September 9, 2016
Back to School with Discrepant Event Science!
by Mike Matthews
After a restful summer (which included a move to a new school!), classes are finally back in session! I always begin the year with a set of activities that challenge students to practice science process skills (observing, recording data, asking questions, etc.). My approach includes a series of quick “discrepant event” demos that captivate (and baffle) my students. From trying to figure out why two ice cubes melt at dramatically different rates to brainstorming explanations for how a sealed opaque balloon suddenly starts self-inflating, these demos engage students, assess their science skills, and emphasize the processes and habits that scientists use to inquire about the world around them.
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College level, Elementary level, High School level, Middle School level | Tagged: discrepant event, Educational Innovations, fun experiments, hands-on activity, homeschool, parent friendly, PBL, phenomenon based learning, phenomenon-based science, science, STEM, variables | 
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Posted by Donna Giachetti
August 26, 2016
by Priscilla Robinson
Empowering Performance
The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) had a strong presence at the 2016 NSTA Science Conference held this past March in Nashville, Tennessee. The conference theme was “Empowering Performance” and that’s the foundation upon which the NGSS standards are balanced. Enthusiastic keynote speeches empowered teachers to help their students “Change the World!” Educators dashed to workshops and the exhibit hall in search of solutions that will help them understand, implement and survive this rising tide of new science learning standards. Presently, with 19* states and the District of Columbia already on board with the NGSS adoption, updated standards are making their way into classrooms across the nation.
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Leave a Comment » | College level, Elementary level, High School level, Middle School level | Tagged: Educational Innovations, homeschool, NGSS, parent friendly, PBL, phenomenon based learning, phenomenon-based science, science, STEM | Permalink
Posted by Donna Giachetti
August 22, 2016
by Priscilla Robinson
Who doesn’t like to celebrate a big birthday? As we mark the centennial year of the National Park Service (NPS) on August 25, we as teachers can hook our students’ curiosity with the extensive network of America’s scenic spaces, indigenous wildlife, and natural resources. If ever there was a year for a solid and diverse learning theme, this is it! Keep the parties going as teachable moments—this is the best time for teachers to nurture lifelong learners and wards of the Earth.
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2 Comments | College level, Earth Science, Elementary level, High School level, Middle School level | Tagged: Educational Innovations, homeschool, parent friendly, PBL, phenomenon based learning, phenomenon-based science, science | Permalink
Posted by Donna Giachetti
August 15, 2016
Density has been in the news since… well, since Archimedes shouted Eureka. We have collected a sampling of news stories about density that you may want to use in your classroom as you open a discussion about this fascinating subject.
If you find a news article about density that you’d like to share, please let us know in the comments section. Happy reading!
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Leave a Comment » | Chemistry, College level, density, Elementary level, High School level, Middle School level | Tagged: density, Educational Innovations, homeschool, parent friendly, PBL, phenomenon based learning, phenomenon-based science, science | Permalink
Posted by Donna Giachetti
August 15, 2016
It can be difficult for students to understand density. It’s not as simple as saying that something is heavy or light… Able to float or sink… So how can we explain this to young minds?
No worries—we’ve collected some videos that will help you clarify some of the basics about density with your class. If you know of a video we should include here, please let us know in the comments!
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6 Comments | Chemistry, College level, density, Elementary level, High School level, Middle School level | Tagged: density, Educational Innovations, homeschool, parent friendly, PBL, phenomenon based learning, phenomenon-based science, science | Permalink
Posted by Donna Giachetti
