Everyone involved in teaching children science is always in search of new resources and ideas. Of course, the best resources and ideas are better when they are free. The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) has online resources for everyone involved in teaching children science in grades K through 12.
The resources they have for free are online science journal articles in elementary, middle school, and high school. These journal articles are excellent resources, because they are written by teachers and other science educators. The articles must go through a strict peer review process for approval to be published.
The teaching strategies and science content are aligned with the National Science Education Standards. All state and local school districts are aligned with these standards, along with testing involving science.
Elementary Science Journals
Here are a few examples of some of the free journal articles you have access to in the journal Science and Children:
"What’s Hot? What’s Not?" – Goldilocks’ famous line is the basis for an inquiry exploration of the concept of heat energy as measured by temperature.
"How Clean is the River?" – children research water quality while conducting hands-on activities which complement their readings.
"Up Goes the Water" – the basis of this article and investigation is how water helps transport nutrients throughout all parts of a plant.
Middle School Science Journals
Here are a few examples of some of the free science journal articles you have access to in the journal Science Scope:
"The Station Approach: How to Teach with Limited Resources" – this approach is designed for small groups of children moving through a series of science learning centers or stations.
"Waves and Tsunami Project" – presents strategies for integrating a website to help children understand waves and wave characteristics such as:
- Frequency
- Period
- Amplitude
- Wavelength
- Crest
- Trough
- And more
"Watershed Investigations" – children explore the characteristics of a watershed:
- Chemical
- Biological
- Physical
- Geological
- Historical
High School Science Journals
Here are a few examples of some of the free science journal articles you have access to in the journal The Science Teacher:
"An Interview with NASA Astronaut Ellen Ochoa" – NASA astronaut Ellen Ochoa is the first Hispanic woman to fly on a mission to space.
"Earth from Above" – students learn to use Google Earth to study:
- Basic navigation skills
- Determine distance measurements, elevations, and coordinate locations
- Locate and analyze images of their own choice
- Develop explanations of their findings
'How far are the Stars?" – students learn how astronomers measure the distances to stars using parallax measurements.
This is just a sampling of what is available to parents who use these free resources for developing science learning activities for children of all school ages. The website where you can find all these free resources is NSTA Free Articles.
David R. Wetzel - Dr. David Wetzel's experience includes more than 25 years in continuing, adult, and teacher education.
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