• NEA, AFT Report Outlines Ed-Tech Problems
• Behind the Books: A Conversation with the Author of Everyday Science Mysteries
• Science Educations Standards in Asian Countries—Now at Your Fingertips
• Charlotte, NC, to Host NSTA Area Conference This Fall, Oct. 30–Nov. 1
• NSTA Annual Report to the Members
• Gone Fishin'

NEA, AFT Report Outlines Ed-Tech Problems

Though a growing number of schools and classrooms have access to computers and the internet, much of it has not resulted in significant changes in the way students are taught. That’s the conclusion of a new report (PDF) published by the two national teachers’ unions.

Released in June by the National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers, the report is based on a survey of nearly 2,000 K-12 public school educators from across the nation and examines technology use in schools throughout the country. The study found that despite long-term investments, significant disparities in school and student access to technology still exist, particularly in urban schools. And schools that do have a high level of access to the internet and other instructional technologies such as laptops often are not using those technologies in ways that significantly improve student learning, the report says.

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In NSTA’s eighth Behind the Books podcast, listen in as Everyday Science Mysteries author Dick Konicek describes how he finds mystery stories in the world around him and how to draw students into the stories by grounding them in experiences students are familiar with, providing them with a foundation for classroom discussion and inquiry. More of these special interviews with Tyson Brown, NSTA’s Director—New Products and Services, are in the works. Whether or not you’ve read the featured books, we hope you’ll find these podcasts interesting, thought-provoking, and helpful. To listen, visit Behind the Books.

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Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) has created a website that offers translations of the academic standards of Asian countries, all translated into English. Here are links directly to the science and math standards:

• Science education standards in Asian countries
• Math education standards in Asian countries

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Charlotte, NC, to Host NSTA Area Conference This Fall, Oct. 30–Nov. 1

Become the best teacher you can be. Attend NSTA’s Area Conference on Science Education in Charlotte, North Carolina—“Charlotte’s Web of Science.” Register by September 19 at the most affordable rates! To help you make the most of your professional development opportunities, we have planned the conference around three strands—Biotechnology as an Economic Engine, Fearlessly Teaching Physical Science in the Elementary Classroom,and Assessment for Understanding—enabling you to focus on your interest or need.

Consider these related specialized sessions and workshops dealing with Biotechnology as an Economic Engine:

• Biotechnology and Environmental Risk: Project Learning Tree's New Secondary Program: High school and college educators will use new activities and case studies to explore biotechnology from an environmental and societal perspective. Each participant will receive the PLT Environmental Risk Module and Biotechnology Supplement.
• Hear from Dr. William E. Schy at Applying the Biotechnology Toolbox Across Industries. Discussion will include enhancing medical treatment, discovery, testing and manufacture of pharmaceuticals, development of novel crop varieties, and enhancement of industrial processes.
• Supervisors, take advantage of CSI + DNA + NCCAT = Exciting Science in Your Classroom! The world of crime scene investigation is a rich environment for exploring all types of different scientific concepts. The presenter will cover exploring crime scenes, detective stories, DNA fingerprinting, bullet trajectories, and footprint analysis.

Learn about the biotechnology seminars offered at the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) among many other seminars designed to stimulate intellectual curiosity, creative thinking, inquiry, and discussion.

Don’t miss your chance to earn one graduate credit with 12 hours of program attendance through Framingham State College. Document your professional development with an NSTA transcript of attendance.

For more information or to register, visit www.nsta.org/charlotte.

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NSTA Annual Report to the Members

Read all about the many NSTA activities this past year in support of our four key strategic goals:

1. Engage All Teachers of Science Continually to Improve Science Education
2. Improve Student Learning by Supporting and Enhancing Science Teaching
3. Advocate for the Importance of Science, Both Science Literacy and the Development of Scientific Expertise
4. Enhance Science Education Through Research-based Policy and Practice

• Read the NSTA Executive Office Annual Report to Members
• Read more about NSTA’s Strategic Goals (PDF)

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Gone Fishin'

We hope our readers in the Northern Hemisphere are enjoying their summer. NSTA Express is taking a vacation for the next two weeks. See you the week of July 28!

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And Don’t Forget…

Visit our member services web page to ensure that NSTA has your current contact information.

Visit the NSTA Science Store for an outstanding array of bestselling books and teaching resources. Receive 30% off of the July featured book, The Truth About Science: A Curriculum for Developing Young Scientists.