Promoting a Common Understanding

The author's view is right on regarding teaching standards mandated by state boards for students in middle school science. I agree that teaching the concept of matter, including the structu... See More

The author's view is right on regarding teaching standards mandated by state boards for students in middle school science. I agree that teaching the concept of matter, including the structure of the atom, is quite foreign to 6th graders. This is where our state has indicated that students should know the structure of the atom. This issue provides great age-level learning activities and can be used for scaffolding the learning of this abstract concept.

Confusion: Learning Standards on Atomic Structure

This editorial provides a candid look at the discrepancies in standards and expected learning outcomes regarding atomic structure from state to state and even between national based measurem... See More

This editorial provides a candid look at the discrepancies in standards and expected learning outcomes regarding atomic structure from state to state and even between national based measurement tools. In an important point is made by the editor - if you decide your students are ready for a more advanced look at atomic structure, be sure to assess their understanding frequently through formative assessments.