Tag Archives: Elementary School

“Why Do We Need to Know This?!”

Posted on November 11, 2019 by Gabe Kraljevic

How do you explain to your students that what you’re teaching is important even if there is no obvious real-world application? — B., Ohio I’m sure every teacher has heard this refrain! I found that students question what we teach … Continue reading →

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Get students hooked on real-world science

Posted on September 16, 2019 by Claire Reinburg

When students see the real-world applications of science, their interest levels soar. Teachers are experts at guiding students through the wonders of how science helps us answer questions and engineering helps us solve problems. This month, stock up on new … Continue reading →

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Solid lessons, fluid performance

Posted on August 16, 2019 by Gabe Kraljevic

What are some fun, engaging hands-on activities or demonstrations about the three states of matter for a third grade class? —B., Tennessee I think that the best activities with the states of matter involve the changes between states. You may … Continue reading →

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NSTA’s 2019 Area Conferences: 3 Dates, 3 Cities, Endless Ideas for Elementary Teachers

Posted on August 14, 2019 by Carole Hayward

NSTA’s position statement on elementary school science recognizes that elementary science instruction often takes a back seat to math and reading and receives little time in the school day. But it’s also the time when children are easily interested in … Continue reading →

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Hot Air Science

Posted on July 20, 2019 by Gabe Kraljevic

I want to demonstrate different states of matter and need activities for third graders for gases. — D., Georgia It’s hard to teach about something we can’t see! Here are a few ideas: Perfumes: Open a bottle of cologne in … Continue reading →

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Circle of Life 2.0

Posted on May 31, 2019 by Gabe Kraljevic

I am student teaching in a first grade classroom and we are going to start covering life cycles. What are some good ideas I can do in my engage section? — G., Oklahoma I just answered a similar question about … Continue reading →

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Circle of Life 1.0: Planting seeds

Posted on May 24, 2019 by Gabe Kraljevic

I am working on a lesson plan for the life cycle of a plant for kindergarten. Do you have any activity ideas? — K., Oregon If you’re teaching about life cycles of flowering plants you should incorporate all the life … Continue reading →

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Having the right chemistry

Posted on April 26, 2019 by Gabe Kraljevic

I was wondering how I could incorporate chemistry into my early elementary classes and what some good resources are to use. — G., Montana Chemistry activities for young children are some of the coolest and most engaging for students. Putting on … Continue reading →

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LOL

Posted on April 19, 2019 by Gabe Kraljevic

I like to infuse humour into my classroom. What is your opinion on teachers and students joking around? — T., Utah I, too, am a jokester and like to have fun with my students. I attribute a large part of … Continue reading →

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Sad State of Affairs

Posted on April 11, 2019 by Gabe Kraljevic

I have observed a lack of emphasis on science concepts in the elementary classroom. Does this seem to be common practice in other schools? Any suggestions on how to incorporate multiple subjects within a science lesson to help alleviate this? … Continue reading →

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