There are a number of problems unique to science teachers which can pose challenges to even the best teachers. Here are some of the main ones. 1. Safety Issues Lab work is an important part of a chemistry course, but it can involve coming into contact with dangerous chemicals. In addition, objects such as Bunsen burners or a gas supply can cause hazardous conditions if they are not supervised carefully to make sure they are turned off. Students don’t always follow instructions, and some can be foolish or even malicious. They might be careless about wearing protective equipment and in handling their experiments. Science teachers need to be aware of what everyone is doing during the lab lesson. However, this is not always possible if students start asking them questions. 2. Dealing with Sensitive Topics Certain topics related to science can be considered sensitive and get parents up in arms. For example, some states only wish to teach creationism. In biology, … [Read more...]

Baking is a tasty and fun hobby. Most people probably would not equate it with science, but the truth is, it can be used as a tool to teach certain concepts. Here are a few ways to teach science through baking to children of all ages. Younger Children Quick Breads Younger children are fascinated by cakes and muffins. These are what are referred to as quick breads. The raising (leavening) agent will often be baking soda. The mild acids in a second ingredient, milk, are enough to trigger a reaction and make the dough rise. This is an example of the reaction of an acid to an alkaline substance. Baking powder will also make quick breads rise. It is baking soda with some added ingredients, cream of tartar and cornstarch. The baking soda is a base and the cream of tartar is an acid, so it can be used in a range of recipes where acid might not otherwise be present. Baking powder makes cakes rise through the release of carbon dioxide gas. Learning about Ph The Ph … [Read more...]

There are many exciting jobs which require science qualifications. Some are even in such hot demand that they are projected to grow significantly in the next few years. They have good starting salaries as well. Here are some of the top choices: 1. Doctor The world needs doctors. And as many populations around the world are living longer than ever before, the demand for health care will increase exponentially. 2. Veterinarian Animal care is required 24/7/365 in a range of locations, from small office-based practices to farms, zoos, animal shelters, and more. 3. Oceanography and Marine Biology Some of those interested in living creatures might devote themselves to the ones that live in the ocean. Oceanographers study the sea, and marine biologists study the underwater inhabitants of our vast seas. 4. Environmental Science This is a rapidly growing field as more and more people become concerned about climate change, waste and toxic waste, loss or change of … [Read more...]

Online education is booming, which means there has never been a better time to look for websites that will support your child’s learning about science. There are thousands to choose from, but here are some top picks. Just check out our 16 Great Online Resources to Get Your Child into Science. All Ages 1. Science Made Simple This site has information and science project ideas for children of all ages. 2. Animal Planet Students can learn more about their favorite animals and enjoy the critter cams, bringing them live action at various zoos. 3. Bill Nye The site offers a range of worksheets for interesting scientific activities for children of all ages. High School 4. Try Science Try Science has dozens of experiments in areas such as chemistry, biology, math, and engineering that can be done online and offline. You can take a virtual field trip to a museum and view animals via a critter cam. Students just have to click on one of the icons to start digging deeper. 5. Science News for … [Read more...]

Spring is just around the corner! Before you know it the snow and ice will be melting, and it will be time to do spring cleaning once again. Most kids love doing science experiments, and after being “cooped up” all winter long, they are ready to go back outside and play. Whether you are using these in your home-school classroom, or just as a fun way to spend the afternoon, these spring science experiments for kids are perfect! All of these focus on elements of spring and are a great STEM activity for your kids. Here are 25 Spring Science Experiments for Kids. Crystal Flowers Milk Jug Planter Egg Drop Project Observing Plant Growth Color Changing Flowers Sprout Heads Experiment Pine Cone Weather Station Rainbow Density Science Experiment Exploring Leaves Egg Planting Experiment Regrowing Vegetable Scraps Rainbow Skittles Science Experiment Static Electricity Butterfly Seed Jar Science Experiment Peeps Science Experiment Celery Science … [Read more...]

In the United States, more scientists are needed because of the considerable gap that is growing between the US and the rest of the world in terms of scientific abilities. Children, particularly girls, need to be encouraged at a young age to take up science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) subjects. According to Pew Research, America is nearing the bottom in terms of rank in relation to the 35 most developed countries in the world in STEM. In particular, math scores have plummeted in recent years. The study (see link) shows that 38% of high school students are operating at the lowest level of math achievement. http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2017/02/15/u-s-students-internationally-math-science/ When asked to rate STEM education in the US, 46% of scientists stated that it was below average. What’s Holding Kids Back? One explanation is that US education has become so focused on exams and rote learning that the natural curiosity of children is being … [Read more...]