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Smarter Science: A visit from Jennifer Parker, Rick Pardo and Mike Newnham
This article describes a demonstration of Smarter Science by Jennifer Parker and Rick Pardo from the Thames Valley District School Board and Mike Newnham from Youth Science Canada, for the 2010 class of junior/intermediate science teacher candidates at the University of Western Ontario. By Dr. Carol Rees.
An Example of Open Inquiry in Grade 9 Science using Smarter Science Steps to Inquiry
For years I have used the all familiar “gluep” or “gak” or “superball” lab. Each year I have re-vamped it because it wasn’t teaching the kids what I wanted them to learn. They were playing without developing enduring understandings. In the last two years, I have finally discovered how to let the students play but at the same time explicitly learn about scientific inquiry and in this case, chemistry! By Ann Chlorakos.
Food Dye Analysis by Visual Colour Comparison
This article presents a chemical analysis experiment - suitable for grades 7 and above - which is safe, simple, short, and inexpensive. Use it as a demonstration, a partially hands-on exercise, or as a fully independent activity for the students, depending on the grade level, the time available, and the desired outcomes. By David Cash
Ecosystems and Electricity Assignment
For a long time I have been frustrated with how my philosophies around environmental education and my teaching of such did not reflect one another. I longed for my students to learn about the environment and respond by changing their attitudes and actions in small and large ways. This year, I developed an activity for students to take action in their own lives. By Leila Knetsch.
iTech Time: Quick, Quick it’s a Wiki
A wiki is a website that allows the reader of the site to edit, add, or remove content on the site. Wikis provide an ideal medium for collaboration, as all users are able to alter the content easily through their own web browser. In this article, I will look at current popular uses of wikis, how to make a wiki, and why you may want one for your classroom. By Matthew Campbell.
Hard and Soft Water Inquiry
In this activity, students must step into the role of a lab technician in a water quality lab. Their goal is to find a solution that will soften hard water, even though their company has run out of the supplies that are usually used to do this. Another “Steps to Inquiry” framework activity. By Leila Knetsch.
Tomatosphere – Real Science for Your Students
Tomatosphere, a nationally acclaimed education program which sends tomato seeds into space, provides the opportunity for students to contribute in a REAL manner to space travel for the future. Learn more about this program and how your class can participate. By Robert Morrow.
Canadian Researchers Help Achieve the First Quantum Computation in a Solid-state Quantum Computer
Although it may still be some time before a quantum computer arrives on your desk, a big hurdle has been overcome with the successful operation of the first electrically controlled solid-state quantum processor. From the NSERC Newsbulletin.
Anticipation Guide: News & Views – Worm Composting…Wiggling Their Way Through Garbage!
Home composting is gaining in popularity and worms eat their way through our garbage to produce nutrient-rich castings that can be mixed with soil and used as fertilizer on your plants and garden. Worm composting is a fun, easy, way to divert organic waste from landfill. Students give thought and opinions to this matter. By Leila Knetsch.
Using Smarter Science Along With Open-Ended Inquiry Activities: Chemical reactions and their practical applications
This lab for the SNC 2P Chemistry unit can be used as a wrap-up activity to review the concepts of acid-base neutralization reactions, classification of some common substances as acidic, basic or neutral and to investigate applications of acid-base reactions in common products and processes. By Neha Kapileshwarker.
An Experiential Learning Partnership
This continuation of a short series started last year in Crucible, highlights more student essays on their visit to the Ministry of the Environment. Introduction by Ray Clement and Sandra Andal.
STAO Hot Review: Chris Jordan’s Photography… Garbage or Art?
Visit this website and you’ll take a whole new look at garbage. Includes a lesson plan on the Art of Over Consumption. By Shayla Gunter-Goldstein.
Helpful Information for Educators Should a Ministry of Labour Inspector Visit the School
The Ministry of Labour’s mandate is to assist educators to provide a safe workplace for all workers. A visit from an inspector can be very intimidating for some workers. The purpose of this article is to demystify this experience and encourage discussion with the school board, local unions and Joint Health & Safety Committees for strategies to increase awareness and improve communication with the employer. By Kris Lee.
Explosions in the Science Classroom
Explosions should never be used for the sake of the “wow” factor. The demonstration must be linked to the curriculum and serve as a differentiated teaching instrument. Learn more about doing explosion demos safely. By Z. Peter Reiter.
Careers in Science: Captain Michael Jasper VandenBos, Snowbird Pilot (1969-1998)
Learn about the short, but successful, career of this brave, young pilot in this interview with his parents. By Stan Taylor.
Space Exploration – Saturn
Another installment delving into the planets and everything fascinating about them. By Stan Taylor.
STAO Hot Website Review: Gizmos Promote and Enhance Interactive Science Learning
The Explore Learning website provides a seemingly unending myriad of interactive learning opportunities. Read all about it! By Leila Knetsch.
Faster than Gravity: the Curious Case of the Bungee Jumper
The chance to experience Hooke’s Law from the point of view of the hanging mass was too good to miss, so the author recently braved all and did a bungee jump. Upon his return home, he did some research on bungee jumping, and came across a curious anomaly. By Rolly Meisel.
Bathroom-tissue Universe
Next time you look at a roll of bathroom tissue, you, too, may be inspired to think about the universe. By Terence Dickinson.
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Writing: An Essential Science Skill
We all need to put more writing into our science courses. We need to start teaching how to write. We need to start evaluating student writing, more, deeper and better than what we’ve been doing. And we need to start right now. This is the author’s proclamation. By Vance McPherson.
STAO Hot Website Review: Starry Critters
This website has a variety of categories, and each category has pictures of the designs or shapes as interpreted by NASA scientists. An interesting site to visit. By Stan Taylor.
STAO Hot Website Review: Explore the Solar System with NASA!
Visit this site and click on the “NASA Site Network” and be connected to a myriad of sites you can click on for further information about the planets, NASA history and education programs and a Planetary photo journal, just to name a few. A wealth of information. By Stan Taylor.
STAO2010 Inclusive Science: Difference, Diversity and Equity
Start planning now! The 2010 version of the STAO/APSO conference is sure to be an incredible PD opportunity. Learn more here! By Jane Forbes and Laurissa Werhun.
Calendar of events
Learn what’s on for the summer, congratulate some volunteers, discover some fascinating science findings, plus find out what you can do to celebrate the International Year of Biodiversity.
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Service and repair to microscopes, balances, & small lab instruments. Experience - Excellence - Integrity
