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A solar eclipse is a magical event. On April 8, 2024, schools and communities across America will gather to witness a total solar eclipse. The last time there was a total solar eclipse in the US was in 2017. The upcoming eclipse in April is expected to last twice as long for a total of…

As schools and districts implement the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), using three-dimensional learning, focused on figuring out phenomena, there’s another critical piece that needs ongoing attention—making sure we tap into the assets and diverse needs of all students. How do we truly ensure every child is engaged in the science learning experience and developing…

Define Equity and Culture There can be uncertainty around how we define equity and culture. The contributors of A Framework for K-12 Science Education: Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Core Ideas, published in 2012, acknowledged that educators may struggle to set aside their culture of origin and embrace the ways others engage with science. In updating the…

As Halloween approaches, educators know the excitement and fun of the holiday can also bring disruptions to the classroom. In an effort to incorporate learning on such an eventful day, try to make Halloween a day of engagement- with science! Many educators opt for a science-based day of activities with center activities that explore the…

Let’s Take It Outside Re-energize student (and educator) interest throughout the school year with a change of scenery and take students outdoors for science lessons! What better subject than science for teaching outside of the classroom? Benefits of Learning Outdoors Science is the study of the natural world, so there are many opportunities for teachers…

Back to School Night & Open House: Setting the Stage for Science Success Whether your school holds Back to School Night before school starts or an Open House several weeks into the school year, incorporating a fun, inquiry-based science activity into your event can be a memorable and exciting experience for both students and parents.…

Did you know that FOSS offers professional learning opportunities to enhance your science lessons? The 2023 FOSS Summer Leadership Institute, held just outside Portland, OR, focused on transforming professional learning. Each attendee developed a professional learning plan for the upcoming year, that implements FOSS curriculum in new, exciting ways. Helping make the event a huge…

What’s the goal? Most elementary educators start the school year with 1) classroom rules, 2) English instruction, and 3) math instruction. This can be disengaging for everyone involved and leave science on the sideline. One of the best ways to avoid disengagement from the start of the school year is to begin classroom management on…

Can you imagine society without science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)? These fields form the foundation for many aspects of human civilization, so it’s hard to fathom humanity without STEM. Even if we just consider a specific area of STEM – like energy, or infrastructure – it’s difficult to imagine society working without it. Electrical…

Phenomena in a science class are like oases in a desert: absolutely essential, beautifully vibrant, and rich with creative growth and potential, but unfortunately too uncommon, infrequent, and far apart. Real-world phenomena illustrate scientific principles with remarkable effectiveness, because they help students see why science matters and how it works. Local, relevant phenomena-based teaching engages…