Potential News Story
Al Prieto from ABC news is researching a story for ABCNews.com, the website of ABC News, that would look at what science teachers are doing to turn the Gulf oil spill into a “teachable moment.” He would be interested in talking to any science teacher in elementary, middle, or high schools who is using the spill to teach students about science or the environment in an imaginative way. If this might apply, please contact him at:
Al.Prieto@abc.com
212-456-3534
National Lab Day
National Lab Day is May 12
This Wednesday, scientists, engineers, technologists, and mathematicians from across the country will team up with K–12 schools for project-based learning experiences and more.
But National Lab Day (NLD) is more than just a day. National Lab Day is a long-term program/collaboration between STEM professionals and K–12 classroom teachers. Even if you haven’t signed up for this year’s NLD, take a look at the website and projects, and register your class for NLD today.
Read NSTA Executive Director Francis Eberle’s commentary in this week’s Education Week titled “Making Science Labs a Priority”
Read the blog from OSTP staff on the White House website about the May 6 NLD event in New York City
Read the e-mail from Energy Secretary Stephen Chu encouraging Dept. of Energy scientists to get involved in National Lab Day
Read the U.S. House of Representatives resolution (H.Res.1213) introduced by Rep. Marcia Fudge (D-OH), which recognizes STEM education and supports National Lab Day.
Post a Project and Enter the National Lab Day Video Contest
Attention all science educators, for a limited time you can win money for your school by posting a hands-on learning project on NationalLabDay.org.
The first place winner for the NLD online video contest will receive a $1,500 “shopping spree” on DonorsChoose.org and a Flip Video Camcorder. The second prize winner will receive a $500 “shopping spree” on DonorsChoose.org and a Flip Video Camcorder. All submissions are due by June 1, 2010. For more information go to the NLD contest web page.
PD Opportunities
NSTA Summer Professional Development Offers Educators Unique Options
Science educators can stretch their minds this summer by attending one or more of three exciting PD opportunities.
NSTA’s Elementary Institute planned for Aug. 5–7 in New Orleans brings together teams of administrators, coaches/teacher leaders, and classroom teachers to collaboratively work towards excellence in elementary science teaching. Esteemed educator and author Rodger Bybee and other PD experts will be facilitating strands developed for each stakeholder group.
The Urban Science Education Leaders Summer Academy, scheduled for August 2–5 in New Orleans, aims to positively affect student achievement through the development of school leaders who will help guide reform of the learning, teaching and assessing of science in elementary and middle schools. Teams that include a science or district science coordinator, a building administrator and three teachers are encouraged to attend.
ISTE’s (International Society for Technology in Education) Annual Conference and Exposition will be held June 27–30, in Denver. NSTA is the sponsor of a Science Education Technology Strand at this conference with a focus on Online Professional Development. NSTA’s full-day program includes presentations by nationally known PD experts and is scheduled for Tuesday, June 29, 10:00 am to 4:30 pm.
NSTA Philadelphia Conference APAST Member Breakfast sponsored by Pearson!
APAST Breakfast
Miller is a Professor of Biology and Royce Family Professor for Teaching Excellence.
Past President, Ron Porier, and Speaker, Ken Miller
Science Objects at NSTA
Science Objects are two hour on-line interactive inquiry-based content modules that help teachers better understand the science content they teach. There are 60 different modules that cover all areas in science education.
The FAQs on Science Objects
- What are Science Objects? Free learning experiences available online anytime, anywhere. They’re specifically designed to help teachers understand a prescribed set of ideas based on the science literacy goals in the Standards.
- What do Science Objects cover? Each one focuses on a key content idea—such as Newton’s First Law or Mendel’s Principles of Heredity. Right now there are 33 content ideas with more on the way.
- How will Science Objects help me learn? Interactive simulations get you engaged; embedded questions make sure you understand and remember. The style and tone are lively—even entertaining.
- How will Science Objects help me teach? They challenge you to explore and explain real-world phenomena, and offer student misconceptions to watch out for and practical ideas for addressing them.
- How much time will it take me to work through a Science Object? Just one to two hours, at your convenience. You can start and stop at any point.
- What do Science Objects cost? Best of all, they’re free, thanks so support from sponsors including NASA, NOAA, the FDA, the National Highway Safety and Transportation Administration, the Hewlett Foundation, and the GE Foundation. All teachers of science have open access to these valuable new resources.
- The system check will detect your current browser settings and plug-ins you have on your computer as are required to access the rich media content in the Science Objects, such as the Flash and QuickTime media players. If you do not have the proper settings or plug-ins installed instructions will be provided.
- So how do I start? Do it now! Begin or just browse at the links below.
A few samples are linked below.
Coral Reef Ecosystems: Interdependence
Earth, Sun, and Moon: Our Moving Earth
Coral Reef Ecosystems: The Living Reef
Stay informed on the latest in Science Education
For the latest news and information on K–12 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education issues and federal legislation, please visit www.stemedcoalition.org or www.stemedcaucus.org.