Author: Hailey Mattingly

The demand for scientific literacy grows each year, and educators are tasked with finding engaging ways to spark curiosity and cultivate understanding among young learners. The core science curriculum is at the foundation of this effort, and the implementation of curricula is a significant task for any school district. At Grand Forks Public Schools in…

As an educator, welcoming students back to school takes preparation. From stocking the science shelves to potential changes in curriculum and lesson plans, getting a head start is helpful. Once the school year starts, trying to squeeze in planning during your lunch period or early in the morning can quickly lead to teacher burnout. Set…

One warm morning, as my husband and I sat on our front porch, we heard an odd, loud, piercing cry. Soon, a medium-sized hawk flew to the top of the house across the street. It was hard to look away, but I decided I had to try to get my camera to capture the moment.…

It’s just a straw. To most people, a simple straw is an ordinary object we see daily. But to a child, simple objects open up a world of scientific investigation and discovery. Engaging with Phenomena Science instruction has a history of students sitting passively at desks, memorizing vocabulary, and trying to absorb lectures from the…

Social emotional learning, or SEL, is an important concept that embraces the emotions of students as a tool in their learning. It has broad implications in a variety of academic subjects, but more importantly, it leads students to develop healthier identities and manage their emotions. That foundation is critical for academic success in everything from…

One Million Acts of Science for Citizen Science Month Have you ever dreamed of making a great scientific discovery that makes the world a better place? We all grew up learning how scientists throughout history found ways to study and understand everything from the smallest atom to the widest galaxy. The parts that don’t make…

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…