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Table of Contents

• Introducing Science Anchors
• NBC Meteorologist Bob Ryan Interviews Dr. Ralph Cicerone on Global Warming
• Lab Science: What Are Your Thoughts?
• Teachers, Students to Celebrate International Polar Year
• Teacher Researcher Day Offers New Opportunities

Introducing Science Anchors

The Science Anchors initiative is a new NSTA project that seeks to help bolster student achievement in science by identifying a smaller set of core science concepts, or anchors, that can serve as the new national science framework. Science Anchors will emphasize the essential skills and topics in science that must be taught, given the limited amount of time teachers have with students. Achieving this objective will aid all of our nation’s education stakeholders in the alignment of curriculum, instruction, and assessment practices and help teachers better manage their instruction, making teaching and learning more effective and efficient.

On February 23, the Board of Directors passed a motion for NSTA to begin to seek funding to support the Science Anchors project. As the largest association of science educators in the world, NSTA is uniquely positioned to engage the larger universe of science education stakeholders in supporting this project and the greater need for coherent progress in science education reform.

Recently, Education Week wrote an article entitled, “NSTA to Provide ‘Anchors: to Winnow Topics” that discusses the Science Anchors project in greater detail. To read the full article, please visit http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2007/02/26/25nsta.h26.html. Registration is required.

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NBC Meteorologist Bob Ryan Interviews Dr. Ralph Cicerone on Global Warming

Washington, D.C. Meteorologist Bob Ryan sat down recently with Dr. Ralph Cicerone, President of the National Academy of Sciences, to discuss global warming. To watch the interview and read more about global warming and the recent statement by the American Meteorological Society on the issue, visit http://science.nsta.org/nstaexpress/nstaexpress_2007_03_05_interview.htm.

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Lab Science: What Are Your Thoughts?

NSTA’s newest position statement, "The Integral Role of Laboratory Investigations in Science Instruction"
(http://www.nsta.org/positionstatement&psid=16) asserts that lab science should play an integral role in science instruction. Yet the current quality of lab experiences is very poor for many students. High school labs in many districts are constricted by lack of funds for needed equipment and materials, and/or are hampered by poor or unsafe conditions. Many teachers are simply not qualified to lead lab investigations. What are the problems with the lab experience in your school? If you are a high school teacher take a minute to briefly share your observations and concerns in this special NSTA Express feedback poll (http://science.nsta.org/survey_lab_science).

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Teachers, Students to Celebrate International Polar Year

Science educators worldwide can help their students understand the global impact of the Earth’s polar regions by engaging them in International Polar Year (IPY). The global launch of IPY took place on March 1 in Paris. To read the recent NSTA Reports article, visit http://www.nsta.org/main/news/stories/nsta_story.php?news_story_ID=53499.

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Teacher Researcher Day Offers New Opportunities

Do you find yourself wondering why one activity works for your class and another doesn’t? Perhaps you take detailed notes throughout the year and wonder how to pass that information on to other teachers….

Teacher Researcher Day at NSTA’s National Conference on Science Education in St. Louis, Missouri might be just the place for you! From poster sessions to workshops showing you how to do research and teach and not feel overwhelmed to presentations of research conducted by your peers, Teacher Researcher Day will end with you inspired and armed with new tools!

Teacher Researcher Day is March 30. The conference runs March 29-April 1. For more details, visit http://www.nsta.org/main/pdfs/2007StLouisTeacherResearcherDay.pdf.

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National Environmental Week This April 15-22, 2007

Sign up now to participate in National Environmental Education (EE) Week, April 15-22, 2007! Now in its third consecutive year, National EE Week (http://www.eeweek.org) seeks to enhance the educational impact of Earth Day (April 22) and provide recognition to American educators who are committed to implementing environmental education in their classrooms.

This year EE Week 2007 will focus on a special energy theme. Participants will have access to a wide variety of FREE environmental education resources, including:

• A full week’s worth of online environmental education preparation, curricula, and activities for K-12 classrooms, universities, nature centers, zoos, museums, and aquariums.
• Monthly e-newsletter updates that highlight the latest EE curricula, programs, and funding opportunities.
• The chance to apply for the Richard C. Bartlett Award for Environmental Education, which will recognize outstanding environmental education programs in both formal and non-formal settings with grants awarded to the winning organizations.

You can join National EE Week’s efforts, promote environmental learning, and gain national exposure for your work by registering today at http://www.eeweek.org/register.htm. Questions? Please e-mail eeweek@neetf.org.

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And Don’t Forget…

• Membership Means You Belong! Join NSTA for these essential benefits that will enhance your marketability in the teaching profession and build your professional knowledge. Being a member of NSTA means you’re part of an international community of practitioners dedicated to improving science education.
• The NSTA Science Store for an outstanding array of bestselling books and teaching resources: http://store.nsta.org. This month’s featured book special is Linking Science and Literacy. For 30% off, visit http://www.nsta.org/onlinespecial2!
• NSTA is offering more Web Seminars in March. Visit http://institute.nsta.org/web_seminars.asp for topics and registration information.

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Professional development courses in your future?
Online options give you a world of choice.
Take a look at these institutions offering courses for science educators!
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