The Science Teacher (TST) is seeking manuscripts that describe new and creative ideas for the secondary science classroom. Manuscripts should provide worthwhile ideas and practical help for teachers as they relate to the themes listed below. TST also always encourages manuscripts outside of the listed themes (see “The Fine Print”).
Chemistry for a Changing World
Submission Deadline: April 15, 2009
Today’s tools for teaching chemistry go far beyond Bunsen burners and test tubes, as information and communication technologies transform chemical education. From the small scale of atoms and nanoparticles to the large Earth systems such as the atmosphere, chemistry education engages today’s students in some of the most interesting and important issues of our time. The hot topic of “green chemistry’ can provide meaningful new ways to increase student interest and motivation. If you have found ways to include the exciting new topics in your chemistry classes—or a tried-and-true activity with a new twist—why not share them with TST readers!
Science in Society
Submission Deadline: May 1, 2009
In the modern world, students must make connections between what they learn in science class and the larger world. Important social issues can provide a powerful context for making science education meaningful and relevant to students. TST is interested in hearing about successful activities connecting science and societal issues.
Physical Science
Submission Deadline: Ongoing
Understanding the relationships among the properties, changes, and structure of matter is a central theme in the high school science curriculum. TST is interested in manuscripts that describe classroom activities involving new and creative ideas in physical science.
General Topics
Submission Deadline: Ongoing
Do you have an article idea in mind that does not fit with one of TST’s themes? Write about it and submit it for review! General articles, not targeted to a requested theme, are published in every issue. If you have written a manuscript on a secondary education topic, please submit it at any time.
Idea Banks
Submission Deadline: Ongoing
TST is always seeking Idea Banks—short articles of about 1,000 words. During your summer vacation, did an experience reignite your enthusiasm for science and teaching? Is your school involved in a successful partnership with the local community? Do you have an original, how-to lesson that you have developed? If you want to share an experience, activity, or classroom tip, but don’t think it will work as a feature-length article, consider submitting an Idea Bank!
Commentaries
Submission Deadline: Ongoing
Commentaries of approximately 750 words on any secondary education topic are accepted at any time. Do you have thoughts on science education that you would like to share with your peers? Write up a Commentary and submit it to TST for review.
More Upcoming TST Themes Include:
• Summer Reading/Preparing for the New Year (Deadline: February 1, 2009)
• Chemistry for a Changing World (Deadline: April 15, 2009)
• Science in Society (Deadline: May 1, 2009)
• Interpreting Evidence (Deadline: May 15, 2009)
• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) (Deadline: June 15, 2009)
The Fine Print
In addition to submitting articles specifically targeted to the focus of each issue, authors are always encouraged to submit original manuscripts, Idea Bank articles, or commentaries on any secondary science education topic at any time for further consideration by the peer-review panel and the field editor. Manuscripts should describe successful lessons implemented in secondary classrooms, as well as provide specific details for educators who might wish to use the activities with their own students. The manuscripts should include appropriate assessment tools and specifically reference the National Science Education Standards where appropriate. Examples of student work to illustrate results of a successful lesson are encouraged, as are figures, sidebars, and accompanying photos. Author Guidelines can be found online.