K12Science

I was recently reading the May/June 2021 issue of "Science Scope" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the section "Scope on the Skies" written by Bob Riddle. Bob wrote an article entitled "Earth Watch."

The planet Earth is currently the only place where we can live, and just like our homes, classrooms, and local communities, there is a constant need for environmental awareness. This should highlight both the importance of thinking globally while dealing with local circumstances and the importance of monitoring our "home" from a global perspective, using for example, NOAA Satellites.

I was recently reading the May/June 2021 issue of "Science Scope" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the section "Citizen Science" written by Jill Nugent. Jill wrote an article entitled "Conservation Cameras: From the Wild to Your Classroom."

The Zoological Society of London's "Instant Wild" empowers you to take part in vital conservation work by bringing you LIVE images and videos from amazing locations all around the world for you to identify. For more information, please visit:

https://instantwild.zsl.org

I was recently reading the May/June 2021 issue of "Science Scope" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the section "Interdisciplinary Ideas" written by Raja Ridgway. Raja wrote an article entitled "The Intentional Integration of Computational Thinking."

Computational Thinking Practices:

• Decomposition — Breaking down into components.
• Pattern Matching — Finding similarities between components.
• Abstraction — The process of reducing complexity by focusing on the main idea. By hiding details irrelevant to the question at hand and bringing together related and useful details, abstraction reduces complexity and allows one to focus on the problem.
• Algorithms — A step-by-step process to complete a task.

I was recently reading the May/June 2021 issue of "Science Scope" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the section "From the Editor's Desk" written by Patty McGinnis. Patty wrote an article entitled "Mathematics and Computational Thinking: A Bridge to STEM Careers."

Science practices have changed drastically over the years as a result of digital tools at the disposal of scientists. As a result, the sheer volume of data available necessitates an understanding of data management and analytics.

I was recently reading the March/April 2021 issue of "The Science Teacher" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the section "Career of the Month" written by Luba Vangelova. Luba wrote an article entitled "Exploration Geologist Quinton Hennigh."

Exploration geologists, also known as prospectors, look for new sources of mineral deposits. They use a mix of geological, geophysical, and geochemical knowledge to analyze data and test hypotheses about where deposits are likely to be found. "You identify targets, drill holes, and try to find treasure," says Quinton Hennigh.

I was recently reading the March/April 2021 issue of "The Science Teacher" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the section "Citizen Science" written by Jill Nugent. Jill wrote an article entitled "Accelerating Alzheimer's Research with Stall Catchers."

Stall Catchers, created by the Human Computation Institute at Cornell University, is an online citizen science game designed to speed up Alzheimer's disease research. You can learn more by visiting the game's website at:

https://stallcatchers.com

I was recently reading the March/April 2021 issue of "The Science Teacher" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the section "Commentary" written by Andrew Zucker. Andrew wrote an article entitled "Teaching Scientific Literacy."

Here are five themes to consider in order to promote scientific literacy:

• Pay attention to the personal and societal contexts of science.
• Relate scientific literacy to traditional forms of literacy.
• Teach about how to find reliable information about science and how to reject junk science.
• Include some important events in the history of science.
• Help females and minority students realize their potential in science.

I was recently reading the March/April 2021 issue of "The Science Teacher" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the section "Editor's Corner" written by Ann Haley Mackenzie. Ann wrote an article entitled "Technology and Scientific Habits of Mind."

The focus of her article was on the importance of curiosity, persistence and perseverance. If we are too busy covering the content instead of providing a place for uncovering the science content with the students, then many chances for curiosity, persistence, and perseverance are lost.

I was recently reading the March/April 2021 issue of "Science and Children" a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the "Editor's Note" section, written by Elizabeth Barrett-Zahn. Elizabeth wrote an article entitled, "Culturally Responsive Teaching."

At the heart of Culturally Responsive and Relevant Teaching is a willingness to listen, reflect, and celebrate the richness that cultural and linguistic diversity has to offer.

The National Science Teaching Association in collaboration with the Children's Book Council released the 2021 list of the Best STEM Trade Books for Students. In this podcast we look at the 7 books recommended for students in grades 6 - 8.

• All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys' Soccer Team
• Beastly Bionics: Rad Robots, Brilliant Biomimicry, and Incredible Inventions Inspired by Nature
• Changing the Equation: 50+ US Black Women in STEM
• Galileo! Galileo!
• Machines That Think!: Big Ides that Changed the World
• Spaceman: The True Story of a Young Boy's Journey to Becoming an Astronaut
• Who Gives a Poop?: Surprising Science from One End to the Other