M i d d l e L e v e l E d i t i o n
M a y 2 0 0 3
ASTRONOMYThe month of May is the perfect time for middle level science educators to teach students astronomy—the study of objects and matter outside the Earth's atmosphere. Not only have astronomers made recent major discoveries in this field, science teachers can share the joy of astronomy with their students on Astronomy Day (May 10) and during Astronomy Week, to be held May 5–11, 2003. Teachers can find more information about these events at http://www.nsta.org/main/calendar/event_detail.php?event_ID=1566. Middle level science educators will also find a wide array of resources
about astronomy—news and journal articles, books, and websites—in
this issue of Science Class. So read on and see how you can
enhance your students learning of the solar system! Astronomy in the News Article summaries provided by the NSTA WebNews Service. Click here to read the latest: http://science.nsta.org/enewsletter/2003-05/news_stories_middle.htm Astronomy on the Net SciLinks® is a web-based service from NSTA that provides online content chosen for selected keywords. This month's SciLink keyword is: Astronomy: http://www.scilinks.org/retrieve_outside.asp?sl=9263565510551033 Astronomy with a Stick provides online activities for you to use in your classroom. To learn more, click here: Celebrate Astronomy week (May 5–11) with the Astronomical League's help. Click here to learn more: http://www.nsta.org/main/calendar/event_detail.php?event_ID=1566 Day Into Night (DIN) is a set of activities for upper elementary and middle level students. In DIN, students will develop and use basic observational techniques to explore the proliferation of light pollution. Click here to learn more: http://www.nsta.org/dayintonight AstronomyDaily.com contain observation information updated in real time and customizable for your viewing location and time zone. Click here to learn more: http://www.astronomydaily.com/preview.asp Astronomy in NSTA Journal Articles The following journal articles are sorted by grade level to provide you with ideas for classroom lessons and activities related to astronomy. From this month's Science Scope: http://www.nsta.org/middleschool From the Science Scope archives: http://science.nsta.org/enewsletter/2003-05/middle.htm Books on Astronomy Check out these titles from NSTA Recommends: http://science.nsta.org/enewsletter/2003-05/books_middle.htm Astronomy in May's Science Scope Directions for constructing a simple astrolabe can be found in the online version of "Meeting the MOON from a Global Perspective at http://www.nsta.org/gateway&j=ss&n=48233. Professional Development The Eisenhower National Clearinghouse provides a good introduction to professional development with an article by Susan Loucks-Horsley. Click here to learn more and to read about the five principles of professional development. http://www.enc.org/professional/learn/ideas/science/document.shtm?input=ACQ-142559-2559_2,00.shtm NSTA Opportunities Write for NSTA's Journals NSTA needs your expertise. To learn how, visit: Science Scope (Grades 5–8) http://science.nsta.org/enewsletter/2003-05/scope.htm What Do Your Students Think of You? NSTA believes that its members represent the best the science teaching profession has to offer. Let's see if your students agree. The Public Education Network is accepting essays from public school students in grades 6, 7, and 8, titled "My Teacher Is the Best," as part of its campaign in support of education funding at http://www.GiveKidsGoodSchools.com. The deadline is May 31. Meet Author Mia Posada! The award-winning author of Ladybugs: Red, Fiery, and Bright and Dandelions: Stars in the Grass takes your questions throughout the month of May. Click here to join the discussion: http://www.nsta.org/main/forum/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=48. Next Month's Theme: Safety in the Science ClassroomIf your colleagues would like to subscribe to Science Class, please direct them to: http://www.nsta.org/newsletters. If you have a text-only browser or are having any difficulties with our links, please visit http://science.nsta.org/enewsletter/2003-05/member_middle.htm. THE FINE PRINTThis
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