Science for all

TST Cover March 2010My next-door neighbor is a lovely young woman, currently at the top of her junior class and gathering information on colleges. She’s interested in studying chemistry/chemical engineering (hooray!). I was reflecting on the opportunities she has that did not exist years ago when I was in her situation. Many colleges with strong science/engineering programs were men-only then or they did not encourage women to apply to these majors. We’ve come a long way, but we’re still talking about science-for-all issues.

This article Universal Design suggests purposeful design of instruction and facilities that will meet the needs of a greater number of students. The author notes that “when UD principles are applied to the classroom, content is presented in multiple methods.” I’m curious about possible connections between UD and differentiated instruction. After reading the article I followed the link to the University of Washington’s DO-IT website to learn more. It appears that many of the things we already do in classrooms (e.g., wait time, posting assignments on the board, avoiding jargon, using large type on projected material) fit into the strategies of UD.

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An offer you can’t refuse

The conference blog has reported on some interesting topics/conference events and sights to see in Philadelphia, but you’re disappointed that you won’t be able to attend this year—the economy, schedule conflicts, time constraints, etc. So here’s an offer you can’t refuse. I’m a “free agent” at the conference. Other than a few must-see general sessions, my schedule is open. So let me know via a comment if there is a hot topic in your school, with a brief context as to why it’s “hot.” I’ll be your avatar and attend some sessions on the topic. I’ll report back via the MsMentor blog after the conference.

I’ll even eat a Philly soft pretzel on your behalf!

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Boost your meeting attendance

Thanks to everyone who posted a comment and e-mailed me directly. Boosting meeting attendance seems to be on everyone’s mind. While there is usually no one “quick fix,” here are some ideas to think about:

  • Restructure the meeting to appeal to a wider audience. Of course, you want programming to appeal to your most active attendees, but think about other attendees’ needs and other audiences.
  • Use a marketing mix. Promote the conference via e-mail, your website (if you have one), in your newsletter, with dues billings and prospective member packets, at local educational institute campuses, etc. Be sure to market your conference through “related” or “like-minded” groups.
  • Take a look at your conference through your attendees eyes. Can you answer “what’s in it for me?” Is there enough content to make it worth attending? Are your marketing materials accurately conveying the value of the meeting?
  • Provide a significant discount for early enrollment—NSTA has a significant registration spike for our early bird registration rate.
  • Have a big name/recognizable presenter—this has been an attendance trigger for NSTA.
  • Offer a guarantee. If the attendee isn’t fully satisfied, refund their money.

These are some ideas to get our conversation started. Do you have a great idea you can share? What has worked for your group and most importantly, what has not worked? Post a comment below or e-mail me at aodonnell@nsta.org and share with your fellow leaders. Remember, the success of this blog is dependent on your participation!

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NSTA Press free book chapters

Logo of NSTA Press booksDid you know that nearly every NSTA Press book has a free sample chapter you can download from the Science Store?  To make it easier for science teachers to locate these resources, we’ve created a new page listing the freebie chapters that include lessons and activities:  visit www.nsta.org/publications/press/chapters.aspx to learn more. We’ll add to the list as new books come off press.

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Recording in a journal—video clips model using a science journal

Not having any “kids” at home these days, I have to make a special effort to learn about the programs my preschool students are watching on television. I like to know the opening songs so I can impress the children!

After spending some time on the Sid the Science Kid site I found these activities (with video clips demonstrating them) that are good basic suggestions of how to “do” science with young children.
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Latest from NSTA’s online outposts

Recent Activity on NSTA’s various online outposts

On our listservs, there are great conversations about moldy cats (yes, that’s right, moldy cats) on our Biology list,  engineering and Newton’s laws on our General Science list, class size on our Physics list, and whether or not poop is a living thing or not on our Elementary list.

In NSTA’s online professional learning communities, make sure to check out all the new presentation resources for our Philadelphia Conference.

On our “core site” (www.nsta.org): everyone’s gearing up for our National Conference on Science Education this March 17–21 in Philadelphia. Write your own declaration of independence and join your fellow educators this March in Philadelphia!

On Facebook, lots of folks have been discussing plans for the National Conference.

On LinkedIn, you can now find a jobs subgroup, that re-posts all of the listings on the NSTA Career Center.

And of course, on our Twitter stream, science educators are tweeting and re-tweeting about our upcoming national conference in Philadelphia!

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The history of science—we’ve come a long way, baby!

Philadelphia boasts several wonderful institutes and museums that bring the history of science alive.  The locations are throughout the city but provide the visitor with the ability to step into the world of science from a different vantage point.

Wagner Institute PhiladelphiaOne such location is the Wagner Free Institute of Science of Philadelphia.  The Institute began in 1855 as one of the earliest free adult science education programs in the United States. From the beginning it has combined public access to natural history and science materials with lively educational programs taught by acknowledged scholars.  Another location is the Chemical Heritage Foundation which fosters an understanding of chemistry’s impact on society.  There are several current exhibitsChemical Heritage Foundationavailable for viewing that help connect chemistry to everyday life.

There are other museums and institutes throughout the city as well that promote an understanding of science, however these two locations allow the visitor to step back in time and gain a deeper understanding of exactly how far we’ve come.

—Christine Royce, Conference Chairperson

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Exemplary science program monograph series

Exemplary Science in Grades 9-12The seventh ESP monograph, now in final stages of editing, should be available for the three NSTA fall area conferences.  This series from NSTA Press has focused on meeting the reforms central to the National Science Education Standards. Titles available are

  1. Science for Grades PreK–4;
  2. Science for Grades 5–8;
  3. Science for Grades 9 –12;
  4. Professional Development of Science Teachers;
  5. Science in Informal Education Settings;
  6. Inquiry: The Key to Exemplary Science; and
  7. Science in a Social and Societal Contexts.

NSTA members are invited to use these monographs and to volunteer to help as members of the National Review Team for the future ESPs.

In addition, plans for ESP 8 are in the works.  It is to focus on NSES Goal 4, which seeks to identify exemplary situations that illustrate preparation of students for science- and technology-related careers.  Your nomination of potential authors (teachers) in your state would be of great help!  In addition, you are invited to assist some of your outstanding teachers in preparing an outline, and it would be great if you were not only encouraging, but also if you would consider being a co-author.

Please direct questions, suggestions, or ready-to-be contributors to Bob Yager, who coordinates the national efforts.  E-mail robert-yager@uiowa.edu; call (cell) 319-541-2857 or (office) 319-335-1189; or write to Room 769 VAN, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242.

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Looking for a challenge

I’ve been teaching middle school science for 15 years, and I love my job. But I’m wondering what other opportunities there might be for sharing and expanding my experiences and knowledge. I don’t think I want to be an administrator, but I’m open to suggestions for a new challenge.
—Brita, Virginia Beach, VA

I’d be interested in seeing any formal research on the topic, but I’ve observed many teachers with 10 to 15 years of experience develop the same feelings. They have a good repertoire of teaching strategies, and they are comfortable with their content knowledge. Although they are very confident in their classroom role, they feel a need to explore additional ways to contribute to the teaching and learning processes.

Moving beyond the comfort zone of the classroom requires risk-taking and a willingness to take on additional challenges. The term “teacher leadership” covers a variety of roles teachers can play in their schools. You might investigate opportunities to serve as a science advocate on school committees and task forces, a department chair, instructional coach, mentor, advisory board member, grantwriter, team leader, or project director.

You could become more active in NSTA or your state affiliate by volunteering for committees or running for a leadership office. Consider sharing your experience, expertise, and enthusiasm by writing articles for NSTA journals or NSTA Reports, or presenting at NSTA’s regional or national conferences. Connect with others through the NSTA email lists and the NSTA Communities. You’ll meet interesting people who share your passion for science and will invigorate your intellect.
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A picture is worth a thousand words

"Tree of Knowledge" mural by Michael Webb. 1301 Market St., Philadelphia

"Tree of Knowledge" by Michael Webb. 1301 Market St., Philadelphia

A trivia fact that I once read about Philadelphia is that they have more public art than any city in the country. While I’m not sure if this is accurate, I can tell you that Philadelphia is a wonderful city for murals and art on the sides of buildings. This was one of my favorite parts of Philly while attending Temple University—being able to see the art work on the sides of buildings (yes I know I should have been paying attention to driving). The murals are part of the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program which is a public arts initiative.  Since 1984, more than 2800 murals have been produced and over 20,000  underserved youth in neighborhoods throughout Philadelphia have been educated.

If you are interested in browsing some murals that are part of this project, here is a map with locations. There are nearly 10 murals within walking distance of the convention center.

—Christine Royce, Conference Chairperson

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