Need an answer to your students’ question “Why do I need to take science? I’m not going to be a scientist!” On June 1, 2008, Brian Greene, physicist at Columbia University and author, wrote an op ed in the New York Times with your answer. Early in the two page article, he says
When we look […]
Archive for the 'Social Studies' Category
Science Literacy and Culture
Thursday, June 5th, 2008 10:23 am
Written by: Mary LeFever
Science, Science Fiction, Ethics, and Indiana Jones
Thursday, May 15th, 2008 1:53 pm
Written by: Mary LeFever
Distinguishing between science and science fiction can be a good reinforcement activity for students learning the characteristics of science. Cognitively, middle school students are able to differentiate between fantasy and reality. But because science is not always intuitively obvious, distinguishing science fact from science fiction can be more challenging. Today’s blog encourages you to use […]
Posted in Topics: Archaeology, Ethics, Methods of Science, Science, Social Studies
Why Did the Anasazi Abandon Mesa Verde?
Friday, April 11th, 2008 3:16 pm
Written by: Mary LeFever
Many middle school curricula include attention to ancient American people and their cultures. This blog entry may be helpful in making connections to the nature of science and scientific enterprises as part of an integrated approach in studying the Anasazi or ancient Peublos. The story titled “Vanished: A Pueblo Mystery,” published in the New York […]
Posted in Topics: Archaeology, Earth Science, Environment, Methods of Science, Science, Social Studies
Consumer Safety: Antifreeze in Toothpaste
Wednesday, October 3rd, 2007 5:57 pm
Written by: Mary LeFever
We’re ever thankful when our students come to school with freshly brushed teeth, but could there be a circumstance under which you would suggest your students not use toothpaste? In May of this year, BBC News reported that the Chinese government was investigating charges that toothpaste containing diethylene glycol, also known as antifreeze, had been […]
Posted in Topics: Chemistry, Health, Personal Safety, Science, Social Studies
Forest Fire Management: What’s Best and for Whom?
Wednesday, September 19th, 2007 6:59 pm
Written by: Mary LeFever
“A total of 16 large fires are burning 1,010,720 acres throughout the country. The majority of the fire activity remains in the West.” This statement was part of the daily report on the National Interagency Fire Center home page on September 14. Does the number of acres seem shockingly high to you? Can you fathom […]
Posted in Topics: Environment, Life Science, Science, Social Studies
Posted in Topics: Science, Social Studies, Technology
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