E l e m e n t a r y E d i t i o n
J a n u a r y 2 0 0 7
PRIMARY FOUNDATIONSComprehending some of the basic cycles in science, coupled with an understanding of inquiry, gives students the necessary tools to address future challenges in science with skill and knowledge. In this issue, read about the innovative approaches of elementary science teachers who work to provide their students with the primary foundations they need to succeed.
Primary Foundations in the News Article summaries provided by the NSTA WebNews Digest (visit http://www.nsta.org/mainnews for national news for science educators). Teachers Use Hands-On Experiments to Ensure That Science Lessons Stick (Arizona Republic) Urban educators try to expose students to science in more meaningful
ways, such as using hands-on activities and going on field trips,
after too many years of students learning only from textbooks. Primary Foundations on the Web In this month's elementary-level journal, Science and Children, NSTA members can read "Fabulous Weather Day" at http://www.nsta.org/gateway&j=sc&n=53128. For the complete Science and Children January 2007 Illustrated Table of Contents, visit http://www.nsta.org/gateway&j=sc&n=53139. 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=92635621101110771011 NSTA Journal Articles on Primary Foundations The articles in NSTA journal archives provide many ideas for building a strong foundation in science with your young students. Click here to read more: http://science.nsta.org/enewsletter/2007-01/elementary.htm Books, Books, Books To read about Primary Foundations in NSTA Press® and NSTA Recommends® books, visit http://science.nsta.org/enewsletter/2007-01/books_elementary.htm. To read about the newest titles available from NSTA Press, visit http://science.nsta.org/enewsletter/2007-01/newbookselem.htm. To receive the latest NSTA catalog for your specific grade level, visit http://ecommerce.nsta.org/catalog_signup. Professional Development Engaging the Budding Scientist With an increased emphasis on testing science achievement comes a corresponding need to make science interesting and exciting to students. The authors in the December 2006 issue of Educational Leadership spotlight science education, discussing the demand for more rigorous science teaching in classrooms, the professional development science teachers require, and the need to share best practices internationally. Click here to read more: http://www.ascd.org/portal/site/ascd/index.jsp NSTA Symposia The following NSTA Symposia will take place at the National Conference on Science Education in St. Louis, Missouri, March 29 – April 1, 2007: Impact
of Polar Climate Change on Living Systems, presented by NSF,
NASA, and NOAA Visit http://institute.nsta.org/default.asp
for registration information.
Global Science Teaching Happy Birthday, Darwin! Are you and your students
aware that Charles Darwin, the famous naturalist who provided
the first coherent theory of evolution by means of natural selection,
was an indifferent student and slow learner who preferred to spend
hours watching birds, examining plants, and collecting seashells
and insects? Join educators worldwide in celebrating Darwin Day
on February 12—the anniversary of Darwin’s
birthday—and let his story inspire your students to study
science. For a detailed description of Darwin’s life and
work, access http://www.aboutdarwin.com.
This website has an extensive database of links to education websites
related to Darwin and his work. See also http://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/darwin,
which offers an educators guide and links to evolution websites.
NSTA Opportunities The Early Years
Call for Papers Science and Children (grades preK–5) has issued a Call for Papers on specific topics. Click here to find out more: Next Month's Theme: Creative Integration If your colleagues would like to subscribe to Science Class, please direct them to http://www.nsta.org/newsletters.
THE FINE PRINTThis
e-newsletter is brought to you by the National Science Teachers
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Science
and Children (S&C) and NSTA have a blog devoted
to early childhood science (see