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Being mindful of mental health

Students will answer questions about the online Science News article “How mindfulness-based training can give elite athletes a mental edge,” which explores new research into psychological tools to improve mental health. A version of the article, “Mental gymnastics,” appears in the January 29, 2022 issue of Science News.

When Fans Are Away, Home Teams Lose Their Sway

In this guide, students will learn about scientific research into bias in sporting events that was made possible by the coronavirus pandemic. Then, students will define and discuss the role of questions in the scientific method before brainstorming a scientific question of their own.

Investigating bias with ‘ghost games’

Students will answer questions about the online Science News article “‘Ghost games’ spotlight the psychological effect fans have on referees,” which describes research into a phenomenon in sports known as home field advantage. A version of the story, “When fans are away, home teams lose their sway,” appears in the September 25, 2021 issue of Science News.

Why ask scientific questions?

Students will discuss the definition and importance of scientific questions, explore questions that scientists were able to investigate because of the coronavirus pandemic and brainstorm their own scientific questions.

Exploring the replication crisis in the social sciences

Students will answer questions based on the Science News article "Replication crisis spurs reforms."

Good and bad of smartphones

Students will search the Science News archive for stories related to the powers and perils of smartphone use.

SN 2017 Year in Review

This guide reviews the Top 10 scientific discoveries from 2017, as reported by Science News, with a focus on key concepts covered across scientific disciplines.

Boosting your background knowledge

These discussion prompts help students gain a better understanding of key vocabulary and concepts covered in the Top 10 articles of 2017.

Tracking the latest developments

Students will compare and contrast one of the Top 10 stories of 2017 with an earlier related article from the Science News archive.

Analyzing a top article

Students will read and summarize one of the Top 10 stories of 2017, as reported by Science News.

Flex Time

This guide focuses on neurons, how they form connections and how those connections are important for learning.

How do neurons form connections?

Students will study prepared microscope slides and create model neurons to gain a better understanding of what neurons look like, how they connect and how learning changes these connections.