Previous Features

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Inquiry: Learning Science by Doing Science
Presentation
Overview and benefits of scientific inquiry teaching and keys for successfully incorporating inquiry strategies into your teaching.
Operation Rescue
Teacher Guide
Student teams plan and mount a simulated aid mission to provide supplies and prevent a possible disease outbreak in an area devastated by typhoon. (9 activities)

Grades: 6-8 9-12
Scientific Decision-making
Resources
Using examples related to cardiovascular health, the Scientific Decision-making unit helps high school and middle school students learn how to make evidence-based decisions.

Grades: 6-8 9-12
K–3 STEM Foundations — Life Science
Resources
The K–3 STEM Foundations project is developing NGSS-aligned curriculum units for students in grades K–3 that connect science concepts and guided inquiry activities to reading/language arts, as well as health and wellness.

Grades: K-2 3-5
People and Climate
Lesson
Students learn about Earth’s major climate types, how climate affects people's lifestyles, and impacts of climate change.

Grades: 3-5
Mass
Presentation
Learn the difference between mass and weight.
Butterflies in Space
Mission Page
Follow life cycle of painted lady butterflies on ISS. Grow your own butterflies in class, and compare them to the space butterflies.

Grades: 3-5 6-8 9-12
The Global Carbon Cycle
Presentation
Join Nancy Moreno, PhD, as she discusses Earth’s atmosphere, climate change, factors that influence the atmosphere, and other topics related to our planet’s carbon cycle.
Legacy of Lost Canyon
Reading
Adolescent friends investigate ancient cave ruins, and learn how and why drugs were used to create cave art.

Grades: 6-8 9-12
Measuring and Counting with a Light Microscope
Slide Set
Learn how to calibrate a light microscope for measurement, how to estimate field diameter, and how to count the number of objects in a single field.
The Cinnamon Challenge
Hot Topic
The “Cinnamon Challenge” is a social phenomenon, spread largely through social media, which carries serious risks. Remarkably, people who participate in this “challenge” willingly accept entirely avoidable risk, even though there is no apparent benefit. The rise of the “Cinnamon Challenge” demonstrates how social media can quickly spread a cultural trend among teenagers, comedians, NBA players, and even politicians.
Bird Flu, Updated
Hot Topic
Bird flu is once again in the news. Cases of human infection with the H7N9 subtype of influenza A have been reported in China. This subtype of the virus already spreads more easily from birds to humans than H5N1 did, and there is concern that it might adapt to be sustainably transmitted from human to human. This, of course, is the recipe for a pandemic.
Ricin: The Chemical and the Threat
Hot Topic
Ricin, one of the most poisonous naturally occurring substances, has a long history as a chemical weapon. Since at least World War I, governments have investigated its use on the battlefield. In September 1978, a Bulgarian dissident, Georgi Markov, was assassinated by a pellet of ricin shot into his leg. There also have been multiple incidents of ricin being sent through the mail. Most recently, in April 2013, envelopes containing powdered ricin were sent to President Obama and US Senator, Roger Wicker. Understanding this chemical, how it works, and how it is used can help to minimize its danger.
Japanese Earthquake and Tsunamis: Before and After
Hot Topic
On March 11, 2011, a 9.0 magnitude earthquake struck northeastern Japan. The earthquake, aftershocks and related tsunamis devastated miles of the Japanese coastline.