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Welcome to Science Class, NSTA's monthly
electronic newsletter for science educators. Every month, Science
Class features a curriculum topic that is supported by a range of
NSTA-approved teaching resources: news stories, Internet
"SciLinks," NSTA journal articles (sorted by grade level),
books, and more. In addition, every issue includes a column on
professional development, as well as NSTA news highlights. We hope you
enjoy this new service from NSTA. Make sure to let us know via our
Feedback link how you like the newsletter—and how we can make it better.
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Genetics
Ever
since Gregor Mendel first experimented with garden peas in the 1800s, and
particularly since James Watson and Francis Crick (for more information
regarding their important work, visit NSTA Recommends at http://www.nsta.org/recommends/product.asp?id=11528) worked out the structure of DNA in 1953, humans'
understanding of genetics has advanced at a dizzying pace. For example, in
what may be the most significant achievement to date, scientists last year
published a working draft of the human genome—the entire chromosomal
genetic material of an organism. This development promises to revolutionize
modern medicine. (For a history of the human genome project, courtesy of
Science Magazine, visit http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/291/5507/1195.)
Given the profound implications of this and related research, this issue
of Science Class explores the fascinating and sometimes contentious world
of genetics—from the basics of heredity to the latest breakthroughs in
genetic engineering and biotechnology. We hope the resources provided below
help you in your efforts to teach this topical and immensely important
field of science.
Genetics in the News
Article summaries provided by NSTA WebNews Service.
In addition to cracking the human genome, scientists are also working
hard to compile genetic maps for other plants and animals. For example, in
just the last two months, scientists announced draft genomes for two key
species: the rice plant and the lab mouse. Two news stories examine these
breakthroughs, including implications for humans. A third article looks at
the science and ethics of screening newborns for diseases such as early
Alzheimer's.
Read the latest news
stories:
http://ecommerce.nsta.org/enewsletter/2002-05/news_stories.htm
Genetics on the Net
SciLinks is an interactive, Web-based service from NSTA that
connects your lesson and/or course materials (books and journal articles)
with online content chosen just for your selected topics. Members can
search by keyword or phrase and receive a list of teacher-approved Internet
resources.
Elementary: Genetics http://www.scilinks.org/retrieve_outside.asp?sl=6735471088
Intermediate: Genetic Engineering http://www.scilinks.org/retrieve_outside.asp?sl=741922223333$74635620114410
High School: DNA http://www.scilinks.org/retrieve_outside.asp?sl=748222221155$74341994661011$
Genetics-Related
NSTA Journal Articles
The following journal articles are sorted by grade level to provide you
with ideas for classroom lessons and activities related to genetics.
Elementary: http://ecommerce.nsta.org/enewsletter/2002-05/elementary.htm
Intermediate: http://ecommerce.nsta.org/enewsletter/2002-05/intermediate.htm
High School: http://ecommerce.nsta.org/enewsletter/2002-05/high_school.htm
Books on
Genetics
Check out these titles from NSTA Press: http://ecommerce.nsta.org/enewsletter/2002-05/books.htm
Professional
Development
Rightly or not, teachers bear the major responsibility for their own
professional development—including taking stock of important issues such as
administrative support, time problems, lack of funding, engaging the
public, and the change process itself. Start building a foundation for your
professional development now. Eisenhower National Clearinghouse (2002)
Click here to read more:
http://enc.org/professional/guide/foundation
Highlights
NSTA Highlights are provided by NSTA WebNews Service.
For additional NSTA
Highlights, as well as the latest science and education news, visit http://www.nsta.org/mainnews.
A Look Inside NSTA's 50th Annual National Convention
http://www.nsta.org/main/news/stories/nsta_story.php?news_story_ID=47011
Members Benefit from Group Insurance Plans
http://www.seaburychicago.com/plans.asp?co=NSTA
2002 Craftsman/NSTA Young Inventors Awards Program
Honors 36 Creative Students
http://www.nsta.org/main/news/stories/nsta_story.php?news_story_ID=47007
NSTA's First Annual Report to Members
http://www.nsta.org/main/pdfs/annualreport2002.pdf
ExploraVision 10th Anniversary National Winners
Announced
http://www.nsta.org/main/news/stories/nsta_story.php?news_story_ID=47000
NSTA Member
Discussion
How should science teachers address the ethical issues surrounding
genetics?
http://www.nsta.org/main/forum/showthread.php?threadid=335
NSTA
Member Poll
Next
Month’s Theme:
Space Exploration
If your colleagues would like to subscribe to Science Class, please
direct them to: http://www.nsta.org/.
For another dynamic source of classroom science information, subscribe
to Science Monthly, an e-mail newsletter produced by the Learning Network,
Inc. in partnership with NSTA. To subscribe, visit http://www.teachervision.com/tv/lounge/newsletter/science-signup.html.
If you have a text-only browser or are having any difficulties with our
links, please visit http://ecommerce.nsta.org/enewsletter/2002-05\member.htm
OOPS!
In the May 2002 issue, Science & Children printed an incorrect
solution to the Bunny Puzzle on page 18. For the correct solution, click
here:
http://ecommerce.nsta.org/enewsletter/2002-05/keybunnypuzzle2.pdf
THE FINE PRINT
This E-Newsletter is brought to
you by the National Science Teachers Association
1840 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22201-3000
Phone: (703) 243-7100
http://www.nsta.org
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