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PROJECT-BASED LEARNING EXPERIENCESThe features of project-based learning include being learner-centered, community-centered, and multidisciplinary. Advocates of project-based learning praise the excitement and motivation that comes from conveying that learning is interesting and valuable, but critics say that the planning, the assessment challenges, and the additional time required make it impractical in today's classroom. We realize this approach does have its challenges, so we've provided you with some thoughtful examples of how project-based learning can work. Project-based Learning in the News Article summaries provided by the NSTA WebNews Digest (Visit http://www.nsta.org/mainnews for nationwide news for science educators). District Gives Students Glimpse of the Stars (The Detroit
News) Project-based learning can take many forms. Read an article from The Detroit News that discusses how students learn about astronomy with Starlab, an inflatable portable dome that can act as a planetarium, a globe, or even the inside of a living cell. Click here to read more: http://www.detnews.com/2004/schools/0403/01/c03-78085.htm Project-based Learning on the Net SciLinks® is a web-based service from NSTA that provides online content chosen for printed articles and books. It does so through keywords; the keyword for this issue is: Scientific Investigations: http://www.scilinks.org/retrieve_outside.asp?sl=9263562110441044 NSTA Articles on Project-based Learning The following NSTA journal articles provide you with useful ideas on project-based learning. Click here to read more: http://science.nsta.org/enewsletter/2004-04/elementary.htm Books, Books, Books Click here to view the NSTA Catalog books on project-based learning: http://science.nsta.org/enewsletter/2004-04/books_elementary.htm Click here to view the list of new books from NSTA Press: http://science.nsta.org/enewsletter/2004-04/newbookselem.htm Professional Development First Major Study Suggests Worth of National 'Seal' The first in a long-awaited series of studies shows that nationally certified teachers are more effective at raising their students' reading and math scores than are teachers who apply for the credential but do not receive it. (Education Week) Click here to read more: http://www.edweek.org/ew/ewstory.cfm?slug-27certify.h23 NSTA Opportunities NSTA's Position Papers—Advocating for Science Education NSTA's research-based position statements outline the organization's stand on critical issues in science education. These position papers can offer you a sound voice on important issues affecting science education today. These statements provide you with valuable background on today's science education issues. Click here to read more: http://science.nsta.org/enewsletter/2004-04/www.pdf Win with NSTA's Book Club This month's books focus on Patterns in Nature. Visit http://www.nsta.org/bookclub Write for NSTA's Journals Science & Children (Grades PreK–5) has issued this Call for Papers on specific topics. Click here to find out more: http://science.nsta.org/enewsletter/2004-04/sc.htm Next Month's Theme: Working with Weather If 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/2004-04/member_elementary.htm. THE FINE PRINTThis
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