">Force and Motion: Stop Faking It! Gravity!</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Weight

9/4/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Weight is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall06/forces/webseminarI.aspx">Force and Motion: Stop Faking It! Gravity!</a>, December 5, 2006. The podcast is 8 minutes 30 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the first of two on the topic of Force and Motion. The presenter was Dr. Bill Robertson, author of the popular NSTA Press series of books: Stop Faking It! The presentation focused on the topic of gravity, a topic discussed on Dr. Robertson's book: Force and Motion: Stop Faking It! Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSFM06_Dec5">Force and Motion: Stop Faking It! Gravity!</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Stop Faking It! Series, Set of 8 Books

9/2/2009 12:00:00 AM

Intimidated by inertia? Exasperated by electricity? Panicked over the periodic table? The best-selling Stop Faking It! series comes to your rescue. Author Bill Robertson has been helping teachers develop a deeper understanding of scientific principles for years. He uses fun examples, easy-to-understand language, and accurate explanations to teach in a stress-free way. This 8-book set includes all the books in the series.

Is It Possible to Turn Coal Into Diamonds?

9/2/2009 12:00:00 AM

How cool would it be to be Lois Lane? Anytime she wants a diamond, she just has Superman use his super strength to squeeze a lump of coal. But is this really possible? Using a high enough temperature and enough pressure, can you turn coal into diamonds? To answer this, we have to address the nature and formation of coal and the nature and formation of diamonds. First, though, we have to talk about the carbon atom and what makes it so special. This free selection includes the Table of Contents, Introduction, and Index.

Take-Home Physics: 65 High-Impact, Low-Cost Labs (e-Book)

8/26/2009 12:00:00 AM

Take-Home Physics is an excellent resource for high school physics teachers who want to devote more classroom time to complex concepts while challenging their students with hands-on homework assignments. This volume presents 65 take-home physics labs that use ordinary household items or other inexpensive materials to tackle motion and kinematics; forces and energy; waves, sound, and light; and electricity and magnetism. The result: Students learn background knowledge, reinforce basic process skills, practice discovery, and bridge classroom learning with real-world application-all while getting excited about homework. Teachers can also integrate science and literacy by requiring the use of lab notebooks with formal write-ups. Materials lists and safety notes, as well as both student activity pages and teacher notes are included.

Teacher's Toolkit: Promoting and supporting scientific argumentation in the classroom-The evaluate-alternatives instructional model

8/24/2009 12:00:00 AM

This article describes an instructional model that science teachers can use to promote and support student engagement in scientific argumentation. This model is called the evaluate-alternatives instructional model and it is grounded in current research on argumentation in science education (e.g., Berland and Reiser 2009; McNeill and Krajcik 2006; Osborne, Erduran, and Simon 2004; Sampson and Clark 2009; Sandoval and Reiser 2004). To illustrate how this model works inside the classroom, a lesson that was developed for an eighth-grade integrated science course is described. This lesson was designed to help students understand the transfer of energy and develop the abilities to do scientific inquiry.

Teaching With Crystal Structures

8/17/2009 12:00:00 AM

Classifying a particle requires an understanding of the type of bonding that exists within and among the particles, which requires an understanding of atomic structure and electron configurations, which requires an understanding of the elements of periodic properties, and so on. Rather than getting tangled up in all of these concepts at the start of the year, the author has found it quicker and simpler to use three-dimensional (3-D), computerized visualizations of crystal structures to teach the classification of particles. This article describes how to use these visualizations in a chemistry lesson and how other teachers can incorporate them into their practice as well.

Idea Bank: Wiffle Ball Physics

8/17/2009 12:00:00 AM

Projectile motion, a cornerstone topic of introductory physics, is usually a student's first exposure to the problem-solving techniques used in this subject. Often, this is an inactive learning experience-students work with pencil and paper to read and solve projectile motion problems (e.g., diagrams and descriptions of balls being hit, kicked, and launched). In the activity described in this Idea Bank, however, students create their own problems by applying their abstract knowledge of projectile motion to something familiar: a Wiffle ball. This activity-which can be done in one 45-minute class period-aligns with National Science Education Standards for force and motion (NRC 1996).

What Happens to Cemetery Headstones?

8/14/2009 12:00:00 AM

A group of high school students and chaperones boarded a bus for historic Oakland Cemetery located in downtown Atlanta. Students explored the site and made observations of the gravestones, many of which were old and run-down. Upon leaving the cemetery, students-based on their interests-developed various chemistry investigations aimed at answering the same driving question: "What is causing the deterioration of Oakland Cemetery headstones?" To engage students in the concept of acids and bases, the project-based chemistry lesson described in this article incorporates the 5E learning cycle and "funds of knowledge."

Teacher Research: Challenging Our Assumptions

8/14/2009 12:00:00 AM

Teacher research-often called "action research"-is an intentional and systematic inquiry into one's own classroom practice with the goal of improved student learning (Cochran-Smith and Lytle 1993). In this article, the authors present a teacher research project undertaken to improve student understanding of the gas laws in a high school chemistry class. It addresses both the product of this teacher research project-insights into the teaching of gas laws-and the process and potential power of this approach.

The Science Behind Nanosunscreens

8/14/2009 12:00:00 AM

In this article, the authors provide a brief overview of the emerging field of nanoscience and why it is an important area of education. They next explain the science behind the new nanoparticulate sunscreens, describe the different elements of the unit, and reflect on some of the opportunities and challenges of teaching nanoscience at the high school level.

Podcast: Solar Wind

8/13/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Solar Wind is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall06/lunar/webseminarIII.aspx">NASA: Lunar Exploration</a>, November 21, 2006. The podcast is 10 minutes 32 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the third of four on the topic of Lunar Exploration. The presenter was Dr. Anuradha Koratkar, Associate Research Scientist at the University of Maryland Baltimore County's Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology (GEST) Center. The presentation focused on radiation in space and how it may affect equipment and humans involved in lunar exploration in the next decade. One of the goals of the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter mission, which was scheduled for launch in 2008, is to measure the solar radiation at the surface of the Moon. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSLE06_Nov21">NASA: Lunar Exploration</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: The Electromagnetic Spectrum

8/13/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: The Electromagnetic Spectrum is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall06/lunar/webseminarIII.aspx">NASA: Lunar Exploration</a>, November 21, 2006. The podcast is 11 minutes 32 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the third of four on the topic of Lunar Exploration. The presenter was Dr. Anuradha Koratkar, Associate Research Scientist at the University of Maryland Baltimore County's Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology (GEST) Center. The presentation focused on radiation in space and how it may affect equipment and humans involved in lunar exploration in the next decade. One of the goals of the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter mission, which was scheduled for launch in 2008, is to measure the solar radiation at the surface of the Moon. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSLE06_Nov21">NASA: Lunar Exploration</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Three Tiered Ecosystem Problems

8/13/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Three Tiered Ecosystem Problems is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/stlouis07/habitat/webseminarI.aspx">NASA: Living and Working in Space: Habitat</a>, May 10, 2007. The podcast is 11 minutes 7 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the first of two on the topic of Living and Working in Space: Habitat. The presenters were Sheri Klug, Director of the Mars Education Program at Arizona State University and Don Boonstra, Coordinator of the Student Observation Network at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. In this seminar the presenters talked about ecosystems, habitats, Mars and Mars exploration, and teaching about living and working in space in the classroom. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSLWSH07_May10">NASA: Living and Working in Space: Habitat</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Satellite Mapping of the Moon Surface

8/13/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Satellite Mapping of the Moon Surface is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/boston08/NASA-Mapping/webseminarII.aspx">NASA: Mapping the Moon: Simulating LOLA in the Classroom II</a>, May 13, 2008. The podcast is 6 minutes 20 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the second of two related to the NASA Symposium: Mapping the Moon: Simulating LOLA in the Classroom that took place at the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in Boston, Massachusetts. In this program the presenters led the participants in a simulation activity to program a robot to move from its "landing site" to another predetermined location on "LunarLand." Participants worked in teams, using breakout rooms, to design the instructions for the robot and then provided those instructions to the presenters to program the robot and test. A web cam was used to see the robot moving through "LunarLand" to determine success. The mission was accomplished after two trials. The Web seminar was designed for educators of grades 4-12. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSMMS08_May13">NASA: Mapping the Moon: Simulating LOLA in the Classroom II</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Determining a Lunar Landing Area

8/12/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Determining a Lunar Landing Area is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/boston08/NASA-Mapping/webseminarII.aspx">NASA: Mapping the Moon: Simulating LOLA in the Classroom I</a>, May 13, 2008. The podcast is 6 minutes 16 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the second of two related to the NASA Symposium: Mapping the Moon: Simulating LOLA in the Classroom that took place at the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in Boston, Massachusetts. In this program the presenters led the participants in a simulation activity to program a robot to move from its "landing site" to another predetermined location on "LunarLand." Participants worked in teams, using breakout rooms, to design the instructions for the robot and then provided those instructions to the presenters to program the robot and test. A web cam was used to see the robot moving through "LunarLand" to determine success. The mission was accomplished after two trials. The Web seminar was designed for educators of grades 4-12. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSMMS08_May13">NASA: Mapping the Moon: Simulating LOLA in the Classroom I</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Habitats Needed for the Moon and Mars

8/12/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Habitats Needed for the Moon and Mars is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/stlouis07/habitat/webseminarI.aspx">NASA: Living and Working in Space: Habitat</a>, May 10, 2007. The podcast is 5 minutes 56 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the first of two on the topic of Living and Working in Space: Habitat. The presenters were Sheri Klug, Director of the Mars Education Program at Arizona State University and Don Boonstra, Coordinator of the Student Observation Network at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. In this seminar the presenters talked about ecosystems, habitats, Mars and Mars exploration, and teaching about living and working in space in the classroom. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSLWSH07_May10">NASA: Living and Working in Space: Habitat</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Comparison of Phosphate Levels in Stream Sediments

8/5/2009 12:00:00 AM

Phosphorus is an important nutrient to all life. Unfortunately, when phosphate reaches the soil it is not all used up by the plants. If excess phosphate enters the waterways in the watershed, it can cause increased plant growth in lakes and streams and lead to the eutrophication of lakes. The objective of this investigation is to analyze phosphate levels in stream sediments by land use area.

Answers to Science Questions From the Stop Faking It! Guy

8/3/2009 12:00:00 AM

Podcast: Landing Site Selection

7/29/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Landing Site Selection is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/boston08/NASA-Mapping/webseminarI.aspx">Mapping the Moon: Simulating LOLA in the Classroom</a>, April 22, 2008. The podcast is 11 minutes 5 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the first of two related to the NASA Symposium: Mapping the Moon: Simulating LOLA in the Classroom that took place at the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in Boston, Massachusetts. The presenters reviewed the concept of spatial resolution as it relates to topographic maps. With the help of the participants, a landing site was selected for a simulated mission to "Lunar Land." The Web seminar was designed for educators of grades 4-12. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSMMS08_Apr22">Mapping the Moon: Simulating LOLA in the Classroom</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: 21st Century Explorer Project Overview

7/29/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: 21st Century Explorer Project Overview is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/boston08/NASA-Explorers/webseminarI.aspx">21st Century Explorer - Today's Knowledge for Tomorrow's Explorer</a>, April 24, 2008. The podcast is 5 minutes 28 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the first of two related to the NASA Symposium: 21st Century Explorer - Today's Knowledge for Tomorrow's Explorer that took place at the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in Boston, Massachusetts. The presenters talked about food for spaceflight, past and present. They also did an overview of the 21st Century Explorer Educational Package of the same title. The Web seminar was designed for educators of grades 3-5. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSCET08_Apr24">21st Century Explorer - Today's Knowledge for Tomorrow's Explorer</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: 21st Century Explorer Project Overview

7/29/2009 12:00:00 AM

Podcast: Video of Rover Airbag

7/21/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Video of Rover Airbag is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/JPL2/webseminar4.aspx">Robotics Engineering: Big Toys, Big Fun</a>, November 29, 2007 . The podcast is 7 minutes 31 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was developed in collaboration with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and Arizona State University's (ASU) Mars Education Program. The presenter was Kobie Boykins, Mechanical Engineer at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. Mr. Boykins gave the audience a "behind the scenes" look of what it was like to build the twin rovers that are still driving across the surface of Mars. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSREB07_nov29">Robotics Engineering: Big Toys, Big Fun</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Circular Motion

7/17/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Circular Motion is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall08/ForceandMotion/webseminarII.aspx">NSTA Press Force and Motion: Stop Faking It! II</a>, January 15, 2009. The podcast is 11 minutes 50 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the second of two scheduled as a follow-up to the Force and Motion: Stop Faking It! Symposium that took place at the NSTA Area Conference on Science Education in Portland, OR. In the program, Dr. Robertson talked about circular orbits, frames of reference, gravitational force, and objects that orbit. He used several images from his book, Force and Motion: Stop Faking It! and a science simulation from one of the NSTA Science Objects to help illustrate the concepts. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSFAM09_Jan15">NSTA Press Force and Motion: Stop Faking It! II</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Different Frames of Reference

7/17/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Different Frames of Reference is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall08/ForceandMotion/webseminarII.aspx">NSTA Press Force and Motion: Stop Faking It! II</a>, January 15, 2009. The podcast is 12 minutes 31 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the second of two scheduled as a follow-up to the Force and Motion: Stop Faking It! Symposium that took place at the NSTA Area Conference on Science Education in Portland, OR. In the program, Dr. Robertson talked about circular orbits, frames of reference, gravitational force, and objects that orbit. He used several images from his book, Force and Motion: Stop Faking It! and a science simulation from one of the NSTA Science Objects to help illustrate the concepts. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSFAM09_Jan15">NSTA Press Force and Motion: Stop Faking It! II</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Orbiting Things

7/17/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Orbiting Things is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall08/ForceandMotion/webseminarII.aspx">NSTA Press Force and Motion: Stop Faking It! II</a>, January 15, 2009. The podcast is 3 minutes 23 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the second of two scheduled as a follow-up to the Force and Motion: Stop Faking It! Symposium that took place at the NSTA Area Conference on Science Education in Portland, OR. In the program, Dr. Robertson talked about circular orbits, frames of reference, gravitational force, and objects that orbit. He used several images from his book, Force and Motion: Stop Faking It! and a science simulation from one of the NSTA Science Objects to help illustrate the concepts. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSFAM09_Jan15">NSTA Press Force and Motion: Stop Faking It! II</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Gravitational Forces

7/17/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Gravitational Forces is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall08/ForceandMotion/webseminarII.aspx">NSTA Press Force and Motion: Stop Faking It! II</a>, January 15, 2009. The podcast is 10 minutes 32 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the second of two scheduled as a follow-up to the Force and Motion: Stop Faking It! Symposium that took place at the NSTA Area Conference on Science Education in Portland, OR. In the program, Dr. Robertson talked about circular orbits, frames of reference, gravitational force, and objects that orbit. He used several images from his book, Force and Motion: Stop Faking It! and a science simulation from one of the NSTA Science Objects to help illustrate the concepts. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSFAM09_Jan15">NSTA Press Force and Motion: Stop Faking It! II</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Why do Scientists Want to Cool a Gas to such Extremes?

7/17/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Why do Scientists Want to Cool a Gas to such Extremes? is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/AbsoluteZero/zero.aspx">Absolute Zero - The Cold, Hard Facts About the Coolest Stuff in Physics</a>, March 22, 2007. The podcast is 11 minutes 37 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar featured Linda Devillier, President of Devillier Communications, and Nobel Laureate William Phillips, leading researcher in the physics of ultra-low temperature atomic gases at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The presenters talked about "Absolute Zero," a two-part public television special which aired in the fall of 2007 and about the science of cold physics and the related research taking place at NIST.

Podcast: Exploring Heat Transfer

7/17/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Exploring Heat Transfer is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/NewOrleans09/energy/webseminarI.aspx">NSTA Press Energy Stop Faking It! I</a>, March 25, 2009. The podcast is 13 minutes 5 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the first of two scheduled as a follow-up to the Energy: Stop Faking It! Symposium that took place at the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in New Orleans, LA. In the program Dr. Robertson talked about heat, temperature, thermal energy and kinetic theory. He used several images from his book, Energy: Stop Faking It! and science simulations from one of the NSTA Science Objects to help illustrate the concepts. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSESF09_Mar25">NSTA Press Energy Stop Faking It! I</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Temperature Defined

7/17/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Temperature Defined is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/NewOrleans09/energy/webseminarI.aspx">NSTA Press Energy Stop Faking It! I</a>, March 25, 2009. The podcast is 12 minutes 44 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the first of two scheduled as a follow-up to the Energy: Stop Faking It! Symposium that took place at the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in New Orleans, LA. In the program Dr. Robertson talked about heat, temperature, thermal energy and kinetic theory. He used several images from his book, Energy: Stop Faking It! and science simulations from one of the NSTA Science Objects to help illustrate the concepts. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSESF09_Mar25">NSTA Press Energy Stop Faking It! I</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Difference between Temperature and Thermal Energy

7/17/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Difference between Temperature and Thermal Energy is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/NewOrleans09/energy/webseminarI.aspx">NSTA Press Energy Stop Faking It! I</a>, March 25, 2009. The podcast is 11 minutes 41 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the first of two scheduled as a follow-up to the Energy: Stop Faking It! Symposium that took place at the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in New Orleans, LA. In the program Dr. Robertson talked about heat, temperature, thermal energy and kinetic theory. He used several images from his book, Energy: Stop Faking It! and science simulations from one of the NSTA Science Objects to help illustrate the concepts. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSESF09_Mar25">NSTA Press Energy Stop Faking It! I</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Heat Defined

7/17/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Heat Defined is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/NewOrleans09/energy/webseminarI.aspx">NSTA Press Energy Stop Faking It! I</a>, March 25, 2009. The podcast is 7 minutes 28 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the first of two scheduled as a follow-up to the Energy: Stop Faking It! Symposium that took place at the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in New Orleans, LA. In the program Dr. Robertson talked about heat, temperature, thermal energy and kinetic theory. He used several images from his book, Energy: Stop Faking It! and science simulations from one of the NSTA Science Objects to help illustrate the concepts. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSESF09_Mar25">NSTA Press Energy Stop Faking It! I</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Work Defined

7/17/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Work Defined is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/NewOrleans09/energy/webseminarII.aspx">NSTA Press Energy Stop Faking It! II</a>, May 5, 2009. The podcast is 10 minutes 53 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the second of two scheduled as a follow-up to the Energy: Stop Faking It! Symposium that took place at the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in New Orleans, LA. In the program, Dr. Robertson talked about simple machines by highlighting the lever and pulley. A prime focus of the presentation was the relationship between force and distance when a simple machine is applied. He used illustration examples from his book, NSTA Science Object simulations, and a variety of questions to help participants gain an appreciation for the concept of simple machines. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSESF09_May5">NSTA Press Energy Stop Faking It! II</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Explanations of Work

7/17/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Explanations of Work is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/NewOrleans09/energy/webseminarII.aspx">NSTA Press Energy Stop Faking It! II</a>, May 5, 2009. The podcast is 10 minutes 16 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the second of two scheduled as a follow-up to the Energy: Stop Faking It! Symposium that took place at the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in New Orleans, LA. In the program, Dr. Robertson talked about simple machines by highlighting the lever and pulley. A prime focus of the presentation was the relationship between force and distance when a simple machine is applied. He used illustration examples from his book, NSTA Science Object simulations, and a variety of questions to help participants gain an appreciation for the concept of simple machines. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSESF09_May5">NSTA Press Energy Stop Faking It! II</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Force and Distance Relationships in Simple Machines Part I

7/17/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Force and Distance Relationships in Simple Machines Part I is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/NewOrleans09/energy/webseminarII.aspx">NSTA Press Energy Stop Faking It! II</a>, May 5, 2009. The podcast is 13 minutes 18 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the second of two scheduled as a follow-up to the Energy: Stop Faking It! Symposium that took place at the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in New Orleans, LA. In the program, Dr. Robertson talked about simple machines by highlighting the lever and pulley. A prime focus of the presentation was the relationship between force and distance when a simple machine is applied. He used illustration examples from his book, NSTA Science Object simulations, and a variety of questions to help participants gain an appreciation for the concept of simple machines. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSESF09_May5">NSTA Press Energy Stop Faking It! II</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Introduction to Simple Machines - the Lever

7/17/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Introduction to Simple Machines - the Lever is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/NewOrleans09/energy/webseminarII.aspx">NSTA Press Energy Stop Faking It! II</a>, May 5, 2009. The podcast is 8 minutes 41 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the second of two scheduled as a follow-up to the Energy: Stop Faking It! Symposium that took place at the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in New Orleans, LA. In the program, Dr. Robertson talked about simple machines by highlighting the lever and pulley. A prime focus of the presentation was the relationship between force and distance when a simple machine is applied. He used illustration examples from his book, NSTA Science Object simulations, and a variety of questions to help participants gain an appreciation for the concept of simple machines. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSESF09_May5">NSTA Press Energy Stop Faking It! II</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Force and Distance Relationships in Simple Machines Part II

7/17/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Force and Distance Relationships in Simple Machines Part II is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/NewOrleans09/energy/webseminarII.aspx">NSTA Press Energy Stop Faking It! II</a>, May 5, 2009. The podcast is 11 minutes 52 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the second of two scheduled as a follow-up to the Energy: Stop Faking It! Symposium that took place at the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in New Orleans, LA. In the program, Dr. Robertson talked about simple machines by highlighting the lever and pulley. A prime focus of the presentation was the relationship between force and distance when a simple machine is applied. He used illustration examples from his book, NSTA Science Object simulations, and a variety of questions to help participants gain an appreciation for the concept of simple machines. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSESF09_May5">NSTA Press Energy Stop Faking It! II</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Inertia and Acceleration

7/17/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Inertia and Acceleration is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall08/ForceandMotion/webseminar.aspx">NSTA Press Force and Motion: Stop Faking It! I</a>, December 11, 2008. The podcast is 12 minutes in duration. The source Web Seminar was the first of two scheduled as a follow-up to the Force and Motion: Stop Faking It! Symposium that took place at the NSTA Area Conference on Science Education in Portland, OR. In the program, Dr. Robertson talked about speed, velocity, inertia, acceleration, Newton's Second law, mass, and weight. He used several science simulations available in the NSTA Force and Motion SciGuide to help illustrate the concepts. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSFAM08_Dec11">NSTA Press Force and Motion: Stop Faking It! I</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Mass and Weight

7/17/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Mass and Weight is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall08/ForceandMotion/webseminar.aspx">NSTA Press Force and Motion: Stop Faking It! I</a>, December 11, 2008. The podcast is 10 minutes 3 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the first of two scheduled as a follow-up to the Force and Motion: Stop Faking It! Symposium that took place at the NSTA Area Conference on Science Education in Portland, OR. In the program, Dr. Robertson talked about speed, velocity, inertia, acceleration, Newton's Second law, mass, and weight. He used several science simulations available in the NSTA Force and Motion SciGuide to help illustrate the concepts. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSFAM08_Dec11">NSTA Press Force and Motion: Stop Faking It! I</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Speed and Velocity

7/17/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Speed and Velocity is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall08/ForceandMotion/webseminar.aspx">NSTA Press Force and Motion: Stop Faking It! I</a>, December 11, 2008. The podcast is 9 minutes 8 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the first of two scheduled as a follow-up to the Force and Motion: Stop Faking It! Symposium that took place at the NSTA Area Conference on Science Education in Portland, OR. In the program, Dr. Robertson talked about speed, velocity, inertia, acceleration, Newton's Second law, mass, and weight. He used several science simulations available in the NSTA Force and Motion SciGuide to help illustrate the concepts. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSFAM08_Dec11">NSTA Press Force and Motion: Stop Faking It! I</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Calculating the Speed of Sound

7/15/2009 12:00:00 AM

Who hasn't seen a dramatic flash of lightning, only to hear the dramatic "crack" of thunder several seconds later? But why does the thunder reach our ears after we see the lightning? Or, why does the sound of a high-flying jet airplane passing overhead seem to originate far behind the plane itself? The sound and the sight of a distant, loud event are said to be out of phase, that is, they aren't experienced simultaneously. Again, why? In this activity, students will collect data and determine the reason for this phenomenon by calculating the speed of sound and comparing it to the speed of light. In the activity, which can be undertaken with simple materials on any playground or large outdoor area, students will measure, convert units, compare, and reach empirical conclusions based on their own investigation of the phenomenon.

Exploring the Dynamics of Temperature

7/15/2009 12:00:00 AM

Would your students like to take care of a penguin? To be a "penguinsitter," they would have to know what conditions that bird needs to survive. One important factor would be temperature. In this activity, you will challenge student groups to prove that they could care for a penguin by demonstrating they can maintain the temperature of a glass of water at 10°C (using ice and/or body heat from their hands) for 15 minutes, recording the temperature for every 30 seconds, and graphing their data. By reflecting on the procedure, students will learn about the dynamics of a closed system, the nature of water, and the value of adjusting to fluctuating environmental conditions.

Observing the Effects of Acids and Bases

7/15/2009 12:00:00 AM

Combining acid/base chemistry, cell biology, and quantitative research methods, this "egg-ceptional" activity promotes a truly interdisciplinary perspective. First, students find out what effect acids and bases have on calcium-based substances such as eggshell and bone. Second, they discover what changes occur when decalcified eggs are placed in solutions of water and corn syrup. Throughout the two exercises, student groups will be measuring, analyzing, and using data to reach valid conclusions.

Investigating the Pinhole Camera and Camera Obscura

7/15/2009 12:00:00 AM

In this activity, students explore the nature of light, including the fact that it travels in straight lines, by building and using two visual tools. The first is a simple pinhole camera-a box with a pinhole opening. The second is a camera obscura-a tool of historical interest, particularly in the arts. The camera obscura, basically a pinhole camera with a lens, was a forerunner of the modern camera and allowed 17th- and 18th-century artists to make very accurate sketches of their subjects. During the activity, students will explore the operation of these simple instruments and will learn why, historically, the camera obscura was an important tool for many artists. The entire lesson will also serve as an introduction to the art of photography, which will be explored more fully in Activity 7.

Recording Images Using a Simple Pinhole Camera

7/15/2009 12:00:00 AM

In this lesson, students develop and expand their observational skills and technological understanding by building and operating a pinhole camera. The interdisciplinary connections are in the realm of application in this motivating activity. The lesson provides students with opportunities to connect technology (the camera itself) to its aesthetic product (the photograph).

Learning About Levers

7/15/2009 12:00:00 AM

We see, use, and enjoy levers daily-in the operation of pliers, the action of a seesaw, or the beauty of an Alexander Calder mobile. In fact, parts of the human body are levers; think of the knee, elbow, and other joints as fulcrums, and the long bones as levers. In this activity, student groups will expand their understanding of levers and balance by discovering how weight and fulcrum placement affect lever performance. As a connecting activity, the students will apply what they learn about levers to the creation of dynamic science- or mathematics-related mobiles.

Layered Liquids

7/15/2009 12:00:00 AM

This activity involves an exploration of density. Why does oil float on water? How does drain cleaner sink down into the clogged pipe right through standing water? These questions will be answered as students make a layered "parfait" of colored liquids based on the varying densities of those liquids. They will calculate densities of the liquid samples as they investigate, describe, and explain the "layered liquids" phenomenon.

Podcast: Kinetic Theory Overview

7/14/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Kinetic Theory Overview is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/NewOrleans09/energy/webseminarI.aspx">NSTA Press Energy Stop Faking It! I</a>, March 25, 2009. The podcast is 9 minutes 15 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the first of two scheduled as a follow-up to the Energy: Stop Faking It! Symposium that took place at the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in New Orleans, LA. In the program, Dr. Robertson talked about heat, temperature, thermal energy and kinetic theory. He used several images from his book, Energy: Stop Faking It! and science simulations from one of the NSTA Science Objects to help illustrate the concepts. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSESF09_Mar25">NSTA Press Energy Stop Faking It! I</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Additional Discoveries of Galileo

7/13/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Additional Discoveries of Galileo is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall08/NASA/webseminarII.aspx">Discover the Universe - From Galileo to Today</a>, January 20, 2009. The podcast is 12 minutes 1 second in duration. The source Web Seminar was the second of two featuring scientists and education specialists from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA. The seminar focused on key science concepts - Earth's place in the universe; light, energy, and optics; and, models and evidence in science - as participants investigate how NASA's space-based missions extend the legacy of observation and discovery that Galileo Galilei initiated when he turned his telescope to the skies in 1609. The presenter shared their science expertise, answered questions from the participants, and provided information regarding web sites that students can use in the classroom. The Web Seminar was designed for educators of grades 5-12. Topics include telescopes, Galileo Galilei, mirrors, lenses, space telescopes, electromagnetic radiation, optics, light, astronomical objects, and careers. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSDTU09_Jan20">Discover the Universe - From Galileo to Today</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Brief History of Galileo

7/13/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Brief History of Galileo is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall08/NASA/webseminarII.aspx">Discover the Universe - From Galileo to Today</a>, January 20, 2009. The podcast is 3 minutes 47 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the second of two featuring scientists and education specialists from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA. The seminar focused on key science concepts - Earth's place in the universe; light, energy, and optics; and, models and evidence in science - as participants investigate how NASA's space-based missions extend the legacy of observation and discovery that Galileo Galilei initiated when he turned his telescope to the skies in 1609. The presenter shared their science expertise, answered questions from the participants, and provided information regarding web sites that students can use in the classroom. The Web Seminar was designed for educators of grades 5-12. Topics include telescopes, Galileo Galilei, mirrors, lenses, space telescopes, electromagnetic radiation, optics, light, astronomical objects, and careers. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSDTU09_Jan20">Discover the Universe - From Galileo to Today</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: How Will NASA Kepler Find Planets

7/13/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: How Will NASA Kepler Find Planets is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall08/NASA/webseminarII.aspx">Discover the Universe - From Galileo to Today</a>, January 20, 2009. The podcast is 13 minutes 47 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the second of two featuring scientists and education specialists from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA. The seminar focused on key science concepts - Earth's place in the universe; light, energy, and optics; and, models and evidence in science - as participants investigate how NASA's space-based missions extend the legacy of observation and discovery that Galileo Galilei initiated when he turned his telescope to the skies in 1609. The presenter shared their science expertise, answered questions from the participants, and provided information regarding web sites that students can use in the classroom. The Web Seminar was designed for educators of grades 5-12. Topics include telescopes, Galileo Galilei, mirrors, lenses, space telescopes, electromagnetic radiation, optics, light, astronomical objects, and careers. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSDTU09_Jan20">Discover the Universe - From Galileo to Today</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: International Year of Astronomy

7/13/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: International Year of Astronomy is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall08/NASA/webseminarII.aspx">Discover the Universe - From Galileo to Today</a>, January 20, 2009. The podcast is 5 minutes 40 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the second of two featuring scientists and education specialists from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA. The seminar focused on key science concepts - Earth's place in the universe; light, energy, and optics; and, models and evidence in science - as participants investigate how NASA's space-based missions extend the legacy of observation and discovery that Galileo Galilei initiated when he turned his telescope to the skies in 1609. The presenter shared their science expertise, answered questions from the participants, and provided information regarding web sites that students can use in the classroom. The Web Seminar was designed for educators of grades 5-12. Topics include telescopes, Galileo Galilei, mirrors, lenses, space telescopes, electromagnetic radiation, optics, light, astronomical objects, and careers. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSDTU09_Jan20">Discover the Universe - From Galileo to Today</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Johannes Kepler

7/13/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Johannes Kepler is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall08/NASA/webseminarII.aspx">Discover the Universe - From Galileo to Today</a>, January 20, 2009. The podcast is 11 minutes 56 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the second of two featuring scientists and education specialists from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA. The seminar focused on key science concepts - Earth's place in the universe; light, energy, and optics; and, models and evidence in science - as participants investigate how NASA's space-based missions extend the legacy of observation and discovery that Galileo Galilei initiated when he turned his telescope to the skies in 1609. The presenter shared their science expertise, answered questions from the participants, and provided information regarding web sites that students can use in the classroom. The Web Seminar was designed for educators of grades 5-12. Topics include telescopes, Galileo Galilei, mirrors, lenses, space telescopes, electromagnetic radiation, optics, light, astronomical objects, and careers. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSDTU09_Jan20">Discover the Universe - From Galileo to Today</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Kepler's Laws of Planetary Motion

7/13/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Kepler's Laws of Planetary Motion is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall08/NASA/webseminarII.aspx">Discover the Universe - From Galileo to Today</a>, January 20, 2009. The podcast is 11 minutes 13 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the second of two featuring scientists and education specialists from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA. The seminar focused on key science concepts - Earth's place in the universe; light, energy, and optics; and, models and evidence in science - as participants investigate how NASA's space-based missions extend the legacy of observation and discovery that Galileo Galilei initiated when he turned his telescope to the skies in 1609. The presenter shared their science expertise, answered questions from the participants, and provided information regarding web sites that students can use in the classroom. The Web Seminar was designed for educators of grades 5-12. Topics include telescopes, Galileo Galilei, mirrors, lenses, space telescopes, electromagnetic radiation, optics, light, astronomical objects, and careers. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSDTU09_Jan20">Discover the Universe - From Galileo to Today</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: NASA Kepler Mission

7/13/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: NASA Kepler Mission is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall08/NASA/webseminarII.aspx">Discover the Universe - From Galileo to Today</a>, January 20, 2009. The podcast is 4 minutes 2 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the second of two featuring scientists and education specialists from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA. The seminar focused on key science concepts - Earth's place in the universe; light, energy, and optics; and, models and evidence in science - as participants investigate how NASA's space-based missions extend the legacy of observation and discovery that Galileo Galilei initiated when he turned his telescope to the skies in 1609. The presenter shared their science expertise, answered questions from the participants, and provided information regarding web sites that students can use in the classroom. The Web Seminar was designed for educators of grades 5-12. Topics include telescopes, Galileo Galilei, mirrors, lenses, space telescopes, electromagnetic radiation, optics, light, astronomical objects, and careers. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSDTU09_Jan20">Discover the Universe - From Galileo to Today</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: What Makes a Planet Earth-like

7/13/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: What Makes a Planet Earth-like is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall08/NASA/webseminarII.aspx">Discover the Universe - From Galileo to Today</a>, January 20, 2009. The podcast is 6 minutes 53 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the second of two featuring scientists and education specialists from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA. The seminar focused on key science concepts - Earth's place in the universe; light, energy, and optics; and, models and evidence in science - as participants investigate how NASA's space-based missions extend the legacy of observation and discovery that Galileo Galilei initiated when he turned his telescope to the skies in 1609. The presenter shared their science expertise, answered questions from the participants, and provided information regarding web sites that students can use in the classroom. The Web Seminar was designed for educators of grades 5-12. Topics include telescopes, Galileo Galilei, mirrors, lenses, space telescopes, electromagnetic radiation, optics, light, astronomical objects, and careers. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSDTU09_Jan20">Discover the Universe - From Galileo to Today</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Aquarius Underwater Habitat

7/10/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Aquarius Underwater Habitat is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/stlouis07/habitat/webseminarII.aspx">Living and Working in Space: Habitat</a>, June 7, 2007. The podcast is 3 minutes 11 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the second of two web seminars on the topic of Living and Working in Space: Habitat. The presenter was Dr. Mary Sue Bell, Planetary Geologist working in the Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science Directorate at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. Dr. Bell talked about living and working in extreme environments. She specifically showcased the work of NASA astronauts training in NOAA's Aquarius facility. The NASA missions to Aquarius are called NEEMO. NEEMO stands for: NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations. Click Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSLWSH07_June7">Living and Working in Space: Habitat</a>, June 7, 2007 to place this archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Chemical Reactions

7/10/2009 12:00:00 AM

SciPacks are 10 hour online learning experiences teachers can use to enhance their understanding of a particular scientific concept. Teachers access topics "on demand" from the Internet. Topics are based on science literacy goals in the national standards and tied to state standards. Pedagogical Implications also address student misconceptions. Expert content help is available via email as well as a final assessment to demonstrate understanding of the SciPack content. The Chemical Reactions SciPack provides an initial context by describing the abundance of chemical reactions in the surrounding world, then relates chemical reactions to electron configurations, describes bonding, and outlines special bonds among carbon atoms. It describes various types of chemical reactions, outlines the importance of factors such as timescales, concentration, pressure, temperature, molecular configuration and catalysts on chemical reaction rates. Finally, the SciPack relates chemical reactions to energy input and release, and connects reactions to the conservation of matter.

A World of Reactions

7/10/2009 12:00:00 AM

Science Objects are two hour on-line interactive inquiry-based content modules that help teachers better understand the science content they teach. This Science Object is the first of four Science Objects in the Chemical Reactions SciPack. It explains that chemical reactions occur all around us, for example in health care, cooking, cosmetics, and automobiles. An enormous variety of biological, chemical, and physical phenomena can be explained by changes in the arrangement and motion of atoms and molecules. An atom's electron configuration, particularly the outermost electrons, determines how the atom can interact with other atoms. Atoms form bonds to other atoms by transferring or sharing electrons. Carbon atoms can bond to one another in chains, rings, and branching networks to form a variety of structures, and complex chemical reactions involving these molecules take place constantly in every cell in living objects.

Categorizing Chemical Reactions

7/10/2009 12:00:00 AM

Science Objects are two hour on-line interactive inquiry-based content modules that help teachers better understand the science content they teach. This Science Object is the second of four Science Objects in the Chemical Reactions SciPack. It provides an understanding of the idea that a large number of important reactions involve the transfer of either electrons (oxidation/reduction reactions) or hydrogen ions (acid/base reactions) between reacting ions, molecules, or atoms. In other reactions, chemical bonds are broken by heat or light to form very reactive radicals with electrons ready to form new bonds. Reactions involving these radicals control many processes such as the presence of ozone and greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, burning and processing of fossil fuels, the formation of polymers, and explosions.

Rates of Chemical Reactions

7/10/2009 12:00:00 AM

Science Objects are two hour on-line interactive inquiry-based content modules that help teachers better understand the science content they teach. This Science Object is the third of four Science Objects in the Chemical Reactions SciPack. It demonstrates how chemical reactions can take place in time periods ranging from the few femto-seconds (10-15 seconds) required for an atom to move a fraction of a chemical bond distance to geologic time scales of billions of years. The rate of reactions among atoms and molecules depends on how often they encounter one another, which is affected by the concentration, pressure (for gases), and temperature of the reacting substances. The configuration of atoms in a molecule determines the molecule's properties. Shapes are particularly important in determining how large molecules interact with others. Some atoms and molecules called catalysts are highly effective in accelerating chemical reactions. Chemical reactions in living systems are catalyzed by protein molecules called enzymes.

Matter and Energy in Reactions

7/10/2009 12:00:00 AM

Science Objects are two hour on-line interactive inquiry-based content modules that help teachers better understand the science content they teach. This Science Object is the final of four Science Objects in the Chemical Reactions SciPack. It explains how different configurations of atoms and molecules are associated with different energy levels. Some changes of configuration among atoms and molecules require a net input of energy whereas others cause a net release. As a result, chemical reactions may release or consume energy. Some reactions such as the burning of fossil fuels release large amounts of energy by losing heat and by emitting light. Energy from light and other electromagnetic radiation can initiate many chemical reactions such as photosynthesis and the evolution of urban smog. The behavior of atoms in chemical reactions demonstrates the conservation of matter: When the number of atoms in a closed system stays the same, their total mass remains constant no matter how they are rearranged.

Podcast: How do we Recycle Water in Space

7/10/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: How do we Recycle Water in Space is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/boston08/NASA-Explorers/webseminarII.aspx">21st Century Explorer - Today's Knowledge for Tomorrow's Explorer</a>, May 15, 2008. The podcast is 11 minutes 34 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the second of two featuring scientists and education specialists from NASA. The Web Seminar helped participants to link science expertise and resources to engaging, hands-on, and inquiry-based classroom activities. The seminar focused on the 21st Century Explorer project. Each of 21st Century Explorer project activities promotes higher order thinking skills, and expands the space exploration knowledge base of the bilingual educator, learner, and family.This Web Seminar was designed for grade 3-5 educators. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSCET08_May15">21st Century Explorer - Today's Knowledge for Tomorrow's Explorer</a> to place this archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Geology of Mars

7/10/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Geology of Mars is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/JPL2/webseminar9.aspx">Exploring Mars with CRISM and the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter</a>, March 6, 2008. The podcast is 10 minutes 49 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar featured staff from NASA and Arizona State University discussing the topic of Mars Exploration. In this web seminar the presenter will talk about what scientists using the Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars (CRISM) instrument aboard the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter are learning about the mineral composition of Mars. Topics included Mars, remote sensing, orbits, satellite technology, space exploration, minerals, and mapping, The presenter was Dr. Scott Murchie from the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Maryland. The seminar is designed for educators of grades 5-12. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSEMC08_Mar06">Exploring Mars with CRISM and the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter</a> to place this archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Newtons 3rd Law

7/9/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Newtons 3rd Law is a segment of the <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/online_courses/force_motion.aspx">Force and Motion Short Course</a>. The podcast is 4 minutes 45 seconds in duration. Presented by science experts and NSTA staff, the NSTA Online Short Courses are professional development opportunities designed for teachers looking to learn a new topic or for those interested in a refresher course. To learn more about these opportunities, visit the <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/online_courses/default.aspx">Online Short Course Homepage</a>.

Podcast: Aquarius Experiments

7/9/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Aquarius Experiments is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/stlouis07/habitat/webseminarII.aspx">Living and Working in Space: Habitat</a>, June 7, 2007. The podcast is 10 minutes 41 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the second of two web seminars on the topic of Living and Working in Space: Habitat. The presenter was Dr. Mary Sue Bell, Planetary Geologist working in the Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science Directorate at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. Dr. Bell talked about living and working in extreme environments. She specifically showcased the work of NASA astronauts training in NOAA's Aquarius facility. The NASA missions to Aquarius are called NEEMO. NEEMO stands for: NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSLWSH07_June7">Living and Working in Space: Habitat</a> to place this archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Rockets

7/9/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Rockets is a segment of the <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/online_courses/force_motion.aspx">Force and Motion Short Course</a>. The podcast is 7 minutes 48 seconds in duration. Presented by science experts and NSTA staff, the NSTA Online Short Courses are professional development opportunities designed for teachers looking to learn a new topic or for those interested in a refresher course. To learn more about these opportunities, visit the <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/online_courses/default.aspx">Online Short Course Homepage</a>.

Podcast: Force

7/9/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Force is a segment of the <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/online_courses/force_motion.aspx">Force and Motion Short Course</a>. The podcast is 7 minutes 17 seconds in duration. Presented by science experts and NSTA staff, the NSTA Online Short Courses are professional development opportunities designed for teachers looking to learn a new topic or for those interested in a refresher course. To learn more about these opportunities, visit the <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/online_courses/">Online Short Course Homepage</a>.

Podcast: Galileo

7/9/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Galileo is a segment of the <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/online_courses/force_motion.aspx">Force and Motion Short Course</a>. The podcast is 11 minutes 47 seconds in duration. Presented by science experts and NSTA staff, the NSTA Online Short Courses are professional development opportunities designed for teachers looking to learn a new topic or for those interested in a refresher course. To learn more about these opportunities, visit the <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/online_courses/default.aspx">Online Short Course Homepage</a>.

Podcast: Inertia

7/9/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Inertia is a segment of the <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/online_courses/force_motion.aspx">Force and Motion Short Course</a>. The podcast is 9 minutes 13 seconds in duration. Presented by science experts and NSTA staff, the NSTA Online Short Courses are professional development opportunities designed for teachers looking to learn a new topic or for those interested in a refresher course. To learn more about these opportunities, visit the <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/online_courses/default.aspx">Online Short Course Homepage</a>.

Podcast: Keplers Law

7/9/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Keplers Law is a segment of the <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/online_courses/force_motion.aspx">Force and Motion Short Course</a>. The podcast is 13 minutes 27 seconds in duration. Presented by science experts and NSTA staff, the NSTA Online Short Courses are professional development opportunities designed for teachers looking to learn a new topic or for those interested in a refresher course. To learn more about these opportunities, visit the <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/online_courses/default.aspx">Online Short Course Homepage</a>.

Podcast: law of gravity

7/9/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: law of gravity is a segment of the <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/online_courses/force_motion.aspx">Force and Motion Short Course</a>. The podcast is 8 minutes 8 seconds in duration. Presented by science experts and NSTA staff, the NSTA Online Short Courses are professional development opportunities designed for teachers looking to learn a new topic or for those interested in a refresher course. To learn more about these opportunities, visit the <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/online_courses/default.aspx">Online Short Course Homepage</a>.

Podcast: Mass

7/9/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Mass is a segment of the <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/online_courses/force_motion.aspx">Force and Motion Short Course</a>. The podcast is 7 minutes 10 seconds in duration. Presented by science experts and NSTA staff, the NSTA Online Short Courses are professional development opportunities designed for teachers looking to learn a new topic or for those interested in a refresher course. To learn more about these opportunities, visit the <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/online_courses/default.aspx">Online Short Course Homepage</a>.

Podcast: Mass vs Weigh

7/9/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Mass vs Weigh is a segment of the <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/online_courses/force_motion.aspx">Force and Motion Short Course</a>. The podcast is 11 minutes 48 seconds in duration. Presented by science experts and NSTA staff, the NSTA Online Short Courses are professional development opportunities designed for teachers looking to learn a new topic or for those interested in a refresher course. To learn more about these opportunities, visit the <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/online_courses/default.aspx">Online Short Course Homepage</a>.

Podcast: Work = f x d

7/9/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Work = f x d is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall06/energy/webseminarI.aspx">Energy: Stop Faking It!</a>, January 9, 2007. The podcast is 12 minutes 32 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminars featured author Dr. Bill Robertson of the NSTA Press publication Energy: Stop Faking It! The author guided participants through easy-to-understand explanations and performed activities that enhance understanding of common physical science concepts, such as potential energy, kinetic energy, work, simple machines, and the transformation of energy. The author will also provided ideas for activities that can be done using commonly found equipment. The Web Seminar was designed for educators of grades 3-8.

Podcast: Potential and Kinetic Energy

7/9/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Potential and Kinetic Energy copy is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall06/energy/webseminarI.aspx">Energy: Stop Faking It!</a>, January 9, 2007. The podcast is 15 minutes 31 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminars featured author Dr. Bill Robertson of the NSTA Press publication Energy: Stop Faking It! The author guided participants through easy-to-understand explanations and performed activities that enhance understanding of common physical science concepts, such as potential energy, kinetic energy, work, simple machines, and the transformation of energy. The author will also provided ideas for activities that can be done using commonly found equipment. The Web Seminar was designed for educators of grades 3-8.

Podcast: Law of Conservation of Energy

7/9/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Law of Conservation of Energy is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall06/energy/webseminarI.aspx">Energy: Stop Faking It!</a>, January 9, 2007. The podcast is 9 minutes 45 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminars featured author Dr. Bill Robertson of the NSTA Press publication Energy: Stop Faking It! The author guided participants through easy-to-understand explanations and performed activities that enhance understanding of common physical science concepts, such as potential energy, kinetic energy, work, simple machines, and the transformation of energy. The author will also provided ideas for activities that can be done using commonly found equipment. The Web Seminar was designed for educators of grades 3-8.

Examining Colors, Color Perception, and Sight

7/8/2009 12:00:00 AM

Students of all ages are fascinated by color and how we perceive it. For the main activity in this chapter, your class explores colors and visual perception by mixing colors in several ways. Students learn more about colors, light, vision, and color composition as they mix paints, spin two or more colors into new colors, and make discoveries about color perception in the human eye and brain. The preliminary activity dynamically introduces several important terms related to vision: refraction, reflection, and spectrum. Students also learn about the anatomy of the vertebrate eye, as they build and operate a simple eye model, complete with lens. In the Going Further section, the class has the opportunity to discover variables that can affect an individual's perception of color.

Investigating Surface Tension and Soap

7/7/2009 12:00:00 AM

You students encounter soap and water every day and the activity in this chapter helps them learn something new about both substances. Students find out why water can actually overfill a cup without spilling and why soap makes dust or dirt particles seem to run away. The key to both phenomena is surface tension, which is easily investigated by all grade levels using simple materials. In the process, students collect data, compute averages, graph results, and reach conclusions.

Learning About Acids and Bases

7/7/2009 12:00:00 AM

The chemistry of acids and bases is a fundamental area of study in the physical sciences. The following activity is really two exercises in one. First, students learn to distinguish between acids and bases using various color-changing indicator solutions. Second, students use their new knowledge of indicators to determine the relative acidity of several everyday foods. The lessons involve data collection, problem solving, and quantitative reasoning as students learn how chemists work with acids and bases.

Mixing It Up: Integrated, Interdisciplinary, Intriguing Science in the Elementary Classroom (e-book)

7/7/2009 12:00:00 AM

This book-a compilation of 25 practical articles from NSTA's elementary school journal, Science & Children-offers a wealth of lesson plans and idea starters using interdisciplinary, integrated, and thematic approaches. Discover how a language arts unit on survival can include student inquiry into properties of ice, ways to improve students' observational skills as they write haiku about nature, how to use data collection and math in mapping the ocean floor, and more. To engage students schoolwide or in the great outdoors, several articles offer project-based interdisciplinary units that are widely adaptable. Each article is categorized by grade level, the National Science Education Standards it addresses, and whether it is interdisciplinary, integrated, thematic, or a combination of the three. Even teachers who lack a strong science background will find these concrete techniques especially valuable for teaching science through other subjects (and vice versa).

Podcast: Dust and Dunes

7/6/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Dust and Dunes is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/JPL2/webseminar10.aspx">Using Earth to Explore Mars</a>, April 3, 2008. The podcast is 9 minutes 20 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was developed in collaboration with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and Arizona State University's (ASU) Mars Education Program. The presenters were Dr. Joshua Bandfield, Research Specialist at the Mars Spaceflight Facility at Arizona State University and Brian Grigsby, Director of the ASU Mars Education and Outreach Program at Arizona State University. Dr. Bandfield used images to compare Earth with Mars, highlighting the similarities of the two planets and Mr. Grigsby provided an update of current and future NASA's missions to Mars. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSUEE08_Apr3">Using Earth to Explore Mars</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Impact Craters

7/6/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Impact Craters is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/JPL2/webseminar10.aspx">Using Earth to Explore Mars</a>, April 3, 2008. The podcast is 6 minutes 8 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was developed in collaboration with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and Arizona State University's (ASU) Mars Education Program. The presenters were Dr. Joshua Bandfield, Research Specialist at the Mars Spaceflight Facility at Arizona State University and Brian Grigsby, Director of the ASU Mars Education and Outreach Program at Arizona State University. Dr. Bandfield used images to compare Earth with Mars, highlighting the similarities of the two planets and Mr. Grigsby provided an update of current and future NASA's missions to Mars. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSUEE08_Apr3">Using Earth to Explore Mars</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Polar Caps

7/6/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Polar Caps is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/JPL2/webseminar10.aspx">Using Earth to Explore Mars</a>, April 3, 2009. The podcast is 9 minutes 27 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was developed in collaboration with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and Arizona State University's (ASU) Mars Education Program. The presenters were Dr. Joshua Bandfield, Research Specialist at the Mars Spaceflight Facility at Arizona State University and Brian Grigsby, Director of the ASU Mars Education and Outreach Program at Arizona State University. Dr. Bandfield used images to compare Earth with Mars, highlighting the similarities of the two planets and Mr. Grigsby provided an update of current and future NASA's missions to Mars. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSUEE08_Apr3">Using Earth to Explore Mars</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: River Deltas and Gullies

7/6/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: River Deltas and Gullies is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/JPL2/webseminar10.aspx">Using Earth to Explore Mars</a>, April 3, 2010. The podcast is 10 minutes 25 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was developed in collaboration with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and Arizona State University's (ASU) Mars Education Program. The presenters were Dr. Joshua Bandfield, Research Specialist at the Mars Spaceflight Facility at Arizona State University and Brian Grigsby, Director of the ASU Mars Education and Outreach Program at Arizona State University. Dr. Bandfield used images to compare Earth with Mars, highlighting the similarities of the two planets and Mr. Grigsby provided an update of current and future NASA's missions to Mars. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSUEE08_Apr3">Using Earth to Explore Mars</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Rock Layers and Deserts

7/6/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Rock Layers and Deserts is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/JPL2/webseminar10.aspx">Using Earth to Explore Mars</a>, April 3, 2011. The podcast is 7 minutes 59 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was developed in collaboration with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and Arizona State University's (ASU) Mars Education Program. The presenters were Dr. Joshua Bandfield, Research Specialist at the Mars Spaceflight Facility at Arizona State University and Brian Grigsby, Director of the ASU Mars Education and Outreach Program at Arizona State University. Dr. Bandfield used images to compare Earth with Mars, highlighting the similarities of the two planets and Mr. Grigsby provided an update of current and future NASA's missions to Mars. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSUEE08_Apr3">Using Earth to Explore Mars</a> to place the web seminars archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Volcanoes

7/6/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Volcanoes is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/JPL2/webseminar10.aspx">Using Earth to Explore Mars</a>, April 3, 2012. The podcast is 6 minutes 48 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was developed in collaboration with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and Arizona State University's (ASU) Mars Education Program. The presenters were Dr. Joshua Bandfield, Research Specialist at the Mars Spaceflight Facility at Arizona State University and Brian Grigsby, Director of the ASU Mars Education and Outreach Program at Arizona State University. Dr. Bandfield used images to compare Earth with Mars, highlighting the similarities of the two planets and Mr. Grigsby provided an update of current and future NASA's missions to Mars. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSUEE08_Apr3">Using Earth to Explore Mars</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Stepping Up to Science and Math: Exploring the Natural Connections (e-book)

7/6/2009 12:00:00 AM

Stepping Up to Science and Math invites you to step back and rethink the way you teach both of these essential subjects. Then it illustrates how you can step up the pace with Standards-based activities that make learning more effective and efficient. (You can even step outside the ordinary with new lessons featuring gummy worms, school buses, or the planet Mars.) Compiled from Science & Children, NSTA's award-winning elementary school journal, Stepping Up gathers 21 articles that provide interdisciplinary options for linking inquiry-based activities to mathematics as well as other K-6 curriculum areas, such as language arts and social studies. The book is organized into three broad content areas based on subject matter or skills: - Making connections among the basic process skills-such as linear measurement, data collection, estimation, and graphing-that underpin both science and math. Chapter titles include "Say Yes to Metric," "Gummy Worms Measurement," and "Weighing Dinosaurs." - Using scientific concepts as the core for authentic investigations that link to other disciplines. Titles cover "Crossing the Curriculum with Frogs," "Real Earthquakes, Real Learning," and "Mission to Mars." - Finding contemporary applications for scientific inquiry and experimentation to develop more advanced integrated process skills. Among the titles: "The Scoop on Science Data," "Thinking Engineering," and "Building Structures."

Podcast: Extreme Life on Earth

7/6/2009 12:00:00 AM

ThePodcast: Extreme Life on Earth is a segment of the <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/JPL2/webseminar5.aspx">Are We Alone?</a> that took place on December 6, 2007. The podcast is 12 minutes 48 seconds in duration. In the source Web Seminar, Dr. Jim Rice used photos of geological features found on Earth and Mars to compare the planets. The images included features like volcanoes, canyons, deltas, ice sheets and glaciers, sand dunes, planet-wide dust storms, dust devils, gullies, etc.

Podcast: Mars Background Info

7/6/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Mars Background Info is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/JPL2/webseminar5.aspx">Are We Alone?</a>, December 6, 2007. The podcast is 6 minutes 18 seconds in duration. In the source Web Seminar, Dr. Jim Rice used photos of geological features found on Earth and Mars to compare the planets. The images included features like volcanoes, canyons, deltas, ice sheets and glaciers, sand dunes, planet-wide dust storms, dust devils, gullies, etc. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSAWA07_dec6">Mars Background Info</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Acceleration

7/6/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Acceleration is a segment of the Force and Motion Short Course. The podcast is 2 minutes 13 seconds in duration. Presented by science experts and NSTA staff, the NSTA Online Short Courses are professional development opportunities designed for teachers looking to learn a new topic or for those interested in a refresher course. To learn more about these opportunities, visit the <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/online_courses/">Online Short Course Homepage</a>.

The Life Cycle of Everyday Stuff (e-book)

7/3/2009 12:00:00 AM

Your students need to understand that stuff doesn't just happen-it has a life cycle. Using common products like the telephone, this lively book helps students learn about the flow of energy and matter through Earth's system. Seven illustrated sections (useful as stand-alone units or as a cumulative program) give you hands-on activities to teach: - What is a life cycle? - How does product design influence the life cycle? - What are products made of and why? - How can products be less wasteful at the end of their useful lives? Ideal for teachers who cover integrated science, physical science, environmental science, and Earth science. Plus: Get a free Life Cycle of a Pencil classroom poster.

Podcast: The Importance of Water

7/2/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: The Importance of Water is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall06/lunar/webseminarII.aspx">Lunar Exploration: Mapping the Moon</a>, Tuesday, November 14, 2006. The podcast is 10 minutes 19 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the second of four on the topic of Lunar Exploration. The presenter was Dr. Anuradha Koratkar, Associate Research Scientist at the University of Maryland Baltimore County's Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology (GEST) Center. The presentation focused on the search for water on the Moon. Recent observations indicate the possibility of ice on the Moon, in particular, within lunar craters at the north and south poles of the Moon. The upcoming Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter mission will continue the search for water using different instruments. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSLE06_Nov14">Lunar Exploration: Mapping the Moon</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Where in the Solar System can we Find Water

7/2/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Where in the Solar System can we Find Water is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall06/lunar/webseminarII.aspx">Lunar Exploration: Mapping the Moon</a>, Tuesday, November 14, 2006. The podcast is 12 minutes 23 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the second of four on the topic of Lunar Exploration. The presenter was Dr. Anuradha Koratkar, Associate Research Scientist at the University of Maryland Baltimore County's Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology (GEST) Center. The presentation focused on the search for water on the Moon. Recent observations indicate the possibility of ice on the Moon, in particular, within lunar craters at the north and south poles of the Moon. The upcoming Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter mission will continue the search for water using different instruments. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSLE06_Nov14">Lunar Exploration: Mapping the Moon</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Can Ice be On the Moon

7/2/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Can Ice be On the Moon is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall06/lunar/webseminarII.aspx">Lunar Exploration: Mapping the Moon</a>, Tuesday, November 14, 2006. The podcast is 15 minutes 8 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the second of four on the topic of Lunar Exploration. The presenter was Dr. Anuradha Koratkar, Associate Research Scientist at the University of Maryland Baltimore County's Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology (GEST) Center. The presentation focused on the search for water on the Moon. Recent observations indicate the possibility of ice on the Moon, in particular, within lunar craters at the north and south poles of the Moon. The upcoming Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter mission will continue the search for water using different instruments. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSLE06_Nov14">Lunar Exploration: Mapping the Moon</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: How do we Generate Maps

7/2/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: How do we Generate Maps is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall06/lunar/webseminarI.aspx">Lunar Exploration: Mapping the Moon</a>, Tuesday, November 7, 2006. The podcast is 4 minutes 35 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the first of four on the topic of Lunar Exploration. The presenter was Dr. Anuradha Koratkar, Associate Research Scientist at the University of Maryland Baltimore County's Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology (GEST) Center. The presentation focused on mapping the Moon and how NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter mission will create a new topographic map of the Moon. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSLE07_Nov7">Lunar Exploration: Mapping the Moon</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: How do we see an Object

7/2/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: How do we see an Object is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall06/lunar/webseminarI.aspx">Lunar Exploration: Mapping the Moon</a>, Tuesday, November 7, 2006. The podcast is 7 minutes 2 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the first of four on the topic of Lunar Exploration. The presenter was Dr. Anuradha Koratkar, Associate Research Scientist at the University of Maryland Baltimore County's Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology (GEST) Center. The presentation focused on mapping the Moon and how NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter mission will create a new topographic map of the Moon. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSLE07_Nov7">Lunar Exploration: Mapping the Moon</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Mapping the Moon

7/2/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Mapping the Moon is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall06/lunar/webseminarI.aspx">Lunar Exploration: Mapping the Moon</a>, Tuesday, November 7, 2006. The podcast is 7 minutes 10 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the first of four on the topic of Lunar Exploration. The presenter was Dr. Anuradha Koratkar, Associate Research Scientist at the University of Maryland Baltimore County's Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology (GEST) Center. The presentation focused on mapping the Moon and how NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter mission will create a new topographic map of the Moon. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSLE07_Nov7">Lunar Exploration: Mapping the Moon</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Alphabet Taxonomy

7/2/2009 12:00:00 AM

Students constantly notice the world around them, and to help make sense of it all, they attempt to group and categorize objects and experiences they encounter. In science, the study of classification is referred to as taxonomy. To make this subject accessible and engaging for young learners, approach it from an interactive and relevant angle by allowing students to classify objects familiar to them. At the same time, students are encouraged to use many of the actual processes involved in scientific investigation and mathematical problem solving, including observing, measuring, describing, questioning, and communication.

Your Very Own Museum-Making Collections

7/2/2009 12:00:00 AM

Much more than childish pastimes, collections form the basis for museums of natural history, found object art projects, and personal hobbies. Furthermore, many notable scientists-Charles Darwin, for example-began their lifelong investigations with childhood collections. In this activity, students choose a category and collect specimens from the natural world, gathering as wide a range of those objects as possible. Students then analyze and compare the specimens within their personal collection. Also, each student contrasts the breadth, depth, and patterns of her or his collection with those of other students.

Creating Art Projects From Recycled Materials

7/2/2009 12:00:00 AM

Why not challenge students to design a collage, mosaic, or shadowbox entirely from "found objects"-recycled, natural, and discarded materials? The aesthetic nature of the art of salvage connects students not only to ancient, creative roots, but also to a future in which we must learn to reduce, reuse, and recycle. By using often overlooked materials, students develop a deeper and very practical understanding of conservation and environmentalism. When we compound that experience by adding a mathematical theme to the art projects, we have a truly interdisciplinary lesson.

Experimenting With Force and Motion Using Origami Frogs

7/2/2009 12:00:00 AM

Objects in motion and the forces that move them are the subjects of this lesson. This practical series of activities offers students a dynamic understanding of Newton's three laws of motion. In particular, the third law is investigated as students measure and analyze the jumping abilities of origami frogs.

Investigating the Properties of Magnets

7/2/2009 12:00:00 AM

In this activity, younger students encounter, discuss, and apply the basic characteristics of magnets and magnetism as they explore and elaborate on their experiences. Student groups implement some of the terminology and concepts appropriate to the study of magnets as they investigate and measure how far magnets can repel one another and how many paper clips their magnets can attract.

Applying Simple Chromatography

7/2/2009 12:00:00 AM

This activity involves chemistry, mystery, colors, and measurement. Students observe the composition of various inks by separating them via water-based chromatography. Students use what they learn about chromatography to solve a mystery involving a suspicious note and five different marking pens. Working together, they devise a plan to find out who wrote the note-a great introduction to color mixing.

Investigating Textures

7/1/2009 12:00:00 AM

This simple but engaging activity about texture is for students in grades K-4. Textures are all around us, and they are important to our everyday activities-consider a piece of sandpaper, a cheese grater, or the soles of your shoes. As students become aware of the details and properties of familiar surroundings, which they do in this activity with their texture rubbings, they learn to more closely observe the conditions around them. Students also have the opportunity to recognize patterns, including mathematical associations, in their world.

What Do You See? Visual Observation

7/1/2009 12:00:00 AM

The famous New York Yankee catcher Yogi Berra once said, "You can observe a lot just by watching." This activity helps strengthen students' skills in a fundamental aspect of mathematics and science: visual observation. Students carefully examine and sketch a variety of objects, then analyze the sketches for shapes, patterns, and relationships. Students investigate the concept of "field of view" and learn how it can vary depending on distance from the object(s) being observed. As a Going Further activity, students incorporate careful observation, field of view, and shape/pattern recognition into a painting.

Evolution in Perspective: The Science Teacher's Compendium (e-book)

7/1/2009 12:00:00 AM

If ever a subject could benefit from a strong dose of perspective, it's evolution. This important new book supplies the necessary insights by bringing together the views of leading scientists, professors, and teachers. Working from the premise that only those students whose schools teach them about the nature of science will truly understand evolution, the collection gathers 12 influential articles first published in the NSTA member journal, The Science Teacher. The articles fall into three categories. The Scientific Perspective explores the evidence supporting evolution. The Educational Perspective looks at evolution's place in the National Science Education Standards and at the thorny problem of calling evolution a "theory." The Science Teacher's Perspective moves into the classroom, discussing lesson plans that allow students to explore evolution and draw their own conclusions. Also included is the recently revised NSTA Position Statement on Evolution. This collection comes from, and is developed for, the people on the front lines-educators who deal with the controversy over evolution every day. From a practical standpoint, the book can help you address the subject in the classroom without being dragged into endless, ultimately unproductive debate. From a substantive standpoint, it provides a remarkable overview of the state of teaching evolution in America.

Bernoulli's Principle

7/1/2009 12:00:00 AM

In this lab, students will use a little background information about Bernoulli's principle to figure out how the spinning of a moving ball affects its trajectory. The activity is inquiry in that students will be discovering this relationship on their own. Those with baseball, tennis, or soccer experience may already have some intuition as to how this works. This free selection includes the Table of Contents, Introduction, and Index.

Iced Tea

6/30/2009 12:00:00 AM

Dissolving things in the universal solvent water is an everyday experience for almost all of us. We don't have a lot of trouble dissolving honey in our hot tea, but when it comes to sweetening cold iced tea, it is quite a task, if not almost impossible. Obviously, water is not really "universal solvent" as it is sometimes called; otherwise we couldn't find anything to keep it in. But it does dissolve more substances than any other liquid in common use. This is also a wonderful opportunity for you to show the students the effect of temperature on dissolving substances in liquid and to make the distinction between dissolving and melting. For older students, learning about the molecular structure of water might be appropriate.

Color Thieves

6/30/2009 12:00:00 AM

This story poses a challenge to its readers to solve the mystery of light, color, and how we see color. It also asks the question, "What is color?" After investigating the phenomena of color and color filters, students should realize that light is made up of many colors in our visible spectrum and our eyes and brain contribute to the process of "seeing" color. There is a secondary and broader purpose in this story as well: To help students understand that we see things, no matter how shiny or dull they are, by light that is reflected from the objects to our eyes.

A Mirror Big Enough

6/30/2009 12:00:00 AM

This story is designed to motivate students to explore how mirrors work and how mirrors reflect the light (first reflected from objects to the mirror and then to our eyes as images), and to discover in this particular case the famed rule that "the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection." Think of the many times a mirror is used in your daily life and think also how much you understand how it works like it does. Mirrors are indeed the source of some of the most illusive everyday science mysteries.

The Magnet Derby

6/29/2009 12:00:00 AM

Magnetism is a force that acts over a distance. Children play with magnetic toys all of the time. Any family that has a refrigerator knows that the number of magnets on the door defines the size of the appliance. This story should give students an opportunity to test some of their conceptions about magnets, namely what they will attract, their strengths, their interactions with each other, and how they are used in everyday life. It also allows for a great deal of investigation, testing of hypotheses, and drawing of conclusions.

Pasta In A Hurry

6/29/2009 12:00:00 AM

This story should give students an opportunity to discover that every liquid has its own unique boiling point and that heat applied to any liquid that has reached its boiling point will not result in an increase in temperature but will be used to change the state from liquid to gas, resulting in evaporation. It also touches on the point that adding substances that dissolve and ionize (break down into charged particles) to water changes the freezing and boiling points of the water.

More Everyday Science Mysteries: Stories for Inquiry-Based Science Teaching (e-book)

6/25/2009 12:00:00 AM

Where do rotten apples go after they fall off the tree? Does the temperature of the wood affect the heat of the fire? Can you make water boil faster? How large a mirror do you need to see your whole body? This second volume of 15 mystery stories examines more science concepts and reinforces the value of learning science through inquiry. Each mystery presents opportunities for students to create questions, form hypotheses, test their ideas, and come up with explanations. Focused on concepts such as weather and climate, thermodynamics, interdependency of living things, adaptation, life cycles, properties of matter, reflection and refraction, and chemical bonds, these mysteries draw students into the stories by grounding them in experiences students are familiar with, providing them with the foundation for classroom discussion and inquiry. "These stories are bound to reveal the wonderful ideas all students have, give them the confidence to explore their own thinking, and provide opportunities for them to ‘do' science rather than have science ‘done' to them." -Page Keeley, NSTA President 2008-09

Cool It, Dude!

6/24/2009 12:00:00 AM

There are two concepts at work here: conservation of matter and the question about many surfaces vs. fewer surfaces absorbing heat. You may wonder what this story is doing in the Earth system science area, but it has to do not only with thermodynamics and conservation of matter but with water, arguably the most important material on the planet. You may think it sounds more like a physics story but the author suspects that more integration of the various sciences is done in Earth science than in any other of the disciplines because it uses so many concepts from other areas in order to understand its overarching view of the world we live in. In any case, Rosa and Paula shouldn't have trouble finding out some answers to their dilemmas in their own kitchens, and nor should your students.

Uncovering Student Ideas in Science, Volume 2: 25 More Formative Assessment Probes (e-Book)

6/23/2009 12:00:00 AM

If Hollywood filmed this sequel, the studio would call it "Probes II: More Battles Against Misunderstandings." Like the blockbuster before it, Volume 2 will reveal the surprising misconceptions students bring to the classroom-so you can adjust your teaching to foster a sound understanding of science. The popular features from Volume 1 are all here. The field-tested probes are short, easy to administer, and ready to reproduce. Teacher materials explain science content and suggest grade-appropriate ways to present information. But Volume 2 covers more life science and Earth and space science probes. New topics include forms of matter, changes in matter, living things and life processes, rocks and landforms, the day/night cycle, and objects in the night sky. Volume 2 also suggests ways to embed the probes throughout your instruction, not just when starting a unit or topic. This new classroom tool will help you not only uncover students' existing ideas, but also use that knowledge to improve your teaching and advance student understanding of science concepts.

Uncovering Student Ideas in Science, Volume 1: 25 Formative Assessment Probes (e-book)

6/23/2009 12:00:00 AM

Before your students can discover accurate science, you need to uncover the preconceptions they already have. This book helps pinpoint what your students know (or think they know) so you can monitor their learning and adjust your teaching accordingly. Loaded with classroom-friendly features you can use immediately, the book is comprised of 25 "probes"-brief, easily administered activities designed to determine your students' thinking on 44 core science topics (grouped by light, sound, matter, gravity, heat and temperature, life science, and Earth and space science). The probes are invaluable formative assessment tools to use before you begin teaching a topic or unit. The detailed teacher materials that accompany each probe review science content; give connections to National Science Education Standards and Benchmarks; present developmental considerations; summarize relevant research on learning; and suggest instructional approaches for elementary, middle, and high school students. Other books may discuss students' general misconceptions about scientific ideas. Only this one provides probes-single, reproducible sheets- you can use to determine students' thinking about, for example, photosynthesis, moon phases, conservation of matter, reflection, chemical change, and cells. Each probe has been field-tested with hundreds of students across multiple grade levels, so they're proven effective for helping your students reexamine and further develop their understanding of science concepts.

What's Hiding in the Woodpile?

6/23/2009 12:00:00 AM

Wood comes from trees, right? It is full of potential chemical energy that can produce heat when it is put into a stove or fireplace and burned. Yet, in this story, the Earth's bounty seems to produce a cooler room. What can be the cause? Thermodynamics, the branch of physics that deals with the conversion of various forms of energy from one to another, affecting things such as temperature, is the answer to this riddle, since the flow of heat goes from warmer to cooler objects in a closed system.

The New Greenhouse

6/23/2009 12:00:00 AM

This story is based upon using solar energy and a variety of materials to modify and channel this energy to capture and hold heat. Almost everybody has experienced the differences in temperature due to sunshine passing through windows into an enclosed space. With this story, students can explore the effects of solar energy, energy absorption, and energy dissipation of various substances and also the effect of dark and light colors on the absorption of heat in closed systems. The technological aspects of this story are also important in that students can use their new learning about energy supply and storage for the development of a more efficient product. This is putting science to use in solving a real-life problem.

How Cold Is Cold?

6/23/2009 12:00:00 AM

Heat and cold are often difficult concepts for children to understand. First, our everyday sloppy language gives them a predisposition to such common misconceptions as cold being a substance that moves from place to place. Our colloquial language often reinforces the existence of "cold energy," when it is scientifically acceptable to refer only to heat as a form of energy that is transferred from a warmer object to a cooler one and that cold is an absence of heat. Therefore, this story tries to set the stage for discussions and inquiry into the nature of temperature and heat and to the fact that heat exchange is the cause of what scientists call a phase change-when something goes from liquid to solid or vice versa. In essence, this may be the students' first encounter with the laws of thermodynamics.

Bocce, Anyone?

6/22/2009 12:00:00 AM

Rolling objects are always fascinating for children. This story gives children an opportunity to find patterns in the process of rolling objects down ramps. Shades of Galileo! Since he was one of the first to actually do investigations by what "natural philosophers" of his day would have called "playing," he opened a new era in science investigations.

The Neighborhood Telephone System

6/22/2009 12:00:00 AM

This story uses the "tin can" telephone (TCT) as a focus for inquiry into the transmission of sound waves along a medium and also provides an opportunity for kids to try their hand at improving a simple device so that it works better. Students will experiment with various parts of the TCT changing variables and trying to find the best combination for optimum transmission of their voices. This story has a two-pronged purpose. One has to do with learning something about sound (science) and the other has to do with learning about using science to modify the things in the world to solve human problems (technology).

Frosty Morning

6/19/2009 12:00:00 AM

The theme of the story can be summed up in one word: microclimates. Have you noticed that there are variations among the temperatures broadcasted on your radio or TV and your own thermometer? Have you noticed that there are differences in temperature depending upon where you place your thermometer? Have you noticed that certain plants do better or worse depending upon where in your yard they are planted? This story highlights the fact that there are physical differences in every location that modify the amount of heat that is distributed in and around that location. This creates little islands of climatic diversity called microclimates. This story should result in deeper understanding of the effects of differential heating of the Earth's surface by the Sun.

The Little Tent That Cried

6/17/2009 12:00:00 AM

The incident described in this story actually happened to the author during a camping trip in Everglades National Park years ago. The humidity was fierce but the air cooled down and overnight he awoke to a wet face and wet pillow. This story is designed to help the students see the water cycle in a natural situation rather than in the usual highly stylized manner. The water in their breath or in the air inside tent in vapor form condensing on the cooler tent surface and returning to liquid form "raining" down upon their bodies is something to which students might be able to relate directly.

Favorite Demonstration: Scaffolding the Unbelievable-Understanding Light and Vision

6/15/2009 12:00:00 AM

In this article, the author describes how to challenge students with three intriguing questions and scaffolding techniques to help them develop a deeper understanding of light and vision. Through these surprising empirical experiences, students gain a much richer and more useful understanding of light and vision, which is very different from "understanding" the law of reflection and the principle of vision as isolated pieces of knowledge that cannot be applied to real-world contexts (Duckworth 1991).

Case Study: Cats Have Nine Lives, But Only One Liver-The Effects of Acetaminophen

6/12/2009 12:00:00 AM

This case recounts the story of a student who gave her cat half of a Tylenol tablet not knowing its potential harmful effects. The cat survives, but the incident motivates the student to learn more about the reaction mechanism underlying the liver toxicity of acetaminophen. The case outlines three possible reaction schemes that would explain the liver toxicity of acetaminophen-containing products. Students are required to write a detailed mechanism for each of the proposed schemes. This provides students with practice in writing both ionic and radical mechanisms, the two fundamental types of mechanisms covered in undergraduate organic chemistry.

Archive: Designed to Inspire: On the Moon June 4, 2009

6/4/2009 12:00:00 AM

This Web Seminar took place on June 4, 2009, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Presenting was Susan Buckey, Natalie Hebshie, Kristy Hill, and Thea Sahr from WGBH and NASA. The presentation group focused their information on the Design Squad PBS Series and highlighted their On the Moon activity guide. For more information about this web seminar, its presenter(s), read what participants said about it, and to see and download its PowerPoint slides <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/WGBH/Webseminar.aspx" target=_Blank">go here</a>.

Every Day Science Calendar: August 2009

6/3/2009 12:00:00 AM

This monthly feature contains facts and challenges for the science explorer.

Designing Payloads

6/2/2009 12:00:00 AM

Imagine soaring in the Earth's atmosphere to near the edge of space. Is there air to breathe? Is it dark? Are there clouds? What about air pressure? Fifth-grade students from Ferguson Elementary in Klamath Falls, Oregon, were wondering these questions as they participated in To the Edge of Space, an exciting, yearlong collaborative Earth science learning experience developed in partnership with Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT) and Oregon NASA Space Grant Consortium. The project culminates in a high-altitude balloon satellite launch at the university. This article describes the inquiry-based project that was developed using Toyota Tapestry grant monies.

Breezy Power: From Wind to Energy

6/1/2009 12:00:00 AM

This lesson combines the science concepts of renewable energy and producing electricity with the technology concepts of design, constraints, and technology's impact on the environment. Over five class periods, sixth-grade students "work" for a fictitious power company as they research wind as an alternative energy source and design and test a working model of a wind turbine, learning about energy and technology in the process.

Everyday Science Mysteries: Stories for Inquiry-Based Science Teaching (e-book)

6/1/2009 12:00:00 AM

What causes condensation? Does temperature affect how well a balloon will fly? How do tiny bugs get into oatmeal? Through 15 mystery stories, this book memorably illustrates science concepts for students and reinforces the value of learning science through inquiry. Each mystery presents opportunities for students to create questions, form hypotheses, test their ideas, and come up with explanations. Focused on concepts such as periodic motion, thermodynamics, temperature and energy, and sound, these mysteries draw students into the stories by grounding them in experiences students are familiar with, providing them with a foundation for classroom discussion and inquiry. The story format is used because it is one of the most effective ways to engage students' attention right from the start. Each chapter includes a list of science concepts explored, targeted strategies for using the stories with children in grades K-4 and with older students in grades 5-8, and a key matching story concepts with corresponding standards in the NSES.

What Makes a Boat Float?

5/5/2009 12:00:00 AM

Whether or not a boat floats is determined by its shape and density. In this activity, students discover how and why boats float by designing different hull shapes and finding which design holds the most weight. Students record, calculate, and interpret data as they learn about buoyancy in this hands-on activity.

Archive: Energy: Stop Faking It!, May 5, 2009

5/5/2009 12:00:00 AM

This Web Seminar took place on May 5, 2009, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Presenting was Dr. Bill Robertson, NSTA Press Author of the popular series Stop Faking It! Understanding Science So You Can Teach It. In this seminar Dr. Robertson focused the discussion on concepts of Work, Energy, and Simple Machines. For more information about this web seminar, its presenter(s), read what participants said about it, and to see and download its PowerPoint slides <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/NewOrleans09/energy/webseminarII.aspx" target=_Blank">go here</a>.

Nature of Light

5/1/2009 12:00:00 AM

SciPacks are 10 hour online learning experiences teachers can use to enhance their understanding of a particular scientific concept. Teachers access topics "on demand" from the Internet. Topics are based on science literacy goals in the national standards and tied to state standards. Pedagogical Implications also address student misconceptions. Expert content help is available via email as well as a final assessment to demonstrate understanding of the SciPack content. The Nature of Light SciPack explains the concept of light as electromagnetic radiation and as waves. It covers the electromagnetic spectrum and the effects of wavelength on the interaction of light with different materials, including some examples of phenomena that can be explained by differences in wavelength. It also covers electromagnetic waves as a form of energy.

Characteristics of Light

5/1/2009 12:00:00 AM

Science Objects are two hour on-line interactive inquiry-based content modules that help teachers better understand the science content they teach. This Science Object is the first of four Science Objects in the Nature of Light SciPack. It establishes the concept that electromagnetic waves can interact with materials in different ways. For example, they can reflect off a material's surface. We can see an object when light waves that are emitted or reflected by the object enter the eye. Electromagnetic waves can also pass through materials, sometimes slowing down or changing direction as a result of entering and leaving the material. Or, electromagnetic waves may be absorbed or scattered within the material. Electromagnetic waves and other waves diffract around corners, and interfere with one another in predictable ways.

Light as Waves

5/1/2009 12:00:00 AM

Science Objects are two hour on-line interactive inquiry-based content modules that help teachers better understand the science content they teach. This Science Object is the second of four Science Objects in the Nature of Light SciPack. It provides conceptual and real world understanding of the idea that waves (including sound and seismic waves, waves on water, and light waves) have energy and can transfer energy when they interact with matter. Wave behavior can be described in terms of how fast the disturbance propagates, and of the distance between successive crests or troughs of the wave (the wavelength). Accelerating electric charges produce electromagnetic waves which can be organized into a spectrum of varying wavelengths (and frequencies): radio waves, microwaves, radiant heat or infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, x-rays, and gamma rays. These wavelengths vary from radio waves (the longest) to gamma rays (the shortest). Human eyes only respond to a narrow range of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation-what we call visible light. In empty space, electromagnetic waves of all wavelengths move at the same speed-the "speed of light."

Light and Color

5/1/2009 12:00:00 AM

Science Objects are two hour on-line interactive inquiry-based content modules that help teachers better understand the science content they teach. This Science Object is the third of four Science Objects in the Nature of Light SciPack. It provides conceptual and real world understanding of how the wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation affect the way they interact with different materials. We perceive differences of wavelength within the visible part of the spectrum as differences in color. Shorter wavelengths of light (blue) are scattered more by air molecules than longer wavelengths of light (red). When the atmosphere scatters sunlight-which is a mixture of all wavelengths-short-wavelength light (which gives us the sensation of blue) is scattered much more by air molecules than long-wavelength (red) light is. The atmosphere, therefore, appears blue and the sun seen through it by un-scattered light appears reddened. Also, materials that allow one range of wavelengths to pass through them may completely absorb others. For example, some gases in the atmosphere, including carbon dioxide and water vapor, are transparent to much of the incoming sunlight but absorb the infrared radiation from the warmed surface of Earth.

So, What is Light?

5/1/2009 12:00:00 AM

Science Objects are two hour on-line interactive inquiry-based content modules that help teachers better understand the science content they teach. This Science Object is the final of four Science Objects in the Nature of Light SciPack. It provides an understanding of how sometimes the nature and behavior of electromagnetic radiation such as light can be best described using a wave model, but at other times it can be best described by using a particle model. Particles of light called photons contain discrete amounts of energy. The energy that a photon carries is directly proportional to its frequency. The energy of a photon is inversely proportional to the wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation. Each kind of atom or molecule can only gain or lose energy only in discrete amounts so they can absorb and emit light only at frequencies and wavelengths corresponding to these amounts. These combinations of wavelengths or spectra can be used to identify the substance.

Polymer Chemistry: Introduction to an Indispensable Science (e-book)

4/23/2009 12:00:00 AM

Here's an interesting statistic: More than half of all chemists work on some aspect of polymers. For high school teachers who want to introduce polymer science basics, properties, and uses, this book is uniquely helpful-much deeper than simple monographs or collections of experiments, but much more accessible than college texts. Divided into four sections, Polymer Chemistry starts with a broad overview of synthetic and natural polymers and then covers polymers' synthesis and preparation; common methods for processing them into useful objects; and demonstrations and experiments dealing with polymer synthesis, solutions and gels, and solid-state properties. In addition to the science, this book includes an engaging history of polymers and issues on their disposal. For environmental science teachers, the comprehensive chapter on recycling, degradation, and disposal of polymers is invaluable. And all teachers will benefit from the introduction. Written by a fellow science teacher, it provides creative chapter-by-chapter techniques for using the book in AP chemistry, and even basic high school chemistry. As the title says, polymer chemistry is an indispensable science-and Polymer Chemistry is an indispensable resource on the topic.

Daniel and the Old Lion Hunter

4/22/2009 12:00:00 AM

Daniel Bernoulli wanted to be the Newton of the eighteenth century; he thought he could do it by studying fluids (by that he meant liquid and gases). His thoughts and his principle will percolate in other heads and help bring changes in science and lift to technology.

Assessing Toxic Risk (Teacher's Guide) (e-book)

4/18/2009 12:00:00 AM

Assessing Toxic Risk is a comprehensive guide to student research in toxicology. It includes an overview of basic principles of toxicology and how they are used to assess chemical risks. It provides simple but authentic research protocols to engage students in the process of testing chemical toxicity by conducting bioassays using lettuce seeds, duckweed, and Daphnia. It also contains guidelines for integrating peer review and other collaborative knowledge-building into classroom science. Toxicology makes an ideal topic for student research because it provides a natural link between biology, chemistry, environmental science, and human health; it highlights the connections between science and public policy; and builds critical-thinking skills.

Disposal, Degradation, and Recycling; Bioplastics

4/15/2009 12:00:00 AM

Everyone is familiar with plastic waste. We throw away large volumes of it, at home, at school, at work, at fast food restaurants, on vacation. Much of it ends up in the trash. We see some of it as litter along the sides of roads, streams and lakes, and floating up on beaches. We probably recycle some used plastics, although how much depends upon where we live. In many localities, only items produced from PET (polyethylene terephthalate) and HDPE (high-density polyethylene) are collected for recycling. Why don't we recycle more of it? Why not LDPE (low-density polyethylene) and polystyrene? And what happens to it when we do? We'll develop some basic principles in this chapter on some of the avenues that help us follow the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's advice to "reduce, reuse, recycle."

A Glimpse of Things to Come

4/15/2009 12:00:00 AM

No one can accurately predict the future, not even meteorologists. Reading older literature that confidently predicted polymer sales volumes or revenues in x numbers of years is usually pretty amusing. In this chapter we will not attempt to look very far into the future. However, as we conclude this introduction to a field of physical science that essentially evolved over the duration of the twentieth century, it might be instructive to reflect a little on the current state of polymer chemistry. Based upon what is now on the drawing board, we can probably make some pretty good guesses as to what to expect for the next few years.

Polymer Solutions and Dispersions

4/14/2009 12:00:00 AM

So far, we have spent a considerable amount of time discussing the strength of polymers and their unique physical and mechanical properties. However, some applications take excellent advantage of the interesting properties polymers bring to solutions. Examples include paints, motor oils, and some of the products we put on our hair. In addition, as we saw in the last chapter, some polymers are synthesized in solution. In this chapter, we will present some of the important properties of polymer solutions and develop a basic understanding of their origin. Some polymers would "like" to dissolve but can't. We'll try to understand why, and see how to take advantage of this. And, finally, we'll investigate some uses for polymers that are not actually dissolved in a solvent but rather are dispersed in a liquid.

Physical Properties

4/14/2009 12:00:00 AM

In several of the previous chapters we have talked about the strength of polymers and pointed out some of the unusual properties that make them both interesting and extremely useful materials. Now it is time to understand some of the fundamental reasons for this behavior. We will examine the structure of polymers a bit more carefully so that we can better understand their physical and mechanical properties and discover why plastics such as HDPE (high-density polyethylene), PS (polystyrene), and Kevlar are so different from each other. In this case, the "structure" on which we will focus is the morphology of the sample. We will see that polymers characteristically have amorphous and/or crystalline morphologies.

Polymer Processing-Making Useful Materials

4/14/2009 12:00:00 AM

So far we have examined the essence of polymers, both natural and synthetic. We have looked at a variety of ways that they are synthesized and studied some of their properties. In this chapter we will find out how we can convert a polymer sample that might be in powder or pellet form into some useful object. This is largely the realm of the engineers, who design the processing equipment and determine the conditions that produce polymeric products with optimum properties. These objects take a wide variety of shape, including films, fibers, solid parts, hollow containers such as bottles, and foamed objects.

A History of Polymers: The Road to the Plastic Age and Beyond

4/13/2009 12:00:00 AM

At the start of the twentieth century, the tree of physical science was a respectable specimen, with stature, deep roots, and lots of branches. Over the next 100 years, it would continue to grow and expand, although no one could envision just how. One hundred years ago the large branches that would become known as polymer science were mere offshoots of more established branches. No one could envision an entirely separate field devoted to synthetic polymers-there was thought to be no such thing at the time. So we need in this chapter to try to understand this transition, the struggles the field of polymer science underwent, and the arguments, often heated, that the word "macromolecule" generated. And we need to gain an appreciation for the courage of a few visionaries, whose intelligence and perseverance got us where we are today.

Polymer Synthesis

4/13/2009 12:00:00 AM

In the first four chapters, we have seen that many different kinds of polymers exist and that they have an extremely wide range of properties. Some are stiff, others are soluble, while still others are rubbery. There are plastics, and fibers, and adhesives, and foams. The structure and composition of the macromolecule dictate the ultimate properties. Structure and composition are determined when the macromolecule is synthesized. In this chapter we want to understand how monomers react together to form long polymer chains.

What Are They?

4/8/2009 12:00:00 AM

The term polymer derives from poly, the Greek prefix for "many," and meros, Greek for "part." We can think of a mer as being the smallest unit making up a polymeric molecule, or macromolecule (macro, Greek for "large"). So in its simplest form, a polymer results from the buildup of many single units, or monomers, forming long chains. Each molecule is one of these long chains.

Natural Polymers

4/8/2009 12:00:00 AM

Polymers that exist in nature, called biopolymers, include a large and diverse range of compounds. This chapter discusses the most important types of natural polymers-their chemical makeup, key properties, and where they are found. The focus will be more on the chemical and physical properties of natural polymers and less on their biological synthesis or physiological function. The references at the end of the chapter provide additional information.

Shake, Rattle, and Hopefully Not Fall

4/2/2009 12:00:00 AM

Earthquakes occur across the globe, and their efforts can be felt by people regardless of location. However, a moderate earthquake in Pakistan or Turkey may cause much greater damage than a stronger earthquake in Tokyo. It is imperative to help students understand why this disparity exists-often due to both natural and human influences. Students often ask, "Why don't all the tall buildings fall down when there are earthquakes?" Through this activity, sixth-grade students began to understand the engineering challenges of building earthquake-resistant buildings and how scientists meet that challenge.

The Early Years: Hear That?

4/1/2009 12:00:00 AM

Like breathing, the ability to hear sound is often taken for granted unless it becomes impaired. Children may not wonder about how sound is generated or detected until introduced to an inquiry activity about sound. Therefore, to heighten students' appreciation of sound, this month's column features an activity in which they use their senses to understand this abstract concept. In addition, students construct a kazoo out of simple materials in order to feel vibrations that create sound.

Tried and True: Solar System in the Hallway

3/27/2009 12:00:00 AM

After studying phenomena related to the positions and motions of the Earth, Sun, and Moon, many students are familiar with the positional ordering of the planets, but their knowledge of the distances involved is vague. Scale models are one means of bringing extreme sizes into better focus, cutting them down to relative values that they can better comprehend. The Solar System in the Hallway activity consists of a scale model of the inter-planet distances set up in a hallway for students to explore. This article describes how to send your students on a trip to the Solar System via your school's hallway!

Everyday Engineering: What Makes a Bic Click?

3/26/2009 12:00:00 AM

The ballpoint pen is an ideal example of simple engineering that we use everyday. But is it really so simple? The ballpoint pen is a remarkable combination of technology and science. Its operation uses several scientific principles related to chemistry and physics, such as properties of liquids and simple machines. They represent significant advancement in the engineering development of writing instruments. This article describes how basic engineering ideas can be integrated with properties of matter using the 5-E Learning Cycle model of inquiry pedagogy (Moyer, Hackett, and Everett 2007).

Archive: Energy: Stop Faking It!, March 25, 2009

3/25/2009 12:00:00 AM

This Web Seminar took place on March 25, 2009, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Presenting was Dr. Bill Robertson, NSTA Press Author of the popular series Stop Faking It! Understanding Science So You Can Teach It. In this Seminar Dr. Robertson focused the discussion on concepts from his book on Energy. For more information about this web seminar, its presenter(s), read what participants said about it, and to see and download its PowerPoint slides <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/NewOrleans09/energy/webseminarI.aspx" target=_Blank">go here</a>.

Archive: NSTA Symposium: Energy: Stop Faking It!, New Orleans, Louisiana: March 21, 2009

3/21/2009 12:00:00 AM

During this half-day Symposium, NSTA Press Author, Dr. Bill Robertson, gave a presentation on Energy and the 5-E Inquiry model. Dr. Robertson engaged the participants in a variety of activities with low cost materials that help students to understand the concepts of energy. There was a lively pedagogical discussion that focused on how to help children at different grade levels increase their understanding of this challenging subject. All participants received Dr. Robertson's book Energy: Stop Faking It!

Stories in Science

3/17/2009 12:00:00 AM

Storytelling is not just something experienced at bedtime, in the movies, or with friends. Rather, it is a way that knowledge has been transferred for generations. Stories allow the listener to gain understanding in a natural way. A good story can capture the imagination of students, making them eager to learn more. This article describes the use of one science story, "FloJo: The Word's Fastest Woman," in the physics classroom. Students are engaged with the science content material through the personal frame of the story. In the activity described in this article, students study physics and kinetics while designing and running their own races.

The State High Biodiesel Project

3/13/2009 12:00:00 AM

Through a collaborative project in Pennsylvania, high school students developed a method for converting batches of their cafeteria's waste fryer oil into biodiesel using a 190 L (50 gal) reactor. While the biodiesel is used to supplement the school district's heating and transportation energy needs, the byproduct-glycerol-is used to make hand soap to sell in the school store. Proceeds from both of these products are used to support the continuation of the project, in which students learn the science behind biodiesel and its relation to our environment. This article provides an overview of the State High Biodiesel Project with the hope of inspiring other school districts to develop their own programs.

WCI Project 1-Chemistry Concoctions

3/10/2009 12:00:00 AM

The WCI Project-Chemistry Concoctions-is the students' first experience going through the entire process of implementing a true experiment. As always, there are multiple layers to this lesson plan. The students concentrate on the science involved in the chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar, how to best change the parameters involved with this reaction, and the apparatus used in lab. The focus is on their ability to work constructively in their small groups to share data and rely on one another, in essence, to behave as a community of professional scientists would. Setting up the project correctly is imperative because correct setup will dictate whether students take ownership of the challenge and care about the results. Depending on and supporting one another then surface as necessities within our scientific community. This free selection includes the Table of Contents, Foreword, and Index.

Take-Home Physics: 65 High-Impact, Low-Cost Labs

3/4/2009 12:00:00 AM

Take-Home Physics is an excellent resource for high school physics teachers who want to devote more classroom time to complex concepts while challenging their students with hands-on homework assignments. This volume presents 65 take-home physics labs that use ordinary household items or other inexpensive materials to tackle motion and kinematics; forces and energy; waves, sound, and light; and electricity and magnetism. The result: Students learn background knowledge, reinforce basic process skills, practice discovery, and bridge classroom learning with real-world application-all while getting excited about homework. Teachers can also integrate science and literacy by requiring the use of lab notebooks with formal write-ups. Materials lists and safety notes, as well as both student activity pages and teacher notes are included.

Tired and True: Message in a bottle-Analyzing reaction rates using gas pressure sensors

3/3/2009 12:00:00 AM

One of the many ways to engage students in science is by using probes or computerized devices that respond in real time to changes. In the following learning cycle lesson, an after-school science and mathematics club consisting of about 20 students uses a computerized pressure sensor to evaluate the rates at which effervescent tablets (such as Alka-Seltzer) dissolve. By using the data-collection devices, students were able to see, in real time, the variables that affected the pressure in the bottle. They were also able to apply the "message in the bottle" to effervescent rockets.

Science Sampler: Laws of motion

2/26/2009 12:00:00 AM

What do you get when you cross an electronic whiteboard, online videos, and a room full of sixth graders? This may perhaps sound like an uncontrollable mix, but these simple ingredients create an interesting way to reinforce student understanding of Newton's laws of motion. This activity can be completed in one class period if each group of three students has access to a computer. If not enough computers are available, you may need additional time for all groups to complete the activity.

More Everyday Science Mysteries: Stories for Inquiry-Based Science Teaching

2/25/2009 12:00:00 AM

Every Day Science Calendar: March 2009

2/24/2009 12:00:00 AM

This monthly feature contains facts and challenges for the science explorer.

The Early Years: Does Light Go Through It?

2/24/2009 12:00:00 AM

Words give us the power to describe our world and how we experience it. Any time we classify something, we give it a name to distinguish it from all others of its kind. Like the buttons on a kitchen blender which says "mix" in five or six different ways, there is more than one word to describe if or how light travels through a material. Opaque, translucent, and transparent are appropriate for young children because they can be distinguished by observation and without measuring. In this following activity, children test the opacity of various materials and learn about light, part of National Science Education Content Standard B: Physical Science.

Gold Rush!

2/19/2009 12:00:00 AM

An after-school science class on properties teaches students "all that glitters is not gold." Through this gold panning simulation, students analyze the properties of pyrite, or "Fool's Gold," and discover the importance of properties to early prospectors and themselves. This interdisciplinary activity is loosely based on the Nature Watch kit "Gold Diggins."

Tried and True: Thinking spatially-taking observation, classification, and communication skills to a higher level of reasoning

1/30/2009 12:00:00 AM

When students classify, they embark on observing and identifying the properties of the object, and then they categorize, sort, group, organize, arrange, or grade objects into smaller and similar clusters or divisions. Therefore, observing and classifying are fundamental skills for comparing and contrasting material objects. In addition, observing and classifying are skill-based stepping stones to helping students to think spatially. The following discussion focuses on three questions: (1) What is spatial thinking? (2) How do spatial-thinking skills apply to everyday problems and situations? and (3) How do spatial-thinking skills integrate into the science curriculum?

Inductive and Deductive Science Thinking: A Model for Lesson Development

1/29/2009 12:00:00 AM

Middle school students make great learning gains when they participate in lessons that invite them to practice their developing scientific reasoning skills; however, designing developmentally appropriate, clear, and structured lessons about scientific thinking and reasoning can be difficult. This challenge can be met through lessons that teach students not only what to know, but how to think about what they know. The lesson-planning model introduced in this article, called the Thinking Lesson Model, highlights two specific types of scientific reasoning processes: inductive thinking and deductive thinking.

A Geospatial Scavenger Hunt

1/27/2009 12:00:00 AM

With the use of technology such as Global Positioning System (GPS) units and Google Earth for a simple-machine scavenger hunt, you will transform a standard identification activity into an exciting learning experience that motivates students, incorporates practical skills in technology, and enhances students' spatial-thinking skills. In the activity described here, seventh-grade science students use GPS units to locate, identify, and describe the location of simple machines on their middle school campus. Then, by importing the GPS points into a file that is viewed in Google Earth, students view the relative location of the simple machines to the school from an aerial perspective.

Tread Lightly: The Truth About Science Friction

1/27/2009 12:00:00 AM

During a recent unit on characteristics of animals in different environments, "backyard safari" trips around the schoolyard provided opportunities for students to describe ways that animals are adapted to their unique environments. This led to a discussion of how polar bears have adjusted to living in the arctic. Therefore, students' questions provided an opportunity to make natural connections between the life science topic-characteristics of organisms and their environment-and properties of objects and materials in physical science. Using broad themes that encompass concepts in several science strands helps students to develop understanding of the "big ideas" of science-in this case, form and function.

Archive: Discover the Universe - From Galileo to Today, January 20, 2009

1/20/2009 12:00:00 AM

This Web Seminar took place on January 20, 2009 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Presenting was Dr. Natalie Batalha, professor of astronomy and physics at San Jose State University where she conducts research on extrasolar planet detection and stellar astrophysics. She is a co-Investigator for NASA's Kepler Mission. Dr Batalha talked about the history of Astronomy focusing on Kepler, the scientist, and the current NASA mission, named in his honor, to search for planets in the inhabitable zones around stars. For more information about this web seminar, its presenter(s), read what participants said about it, and to see and download its PowerPoint slides <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall08/NASA/webseminarII.aspx" target=_Blank">go here</a>.

Archive: Force and Motion: Stop Faking It!, January 15, 2009

1/15/2009 12:00:00 AM

This Web Seminar took place on January 15, 2009, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Presenting was Dr. Bill Robertson, NSTA Press Author of the popular series Stop Faking It! Understanding Science So You Can Teach It. In this Seminar Dr. Robertson focused the discussion on concepts from his book Force and Motion. For more information about this web seminar, its presenter(s), read what participants said about it, and to see and download its PowerPoint slides <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall08/ForceandMotion/webseminarII.aspx" target=_Blank">go here</a>.

Rev Your Engines!

1/13/2009 12:00:00 AM

As part of the "Car Lab Project," students constructed rubber band cars, raced them, and worked through a number of automotive activities. The students engaged in this project certainly had fun, but they also used high-tech gear such as motion sensors and graphing calculators to gather data on the distance and time cars traveled and to generate time versus distance graphs for their cars. This project meets national standards for high school mathematics, science, and technology content (NCTM 2000; ITEA 2000; NRC 1996) while engaging students in cognitive activities and motor skills.

Nanoscale Science: Activities for Grades 6-12 (e-Book)

1/6/2009 12:00:00 AM

Futurists predict that nanotechnology will be the next major scientific revolution-one with an even greater impact than the Industrial Revolution. Nanoscale Science will help your middle and high school students understand the big implications of tiny technology. Using guided inquiry with open-ended exploration where possible, the book's 20 investigations teach students about the unique properties and behavior of materials at the nanoscale-one-billionth of the size of a meter. The activities are organized around five themes: scale, tools and techniques, unique properties and behaviors, nanotechnology applications, and societal implications. All activities use readily available materials and provide clear background, instructions, and formative assessments. They also explore questions sure to engage both students and you, such as: - Just how small is one in a billion? - How might manipulating matter at the nanoscale lead to everything from stain-resistant fabrics to improved means to clean water to tumor-targeting nanoshells? - And how will society change when we use nanolabels to track where people, animals, and materials move around the world? For the first time in human history, we have the ability to manipulate and build materials from the atom up. Nanoscale Science-written by experts at developing effective ways to teach about nanotechnology-is a pioneering instructional guide to this important subject. Use it as a fascinating supplement to studies of biology, physics, chemistry, math, and the environment.

Tried and True: Modeling changes in matter, magnifying interest in science

1/2/2009 12:00:00 AM

At Daniell Middle School in Marietta Georgia, students' interest in science and understanding of matter has been magnified. This is due, at least in part, to science faculty, who are convinced that a hands-on, inquiry approach to science can stimulate student excitement, promote concept acquisition, and build a deeper understanding of science. During a recent eighth-grade physical science class, students utilized molecular models in order to explore the similarities and differences between physical and chemical changes. This engaging and hands-on lesson is described in this article.

Archive: Discover the Universe - From Galileo to Today, December 16, 2008

12/16/2008 12:00:00 AM

This Web Seminar took place on December 16, 2008, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Presenting was Dr. Bryan Mendez, Education and Public Outreach Specialist at the Center for Science Education at UC Berkeley's Space Sciences Laboratory. Dr. Mendez talked about Galileo Galilei, telescopes, and the International Year of Astronomy. For more information about this web seminar, its presenter(s), read what participants said about it, and to see and download its PowerPoint slides <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall08/NASA/webseminarI.aspx" target=_Blank">go here</a>.

Celebrate With SATELLITES

12/15/2008 12:00:00 AM

The SATELLITES program uses geospatial technologies to study surface temperatures of Earth's materials, such as sand, soil, grass, and water. Data are collected using Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) protocols, which are then used in research projects that are a part of the International Polar Year (IPY). Students collect data, conduct field campaigns, design inquiry-based research projects, and attend and present at a SATELLLITES science conference. One student activity, "Heating Things Up," is included in this article to help introduce students to the factors that affect Earth's surface temperature. This article describes the activity, program, and ways to get involved.

Archive: Force and Motion: Stop Faking It!, December 11, 2008

12/11/2008 12:00:00 AM

This Web Seminar took place on December 11, 2008, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Presenting was Dr. Bill Robertson, NSTA Press Author of the popular series Stop Faking It! Understanding Science So You Can Teach It. In this Seminar Dr. Robertson focus the discussion on concepts from his book Force and Motion. For more information about this web seminar, its presenter(s), read what participants said about it, and to see and download its PowerPoint slides <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall08/ForceandMotion/webseminar.aspx" target=_Blank">go here</a>.

Archive: Chemistry Comes Alive III: Water, December 9, 2008

12/9/2008 12:00:00 AM

This Web Seminar, developed in collaboration with the National Science Digital Library (NSDL) took place on December 9, 2008, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time. In this program Dr. John W. Moore, W. T. Lippincott Professor, University of Wisconsin-Madison and Director of the Institute for Chemical Education, Dr. Lynn Diener, Assistant Professor at Mount Mary College; and Dr. James Skinner J. O. Hirschfelder Professor, University of Wisconsin-Madison and Director of the Theoretical Chemistry Institute focused on the chemical properties of water, it's molecular and chemical structure and behavior, and some of the current research related to the chemical analysis of water. For more information about this web seminar, its presenter(s), read what participants said about it, and to see and download its PowerPoint slides <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/NSDL3/Webseminar4.aspx" target=_Blank">go here</a>.

Archive: NASA/NSTA Symposium: Discover the Universe - From Galileo to Today, Cincinnati, Ohio: December 5, 2008

12/5/2008 12:00:00 AM

During this half-day Symposium, science and education experts from NASA lead discussions on key science concepts - Earth's place in the universe; light, energy, and optics; and, models and evidence in science - as participants investigated how NASA's space-based missions have extended the legacy of observation and discovery that Galileo Galilei initiated when he turned his telescope to the skies in 1609. Presenters shared information about resources and opportunities for teachers and students related to the International Year of Astronomy (IYA). The IYA is a world-wide celebration of the 400th anniversary of Galileo's observations.

Tried and True: An Eggciting Alternative to a Science Olympiad

12/3/2008 12:00:00 AM

This is a new twist on a familiar Science Olympiad event. By combining two possible outcomes, it allows students to make choices in an inquiry format. Students must think about materials, Newton's first and second laws of motion, kinetic energy, and acceleration. Prior to doing this activity, students need to understand the following physical science concepts: changes in speed and direction are indicative of acceleration, the relationship between the application of a force and the resulting change in position and motion on an object, and the important features of the process of scientific inquiry.

Archive: NSTA Symposium: Force and Motion: Stop Faking It!, Portland, Oregon: November 21, 2008

11/21/2008 12:00:00 AM

During this half-day symposium, Dr. Bill Robertson, author of the NSTA Press publication Force and Motion: Stop Faking It! Finally Understanding Science So You Can Teach It guided participants through simple activities to explain common physical science concepts, such as inertia, velocity, acceleration, and Newton's laws of motion. The presenter used a number of interactive simulations available within the Force and Motion Science Objects to stimulate discussion among participants and to check for understanding of the concepts.

Archive: Intro to the Atlas of Science Literacy, November 18, 2008

11/18/2008 12:00:00 AM

This Web Seminar took place on November 18, 2008, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Presenting was Ted Willard, project director for Project 2061 at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Assisting Mr. Willard on the chat window was Mary Koppal, Communications Director for Project 2061 at the AAAS. Mr. Willard gave an introduction to the Atlas of Science Literacy. For more information about this web seminar, its presenter(s), read what participants said about it, and to see and download its PowerPoint slides <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/AAAS/Webseminar.aspx" Target="_blank">go here</a>.

The Art of Physics

11/17/2008 12:00:00 AM

The algebraic concepts and major ideas that govern Newton's laws of motion can often be a challenge for the majority of ninth-grade students. Therefore, to make learning these concepts less task-oriented and more enjoyable, the author developed lessons that allow students to construct and express their understanding of these ideas through cartooning. This article describes cartooning as an alternative activity in high school physical science, where students are able to demonstrate understanding of Newton's laws of motion through cooperative learning and differentiated instruction.

Lighting the Way Through Scientific Discourse

11/17/2008 12:00:00 AM

This article describes a thought-provoking lesson that compares various arrangements of lamp-battery circuits to help students develop the motivation and competence to participate in scientific discourse for knowledge construction. Through experimentation and discourse, students explore concepts about voltage, current, resistance, and Ohm's law. The discourse encourages students to become deeply engaged in the process of making sense of their own observations and ideas.

The Early Years: Air Is Not Nothing

11/14/2008 12:00:00 AM

Children usually begin to understand that a substance called air is all around us after age three, but they don't grasp that air is matter until age five, or even older. They may learn that "air is a gas" but have difficulty naming the substance that fills a soap bubble or explaining how a balloon expands, and they don't understand where a gas released by opening a soda or mixing baking soda and vinegar comes from or where it goes. Yet, amid these ideas, early childhood is rich with opportunities for students to experience a range of gas behaviors; even if they can't name or explain them. The lesson in this month's column allows students to experience air's mass and the force it can exert on objects.

Teaching Through Trade Books: The Wonder of Water

11/14/2008 12:00:00 AM

Water is an extraordinary substance that we often take for granted. Not only is it what makes our planet uniquely habitable, water is the only substance on Earth that naturally occurs in three different forms. In this month's column, students will explore some of water's fascinating properties.

Science 101: What causes the different states of matter?

11/14/2008 12:00:00 AM

The answer to this could be really simple or really complicated, depending on how deeply the issue is covered. Therefore, the author will dispense with the really complicated by limiting the discussion to solids, liquids, and gases. There are many other states of matter, including plasmas, superfluids, and Bose-Einstein condensates (!). Because this is a column and not a book, you'll have to look up those other states of matter elsewhere. Even though we're staying simple, you might get a surprise or two, such as the fact that it's possible for iron to be a gas, and it's possible to have liquid or even solid hydrogen.

Science Shorts: Comparing Liquids

11/13/2008 12:00:00 AM

Children experience the physical properties of liquids as they watch raindrops run down a window, observe how insects can walk on water, and notice how the "shape" of a liquid matches the container in which it is held. Thinking about similarities and differences among liquids helps to build foundational ideas of matter and molecular structure. In the following lesson, students explore the cohesiveness and surface tension of two liquids. Through observations and interactions, students develop an understanding about how liquids are similar and different.

Archive: Energy and the Polar Environment, November 13, 2008

11/13/2008 12:00:00 AM

This Web Seminar, developed in collaboration with the National Science Digital Library (NSDL) took place on Thursday, November 13, 2008, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time. In this program Jessica Fries-Gaither, Project Director and Elementary Resource Specialist for the Ohio Resource Center and Dr. Carol Landis, Education Coordinator at the Byrd Polar Research Center provided content and resources on the topic of energy and how they relate to the poles. Teaching strategies for integrating science and literacy were also featured. For more information about this web seminar, its presenter(s), read what participants said about it, and to see and download its PowerPoint slides <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/NSDL3/webseminar3.aspx">go here</a>.

What's the Matter With Teaching Children About Matter?

11/12/2008 12:00:00 AM

When it comes to learning about solids, liquids, and gases, children often bring interesting yet inaccurate ideas to the topic. When children's ideas conflict with the concepts we seek to teach, they interfere with learning. Therefore, we must consider ways to elicit children's thinking and match instruction and learning experiences to the knowledge, skills, and ideas learners bring with them. Here the authors present strategies for tapping into children's ideas about matter and using them to inform instructional planning.

The Ultimate Fizz

11/12/2008 12:00:00 AM

Many recipes for elementary science activities suggest making carbon dioxide from baking soda and vinegar; however, they often do not give exact measurements of the ingredients. The author was able to turn this "drawback" into a plus by challenging her fifth-grade students to find the ultimate fizz-i.,e., "What amount of baking soda added to a set amount of vineagar gives the maximum reaction without having leftover baking soda?" As students investigated this question with enthusiasm, graphing and measurement skills developed in the process.

Water in Disguise

11/12/2008 12:00:00 AM

This article presents a lesson plan in which students learn about water in solid, liquid, and gaseous phases through trade books, demonstrations, and artwork. The author illustrates the stages of the lesson plan in the sequence they were conducted in the classroom with a group of students in grades one and two. Each stage targets specific learning skills and cognitive abilities that lead students to understand that water exists in different forms called phases and transforms from one phase to another.

Archive: Beyond Penguins and Polar Bears: Physical Science From the Poles, October 29, 2008

10/29/2008 12:00:00 AM

This Web Seminar, developed in collaboration with the National Science Digital Library (NSDL) took place on Wednesday, October 29, 2008, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time. In this program Jessica Fries-Gaither, Project Director and Elementary Resource Specialist for the Ohio Resource Center and Dr. Carol Landis, Education Coordinator at the Byrd Polar Research Center featured resources from the online professional development magazine, Beyond Penguins and Polar Bears for K-5 educators. For more information about this web seminar, its presenter(s), read what participants said about it, and to see and download its PowerPoint slides <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/NSDL3/Webseminar2.aspx">go here</a>.

The Thinking Machine: A Physical Science Project

10/23/2008 12:00:00 AM

Science projects can be a wonderful opportunity for learning and creativity, or a gigantic headache for teachers. After several years of implementation, experience, and revision, the author has put together a fun and engaging project centered on machines that is appropriate for middle school students. This project came to be known simply as "The Thinking Machine Project," which draws its origin from the national Rube Goldberg Machine competition held each year at Purdue University. Here is one way to bring technology, writing, drawing, creativity, and hands-on ingenuity together in a single fun and successful project.

How Do Geckos Stick?

10/14/2008 12:00:00 AM

Understanding how geckos-small lizards belonging to the family Gekkonindae-can "defy gravity" and walk across a ceiling provides a fascinating frame through which students can not only learn valuable content about electrostatic forces, but also engage in authentic scientific practice and explore new technologies based on gecko adhesion. In this article, the authors describe how the curriculum materials they designed explore the gecko's amazing ability through project-based science (PBS).

Now You "Sea" Ice, Now You Don't

10/9/2008 12:00:00 AM

Increasing air temperatures in the last 50 years have dramatically altered the Antarctic Peninsula ecosystem. In this interdisciplinary inquiry, learners use a cooperative approach to investigate changes in the living and nonliving resources of the Peninsula. The activity stresses the importance of evidence in the formulation of scientific explanations. This free selection includes the Table of Contents and the following sections: How To Use This Book; Climate Change Case Studies (Chapters 5-10): Their focus, use, and Curriculum Connections, and About the Authors. As a special bonus, Chapter 1, entitled Climate and Life, is also included.

The Fission Vision: Teacher and Student Editions

10/8/2008 12:00:00 AM

Although they may have heard the term many times, students often have difficulty conceptualizing the process of nuclear fission. The kinesthetic simulation, as well as the two suggested applets, are worthwhile activities for clarifying the process of nuclear fission. This free selection includes the Table of Contents, A Note from Joy Hakim, Resources for Integration and Implementation, the corresponding National Science Education Standards, and the Index.

The Story of Science Classroom Companion: Einstein Adds a New Dimension (e-Book)

10/7/2008 12:00:00 AM

The Story of Science Classroom Companion is a boon for teachers who choose master storyteller Joy Hakim's Einstein Adds a New Dimension as a primary or supplemental physics text. Hakim's newest title in The Story of Science series brings to life the history of Albert Einstein and his fellow scientists as they lay the groundwork for concepts of particle physics and quantum mechanics. The Classroom Companion, which includes editions for both teachers and students, follows Hakim's text chapter by chapter and provides teaching tips, lists of key vocabulary words, activities, writing prompts, additional online and print resources, and more. Free to NSTA members, this easily downloaded e-book will help classroom teachers and parents of homeschoolers use Hakim's outstanding Einstein Adds a New Dimension to integrate science process with science literacy.

Science Sampler: Chemical weathering-Where did the rocks go?

9/25/2008 12:00:00 AM

This lesson is part of a larger Earth science unit that combines the concepts of the rock cycle and the water cycle and how they interact to change landforms. The authors refer to it as the "make it and then break it" unit. They spend half the unit making metamorphic, sedimentary, and igneous rock models, and the second half of the unit weathering and eroding their models and other rocks. Students use the lessons learned to answer an open-ended question describing the process of weathering. They also make decisions regarding the chemical and mechanical weathering on monuments and buildings.

Networking Antarctic Research Discoveries to a Science Classroom

9/24/2008 12:00:00 AM

In 2006, a unique scenario transported eighth-grade Earth science students from the classroom into the cold, dry, pristine surroundings of Antarctica. The mission was to expose the students to hands-on science using satellite telephones, Contact 3.0 software, and some very creative improvisation. In addition, a detailed, well-illustrated blog allowed students to follow along interactively with a research team from the local university conducting research in the western Dry Valleys of the Transantarctic Mountains. Two explicit goals of the project were to (1) promote inquiry-based learning in the classroom and (2) enhance creative thinking and problem-solving skills in the classroom.

Science 101: Why are there so many different models of light?

9/17/2008 12:00:00 AM

Is light a ray, a wave, or a particle? Yes, yes, and yes. An article in this issue ("The Benefits of Scientific Modeling," p. 40) discusses the process of scientific modeling, and light is a great example of how modeling works. There are three viable models for light, each appropriate for different situations. The author will discuss the situations to which each applies, and then discuss how these different explanations are all compatible with one another.

The Many Levels of Inquiry

9/15/2008 12:00:00 AM

Elementary teachers often struggle with how to design and implement inquiry instruction with their students. For many, just understanding what inquiry is can be difficult-let alone designing activities that support high levels of inquiry. In this article, the authors present a continuum by which to evaluate an activity's level of inquiry. Then, using a fifth-grade unit exploring sinking and floating, they describe examples of each type of inquiry from low-level structured inquiry to high-level open inquiry.

A Useful Laboratory Tool

9/10/2008 12:00:00 AM

Recently, a high school Science Club generated a large number of questions involving temperature. Therefore, they decided to construct a thermal gradient apparatus in order to conduct a wide range of experiments beyond the standard "cookbook" labs. They felt that this apparatus could be especially useful in future ninth-grade biology classes, in which students must design and conduct individual, inquiry-based experiments as part of their training in scientific methodology. This article describes their experience building and testing a thermal gradient for laboratory use.

The Quiet Skies Project

9/10/2008 12:00:00 AM

To help promote student awareness of the connection between radio astronomy and radio frequency interference (RFI), an inquiry-based science curriculum was developed to allow high school students to determine RFI levels in their communities. The Quiet Skies Project-the result of a collaboration between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO)-encourages students to collect and analyze RFI data and develop conclusions as a team.

Targeting Students' Physical Science Misconceptions: Using the Conceptual Change Model, 3rd Edition

9/3/2008 12:00:00 AM

This popular, classic teaching resource has been updated in this 3rd edition. It is intended for classroom teachers, home-schoolers, and both preservice and professional development courses. The book includes chapters devoted to physical science concepts typically taught in middle school and high school classes, with classroom activities for each topic. Activities use Dr. Stepans' highly successful 6-phase Conceptual Change Model to target concepts about which students typically have naive ideas and misconceptions. Each chapter identifies commonly held difficulties and misconceptions, factors that contribute to their development, and background information for the teacher in regard to the concepts targeted by the activities. The teaching-and-learning strategy has learners identify and share their existing ideas about a concept before doing the activity, provides them with first-hand experiences to test these ideas, and leads them to accommodate their new thinking and apply it to other situations. It applies decades of research to create an energized, inclusive, social-constructivist environment for learning.

A Simple Activity to Facilitate Proportional Reasoning in the Contexts of Density, Dissolving, and Nanoparticles

8/28/2008 12:00:00 AM

To address the confusion resulting from difficulties with proportional reasoning among preservice physical science students, a cube-assembly activity was used to bring a sense of concreteness to abstract ideas. The activity took students from the concrete step of assembling cubes of various sizes and directly measuring their properties to slightly larger cubes, to significantly larger cubes. Then, in the analysis of the table, students carried out the calculations of several ratios that showed how the density of the material did not change regardless of the change of mass and volume of the material, and some mathematical formalism was built based on the empirical data generated in the activity.

Tried and True: Helicopter seeds and hypotheses … that's funny!

8/26/2008 12:00:00 AM

Investigating maple samaras, or helicopter seeds, can give students a "that's funny" experience and catalyze the development of inquiry skills. In this article, the authors describe how to use maple helicopter seeds (samaras) to engage students in focused observation and hypothesis testing. This activity requires only basic classroom equipment and maple samaras, which can be found throughout most of the United States or purchased online.

Methods and Strategies: The Science Representation Continuum

8/13/2008 12:00:00 AM

Research indicates that people more easily understand abstractions when they are preceded by concrete representations (Lawson 2002). This article describes how educators can use science representations to help students form lasting understandings of abstract concepts. A spectrum illustrating some commonly used representation types and their level of abstraction along a continuum is included. In addition, a sample scaffolding activity for force and motion is used as an example of one way such an instructional sequence might be developed.

Idea Bank: Presidential "Periodic Table"

8/6/2008 12:00:00 AM

The Presidential "Periodic Table" is an engaging activity that encourages high school chemistry students to match the names of the elements with their chemical symbols in order to spell out the names of the 43 U.S. presidents. By completing the puzzle, students reinforce their knowledge of both chemical elements and the names of the American presidents in chronological order.

Science Sampler: A slice of solar cooking

7/27/2008 12:00:00 AM

Using the principles of scientific investigation, students design a solar cooker using materials supplied by the teacher. Students then spend individual time designing a solar cooker on their own. Afterward, students are placed in groups to cooperatively design a cooker. The kids construct their cookers, and then try them out by sun-roasting apples. A report is written to summarize at least three science concepts utilized in their design. Through this engaging and inquiry-based activity, students learn the application of science by transforming insulation to heat energy.

The Joy of Physics

7/18/2008 12:00:00 AM

Based on materials he developed for his own classes, the latest from author and retired professor Arthur W. Wiggins makes genuine fun out of rigorous science. Wiggins begins by introducing the why and how of physics' quest to understand the workings of the universe, keeping any off-putting math on the backburner; each subsequent chapter goes into detail regarding a particular aspect of physics, starting with motion and continuing through to quarks, quanta and quasars. Wiggins's friendly, stress-free approach will teach readers how to measure, observe and calculate, and he enriches his study with short history lessons and biographies of physics pioneers like Newton, Ohm, Tesla, Edison, Einstein and the eccentric and amazing Count Rumford. With the exception of chapters on nuclear and astrophysics, each chapter contains quick-and-easy experiments (and even quicker-and-easier "experimentinos") that can be done at home: throwing Frisbees, playing on teeter-totters, squashing soda bottles and investigating static cling. Clever cartoons by Sydney Harris and quotes from such worthies as Jeff Foxworthy provide laugh-out-loud moments, while the very human travails of pioneers like Tesla and Bernoulli remind us that life (and science) is seldom easy, even for geniuses. A welcome volume, Wiggins' gentle but thorough text could do much to quell perennial student bellyaching over introductory physics courses.

Tried and True: Egg-in-the-bottle demonstration

7/8/2008 12:00:00 AM

The Egg-in-the-bottle was the first demonstration performed by Don Herbert on his "Watch Mr. Wizard" television show, which premiered in 1951. This classic demonstration continues to delight students today and should be included in every middle school teacher's toolkit. This month's column offers a new twist on this classic demonstration.

Case Study: Ethanol or Biodiesel? A Systems-Analysis Decision

7/7/2008 12:00:00 AM

This case study stresses the need to broadly consider an entire system, including all of the energy inputs and outputs involved, to determine the real efficiency of that system. It also asks its student audience to consider the role that scientific input plays in policy decision-making processes. It emphasizes that, despite the importance of this input, it is only one of a number of factors that influence such decisions; it, alone, generally does not determine the out come of these processes.

The Electromagnetic Spectrum: Using Light and Color to Search for Astronomical Origins

7/6/2008 12:00:00 AM

Using telescopes in space and on the ground for innovative research, NASA's Astronomical Search for Origins program explores the universe at a variety of wavelengths. To help communicate the results of the Origins program in a manner that is directly relevant to the needs of the K-12 educators, NASA's Office of Space Science has created the Origins Education Forum. The forum is an association of the individual education and public outreach programs conducted by each Origins mission.

Project SunSHINE: A Student-Based Research Program

7/2/2008 12:00:00 AM

This successful middle school program has students use technology to conduct their own weather investigations. Students design a research question focusing on ultraviolet levels, then collect data on local weather conditions.

Science Sampler: Conservation of mass and an unsuspected buoyancy effect

6/25/2008 12:00:00 AM

Over the years, many interesting chemical reactions and activities have been used to illustrate the conservation of mass. The reaction of baking soda and vinegar is a common example. The experimental procedure described in this article presents a special case involving buoyancy where the buoyancy effect is exacerbated by the fact that the reaction container expands as the reaction proceeds and a large volume of air is displaced. The data reported here were gathered at a specific pressure and temperature using a certain type of balloon. Specific values will depend on temperature, barometric pressure, humidity, type of balloon, and the amounts of vinegar and baking soda. However, the relationship among variables should remain the same.

Idea Bank: Measuring the Speed of Sound

6/18/2008 12:00:00 AM

The following physics lab activities are new versions of old experiments for measuring the speed of sound-what makes them new is their use of electronic interfacing, which can be exciting for students. Each activity addresses the National Science Education Standards dealing with Content Standard A, "Science as Inquiry" and Content Standard B, "Interactions of Energy and Matter" (NRC 1996).

Archive: Enlightening Experiences with Energy, June 12, 2008

6/12/2008 12:00:00 AM

This Web Seminar, developed in collaboration with the National Science Digital Library (NSDL) took place on Thursday, June 12, 2008, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time. In this program Dr. Cathy Mariotti Ezrailson, Assistant Professor at the University of South Dakota and Dr. John Roeder, AAPT Physics Teaching Resource Agent and Physics teacher at the Calhoun School in New York City provided content and resources related to energy from The Physics Front, a digital collection of resources for teaching physics for secondary teachers that is a part of ComPADRE, the NSDL digital library for physics and astronomy. For more information about this web seminar, its presenter(s), read what participants said about it, and to see and download its PowerPoint slides <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/NSDL2/webseminar12.aspx" >go here</a>.

Earth's Changing Surface

6/10/2008 12:00:00 AM

SciPacks are 10 hour online learning experiences teachers can use to enhance their understanding of a particular scientific concept. Teachers access topics "on demand" from the Internet. Topics are based on science literacy goals in the national standards and tied to state standards. Pedagogical Implications also address student misconceptions. Expert content help is available via email as well as a final assessment to demonstrate understanding of the SciPack content. The Earth's Changing Surface SciPack explores how Earth's ever-changing surface is due to continuous natural processes such as tectonic activity, earthquakes, volcanic activities, weathering and erosion, and sedimentation and the reformation of rock. The focus is on topics supporting Standards and Benchmarks related to how and why these processes occur, and how elements cycle through the land, oceans, and atmosphere as a result of these processes. This SciPack looks at Earth as a system that exists in dynamic equilibrium.

Science Beyond the Curriculum: Projects and Challenges

5/28/2008 12:00:00 AM

The National Science Education Standards and Benchmarks for Science Literacy stress the importance of creating science experiences that are linked to the real world, something that is familiar to students. Projects and challenges hold the potential for fostering curiosity and motivating students. If we want to consider science for all, then we must seek ways to engage students in interests that go beyond the curriculum. This free selection includes the Table of Contents, Introduction, and Index. As a special bonus, an additional chapter featuring a problem-based learning (PBL) experience related to mass and volume is included.

Archive: Mapping the Moon: Simulating LOLA in the Classroom, May 13, 2008

5/13/2008 12:00:00 AM

This Web Seminar, sponsored by the NASA, took place on May 13, 2008, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Time. Presenting was Don HigdonDon Higdon, a Senior Instructional Designer at the University of Maryland Baltimore County. Assisting Mr. Higdon on the chat window and programming a robot was Dr. Susan Hoban, a NASA Astronomer who works with the Goddard Earth Science Technology Center also at the University of Maryland Baltimore County. The title of the presentation was: The Search for Lunar Ice. For more information about this web seminar, its presenter(s), read what participants said about it, and to see and download its PowerPoint slides <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/boston08/NASA-Mapping/webseminarII.aspx">go here</a>.

The Energy Retrofit of a Building: A Journey Through Bloom's Learning Domains

5/2/2008 12:00:00 AM

At Colorado College, the energy retrofit of a building is used as a service-learning research project to teach physics and chemistry in a variety of courses. In introductory courses for nonscience majors, the project helps students appreciate the scientific method and quantitative reasoning. Within the physical-chemistry course, students see that the abstract science of thermodynamics has very real applications to life. The energy retrofit project successfully teaches inquiry-based science and effectively takes students through all of Bloom's learning domains: cognitive, affective, and psychomotor. The most dramatic impact on students is in the affective domain as indicated by student actions following the conclusion of the project and the constant demand for the project offering.

Archive: 21st Century Explorer - Today's Knowledge for Tomorrow's Explorer, April 24, 2008

4/24/2008 12:00:00 AM

This Web Seminar, sponsored by the NASA, took place on April 24, 2008, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Time. Presenting from NASA's Johnson Space Center in Texas were Jaqueline Cortez, Business Specialist and Education and Outreach Coordinator for the 21st Century Explorer Project, Vickie Kloeris, Manager of the International Space Station Food System, and Lisa Neasbitt, Educator Lead for the NASA Sports and Exploration, NASA 21st Century Explorer, and the NASA Fit Explorer Projects. The presentation focused on the topic of Food for Spaceflight. For more information about this web seminar, its presenter(s), read what participants said about it, and to see and download its PowerPoint slides <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/boston08/NASA-Explorers/webseminarI.aspx">go here</a>.

The Fission Vision

4/23/2008 12:00:00 AM

Leo Szilard, a Hungarian physicist, imagined the two steps needed to free the energy in an atom's nucleus: one, a nuclear chain reaction, and two, a critical mass of the right element to set off and sustain it. Does he envision the process we now call "fission," the splitting of nuclei? Yes, he seems to, but Szilard's ideas are not yet clearly expressed. And he doesn't know which element will provide nuclei that can be easily split. This chapter describes his quest and that of his contemporaries, to identify this missing element-which ultimately unleashed nuclear energy into the world. In addition, this compelling chapter clearly illustrates the nature of science and science as a human endeavor as recommended in the National Science Education Standards.

Archive: Mapping the Moon: Simulating LOLA in the Classroom, April 22, 2008

4/22/2008 12:00:00 AM

This Web Seminar, sponsored by the NASA, took place on April 22, 2008, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Time. Presenting was Don Higdon, a Senior Instructional Designer at the University of Maryland Baltimore County. Assisting Mr. Higdon on the chat window was Dr. Susan Hoban, NASA Astronomer, who works with the Goddard Earth Science Technology Center also at the University of Maryland Baltimore County. The presentation focused on the topics of topographic maps, the concept of resolution, and the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter's LOLA instrument. For more information about this web seminar, its presenter(s), read what participants said about it, and to see and download its PowerPoint slides <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/boston08/NASA-Mapping/webseminarI.aspx">go here</a>.

Archive: Using Earth to Explore Mars, April 3, 2008

4/3/2008 12:00:00 AM

This Web Seminar was developed in collaboration with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and Arizona State University's (ASU) Mars Education Program. The event took place on April 3, 2008, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Time. The presenters were Dr. Joshua Bandfield, Research Specialist at the Mars Spaceflight Facility at Arizona State University and Brian Grigsby, Director of the ASU Mars Education and Outreach Program at Arizona State University. Dr. Bandfield used images to compare Earth with Mars, highlighting the similarities of the two planets and Mr. Grigsby provided an update of current and future NASA's missions to Mars. For more information about this web seminar, its presenter(s), read what participants said about it, and to see and download its PowerPoint slides <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/JPL2/webseminar10.aspx">go here</a>.

Tried and True: Whatever floats your boat

3/30/2008 12:00:00 AM

Ever since Archimedes ran down the streets of ancient Greece shouting, "Eureka!," scientists have understood that a submerged body displaces a volume of water equal to its own volume. Scientists also came to realize that if a body weighed less than the water it displaced, the body would float. Although this knowledge has been around for nearly 2,500 years, many students still have difficulty explaining how a vessel made of a heavier-than-water material, such as steel, remains afloat. The following tried and true activity provides students with a hands-on experience that explains the principle of buoyancy.

Archive: NASA/NSTA Symposium: Mapping the Moon: Simulating LOLA in the Classroom, Boston, MA: March 28, 2008

3/28/2008 12:00:00 AM

During this half-day symposium, sponsored by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), scientists and education specialists shared information with teachers about the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and its instruments to study the Moon, about topographic maps, and about robotic exploration. The presenters led activities that enhanced the participants' knowledge of the previously mentioned topics that can be easily replicated and/or simulated in their classrooms. All participants received educational materials and information about related links available via the NASA web site.

Science Shorts: Wind at Work

3/27/2008 12:00:00 AM

Many children enjoy evaluating products and designing improvements. Activities that promote investigation and product design lend themselves to assessments that demonstrate communication skills, focus on reasoning ability, and illustrate levels of conceptual understanding. In the following lesson, Wind at Work, students explore concepts of energy transfer, conduct simple investigations, plan design modifications, and communicate results.

Science 101: How do animals communicate underwater?

3/27/2008 12:00:00 AM

Well, they often use hand signals, such as the "OK" sign, and sometimes they write on message boards. So much for how SCUBA divers (classified as animals) communicate! Other than the authors' knowledge of sound waves and how they move air and water, along with the fact that whales and dolphins make cool sounds, SCUBA diver communication was about the extent of his understanding of how animals' communicate underwater. So, he did a bit of research and discovered lots of interesting things, which he shares in this month's column.

Archive: NASA/NSTA Symposium: 21st Century Explorer - Today's Knowledge for Tomorrow's Explorer, Boston, MA: March 27, 2008

3/27/2008 12:00:00 AM

During this half-day symposium, sponsored by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), scientists and education specialists shared information with teachers about the 21st Century Explorer project, about NASA's Crew Exploration Vehicle, and about how the human body changes during space flight. The presenters led activities that enhanced the participants' knowledge about space flight, science, and engineering that can be easily replicated in their classrooms. All participants received educational materials and information about related links available via the NASA web site. Former NASA Astronaut Michael Baker, who participated on four Space Shuttle missions, was one of the presenters of this Symposium sharing his spaceflight experiences with the audience.

The Magic Balloon

3/21/2008 12:00:00 AM

For this story, the main purpose is to explore the relationship between temperature and pressure of gases but it may spill over into the concepts of floating and density in older children. It also asks questions about gas being a form of matter that has mass and takes up space. Basically, it revolves around a law developed by French chemist/physicist Jacques Charles in 1787 now known as Charles' Law. This free selection takes a look at how Charles' Law explains various mysteries concerning balloons and objects that float in the air. It includes the Table of Contents, Preface, Introduction, and Index.

Charging Ahead: An Introduction to Electromagnetism (e-Book)

3/19/2008 12:00:00 AM

Charging Ahead: An Introduction to Electromagnetism is a set of hands-on activities designed to help teachers introduce middle and high school students to electromagnetism, one of the most fascinating and life changing phenomenon humankind has witnessed. In 1820, Hans Oersted, a Danish physicist and school teacher, discovered that an electrical current produces magnetism. This set the stage for the development of the electrical motor and generating electricity from motion and magnets. Charging Ahead uses readily available materials to introduce students to electromagnetism, to the factors that determine the strength of electrical coils, to the application of electromagnetism in the construction of an electrical motor, and to the production of electricity through the construction of a generator. Throughout the book, students are introduced to historical perspectives and to technological applications (circuit breakers, mag-lev trains, superconducting generators, etc.) of electromagnetism.

Pennies

3/18/2008 12:00:00 AM

The purpose of this assessment probe is to elicit students' ideas about the properties of atoms. The probe is designed to determine whether students can distinguish between the microscopic properties of an atom and the macroscopic properties of a substance or object made up of atoms. This free selection includes the Table of Contents, Preface, Introduction, and the Index.

Corrosion in the Classroom

3/17/2008 12:00:00 AM

The analysis and activities described in this article provide high school chemistry and science teachers with hands-on lab experiments designed to make students more aware of corrosion and the processes used to prevent or control it (D'Agostino 2005). These experiments also provide opportunities for high school students to gain relevant, authentic practice with workplace readiness skills and to learn about potential career paths in chemistry and engineering.

Real Science or Marketing Hype?

3/17/2008 12:00:00 AM

The Center for Nanoscale Chemical-Electrical-Mechanical Manufacturing Systems (Nano-CEMMS) at the University of Illinois, in collaboration with local Champaign-area teachers, has developed classroom activities designed to introduce nanotechnology to secondary students. This article describes a quick, simple, and safe classroom activity in which students make silver nanoparticles and design experiments to test their effectiveness.

Everyday Science Mysteries: Stories for Inquiry-Based Science Teaching

3/7/2008 12:00:00 AM

Science Shorts: "Knowing" Newton

3/6/2008 12:00:00 AM

Newton's Laws seem simple and familiar. Despite their apparent simplicity, these laws are often misunderstood. In the following lesson, students will become better acquainted with Newton and his laws as they test what happens when a force is applied to an object. They will determine that a force either speeds an object or slows it down. Students will test what happens when a force is applied to an object. They will determine that a force either speeds an object up or slows it down. Students will document the speeding up of a toy car as they apply a constant push. They will then investigate the effects of friction on the car to see that forces can speed something up but they can also slow objects down.

Science 101: Do balances and scales determine an object's mass or its weight?

3/6/2008 12:00:00 AM

The typical elementary school explanation of the difference between mass and weight goes something like the following: Mass is the amount of matter contained in an object. If you travel to the Moon, another planet, or anywhere far away from Earth, your mass doesn't change. Weight is how hard Earth pulls on you. When you travel to the Moon or another planet, the pull of gravity changes, and so your weight changes. Although this explanation is correct, the author never found this definition to be satisfactory. Here he provides a much more complete explanation of the difference between mass and weight by explaining one of Newton's famous laws of motion.

The Early Years: Objects in Motion

3/6/2008 12:00:00 AM

Objects in motion attract children. The following activity helps children explore the motion of bodies riding in a vehicle and safely demonstrates the answer to their questions, "Why do I need a seatbelt?" Children will enjoy moving the cup around, even if all they "see" is a cup rather than understanding it represents a car. They will understand that each time they suddenly stop the cup, the marble will roll out unless it is taped in, even if they do not yet understand that the same forces apply to passengers in a car.

Teaching Through Trade Books: Roller Coasters!

3/6/2008 12:00:00 AM

Students of all ages are fascinated by the ups, downs, loops, and twists of roller coaster rides! What they may not realize is that there is a lot of science involved in making a roller coaster work. This month's column puts students in the shoes of a roller coaster designer as they work in teams to create their own roller coasters.

Archive: Exploring Mars with CRISM and the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, March 6, 2008

3/6/2008 12:00:00 AM

This Web Seminar was developed in collaboration with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and Arizona State University's (ASU) Mars Education Program. The event took place on Thursday, March 6, 2008, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Time. The presenter was Dr. Scott Murchie from the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland. Dr. Murchie is the Principal Investigator for the CRISM instrument currently aboard the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter spacecraft at Mars. For more information about this web seminar, its presenter(s), read what participants said about it, and to see and download its PowerPoint slides <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/JPL2/webseminar9.aspx">go here</a>.

Using Simple Machines to Leverage Learning

3/5/2008 12:00:00 AM

What would your students say if you told them they could lift you off the ground using a block and a board? Using a simple machine, they'll find out they can, and they'll learn about work, energy, and motion in the process! In addition, this integrated lesson gives students the opportunity to investigate variables while practicing measurement skills, using technology, and communicating their ideas. As with the other simple machines, studying levers provides students with an opportunity to apply their developing mathematical skills to problems with real-world application.

Can Trains Really Float?

3/5/2008 12:00:00 AM

Have you ever heard of a Maglev train? Who would be crazy enough to think that exploring how a high-tech train little known in the United States works with a group of fourth-grade students would yield understandings about the properties of magnetism, force and motion, and inquiry science? Fortunately, the authors-a college methods professor and two elementary education students-were, and the hands-on exploration they developed and tested with their students was a resounding success. Their highly motivating learning adventure is described here.

Simple Machines in the Community

3/5/2008 12:00:00 AM

The community can be a powerful context and mini-laboratory for cultivating students' common understandings of science and mathematics. On the island of Panay in the Philippines, the community was the starting place for a group of fifth- and sixth-grade students to explore simple machines in their daily lives. What students learned in the process became the basis for developing the set of culturally relevant lessons on simple machines described in this article. Each of the examples that follow features a simple machine found in the community, an explanation of how it works, a guiding-inquiry question, and a follow-up activity designed to foster students' exploration of this question.

Juggling Makes Physics Fun

3/5/2008 12:00:00 AM

We all hope our classrooms don't take on a circus-like atmosphere, but juggling can be an engaging way to introduce elementary physics to students. The very act of tossing and catching objects can help students to understand the basic physical principles involved in rotating a set of objects. This article suggests a variety of simple hands-on activities and demonstrations for introducing physical science concepts associated with juggling. In addition, students will learn the value of making predictions based on careful observations and repetitive findings-an essential characteristic of the scientific process.

Tried and True: Balloons and Newton's Third Law

3/4/2008 12:00:00 AM

This constructivist adaptation of the classic balloon-on-a-string exploration leads students to investigate Newton's third law: for every action force there is an equal and opposite reaction force. This hands-on, minds-on activity leads students to form new concepts and correct any misconceptions they may have about Newton's third law.

Archive: Inquire, Engage, and Explore: The Mars Student Imaging Project , February 28, 2008

2/28/2008 12:00:00 AM

This Web Seminar was developed in collaboration with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and Arizona State University's (ASU) Mars Education Program. The event took place on Thursday, February 28, 2008, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Time. The presenter, Paige Graff from Arizona State University, provided an introduction of the Mars Student Imaging Project (MSIP). For more information about this web seminar, its presenter(s), read what participants said about it, and to see and download its PowerPoint slides <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/JPL2/webseminar8.aspx">go here</a>.

Science Sampler: To heat or not to heat

2/27/2008 12:00:00 AM

As part of a lesson on heat transfer, middle school students design their own investigation of conduction, insulation, and convection.

Investigations in the Science of Sports

2/26/2008 12:00:00 AM

The Sisters in Sport Science (SISS) program addresses the need for girls to gain equitable access to science and mathematics education by using sport as a vehicle for learning. Through sport, not only are girls learning the underlying principles of science and mathematics embedded in the mechanics of performing a sport; but also, they are learning the scientific principles in an atmosphere that embraces their psycho-social-emotional connection to learning. This article provides an overview of this standards-based program and describes an activity relating track and field to physical science.

Favorite Demonstration: Demonstrating Indigo Carmine Oxidation-Reduction Reactions-A Choreography for Chemical Reactions

2/26/2008 12:00:00 AM

The indigo carmine demonstration (Ferguson et al. 1973), also referred to as a traffic-light demonstration (Flinn Scientific 2007a), is an example of a set of oxidation-reduction reactions that occurs within one solution. This type of demonstration can be used to introduce the concept of chemical reaction to undergraduate nonscience majors. Through their observations guided by the instructor, students begin to develop and construct the following concepts: color changes, reaction rates, reversible reactions, energy requirements (endothermic/exothermic), and equilibrium.

It's Raining Micrometeorites

2/25/2008 12:00:00 AM

Did you know that whenever you take a walk in the rain, you have a close encounter with extraterrestrial material? Our atmosphere contains small, microscopic bits of matter called micrometeorites. When scientists study these tiny invaders, they use specially equipped aircrafts to collect them directly from the atmosphere, or they may extract a sample from arctic ice or deep-sea sediment (Brownlee and Love 1993). Micrometeorites, however, can also be observed by collecting ordinary rainwater, and that is exactly what eighth grade students do in this inquiry-based activity.

Reactions to Atomic Structure

2/18/2008 12:00:00 AM

Middle level students are in a concrete stage of psychosocial development and often have difficulty comprehending something as abstract as atomic structure. Students may simply memorize and "brain dump" information about atoms instead of truly internalizing and understanding the concepts. To help students grasp this abstract concept, the lesson described here engages them in an inquiry-based activity in which they build their own model of the atom.

Increasing the Drive of Your Physics Class

2/15/2008 12:00:00 AM

First-year physics students often have a difficult time grasping Newton's laws of motion and recognizing the forces that these laws depend on. The "Paper Car" project is an experiential activity that is rich in application of force principles. It is also simple enough that students are able to integrate straightforward but non-trivial physics concepts they have learned in class. With some teacher guidance, students gain a much deeper understanding of forces and begin to see how physics principles can be used to aid in the design of real objects.

Creating Coherent Inquiry Projects to Support Students Cognition and Collaboration in Physics.

2/15/2008 12:00:00 AM

This chapter presents an inquiry template that involves three phases: (1) students observe and reflect on phenomena and make predictions about underlying mechanisms, (2) students gather data to investigate these mechanisms as they build and refine their models, and (3) students discuss, critique, and refine these models within a larger group. This template has the advantage of flexibility, combining hands-on labs, simulations, discussions, and other activities into coherent inquiry projects across the curriculum.

A Dastardly Density Deed

2/12/2008 12:00:00 AM

This burglary mystery captures students' interest as they analyze how the mass-to-volume ratio of a liquid determines its density. As they observe the mass change while the volume remains constant, they begin to understand why the density increases. To analyze the data, students perform mathematical calculations, compare and contrast different liquids, and make accurate measurements. Participating in this hands-on, exploratory investigation allows students to use a trial-and-error approach that stimulates their thinking and leads to long-term retention of learning.

Inquiry in the Chemistry Classroom: Perplexity, Model Testing, and Synthesis

2/12/2008 12:00:00 AM

Lavoisier's theory of combustion is used as a context for a set of interrelated, inquiry-fostering investigations in a high school chemistry class. Further, this example of chemistry inquiry is used to develop some central ideas about inquiry pedagogy in science classrooms across content areas: sustained yet evolving scientific perplexity; model testing; and finally, synthesis that is a thoughtful and empirically supported explanation that may encompass multiple, seemingly conflicting pieces of data from a number of different phenomena.

There's More to Light Than Meets the Eye

2/1/2008 12:00:00 AM

This investigation was part of a multi-lesson unit that gave students direct experience using increasingly sophisticated tools to make more detailed observations and measurements of light. Through these lessons, students experienced a key aspect of the nature of science (McComas 2004), namely how scientists constantly refine and modify theories as they make more exact measurements using precise instruments.

Archive: Are We Alone?, January 31, 2008

1/31/2008 12:00:00 AM

This Web Seminar, developed in collaboration with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and Arizona State University's (ASU) Mars Education Program, took place on January 31, 2008 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Time. The presenter was Dr. Jack Farmer, Professor in the Department of Geological Sciences and Director of Arizona State University's Astrobiology Program. Dr. Farmer talked about astrobiology, extreme environments and some of the extreme places we have found life thriving on Earth and the applications of this data in regards to Mars exploration. For more information about this web seminar, its presenter(s), read what participants said about it, and to see and download its PowerPoint slides <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/JPL2/webseminar7.aspx">go here</a>.

Science 101: How does a telescope work?

1/30/2008 12:00:00 AM

It turns out that telescopes, microscopes, and binoculars all work on the same principles, so you get three for one in this answer. They give us information that we can't get with the unaided eye. To do that, these devices gather as much information (in the form of emitted light or other electromagnetic waves or in the form of reflected electrons) as possible, focus it on a small area, and then enlarge the result for easy viewing. Now, if we could just develop a similar system to find out what's going on in the mind of a teenager.

Will It Float?

1/29/2008 12:00:00 AM

In this science investigation based on the 5E learning model, students moved through four different centers designed to focus their attention on the concepts of mass, volume, and density. At these stations, students encountered discrepant events that heightened their curiosity and encouraged discussion with peers about what they expected and observed. They answered questions and made predictions based on these observations.

The Early Years: Observing With Magnifiers

1/29/2008 12:00:00 AM

Inspire your students to become detailed observers by encouraging the use of magnifiers. Magnification can make us see an object with new understanding. Rachel Carson said, "Some of nature's most exquisite handiwork is on a miniature scale, as anyone knows who has applied a magnifying glass to a snowflake" (Carson 1965). The lesson described here uses interesting objects to give children a reason to learn to use a magnifier.

Archive: Earth in Reverse: Magnetic Wiggles on the Ocean Floor, January 29, 2008

1/29/2008 12:00:00 AM

This Web Seminar, developed in collaboration with the National Science Digital Library (NSDL) took place on Tuesday, January 29, 2008, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. In this program, the presenters discussed the Earth's magnetic field and its tendency to reverse polarity. For more information about this web seminar, its presenter(s), read what participants said about it, and to see and download its PowerPoint slides <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/NSDL2/webseminar7.aspx">go here</a>.

A Lemon of a Lesson

1/28/2008 12:00:00 AM

If life hands you lemons, make lemonade. This age-old advice is hard to argue with, but if you're handed lemons in science class, it's time to make observations. "A Lemon of a Lesson" provides valuable opportunities for students to hone their observation skills and extend these observations through the use of magnifiers and measuring devices. Once this seed of "observation awareness" has been planted, students understand why they need to make more in-depth observations-and do so-during later inquiry experiences in class.

Idea Bank: "Show-that"-A Better Framework for Problem Solving

1/23/2008 12:00:00 AM

"Show-that" problems provide the answer in the form of an equation in the question itself-which changes the goal from finding a number to showing the reasoning behind the answer. Is that not what problem solving should be about? The following series of problems illustrate the "show-that" framework.

Career of the Month: An Interview with Musical Acoustics Scientist James Beauchamp

1/23/2008 12:00:00 AM

When we think of sound, several things come to mind, from irritating noises to our favorite songs. Musical acoustics is the scientific study of sound as it relates to music. Some musical acousticians research how instruments work and how they can be improved, others investigate how we perceive and think about music and musical sounds. James Beauchamp has developed computer programs that produce musical sounds similar to those created by instruments-in essence, virtual instruments. Because of scientists such as Beauchamp, computer music has evolved from only abstract layers of sound, to sounds that include replicas of real instruments.

NSTA Learning Center Professional Development Tools

Archive: Anti-matter Eyes on the Gamma-ray Skies November 12, 2009

Archive: Knowing Nano: New Video, Web, and Print Resources from DragonflyTV, November 11, 2009

Online Courses: AMNH Seminars on Science

The Early Years: A Reason to Write

Methods and Strategies: Connecting Science and Literacy Through Talk

Speed Kills! (Or Does It?)

Archive: Design Squad: Today's Students, Tomorrow's Engineers November 4, 2009

Everyday Engineering: Time's up, turkey-Pop-up thermometers

Science Shorts: Solar Pizza Friday

Web Seminar: A Century of Cosmic Surprises December 8, 2009

Web Seminar: From Sound Waves to Microwaves: "Listening" to the Oldest Light of the Universe with the Planck Mission December 16, 2009

The Foundational Science Content

Construct-a-Catapult (e-book)

That Magnetic Dog

Archive: Chemistry Comes Alive IV: Oxidation/Reduction, October 15, 2009

Construct-a-Boat (e-book)

Construct-a-Glove (e-book)

Answers to Science Questions From the <em>Stop Faking It!</em> Guy (e-book)

Application of the K-W-L Teaching and Learning Method to an Introductory Physics Course

Science Sampler: The Element Walk

Science Sampler: Enhancing student understanding of physical and chemical changes

Tried and True: Inquiry-based dissolving

No More Leaks: A Process-Oriented Lesson Exploring the Invention and Chemistry of Disposable Diapers

That Is Not Where That Element Goes … Ah, the Nature of Science

Korean Kimchi Chemistry

Watching the Pot to Improve Inquiry Skills

Science Sampler: Chemistry in action-Triple delight

Science Matters - Achieving Scientific Literacy, <em>New Edition</em>, <em>Expanded and Updated</em>

Problem Solving by Design

Addressing Misconceptions

Podcast: Thermal Energy

Podcast: Scientific Method

Podcast: Newton's Second Law

Podcast: Gravity

Podcast: Weight

Stop Faking It! Series, Set of 8 Books

Is It Possible to Turn Coal Into Diamonds?

Take-Home Physics: 65 High-Impact, Low-Cost Labs (e-Book)

Teacher's Toolkit: Promoting and supporting scientific argumentation in the classroom-The evaluate-alternatives instructional model

Teaching With Crystal Structures

Idea Bank: Wiffle Ball Physics

What Happens to Cemetery Headstones?

Teacher Research: Challenging Our Assumptions

The Science Behind Nanosunscreens

Podcast: Solar Wind

Podcast: The Electromagnetic Spectrum

Podcast: Three Tiered Ecosystem Problems

Podcast: Satellite Mapping of the Moon Surface

Podcast: Determining a Lunar Landing Area

Podcast: Habitats Needed for the Moon and Mars

Comparison of Phosphate Levels in Stream Sediments

Answers to Science Questions From the <em>Stop Faking It!</em> Guy

Podcast: Landing Site Selection

Podcast: 21st Century Explorer Project Overview

Podcast: 21st Century Explorer Project Overview

Podcast: Video of Rover Airbag

Podcast: Circular Motion

Podcast: Different Frames of Reference

Podcast: Orbiting Things

Podcast: Gravitational Forces

Podcast: Why do Scientists Want to Cool a Gas to such Extremes?

Podcast: Exploring Heat Transfer

Podcast: Temperature Defined

Podcast: Difference between Temperature and Thermal Energy

Podcast: Heat Defined

Podcast: Work Defined

Podcast: Explanations of Work

Podcast: Force and Distance Relationships in Simple Machines Part I

Podcast: Introduction to Simple Machines - the Lever

Podcast: Force and Distance Relationships in Simple Machines Part II

Podcast: Inertia and Acceleration

Podcast: Mass and Weight

Podcast: Speed and Velocity

Calculating the Speed of Sound

Exploring the Dynamics of Temperature

Observing the Effects of Acids and Bases

Investigating the Pinhole Camera and Camera Obscura

Recording Images Using a Simple Pinhole Camera

Learning About Levers