Teaching Tips

Constructing explanations in science trips kids up. After all, how can you explain complex phenomena? Try these surefire ways to do it. First, ask them to observe relationships. Second, change…

One way to include mathematics is to look for patterns using tables.

How to Teach Math in Science – A Few Examples

December 11, 2022

Trying to teach math in science? First, measure multiple properties. Second, use computation. Third, look for patterns. And fourth, graph. Read on for a few specific examples. (more…)

To use data, measure, compute, compare, use tables, and create graphs.

Analyzing and Interpreting Data – How to Teach Science Practices

December 4, 2022

Analyzing and interpreting data are important science practices. Teach kids to measure, compute, compare, use tables and create graphs. Then they can quantify their experiments. (more…)

The third of eight science practices involves investigations.

How to Plan Investigations in Science for Kids

November 27, 2022

Plan investigations for kids in your third, fourth, or fifth grade science class. It’s actually pretty easy! All you need to do is control, compare, measure, and replicate. Read on…

The second of eight science practices encourages kids to use models.

How to Use Models in Science – Examples You’ll Actually Use

November 20, 2022

How can you use models in science? It’s easy! Diagrams and 3-D representations make meaningful connections for kids. Additionally, you can weave analogies into your teaching. Let’s take a look…

The first of eight science practices is asking questions.

How to Make Testable Questions for Science

November 13, 2022

What are testable questions? In fourth and fifth grade science, kids learn that it compares only one variable. Furthermore, it allows them to predict, observe, and measure. (more…)

Easy Radiation of Heat Activities for Kids

November 6, 2022

Energy, Heat, Physical Science, Science

Teaching radiation of heat? Start with simple hands-on experiences. Then discuss characteristics. In this form of energy transfer, heat radiates through the air or space. (more…)

Teaching convection? Try this simple experiment. Kids use a straw to put cold, colored water into a cup of warm water.

Teaching Convection with Simple, Hands-on Experiments

October 30, 2022

Energy, Heat, Physical Science, Science

Teaching convection of heat? Give kids get hands-on experiences. Start with simple experiments. Then discuss characteristics. In this form of energy transfer, warm air or water rises. (more…)

As you consider how to teach conduction of heat (AKA thermal energy), begin with simple hands-on exploration.

How to Teach Conduction of Heat, or Thermal Energy

October 23, 2022

Energy, Heat, Physical Science, Science

Figuring out how to teach conduction of heat? Start with hands-on experiments. Then discuss characteristics. In this form of energy transfer, objects must touch. (more…)

Teach stages of engineering process with a clear approach.

Stages of the Engineering Design Process -Teaching Fundamentals to Kids

October 16, 2022

Engineering Design, Science

Teaching stages of the engineering design process to kids? Don’t just jump into STEM activities. Instead, provide a clear learning progression. First, introduce each step clearly. Second, give them opportunities…

Conducting a fair test is a critical part of the redesigning a prototype in the engineering design process for kids.

Conducting a Fair Test in Engineering Design – What You Need to Know

October 9, 2022

Engineering Design, Science

Conducting a fair test in engineering design? This phase of the process is often overlooked. But kids in third, fourth, and fifth grades should do it! After identifying failure points,…

Developing and testing a prototype is the fun part of the engineering design process.

Developing and Testing a Prototype – Fundamentals for Kids

October 2, 2022

Engineering Design, Science