E l e m e n t a r y E d i t i o n
M a y 2 0 0 5
SCIENCE TEACHING TODAYToday, science teachers across the country are dealing with many challenges, such as the upcoming No Child Left Behind science testing; the fact that too few qualified science teachers are entering the profession as many veteran teachers retire; the controversy surrounding the teaching of evolution, especially in light of recent headline-making court cases involving the teaching of creationism and intelligent design; the challenge of finding time for professional development; and the debate over whether direct instruction is more effective than discovery learning. We touch on many of these subjects in this issue, but we're sure you face many other challenges in your teaching. Tell us about these issues, and you may see them presented as a future theme of Science Class. E-mail us at enewsletterfeedback@nsta.org. Science Teaching Today in the News Article summaries provided by the NSTA WebNews Digest (visit http://www.nsta.org/mainnews for national news for science educators). This month’s news stories highlight issues affecting teachers nationwide, including effective science teaching methods, adequacy of salaries, and personal safety at school. Visit http://science.nsta.org/enewsletter/2005-05/news_stories_elementary.htm to learn more. Science Teaching Profession on the Net NSTA's WebNews Digest has an entire section devoted to the Teaching Profession. To read articles that spotlight the challenges of science teaching, visit http://www.nsta.org/educationnews/&category_ID=294 NSTA Articles on Science Teaching Today The following NSTA journal articles provide insight into today's science teaching profession. Click here to read more: http://science.nsta.org/enewsletter/2005-05/elementary.htm Books, Books, Books The NSTA Science Store and catalogs offer NSTA Press books and other outstanding titles for science educators. Selections for this issue are the newest titles that NSTA Press has to offer; they are grade appropriate and were chosen for their relevance to this month's theme: Science Teaching Today. Click here for this issue's recommended titles: http://science.nsta.org/enewsletter/2005-05/books_elementary.htm To receive the latest NSTA catalog for your specific grade level, visit http://ecommerce.nsta.org/catalog_signup Professional Development In the April 27 edition of Education Week, the article "Study Sees Positive Effects of Teacher Certification" examines the results of a Houston study that determined "students learn more from certified teachers than they do from uncertified teachers." To read the article, visit http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2005/04/27/33certify.h24.html (free registration required) Global Science Teaching The NSTA International Task Force, chaired by NSTA President-Elect Mike Padilla, sponsored several events at NSTA’s National Convention in Dallas, which attracted 174 attendees from 43 countries besides the United States. The task force is thoroughly exploring what role NSTA should play in establishing international collaborations related to science education. To read more about the International Task Force, visit http://www.nsta.org/main/news/stories/nsta_story.php?news_story_ID=50487 NSTA Opportunities Call for Papers Science and Children (Grades preK–5) has issued a Call for Papers on specific topics. Click here to find out more:
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