Tag Archives: data

Putting the “teacher” in NSTA

By Mary Bigelow | Published: March 13, 2011

Congratulations to all of the teacher-presenters at NSTA—to those who were willing to share their ideas and experiences. It’s a quantum leap from the classroom to the national stage, but in the sessions I attended, my colleagues rose to the occasion. For example, Greg Benedis-Grab from The School at Columbia University (NY) shared ideas he [...]

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Using data to get the big picture

By Mary Bigelow | Published: February 2, 2011

I’m a new teacher at a new school. I’m applying for a spot on the principal’s cabinet. One of the questions he’s asking is “What data should we review when we are planning and checking in on existing plans?” I can think of test scores and attendance, but can you suggest other data sources? —Anar, [...]

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Keyboard science?

By Martin Horejsi | Published: January 19, 2011

I like to think of science as the process of discovering or creating knowledge. Sure it has many other definitions, but to me, in its most basic form science generates information, and that information is understood and communicated by humans as knowledge. An engine, on the other hand, is often described as a machine for [...]

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Weather

By Mary Bigelow | Published: April 30, 2010

Everyone talks about the weather, but the articles in this issue show students doing more than talking. Just look at the action words in the titles: blog, cruise, teach, make, watch, look, learn. The differences between weather and climate can be challenging for younger students. The author of Making the Climate Connection suggests a “progression” [...]

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Spend a little, gain a lot

By Debra Shapiro | Published: March 21, 2010

I revisited a popular session held last year in New Orleans to see who showed up this year.

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Losing your marbles over data

By Mary Bigelow | Published: March 20, 2010

Tony Bartley (from Thunder Bay, Ontario) and Mike Bowen (from Halifax, Nova Scotia) discussed how to improve students’ data literacy. They reviewed types of data (nominal, ordinal, and integer/ratio) and the type of graph that would be appropriate for each. Using simple materials such as marbles, paper cups, and a ruler, they engaged the participants [...]

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The scoop on science notebooks

By Debra Shapiro | Published: March 18, 2010

I’ve been hearing a lot about science notebooks lately, so I went to the Education Development Center’s Pathway Session on Establishing Science Notebook Habits and Skills. It was interesting to hear each presenter’s unique take on the science notebook and see all of the student examples they displayed.

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Peering into students’ “private universe”

By Debra Shapiro | Published: March 4, 2010

Get some insight on students’ “Private Universe” in Philadelphia. You’ll find sessions addressing misconceptions at all grade levels, in a range of science fields.

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Observations and data from nature

By Mary Bigelow | Published: January 7, 2010

The word “data” for some people conjures up pages of numbers or a dreadful experience in statistics class. But get rid of the deer-in-the-headlights look and dig into lessons focused on forensics, snow, fruit flies, and Down syndrome. The protocols, rubrics, and examples can help you work with students in this critical inquiry process. I’ve [...]

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Interpreting evidence

By Mary Bigelow | Published: November 22, 2009

Our students may be used to using evidence to answer questions, but in Elk Habitat: A Case Study of Scientific Inquiry, the authors describe an activity in which students ask questions, examine evidence, ask new questions, and design potential research studies. If elk studies are not relevant for your students, look at the resources of [...]

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