Magazine

Spring 2025
The Science of Teaching Science

Welcome to this special issue of the ChangED magazine, where we explore how teaching science has itself become a science—one grounded in research on how students learn best. Today’s effective science instruction has moved beyond memorization to engage students in authentic scientific practices, mirroring how scientists investigate, gather evidence, and construct explanations. This shift represents a fundamental transformation in how we approach science education, creating classrooms where students develop both deeper conceptual understanding and stronger scientific identities.

In this issue, we examine six powerful approaches reshaping science education: integrating mathematical thinking to identify patterns and model phenomena; applying cognitive science principles to create “science that sticks”; implementing educational innovations that break traditional boundaries; connecting students with science through culturally responsive teaching and local phenomena; structuring instruction through coherent storylines driven by student questions; and teaching with coherence to help students develop a unified picture of the natural world. As educators continue leading reform efforts in science teaching methods, we invite you to explore these evidence-based approaches that are transforming how students experience and understand science.