I’ve read a lot about the value of making connections with students. But it seems impossible to connect with individual students when I meet with 150 per day in my classes. Any suggestions or advice? —Bethany, Rochester, Minnesota When I was student teaching, I had to shadow a student for an entire day and reflect [...]
I picked up an almost intact dog skeleton from the side of the road. One of my students spotted it from her bus window! I need help with preservation and wiring it together. Any suggestions? I did put the skeleton in a laundry bleach bath for approximately six hours and left it outside to dry. [...]
With all of the technology that students have (e.g., cell phones, laptops), I’m concerned about “cheating” on tests and writing assignments. —Anne, Rochester, New York This is a very timely question, in light of a recent report Hi-Tech Cheating: What Every Parent Should Know from Common Sense Media. In the old days, students tried to [...]
For the first time, I’ll be teaching two different subjects (biology and environmental science). Do you have any suggestions for how to organize my unit plans, lesson plans, and other resources? —Don, Cedar Rapids, Iowa I’m not an organized person by nature. So when I taught four different courses in two different labs, I had [...]
What are the critical skills you think students need to be successful in science? —Niki, Baltimore, Maryland In science department meetings, we often agonize over what and how much content to “cover.” We lament that students don’t seem to remember much content from one year or subject to the next. Inquiry and in-depth study often [...]
I’ve been asked to teach a different science course next year. I’m looking forward to the change, but I’m a little nervous about teaching a subject I’ve never taught before. I was told I am “highly qualified.” What does this mean? How do I prepare? – Charlotte, Olathe, Kansas The phrase “highly qualified” could have [...]
I’m concerned about the decrease in scheduled time for science instruction, especially in the primary grades. The teachers say that it’s all because of NCLB (No Child Left Behind) and its emphasis on reading and mathematics. Is this the case everywhere? – Greg, Westminster, Colorado The phrase “No Child Left Behind” implies we’re going somewhere. [...]
My school does not have a recycling program, but as a science teacher I’d like to set an example of “green” behavior. What can I do in a single classroom? – Tyler, Louisville, KY I’m sure you’ve heard of the expression “Think globally, act locally.” Although many schools do have recycling programs, their success depends [...]
I just finished my first year in the classroom. It was a challenge, but I learned a lot. With the end of the school year approaching, do you have any tips for what should I think about or prepare for next year? —Rene, South Bend, Indiana Congratulations for completing your first year! You’ll find the [...]
I have the opportunity next year to co-teach two science classes with a special education teacher. Approximately one-third of each class will be special education students. We’re both interested but a little apprehensive. How do we make this work? —Devon, Pompano Beach, Florida The March 2009 issue of The Science Teacher was devoted to the [...]
