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Podcast: Science Instruction Insights from Past NSTA President Dr. Karen Ostlund on Teachers in America

Past NSTA President and HMH Into Science Texas author Dr. Karen Ostlund joins us to discuss the ins-and-outs of NGSS standards, technology's impact on student agency, and more.

Jennifer Corujo
Shaped Editor

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The Importance of Hands-On Science Activities: Learning by Doing

Learn more about the importance of learning by doing science through hands-on science activities. Plus, access engaging lessons to use in your classroom.

Alicia Ivory
Shaped Editor

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Don’t Lead with Science Vocabulary—Start with Conceptual Meaning

Get advice on how to incorporate vocabulary into science instruction to ensure students learn science concepts deeply.

Dr. Karen Ostlund
Assistant Professor of Instruction, Emerita, UTeach, College of Natural Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin

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8 Fun Summer Science Experiments and Activities

Keep the learning going throughout summer break with these 8 fun summer science experiments and activities.

Alicia Ivory
Shaped Editor

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7 End-of-Year Science Activities to Celebrate the Start of Summer

These 7 end of year science activities will help teachers find projects and experiments suited to teaching science at the end of a school year.

Alexa Dowlen
Learning Experience Design, K–12 Science

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6 Elementary Grade Ideas for Science Centers in the Classroom

Introduce your students to the excitement of science with a physical space in the classroom dedicated to hands-on learning.

Zoe Del Mar
Shaped Executive Editor

Earth day classroom activities

7 Fun Earth Day Activities for Middle & High School Students

Honor the planet in your classroom with these fun Earth Day activities for middle school and high school students.

Danni Green
Writer, Girls Write Now

Alexa Dowlen
Learning Experience Design, K–12 Science

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9 Earth Day Activities and Games for Elementary Students

Honor our home planet with these 9 Earth Day activities and games for elementary students.

Alicia Ivory
Shaped Editor

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The 5E Model of Science Instruction

Learn how to implement the 5E model of science instruction and download a 5E science lesson to use in your classroom.

Jennifer Corujo
Shaped Editor

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9 Black History Month Science Activities & Experiments

Use these Black History Month science activities and experiments to teach students about notable scientists and inventors.

Alicia Ivory
Shaped Editor

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2025 Groundhog Day Activities for Elementary Students

Try these fun 2025 Groundhog Day activities for elementary students in your classroom.

Alicia Ivory
Shaped Editor

WF1725200 Shaped 2023 Blog Post Honoring Famous African American Scientists Update Hero

Honoring Famous African American Scientists Who Impacted the World

Check out this list of famous black scientists today and during the 20th century, and distribute the posters of African American scientists to your students or hang them in your classroom.

Shaped Staff

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The Science in Science Fiction: A Strategy for Integrating Sci-Fi in the Classroom

Teaching sci-fi in the classroom can help students understand the importance of science in their daily lives.

Ann Pearson
Shaped Contributor

WF1635200 Shaped 2022 Blog Post Why Integrate Engineering as a Key Part of Science

Why Integrate Engineering as a Key Part of Science?

Explore the differences of science vs. engineering and how to ensure that K-12 science students receive an engineering education.

Dr. Cary Sneider
NGSS Writing Team Leader, Associate Research Professor at Portland State University

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8 Fall Activities & Lesson Plans for Elementary Students

Try these fall activities for elementary students in your classroom that put a twist on common fall themes.

Shaped Staff

WF1638303 Shaped 2022 NTL Blog Post Space and Constellation Activities and Lesson Plans for the 2022 Artemis 1 Launch Hero

Space and Constellation Activities and Lesson Plans for the 2022 Artemis 1 Launch

Try these space and constellation activities for elementary school science that are intended to work with the 2022 Artemis 1 rocket launch.

Alexa Dowlen
Learning Experience Design, K–12 Science

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7 Back-to-School Activities for Middle School Science

Get back into science with these back-to-school activities for middle school science.

Shaped Staff

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7 Back-to-School Science Activities for Elementary Students

Explore these back-to-school science activities and experiments for the first day of science class.

Shaped Staff