|
Web Version: http://science.nsta.org/nstaexpress/nstaexpress_2004_10_25.htm Today's Circulation: 189,173
National
Science Foundation Awards FY2004 Math and Science Partnership Grants The National Science Foundation (NSF) has announced that seven new Teacher Institutes for the 21st Century will be formed as a result of grants made in the third year of NSF's Math and Science Partnership (MSP) program. NSF also awarded five large Targeted Partnerships with grants amounting to a combined $60 million over five years that will reach more than 224,000 students via partnerships that will unite 13 institutions of higher education with 21 local school districts. The MSP 2004 awards bring to 48 the total number of comprehensive, targeted, and teacher institute projects underway nationwide. Grants were also made for MSP research, evaluation, and technical assistance programs. To read the NSF press release on the program, go to http://www.nsf.gov/od/lpa/newsroom/pr.cfm?ni=15100000000127, or read more on the FY2004 awards made to science education by clicking here: http://science.nsta.org/nstaexpress/nstaexpress_2004_10_25_nsfsciawards.htm.
Read more about the education proposals from each campaign in an inclusive side-by-side on education issues prepared by Washington Partners LLC and the Alliance for Excellent Education, or read the positions of President Bush and Senator Kerry on science policy in this comprehensive bulletin prepared by the American Institute of Physics located at http://science.nsta.org/nstaexpress/candidates.pdf.
Electricity
& Magnetism, the fifth book in the award-winning Stop
Faking It! Finally Understanding Science So You Can Teach It
series, is now available from NSTA Press. Author Bill Robertson
again writes for all those adults-science teachers, parents wanting
to help with homework, and homeschoolers-seeking the necessary scientific
background to teach physics in grades 3-8 with confidence. Electricity
& Magnetism follows the best-selling previous titles' irreverent
style and delightful graphics, while delivering accurate, undiluted
material and a clear picture of underlying concepts. The book includes
access to interactive software that readers can download from the
NSTA website to help them investigate electrical circuits-from simple
to complex-without having to buy a lot of expensive materials. To
browse and buy, go to NSTA President-elect Mike Padilla is seeking candidates to serve on NSTA's standing committees, advisory boards, and panels beginning June 1, 2005. Read more about the exciting positions available, and how you can lend your talent and expertise and really make a difference in the science education we provide to students by visiting http://science.nsta.org/nstaexpress/nstaexpress_2004_10_25_comm.htm. NSTA
Express Poll Reveals Forensic Science Hottest New Trend in Science
Teaching Thanks for taking our recent NSTA Express poll! Survey results indicate that forensic science is a popular and exciting new trend in the science classroom. Of the 450 middle and high school science educators who responded to the survey, the majority (77 percent) indicated that their school or school district is using forensic investigations to teach science. When asked if the popularity of forensic-based TV shows had ignited students' interest in science, the response was a resounding "yes" (78 percent). To read more survey results, go to http://science.nsta.org/nstaexpress/nstaexpress_2004_10_25_forensic.htm. NSTA offers many resources for teachers on the topic of forensic science, including curriculum units developed with Court TV. Teachers can download the new units free at http://www.courttv.com/forensics_curriculum. For links to NSTA journal articles, web resources, and books, go to the March 2003 edition of Science Class http://science.nsta.org/enewsletter/2003-03/member.htm. NSTA's
Fall Conventions Draw Near; Highlights, Deadlines for Indy, Seattle,
Richmond Events For the thousands of you who will be joining us in Indianapolis (Nov. 4-6) next week for NSTA's convention… we look forward to seeing you! Don't forget to stop by the NSTA Showcase booth. It is our member headquarters and the place for everyone to stop by for information on NSTA's national awards programs, to learn about online courses offered by NSTA affiliate organizations, to redeem your postcards or flyer coupons for a free gift, to pick up your district ribbons, and just to chat. The Science Store awaits you with the newest wonderful books from NSTA Press, just outside the entrance to the Exhibit Hall (or if you can't wait to see our newest books, go to http://www.nsta.org/pressnew.) If you won't be coming to Indianapolis, you can peek at a special virtual workshop "Fun with Optics and Physics First" with CPO Science author Tom Hsu by signing up at http://www.nsta.org/virtualworkshops. If Seattle (Nov. 18-20) is your convention destination, the registration for the preconvention "Linking Science & Literacy in the Classroom" conference positively closes Monday, Nov. 1. Although enrollment has already reached the 300 limit, we are arranging to increase that number somewhat…but only if you hurry! For information on the Nov. 17 all-day conference, go to http://www.nsta.org/conventionsupport&record_id=97&Meeting_Code=2004SEA. For those comin' on down to Richmond (Dec. 2-4), the advance deadline for saving $$ on registration is Friday, Oct. 29. Browse the convention agenda at http://www.nsta.org/conventiondetail&Meeting_Code=2004RIC, and use the personal scheduler to set up your itinerary and register now. NSTA
Survey: Virtual Communities To help our
members make contacts among the science teaching community, we are
developing online virtual communities, which we define as groups
of people communicating and collaborating over the internet. We
have developed a comprehensive list of features that will appeal
to a wide range of interests. Take a minute and tell us what you
like, or don't like, about this innovative new tool that can connect
you with your teacher colleagues. NSTA Express
Feedback Not a member and want to join? Visit https://ecommerce.nsta.org/membership/apply.asp!
THE
FINE PRINT
This e-newsletter is brought to you by the National Science Teachers Association 1840 Wilson Boulevard Arlington, VA 22201-3000 Phone: (703) 243-7100 http://www.nsta.org
If you want to receive NSTA Express by e-mail, please follow this
link: http://www.nsta.org/newsletters |
The
Presidential Candidates' Views on Science Policy and Education 
At
Last! Electricity & Magnetism Demystified in Newest Stop
Faking It! Title Available from NSTA Press