Monday, October 25, 2021

The science of studying

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10/25/21

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Inside Science News for Students

At Science News for Students, we don’t just tailor our coverage to a young audience by writing at a middle-school reading level. We also prioritize news that students can use, including stories about the science of studying.

For instance, kids may not know that reading in print rather than on-screen can help them better understand what they’ve read. Likewise, taking notes by hand helps teens better retain new information. And guessing on homework before looking up answers boosts learning. Students can find more evidence-based advice for studying in Science News for Students’ 10 tips for smarter studying and five tips for learning better at home.

The science of studying has a lot to teach parents and educators, too. Science News for Students stories explore the risks and benefits of allowing smartphones in the classroom, and how adults can help defuse kids’ math anxiety. Check out our Science of Studying collection for more details on how kids can study smarter, not harder.

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Catch up with the latest from Science News for Students

Gender-affirming care improves the mental health of transgender youth: Several states have tried to restrict access to gender-affirming health care for transgender youth. That goes against medical guidelines. Readability: 8.4 Resources: classroom questions, power words, word find puzzle, alternate version at Science News

Here’s how ice needles can sculpt natural rock art: Striking stone patterns adorn remote cold landscapes the world over. The recipe for these adornments: Freeze, thaw, repeat. Readability: 7.6 Resources: classroom questions, power words

Potty-trained cows could help reduce pollution: About a dozen calves have been trained to pee in a stall. Toilet training cows on a large scale could cut down on pollution, scientists say. Readability: 6.8 Resources: classroom questions, power words, alternate version at Science News

Racism lurks in many plant and animal names. That’s now changing: Racist legacies linger in everyday lingo for birds, plants and other organisms. Some scientists now see the chance to change that. Readability: 7.5 Resources: classroom questions, power words, alternate version at Science News

Will you learn better from reading on screen or on paper?: Some studies find students don’t learn as well by reading on screens as from paper. But that's not always true. Here’s how to make the most of reading in either format. Readability: 6.0 Resources: classroom questions, power words

Scientists Say: Electron: Electrons are negatively charged particles. They are attracted to the positively charged particles in the center, or nucleus, of an atom. Readability: 7.2 Resources: power words, audio recording

Opportunity

The Society for Science’s STEM Research Grant supports middle- and high-school teachers who are engaging students in scientific research. Seventy-five teachers will receive $1,000 worth of STEM equipment for their students to conduct independent research projects. Teachers may also apply for up to $5,000 to purchase specialized equipment. Priority consideration will be given to schools that serve low-income students and students underrepresented in STEM. Apply by November 15.

Find out more about the resources available for using Science News for Students stories for learning. And if you like this newsletter, please share it with a friend or colleague. Did someone share this with you? Subscribe to this newsletter here. If you’ve got questions, suggestions or comments, email us at sns@sciencenews.org. Thank you for reading!