Strategy Share: Teaching Literacy in the Science Classroom

“How can my students learn literacy in a science classroom?” As a science teacher, I frequently hear this question from my colleagues. It is easy to confuse literacy for the act of learning to read, when really literacy is the act of reading to learn. This confusion can make non-language arts teachers believe that literacy is not a part of their instruction. Continue reading Strategy Share: Teaching Literacy in the Science Classroom

Getting Ready for the Eclipse

By Jay Pasachoff A solar eclipse is a wonderful thing to see, and as an astronomer, I am trying to do my part to spread the word and teach kids how to observe it safely. On August 21, the Moon will block the Sun as seen from North America and down through mid-South America. The path of totality, during which the everyday Sun is entirely … Continue reading Getting Ready for the Eclipse

See the Solar Eclipse

SCIENCE Lucky skywatchers in Southeast Asia get a rare front-row seat to a total eclipse, and Pacific islanders will see a still-dazzling partial eclipse. But the rest of the world doesn’t have to miss out: You can watch it live online, right here. (Nat Geo News) In the South Pacific? Use our resources to build a solar eclipse viewer! Teachers, scroll down for a quick … Continue reading See the Solar Eclipse

King Tides Rule

SCIENCE Last month, coastlines saw extreme high and low tides known as king tides, which are caused by a chance alignment of the moon, Earth, and the sun. Now the tides are back—and coastal waters may rise by more than 13 feet. (National Geographic News) Use our resources to better understand tides. Discussion Ideas Study our beautiful poster above, explaining Earth’s tides. The poster does … Continue reading King Tides Rule

The Science of Sunsets

SCIENCE Scarlet skies inspire many viewers to grab their cameras, and prompt a question: Why are some sunsets so spectacular, and others a mere muddle? Stephen Corfidi, a meteorologist who’s written about the science of colorful sunsets, helps us see the light. (National Geographic News) Use our resources to better understand the science of sunsets. Discussion Ideas Read the Nat Geo News article, or read … Continue reading The Science of Sunsets