Aug28

More Resources from PBS

I've just heard of a few new resources from PBS. They've recently redesigned the PBS Teachers page (it seems to be the month for redesigning sites -- have you seen the new SciLinks site?). PBS provides many free resources in science and technology, including lessons derived from programs such as NOVA and Nature, "interactives" (which are online animations and simulations), and projects from member stations, searchable by grade level and topic.

I'm especially fascinated by the Activity Packs, which are "widgets" you can add to a webpage or social media site such as FaceBook, making them available to students and parents. (I've included a short cut link - from the main PBS Teachers page, scroll down the right to find it). These widgets look like sidebars and have links to video clips and other resources on science-related topics such as medical research, weather, inventions, and forensics.

Another new feature from PBS is the PBS Digital Learning Library, a repository of digital resources that will be made available through local stations beginning this fall. According to the press release, the project is being piloted at this time by a number of public television stations. (The press release has the list.)
Published: Aug-28-09 | 0 Comments | 0 Links to this post

Aug22

A Memorable Visit

Last week, I went to the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia for the exhibit on Galileo: The Medici and the Age of Astronomy. It was awesome to see an actual Galileo telescope and learn more about the social, political, and cultural contexts in which he did his work. I was impressed by the variety of instruments that were on display, not just as scientific tools but also as works of art and craftsmanship. Unfortunately, this is the only North American venue for this exhibit, but the website has recordings of the symposia (featuring scientists from around the world) on topics such as "What Would Galileo Think?" and "Revolutions in Art and Science," and an educators guide with more resources. (And don't forget that SciLinks can help you find even more resources on topics such as Galileo, astronomy, and telescopes.

Just walking into the museum, I was transported back in time to another era--my own childhood. Seeing the giant statue of Benjamin Franklin reminded me of my visits to this fascinating place where I saw my first planetarium show and many other wonders. And then I heard it--lub DUB, lub DUB. The giant, walkthrough heart was still there, still beating! I couldn't resist walking through again (although the passages seemed smaller than I remember). I realized that this museum was part of what stimulated my interest in science. There were many children there--families on vacation and summer camp groups. I wonder how many children are (or have been) turned on to science through visits to museums, zoos, parks, botanical gardens, science centers, and other informal science institutes. I was fortunate in that my parents were able to take me to places such as the Franklin, but I also wonder how many children have these experiences only through school or camp field trips and what will happen when funds for trips are no longer available (or when other issues cause them to be eliminated).

No matter where you live, there are places that can turn kids on--even your own schoolyard--and the Internet lets you find these places and the resources to make the experiences meaningful ones. I do volunteer work at a local nature center, and today I had a wonderful conversation with a youngster about snakes and turtles. Even if he does not become a herpetologist, I hope he keeps his interest in learning more about living things.

Please feel free to share you own memories of those special places that sparked (or continue to spark) your interest.
Published: Aug-22-09 | 0 Comments | 0 Links to this post

Aug14

New Look for SciLinks

I received a "tweet" from NSTA yesterday - the new version of SciLinks is operational! If you've been a longtime user of SciLinks, you'll notice the new look right away. It's more visually appealing but the basic functions are there.

After logging in, you still have the option of searching by a textbook code or keyword. You can save the search for future reference, and you can also start a list of favorite websites for your lesson planning or to share with students. When you try some of the functions, you'll get a note that more features (such as the class roster) are in the works. But I'm glad that the basic functions are available as we get ready for the new school year. If you're a novice to SciLinks, there are several ways you can use the results of your search.

Recommending sites to students. As a teacher, you can provide logins for students to look at particular sites, or you can give them a printed list of suggestions. For interested students, you might go to the next grade level or you could go down a level for students who may struggle with the text. Share a login with the librarian so that he/she can remind students of this resource. In my town, many students use the technology at the local public library. Perhaps the staff there could be alerted to how and why students would access this.

In large group settings. Why just talk about science topics when there are many sites that lend themselves to illustrating the concepts? Building bridges, watching volcanoes erupt, seeing animals congregate around a water hole at night, or accessing photographs and video of various topics bring these topics to life. If you’re fortunate enough to have a smart board or projection unit, using a simulation or video clip with the class or a small group of students could be an engaging experience for them – and the resources are free and ready when you are. Print out or save some of the pages of a site to supplement or update the textbook information.

Teacher learning. One thing I’ve enjoyed over the years is using SciLinks to keep current on topics such as the human genome and climate change. I especially love the earth science topics (I taught life and physical science, so I’m continuing to learn). If you’re unfamiliar with a topic, searching for sites geared to middle or high school students would be a quick and painless way to learn more about it.
Published: Aug-14-09 | 0 Comments | 0 Links to this post

Aug09

Tips for New Teachers

It's hard to believe that in a short time, the students will be back in school, ready to start a new year. In the August 2009 edition of NSTA's Science Class electronic newsletter, there were lots of suggestions for new (and not-so-new) teachers, including web-based resources such as 100 Helpful Websites for New Teachers. There are many good websites here on topics such as technology applications, ideas for classroom activities, and downloadable documents. I suspect that a new teacher might be overwhelmed at first by all of these resources, so I would also suggest "One Essential Website for New Teachers" -- the NSTA website with a treasure chest of resources specifically for science:
  • Access to the current journals and to the journal archives, including ones from previous years and at other grade levels (which are great to skim, given the wide variety of interests and backgrounds in our classes).
  • The opportunity to explore and join online groups in the NSTA Communities, including one specifically for new teachers where they can share topics of interest, questions, frustrations, and success stories. They'll also have access to the NSTA listserves, in which veteran member can provide information and suggestions on an as-needed basis.
  • Access to podcasts on content topics, NSTA Reports, Science Class (with editions for elementary, middle, and high school), online books and book chapters from NSTA publications.
  • Access to resources, such as Science Objects, from the NSTA Learning Center, which are great if a teacher needs some background information to brush up on science content.

Many of the resources on the NSTA site require an NSTA membership. New teachers can join at a reduced rate (see the NSTA website for the guidelines). Membership would also give the teacher access to SciLinks to find related websites to supplement or enhance their instruction (and keep your eyes open for the updates to the site this month!).

So perhaps a membership would make a great welcome gift for a new science teacher in your school!
Published: Aug-09-09 | 0 Comments | 0 Links to this post