"Learning From the Polar Past," the second issue of the Beyond Penguins and Polar Bears online magazine, provides content knowledge, lesson plans, and resources about fossils, polar dinosaurs, geologic time, paleontology, and archaeology. Students learn to examine evidence and make inferences in science activities. Through reading and writing, students practice making inferences, use context clues to define vocabulary, and construct evidence-based claims. The second issue includes compelling images from both the Arctic and Antarctica as well as engaging stories and high-quality content. Some of the issue's highlights are:

Expository articles for students: The issue has versions for K-1, 2-3, and 4-5. At each grade level, the article is available in three formats: text-only, a printable, foldable book, and an electronic book with audio files. This feature allows students to listen to the article as they read the text on-screen. Related lessons and activities accompany the articles.

Virtual Bookshelf: Selected children's literature with ideas for classroom use and recommended grade levels. Written by a children's librarian.

Misconceptions and Formative Assessment probe: In addition to listing common student misconceptions, this article includes a formative assessment probe (pdf file) that can be used to assess student ideas. The probe follows the model used by Page Keeley and others in the three volumes of Uncovering Student Ideas in Science (NSTA Press). The article also includes an interactive fossil sort (flash activity) that can be used as part of the formative assessment process.

Science and Literacy Lessons: This article highlights excellent lesson plans for teaching about fossils, fossil formation, and making inferences from fossil remains. Each lesson includes suggestions for modification to fit K-2 classrooms, ideas and lessons for integrating literacy, and rubrics to help teachers assess their students work.

Find this and other professional development articles, lesson plans, and more in Issue Two of Beyond Penguins and Polar Bears!