M i d d l e L e v e l E d i t i o n
J u l y 2 0 0 6
CREATIVE CONNECTIONS"I do not think there is any thrill that can go through the human heart like that felt by the inventor as he sees some creation of the brain unfolding to success," wrote Serbian-American inventor, electrical engineer, and scientist Nicola Tesla, who received many patents, including one for wireless communications and one for fluorescent lights. Through creative projects that encourage students to look at concepts from different perspectives, teachers today can provide their students with opportunities to feel the thrill that Tesla describes. In this issue, read about the creative ventures your colleagues have undertaken with the hope that students will benefit when the lines between art and science blend. Creative Connections in the NewsArticle summaries provided by the NSTA WebNews Digest (visit http://www.nsta.org/mainnews for national news for science educators). This month’s news stories discuss creative projects that integrate science and art. Visit http://science.nsta.org/enewsletter/2006-07/news_stories_middle.htm to learn more. Creative Connections on the Web In this month's elementary-level journal, Science Scope, NSTA members can read "Adapting to the Deep Sea,” which includes a fun activity with bioluminescence, at http://www.nsta.org/gateway&j=ss&n=52197. To read the Editor's Roundtable on Creative Connections, visit http://www.nsta.org/gateway&j=ss&n=52211. For the complete Science Scope Summer 2006 Table of Contents, visit http://www.nsta.org/gateway&j=ss&n=52246. NSTA Journal Articles on Creative Connections These articles show how different middle-school teachers tap their students' creativity to teach them science. Click here to learn more: http://science.nsta.org/enewsletter/2006-07/middle.htm Books, Books, Books To read about Creative Connections in NSTA Press® and NSTA Recommends® books, visit http://science.nsta.org/enewsletter/2006-07/books_middle.htm. To read about the newest titles available from NSTA Press, visit http://science.nsta.org/enewsletter/2006-07/newbooksmiddle.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. Call for Papers Science Scope (grades 6–9) has issued a Call for Papers on selected topics. Click here to read more:
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