Articles

1 – 12 of 12 Articles

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  Classroom Commentary | March 2020 Using the Challenge Cycle to Facilitate Learning

  In this article, the author shares about her use of the Challenge Cycle in combination with the Middle School Chemistry curriculum, developed by ACS. The Challenge Cycle moves the responsibility for learning from teacher to student, and facilitates active learning as it serves as a guide for thinking and communicating.

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  Classroom Commentary | March 2020 It’s Elementary: We all Teach Chemistry!

  In this article, the author affirms that elementary science teachers are chemistry teachers. She offers examples for connecting chemistry to space science, specifically using NASA resources, as well as examples for identifying other chemistry content connections in a science curriculum.

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  Classroom Commentary | May 2020 Hands-On Science for K-8 Students

  This article describes outreach efforts to bring hands-on science experiments to K-8 classes. The author shares her experience involving college students in these efforts, and provides examples of some experiments that were memorable with young students.

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  Classroom Commentary | November 2018 Working Together toward Vertical Alignment

  The author shares his experience organizing a science workshop that connects high school science teachers with elementary school teachers in their same system. During the workshop, high school teachers present labs and activities to help elementary science teachers best prepare their own students. The experience lets teachers collaborate and discuss vertical alignment of their teaching, and be better prepared to work together to provide students with the most effective science education.

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  Nuts & Bolts | September 2018 Setting the Tone for Safety with Younger Students

  This article outlines the basic considerations for lab safety in the elementary science classroom. Sample student safety contracts are provided by the author for teacher use.

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  Resource Feature | May 2018 Embracing Chemistry in the Elementary Classroom

  This article discusses why it's important for K-5 teachers to overcome the fear of teaching chemistry, and gives some simple suggestions on how to start.

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  Classroom Commentary | March 2018 The Science Coaches Program in Action

  This article describes the very successful Science Coaches partnership between a third-grade teacher and a Ph.D. chemist, who is also her father. The authors offer insight and tips for making the best use of a Science Coach partnership, or any science visitor to your classroom.

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  Resource Feature | May 2017 5th Grade Chemistry — as Taught by High School Students

  This end-of-the-year project for high school chemistry students involves learning and using inquiry strategies to teach chemical concepts to fifth-grade students through hands-on activities. The author outlines the project, including conversations with elementary teachers, planning logistics, field trip details, and student preparation. Read about the many rewards of a well-planned and executed project that binds the grade levels through chemistry.

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  Classroom Commentary | March 2017 Bridging the Observable to the Atom: Teaching Chemistry to PreK-12 Students

  In order to support children’s understanding of matter throughout their primary and secondary education, it's necessary to design instruction using the tetrahedral model representations in which students recognize the multiple levels of thought and contextualize learning in the everyday level. This article aims to help teachers understand the learning progressions in light of the tetrahedral model representation through NGSS and other curriculum documents.

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  Resource Feature | May 2016 Getting Young Students Excited about Science

  Have you considered teaching chemistry to your elemenatry students? This fifth grade teacher shows how easy it is to introduce chemistry into the elementary school classroom. She reviews several You Be The Chemist® activities, and explains why her students love them.

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  Nuts & Bolts | March 2016 Guest Speakers Bring Science to Life in an Elementary Classroom

  This fifth grade teacher in Michigan works with practicing scientists to reinforce science skills, concepts, and vocabulary with his students.
  
  

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  Classroom Commentary | September 2014 Teaching Science in Elementary School

  Elementary school teachers face challenges because of resources and testing requirements. This article features Patti Burns who teaches in a struggling city school, Lauren Schultz who teaches in an affluent school, and Allison Granish-Lee who teaches in a small school.