Since you've got that feeder out your window, there is no reason that your students can't participate in meaningful scientific research! Everyone who has a bird feeder should know about this: (*disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated with these folks, I just think this is one of the best examples of incorporating the public … Continue reading Birds: who else is watching?
For the Birds
Its that time of year again. The time of the year when everyone wants to start feeding birds. Maybe its the chilling frosty cold outside, or the bird-themed snowy holiday cards. Personally, I love bird feeders. They were always outside the biggest window of my childhood home, and in college I logged dozens of hours … Continue reading For the Birds
Misconceptions part 4: Are there really that many?
Yes. Have you ever wondered what misconceptions your students or children (for you homeschooling parents who are following along) may have about Earth and Space Science? In a course I teach (Earth Science for Teachers) one of our assignments is to write a short paper on a common misconception, report where the misconception comes from, … Continue reading Misconceptions part 4: Are there really that many?
Misconceptions part 3: Teaching the Seasons for Retention
In my Misconceptions, part 1 post I included as an example the common misconception: Seasons are caused by the variation in the distance between the sun and Earth. When Earth is closer, we experience summer, and when it is further away, we experience winter. Why do students come to the classroom with this misconception? Firstly, … Continue reading Misconceptions part 3: Teaching the Seasons for Retention
Misconceptions part 2: The Baking Soda / Vinegar Volcano
Ask my teacher friends. I really hate the baking soda vinegar volcano. The danger in using vinegar/baking soda to teach about volcanoes is that many students get the wrong ‘take away’ message, unless it is extremely carefully presented. At best (as far as it relates to volcanoes), it shows that a fluid flows downhill. Volcanoes … Continue reading Misconceptions part 2: The Baking Soda / Vinegar Volcano
Misconceptions in the Science Classroom, part 1
Students can easily become enmeshed in their "preconceived notions" about science, and unfortunately, these ideas often come from those of us most invested in preventing them. At the university level, I have encountered quite a few students well into their twenties who cling to inaccurate ideas. These ideas start when students are young and if they … Continue reading Misconceptions in the Science Classroom, part 1
Mars Rover Curiosity on the Move
The rover, Curiosity, has been in one place for about a month while testing water samples and soil; soon it will move on in order to investigate rock samples, reports the New York Times. As a young child, I believed I would go to Mars. In fact, I did. I participated in a local program … Continue reading Mars Rover Curiosity on the Move
Welcome!
Welcome to the Better Science Teaching blog! I have long wanted to start a blog to share with other teachers how they can bring current science into their classrooms. I will focus on science and education by integrating current events in scientific fields with current science standards. Science education is such an interesting and dynamic … Continue reading Welcome!
Better Science Teaching 