E l e m e n t a r y E d i t i o n
J u l y 2 0 0 6
TECHNOLOGY AND TEACHINGGetting the latest technology in their classrooms is not the only hurdle teachers must overcome to incorporate modern approaches into their curriculum. Teachers in focus groups conducted at NSTA's national and area conferences have told us they want to be shown how to do it. Hands-on instruction is key to making teachers comfortable enough with technology that they are willing to actually use it. Studies are released every day that extol the virtues and dangers
of relying on technology; teachers wishing to stay current and to
improve their teaching are often bewildered by the array of information
and resources available. In this issue of Science Class,
we've provided some news stories, NSTA journal articles, and information
on NSTA Press® books that examine trends and provide resources. Technology and Teaching in the News Article summaries provided by the NSTA WebNews Digest (Visit http://www.nsta.org/mainnews for national news for science educators). News stories selected for this month’s issue discuss technology-related studies and resources. To read more, visit http://science.nsta.org/enewsletter/2006-07/news_stories_elementary.htm.] Technology and Teaching on the Web In this month's elementary-level journal, Science and Children, NSTA members can read "Talking Science, Modeling Scientists" at http://www.nsta.org/gateway&j=sc&n=52128. For the complete Science and Children Summer 2006 Table of Contents, visit http://www.nsta.org/gateway&j=sc&n=52186. SciLinks® is a web-based service from NSTA that provides online content chosen to augment printed articles and books. It does so through keywords; the keyword for this issue is Technology Teaching Tools: http://www.scilinks.org/retrieve_outside.asp?sl=92635621105510661011 NSTA Journal Articles on Technology and Teaching New technologies emerge every day, and whether teachers use these technologies properly affects how successful they are in reaching their students. Find out how some of your colleagues are coping with the changes. Click here to read more: http://science.nsta.org/enewsletter/2006-07/elementary.htm Books, Books, Books To read about Technology and Teaching in NSTA Press® and NSTA Recommends® books, visit http://science.nsta.org/enewsletter/2006-07/books_elementary.htm. To read about the newest titles available from NSTA Press, visit http://science.nsta.org/enewsletter/2006-07/newbookselem.htm. To receive the latest NSTA catalog for your specific grade level, visit http://ecommerce.nsta.org/catalog_signup. Professional Development Diverse Panel of K-12 Leaders Backs Weighted-Student Method of Funding "A diverse group of leaders in K-12 education policy are advocating a dramatic change in the way schools are financed, saying they should receive money based on the number and types of students they serve and that principals should determine teacher pay, professional development, and many other matters currently set by districts." (Education Week) To read more, visit http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2006/06/27/42finance_web.h25.html?levelId=1000 Global Science Teaching According to BBC News, "the world's top scientists have joined forces to call for 'evidence-based' teaching of evolution in schools." Click here to read more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/5098608.stm. NSTA Opportunities NSTA SciGuides Visit the NSTA SciGuides site at http://sciguides.nsta.org/internet/default.aspx for some concise advice on "How Can I Use the Internet in My Classroom?" Check out the valuable resources, grant information, and research on technology in the classroom. NSTA SciGuides provide a multimedia demonstration that shows you how these grade-appropriate, Standards-aligned websites can help you bring effective internet resources into your classroom. To access the demonstration, visit http://sciguides.nsta.org/demo/index.html. The Early Years
Technology means more than computers in the classroom. Teachers at the Early Years are discussing the unique ways they incorporate technology into their lessons. To join in, visit http://science.nsta.org/earlyyearsblog/comments.aspx?blogid=1&articleid=54. Call for Papers Science and Children (grades preK–5) has issued a Call for Papers on specific topics. Click here to find out more: If your colleagues would like to subscribe to Science Class, please direct them to http://www.nsta.org/newsletters.
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Science
and Children (S&C) and NSTA have a blog devoted
to early childhood science (see