NSTA Learning Center Professional Development Tools

Archive: Global Climate Change Impacts in the Eastern United States, November 17, 2009

11/17/2009 12:00:00 AM

This Web Seminar took place on November 17, 2009, from 8:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Presenting was Tim Owen, from NOAA's National Climatic Data Center, Frank Niepold, UCAR Climate Education Coordinator at NOAA Climate Program Office; and Peg Steffen, Education Branch Chief at NOAA. In this Seminar, Mr. Owen focused the presentation on specific climate changes, current and expected in the Eastern United States. For more information about this web seminar, its presenter(s), read what participants said about it, and to see and download its PowerPoint slides <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall09/NOAA/webseminar2.aspx" target=_Blank">go here</a>.

Archive: Anti-matter Eyes on the Gamma-ray Skies November 12, 2009

11/12/2009 12:00:00 AM

This Web Seminar took place on November 12, 2009 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Presenting was Dr. Lynn Cominsky, Chair of the Physics and Astronomy Department at Sonoma State University (SSU). Dr. Cominsky talked about the Fermi telescope and the vision of space that is pictured by gamma ray ‘eyes'. For more information about this web seminar, its presenter(s), read what participants said about it, and to see and download its PowerPoint slides <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall09/NASA/webseminar1.aspx" target=_Blank">go here</a>.

Online Courses: AMNH Seminars on Science

11/10/2009 12:00:00 AM

Seminars on Science, six week online graduate courses in the life, Earth, and physical sciences, incorporate the American Museum of Natural History's resources plus interaction with scientists and educators. CEUs and graduate credits available. Each course costs $465. Graduate credit is available at an additional cost. For more information go to <a href="http://learn.amnh.org" target="_Blank">http://learn.amnh.org</a>.

Natural Resources: Digging Soil

11/5/2009 12:00:00 AM

It's not hard to captivate children with the world of soil-many of them already love "dirt." Plus, exploring soil requires no special equipment or field trips. Soil is everywhere, with only a shovel or trowel required. You just might need some help deciphering what you are looking at. So, get your hands messy with these resources. Most include activities that will help you explore the mechanics of soils and the myriad of organisms living in it. Soon the "eeews" will be "oohs" and "aahs."

Archive: Global Climate Change Impacts in the Western United States, November 5, 2009

11/5/2009 12:00:00 AM

This Web Seminar took place on November 5, 2009, from 8:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Presenting was Katharine Hayhoe, Professor in the Department of Geosciences at Texas Tech University, Frank Niepold, UCAR Climate Education Coordinator at NOAA Climate Program Office; and Peg Steffen, Education Branch Chief at NOAA. In this Seminar professor Hayhoe focused the presentation on specific climate changes, current and expected in the Western United States. For more information about this web seminar, its presenter(s), read what participants said about it, and to see and download its PowerPoint slides <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall09/NOAA/webseminar1.aspx" target=_Blank">go here</a>.

Scope on the Skies: Living with a star

11/3/2009 12:00:00 AM

Currently, our Sun is a content, middle-aged main sequence star steadily fusing hydrogen atoms into helium atoms and releasing radiation in many of the wavelengths making up the electromagnetic spectrum. So what happens between now and when the Sun runs out of hydrogen? And what happens after that? Before we can answer these questions, we need to take a look at what goes on within a star's hot interior and how that energy reaches the surface of the Sun and then onward out into the surrounding space.

Web Seminar: Higher than a Sea-Bird's Eye View: Coral Reef Remote Sensing using Satellites, December 15, 2009

11/3/2009 12:00:00 AM

Coral reef ecosystems are already being impacted by climate change and this problem is expected to become more severe in future decades. While these remarkable systems are robust enough to create structures like the Great Barrier Reef, visible from space, they can be damaged and destroyed by even small changes in the Earth's climate. In the fourth installment of the climate change web seminars, the presenters will focus on how NOAA satellites monitor the temperature conditions that lead to coral bleaching. Major concepts include climate change, coral bleaching, cutting edge satellite technology, and ocean ecology in the context of coral ecosystems. The presenters (Dr. Mark Eakin, along with a number of NOAA colleagues) will share their science expertise, answer questions from the participants, and provide web sites and tools that students can use in the classroom. This Web Seminar is designed for educators of grades 5-12.

Science Sampler: Global Warming Project

11/2/2009 12:00:00 AM

To address the issue of global warming locally, the author developed an inquiry-based project to examine the impact of the school's traffic situation on climate change. In this project, students collected data in the parking lot/driveway, researched greenhouse gas emissions of vehicles, and developed solutions to the traffic problem. Their solutions, if implemented, will reduce their school's carbon footprint. Completing this project made other students in the school aware of the severity of the global climate change problem.

Web Seminar: From Sound Waves to Microwaves: "Listening" to the Oldest Light of the Universe with the Planck Mission December 16, 2009

10/28/2009 12:00:00 AM

Join Jatila van der Veen, Ph.D. Education and Public Outreach Coordinator for the Planck Mission, JPL/NASA Visiting Project Scientist, Department of Physics, University of California, Santa Barbara in exploring the Cosmic Microwave Background - the oldest light we can observe - and the Planck Mission, a joint mission between NASA and the European Space Agency to map this primeval light with unprecedented detail. Learn how we use the physics of music to derive information about the early universe from the signal strength of the Cosmic Microwave Background at different frequencies.

Web Seminar: A Century of Cosmic Surprises December 8, 2009

10/28/2009 12:00:00 AM

Join Dr. James Lochner of the Center for Research and Exploration in Space Science and Technology for a historical overview with cosmic significance. Over the past century, the model we use to describe the universe has changed from static to expanding to accelerating. In this workshop we trace some of the questions scientists have asked about the universe, and describe the tools they used to answer those questions. We show how in many cases, these led to surprising, unforeseen answers which have shaped our current understanding of the nature of the universe.

Idea Bank: Extra! Extra! Read All About the Universe!

10/20/2009 12:00:00 AM

This year we are celebrating the International Year of Astronomy (IYA). The IYA commemorates the 400th anniversary of Galileo's first observations of the cosmos through a telescope. He never could have imagined how our view of the universe would continue to change over the years-up to the present day. To highlight this idea, the authors developed a set of curriculum support materials called Cosmic Times. These materials teach students about the process of science and help them to develop science literacy skills.

Rise the Moon

10/16/2009 12:00:00 AM

The moon enchants even the youngest scientists, and this charming and lyrical story of moonlit antics-from a painter taking advantage of the unique glow to a pack of wolves howling at the bright orb to a mother rocking her sleeping baby-is sure to pique your students' interest in moon lessons. Eileen Spinelli's lilting verse is well complemented by Raúl Colón's gorgeous, moonlight-soaked illustrations. Watercolor paintings were scraped and scratched to give the book a dreamy quality.

Answers to Science Questions From the Stop Faking It! Guy (e-book)

10/8/2009 12:00:00 AM

This valuable and entertaining compendium of Bill Robertson's popular "Science 101" columns, from NSTA member journal Science and Children, proves you don't have to be a science geek to understand basic scientific concepts. The author of the best-selling Stop Faking It! series explains everything from quarks to photosynthesis, telescopes to the expanding universe, and atomic clocks to curveballs-all with his trademark wit and irreverence. The 33 short columns, plus a new introduction, provide an introductory science course of sorts, covering topics in life science, Earth and space science, physical science, technology, and more-perfect for K-8 teachers, homeschoolers, or parents who just want to boost their science know-how. Easily understood prose and lively illustrations by cartoonist Brian Diskin make this volume an engaging-and more important, readable-course you can pass with flying colors. Bill Robertson has written eight Stop Faking It! books to date, drawing on his many years of experience as a college physics instructor, cognitive science researcher, curriculum developer, science reviewer, and teacher workshop leader as inspiration for his informative but humorous approach to science. The family's two dogs, Misha and Pasha, sometimes help too. Brian Diskin illustrates all of Bill's books and columns … when he's not drawing a blank.

Scope on the Skies: October Skies (2009)

9/30/2009 12:00:00 AM

Our Sun is an incredible fusion machine that has been churning out energy for approximately five billion years. In another five billion years, when the internal temperature of the star begins to change, the balance between the thermal pressure pushing outward and the force of gravity pushing inward will become imbalanced, and the Sun will move on to the next stage of its life. But that is a topic for a future column. Let's turn back the clock, instead, and look at the early life of our star. Also included in this month's column is an outline of celestial events during the month of October.

Science Matters - Achieving Scientific Literacy, New Edition, Expanded and Updated

9/29/2009 12:00:00 AM

Knowledge of the basic ideas and principles of science is fundamental to cultural literacy. But most books on science are often too obscure or too specialized to do the general reader much good. Science Matters is a rare exception-a science book for the general reader that is informative enough to be a popular textbook for introductory courses in high school and college, and yet well-written enough to appeal to general readers uncomfortable with scientific jargon and complicated mathematics. And now, revised and expanded for the first time in nearly two decades, it is up-to-date, so that readers can enjoy Hazen and Trefil's refreshingly accessible explanations of the most recent developments in science, from particle physics to biotechnology.

Web Seminar: Relevance of Climate Change for the Arctic Marine Biological System, December 3, 2009

9/28/2009 12:00:00 AM

The environmental conditions in the Arctic have been changing over the last decades both on land and in the ocean. Temperatures are increasing and coverage by ice and snow has decreased, specifically in summer. This web seminar will outline some of the recent findings regarding the unique properties of the Arctic marine food web and the implications of Arctic warming on its structure. Scenarios will be discussed outlining the relevance of sea ice changes, temperature increases and altered precipitation patterns. A holistic approach will be used, covering a very broad range of taxa and processes including phytoplankton, zooplankton, life at the sea floor as well as marine mammals. We will also discuss the implications of increased ship traffic, resource exploration, as well as implications of Arctic warming for the connectivity between the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean. Join Dr. Rolf Gradinger, polar ecologist at the School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences at the University of Alaska in Fairbanks for this presentation directed toward middle and high school teachers.

Science Shorts: Astronomies of Scale

9/24/2009 12:00:00 AM

Astronomical scale is a difficult concept for elementary students to grasp when they begin studying the solar system. A school yard solar system model gives students a tangible experience of astronomical distances. After determining the distances between planets and the Sun, students decode a mystery that requires them to travel from planet to planet. The physical component of this gives students a real appreciation for how "close" the inner planets are compared with the cold and distant outer ones.

Every Day Science: October 2009

9/24/2009 12:00:00 AM

This monthly feature contains facts and challenges for the science explorer.

Wind Solvers

9/23/2009 12:00:00 AM

Measuring real weather provides a nice opportunity for data collection and problem-solving when students work to create a procedure before they gather data. It is also a powerful way to get students to notice the weather. In this lesson, the data collection process is changed from a "cookbook lab" where the teachers tell the students how to collect the data into a collaborative effort to choose how to best perform data collection. This was accomplished by building on students' own experiences through questioning, journaling, and problem-solving.

Podcast: The Importance of Encouraging Science Interest Now

9/9/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: The Importance of Encouraging Science Interest Now is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/boston08/SRS/webseminarII.aspx">From Astrobiology to Zoology: Igniting Students' Interests in Science Careers</a>, May 20, 2008. The podcast is 4 minutes 57 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the second of two developed as a follow-up to the Sally Ride Science Symposium that took place at the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in Boston, Massachusetts. The presenters talked about four science fields: space sciences, earth sciences, environmental sciences, and health sciences and shared strategies that teachers can use to engage their students in conversations about them. The seminar was designed for educators of grades 6-9. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSFAZ08_May20">From Astrobiology to Zoology: Igniting Students' Interests in Science Careers</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Warming and Cooling of the Atlantic Ocean

9/9/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Warming and Cooling of the Atlantic Ocean is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall06/oceans/webseminarI.aspx">The Ocean's Role in Weather and Climate: The Effects of the Atlantic Ocean!</a>, December 12, 2006. The podcast is 6 minutes 26 seconds in duration. In the source Web Seminar presentation, educators had the opportunity to learn about the influence of the Atlantic Ocean on regional weather and climate. As water circulates through the Atlantic Ocean, from the tropics to higher latitudes, energy is transported in the form of heat. This transported energy is equal to the amount of energy required to support the electricity consumption of the United States population for 2000 years. Not only is the Atlantic Ocean the cradle for the formation of hurricanes, storms that move from east to west over the ocean, but data also shows that the sea surface temperature changes in the Atlantic Ocean are responsible for droughts taking place in the African continent. Dr. Delworth described how scientists are using computer models to forecast future weather patterns, like the possible number of hurricanes and drought conditions. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSORWC06_Dec12">The Ocean's Role in Weather and Climate: The Effects of the Atlantic Ocean!</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Sources of Reliable Climate Change

9/9/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Sources of Reliable Climate Change is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/boston08/IPY-Boston/webseminarI.aspx">Polar Science, Global Discoveries: IPY Research Update for Teachers</a>, May 1, 2008. The podcast is 10 minutes 38 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the first of two related to the IPY Symposium that took place at the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in Boston, Massachusetts. The presenter focused her presentation on the following four questions: (1) Why are the polar regions important for global climate? (2) What is one (of many) important climate discoveries from past ice coring science? (3) How can teachers and students become engaged in IPY ice coring programs? (4) Where can teachers get reliable information about climate change science? The Web seminar was designed for educators of grades 5-12. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSPSG08_May01">Polar Science, Global Discoveries: IPY Research Update for Teachers</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Hurricane Katrina: A Teachable Moment

9/8/2009 12:00:00 AM

This article presents suggestions for integrating the phenomenon of hurricanes into the teaching of high school fluid mechanics. Students come to understand core science concepts in the context of their impact upon both the environment and human populations. Suggestions for using information about hurricanes, particularly Hurricane Katrina, in a physics class are provided, as are examples of ways to modify standard physics problems.

Podcast: Scientific Method

9/4/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Scientific Method is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/JPL2/webseminar3.aspx">How Science REALLY Gets Done</a>, October 16, 2007. The podcast is 7 minutes 10 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was developed in collaboration with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and Arizona State University's (ASU) Mars Education Program. The presenter was Dr. Phil Christensen, Principal Investigator for the 2001 Mars Odyssey Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) instrument, and the Thermal Emission System (TES) instrument on Mars Global Surveyor. Dr. Christensen talked about how scientists approach complex problems, and how the scientific method is used within this context. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSHSR07_oct16">How Science REALLY Gets Done</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Polar Science and World Peace

9/3/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Polar Science and World Peace is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/boston08/IPY-Boston/webseminarII.aspx">Polar Science, Global Discoveries: IPY Research Update for Teachers</a>, May 22, 2008. The podcast is 21 minutes 45 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the second of two related to the IPY Symposium that took place at the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in Boston, Massachusetts. The presenter focused her presentation on the following four questions: (1) Is polar science relevant to world peace? (2) How is the atmosphere involved in current climate change? (3) How do we know about ancient atmospheres? (4) What are some discoveries from the International Polar Year so far? (5) How can teachers become involved in IPY? The seminar was designed for educators of grades 5-12. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSPSG08_May22">Polar Science, Global Discoveries: IPY Research Update for Teachers</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center library.

Podcast: Phoenix mission

9/3/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Phoenix mission is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/JPL2/webseminar13.aspx">Mars Exploration Rovers: Where Are They Now?</a>, June 5, 2008. The podcast is 7 minutes 43 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was developed in collaboration with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and Arizona State University's (ASU) Mars Education Program. The presenter was Dr. Steve Ruff, Faculty Research Associate in the School of Earth and Space Exploration's Mars Space Flight Facility at ASU. Dr. Ruff gave an update on the Mars Exploration Rovers and the Phoenix Lander missions. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSERW08_Jun05">Mars Exploration Rovers: Where Are They Now?</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center library.

Podcast: Exploring Occupational Interests

9/2/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Exploring Occupational Interests is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/boston08/SRS/webseminarI.aspx">From Astrobiology to Zoology: Igniting Students' Interests in Science Careers</a>, April 30, 2008. The podcast is 8 minutes 23 seconds in duration. The source Web Weminar was the first of two developed as a follow-up to the Sally Ride Science Symposium that took place at the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in Boston, Massachusetts. The presenters shared strategies that teachers can use to engage their students in conversations about science careers. The seminar was designed for educators of grades 6-9. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSFAZ08_Apr30">From Astrobiology to Zoology: Igniting Students' Interests in Science Careers</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Careers in Earth Sciences

9/2/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Careers in Earth Sciences is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/boston08/SRS/webseminarII.aspx">From Astrobiology to Zoology: Igniting Students' Interests in Science Careers</a>, May 20, 2008. The podcast is 9 minutes 52 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the second of two developed as a follow-up to the Sally Ride Science Symposium that took place at the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in Boston, Massachusetts. The presenters talked about four science fields: space sciences, earth sciences, environmental sciences, and health sciences and shared strategies that teachers can use to engage their students in conversations about them. The seminar was designed for educators of grades 6-9. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSFAZ08_May20">From Astrobiology to Zoology: Igniting Students' Interests in Science Careers</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Importance of Encouraging Science Interest Now

9/2/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Importance of Encouraging Science Interest Now is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/boston08/SRS/webseminarII.aspx">From Astrobiology to Zoology: Igniting Students' Interests in Science Careers</a>, May 20, 2008. The podcast is 4 minutes 57 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the second of two developed as a follow-up to the Sally Ride Science Symposium that took place at the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in Boston, Massachusetts. The presenters talked about four science fields: space sciences, earth sciences, environmental sciences, and health sciences and shared strategies that teachers can use to engage their students in conversations about them. The seminar was designed for educators of grades 6-9. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSFAZ08_May20">From Astrobiology to Zoology: Igniting Students' Interests in Science Careers</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Is It Possible to Turn Coal Into Diamonds?

9/2/2009 12:00:00 AM

How cool would it be to be Lois Lane? Anytime she wants a diamond, she just has Superman use his super strength to squeeze a lump of coal. But is this really possible? Using a high enough temperature and enough pressure, can you turn coal into diamonds? To answer this, we have to address the nature and formation of coal and the nature and formation of diamonds. First, though, we have to talk about the carbon atom and what makes it so special. This free selection includes the Table of Contents, Introduction, and Index.

Podcast: Benchmark Hunting

9/1/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Benchmark Hunting is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/stlouis07/GPS/webseminarII.aspx">GPS and Geodesy for Dummies: Do You Know Where You Are?</a>, May 29, 2007. The podcast is 20 minutes 18 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the second of two on the topic of GPS and Geodesy. The presenter was Casey Brennan, Program Analyst with NOAA's National Geodetic Survey in the Communications and Outreach branch. Mr. Brennan talked about geocaching and benchmark hunting, and shared ideas for using these in the classroom. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSGPS07_May29">GPS and Geodesy for Dummies: Do You Know Where You Are?</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Earth and Mars Similar Features

9/1/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Earth and Mars Similar Features is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/JPL2/webseminar10.aspx">Using Earth to Explore Mars</a>, April 3, 2008. The podcast is 7 miniutes 25 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was developed in collaboration with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and Arizona State University's (ASU) Mars Education Program. The presenters were Dr. Joshua Bandfield, Research Specialist at the Mars Spaceflight Facility at Arizona State University and Brian Grigsby, Director of the ASU Mars Education and Outreach Program at Arizona State University. Dr. Bandfield used images to compare Earth with Mars, highlighting the similarities of the two planets and Mr. Grigsby provided an update of current and future NASA's missions to Mars. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSUEE08_Apr3">Using Earth to Explore Mars</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Atlantic Ocean Circulation

9/1/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Atlantic Ocean Circulation is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall06/oceans/webseminarI.aspx">Ocean's Role in Weather and Climate</a>, December 12, 2006. The podcast is 14 minutes 8 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the first of two about the Ocean's Role in Weather and Climate. The presenter was Dr. Tom Delworth, leader of NOAA's Climate Dynamics and Prediction Group at the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory in Princeton, NJ. The seminar focused on the influence of the Atlantic Ocean on climate, from Atlantic hurricanes to African drought. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSORWC06_Dec12">Ocean's Role in Weather and Climate</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Effects of Ocean Acidifcation on Coral Reefs

9/1/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Effects of Ocean Acidifcation on Coral Reefs is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/NewOrleans09/NOAA/webseminarI.aspx">The Heat is On!: Climate Change and Coral Reef Ecosystems</a>, April 2, 2009. The podcast is 6 minutes 6 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the first of two scheduled as a follow-up to the The Heat is On! Climate Change an Coral Reef Ecosystems Symposium that took place at the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in New Orleans, LA. In this program Dr. Gledhill talked about ocean acidification, the basic carbon dioxide chemistry cycle of the oceans, and the changes coral reef ecosystems are experiencing due to anthropogenic increases in carbon dioxide. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSCCC09_Apr02">The Heat is On!: Climate Change and Coral Reef Ecosystems</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Scope on the Skies: September Skies (2009)

8/25/2009 12:00:00 AM

There are many astronomy and space science resources that may be used to supplement or reinforce your teaching, or even as a stand-alone teaching tool. This month's column brings together a collection of the author's favorite, free online resources to put into your teaching toolbox.

Web Seminar: Timely Teachings: Seasons and the Cycles of Night and Day, December 10, 2009

8/17/2009 12:00:00 AM

Join Jessica Fries-Gaither, science resource specialist at Ohio State University, as we discuss two challenging topics in the elementary and middle school curriculum-Day and Night and Seasons-from both science and literacy perspectives. We'll review scientific principles, examine common misconceptions and formative assessment strategies, and discuss how to approach these topics by integrating science and literacy. We'll share resources from /Beyond Penguins and Polar Bears/, the National Science Digital Libraries' Middle School Portal, and other high-quality content providers.

Podcast: Why are Polar Regions Important for Global Climate?

8/13/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Why are Polar Regions Important for Global Climate? is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/boston08/IPY-Boston/webseminarI.aspx">Polar Science Global Discoveries IPY Research Update for Teachers I</a>, May 1, 2008. The podcast is 11 minutes 24 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the first of two related to the IPY Symposium that took place at the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in Boston, Massachusetts. The presenter focused her presentation on the following four questions: (1) Why are the polar regions important for global climate? (2) What is one (of many) important climate discoveries from past ice coring science? (3) How can teachers and students become engaged in IPY ice coring programs? (4) Where can teachers get reliable information about climate change science? The Web seminar was designed for educators of grades 5-12. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSPSG08_May01">Polar Science Global Discoveries IPY Research Update for Teachers I</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Microbes and Climate

8/13/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Microbes and Climate is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/stlouis07/IPYlife/webseminarII.aspx">Impact of Polar Climate Change on Living Systems</a>, June 14, 2007. The podcast is 8 minutes 59 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the second of on the topic of "Impact of Polar Climate Change on Living Systems". The presenter was Dr. David Kirchman, Maxwell P. & Mildred H. Harrington Professor of Marine Studies at the University of Delaware's College of Marine and Earth Studies. Dr. Kirchman talked about how climate change is affecting the Arctic, the importance of microbes as producers and consumers of greenhouse gases, and genomes. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSPCCLS07_June14">Impact of Polar Climate Change on Living Systems</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: The Role of Microbes in the Artic Ocean

8/13/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: The Role of Microbes in the Artic Ocean is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/stlouis07/IPYlife/webseminarII.aspx">Impact of Polarl Climate Change on Living Systems</a>, June 14, 2007. The podcast is 11 minutes 54 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the second of on the topic of "Impact of Polar Climate Change on Living Systems". The presenter was Dr. David Kirchman, Maxwell P. & Mildred H. Harrington Professor of Marine Studies at the University of Delaware's College of Marine and Earth Studies. Dr. Kirchman talked about how climate change is affecting the Arctic, the importance of microbes as producers and consumers of greenhouse gases, and genomes. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSPCCLS07_June14">Impact of Polarl Climate Change on Living Systems</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Three Tiered Ecosystem Problems

8/13/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Three Tiered Ecosystem Problems is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/stlouis07/habitat/webseminarI.aspx">NASA: Living and Working in Space: Habitat</a>, May 10, 2007. The podcast is 11 minutes 7 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the first of two on the topic of Living and Working in Space: Habitat. The presenters were Sheri Klug, Director of the Mars Education Program at Arizona State University and Don Boonstra, Coordinator of the Student Observation Network at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. In this seminar the presenters talked about ecosystems, habitats, Mars and Mars exploration, and teaching about living and working in space in the classroom. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSLWSH07_May10">NASA: Living and Working in Space: Habitat</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Satellite Mapping of the Moon Surface

8/13/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Satellite Mapping of the Moon Surface is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/boston08/NASA-Mapping/webseminarII.aspx">NASA: Mapping the Moon: Simulating LOLA in the Classroom II</a>, May 13, 2008. The podcast is 6 minutes 20 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the second of two related to the NASA Symposium: Mapping the Moon: Simulating LOLA in the Classroom that took place at the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in Boston, Massachusetts. In this program the presenters led the participants in a simulation activity to program a robot to move from its "landing site" to another predetermined location on "LunarLand." Participants worked in teams, using breakout rooms, to design the instructions for the robot and then provided those instructions to the presenters to program the robot and test. A web cam was used to see the robot moving through "LunarLand" to determine success. The mission was accomplished after two trials. The Web seminar was designed for educators of grades 4-12. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSMMS08_May13">NASA: Mapping the Moon: Simulating LOLA in the Classroom II</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Solar Wind

8/13/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Solar Wind is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall06/lunar/webseminarIII.aspx">NASA: Lunar Exploration</a>, November 21, 2006. The podcast is 10 minutes 32 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the third of four on the topic of Lunar Exploration. The presenter was Dr. Anuradha Koratkar, Associate Research Scientist at the University of Maryland Baltimore County's Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology (GEST) Center. The presentation focused on radiation in space and how it may affect equipment and humans involved in lunar exploration in the next decade. One of the goals of the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter mission, which was scheduled for launch in 2008, is to measure the solar radiation at the surface of the Moon. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSLE06_Nov21">NASA: Lunar Exploration</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: The Electromagnetic Spectrum

8/13/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: The Electromagnetic Spectrum is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall06/lunar/webseminarIII.aspx">NASA: Lunar Exploration</a>, November 21, 2006. The podcast is 11 minutes 32 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the third of four on the topic of Lunar Exploration. The presenter was Dr. Anuradha Koratkar, Associate Research Scientist at the University of Maryland Baltimore County's Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology (GEST) Center. The presentation focused on radiation in space and how it may affect equipment and humans involved in lunar exploration in the next decade. One of the goals of the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter mission, which was scheduled for launch in 2008, is to measure the solar radiation at the surface of the Moon. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSLE06_Nov21">NASA: Lunar Exploration</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Determining a Lunar Landing Area

8/12/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Determining a Lunar Landing Area is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/boston08/NASA-Mapping/webseminarII.aspx">NASA: Mapping the Moon: Simulating LOLA in the Classroom I</a>, May 13, 2008. The podcast is 6 minutes 16 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the second of two related to the NASA Symposium: Mapping the Moon: Simulating LOLA in the Classroom that took place at the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in Boston, Massachusetts. In this program the presenters led the participants in a simulation activity to program a robot to move from its "landing site" to another predetermined location on "LunarLand." Participants worked in teams, using breakout rooms, to design the instructions for the robot and then provided those instructions to the presenters to program the robot and test. A web cam was used to see the robot moving through "LunarLand" to determine success. The mission was accomplished after two trials. The Web seminar was designed for educators of grades 4-12. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSMMS08_May13">NASA: Mapping the Moon: Simulating LOLA in the Classroom I</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Global Mean Temperature Increasing

8/12/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Global Mean Temperature Increasing is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/stlouis07/IPYair/webseminarI.aspx">Polar Climates: How are They Changing?</a>, May 15, 2007. The podcast is 11 minutes 13 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the first of two on the topic of Polar Climates, How Are They Changing? The presenter was Dr. Doug Williams, Carolina Trustee Professor of Marine and Geological Sciences at the University of South Carolina and Scientist-in-Residence at the Edventure Children's Museum. Dr. Doug talked about the climate changes taking place in the Arctic and Antarctic and how these changes are affecting the polar regions. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSPCH07_May15">Polar Climates: How are They Changing?</a>, May 15, 2007 to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Habitats Needed for the Moon and Mars

8/12/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Habitats Needed for the Moon and Mars is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/stlouis07/habitat/webseminarI.aspx">NASA: Living and Working in Space: Habitat</a>, May 10, 2007. The podcast is 5 minutes 56 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the first of two on the topic of Living and Working in Space: Habitat. The presenters were Sheri Klug, Director of the Mars Education Program at Arizona State University and Don Boonstra, Coordinator of the Student Observation Network at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. In this seminar the presenters talked about ecosystems, habitats, Mars and Mars exploration, and teaching about living and working in space in the classroom. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSLWSH07_May10">NASA: Living and Working in Space: Habitat</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Discoveries from Ice Coring Science

8/12/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Discoveries from Ice Coring Science is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/boston08/IPY-Boston/webseminar.aspx">Polar Science Global Discoveries IPY Research Update for Teachers I</a>, May 1, 2008. The podcast is 14 minutes 1 second in duration. The source Web Seminar was the first of two related to the IPY Symposium that took place at the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in Boston, Massachusetts. The presenter focused her presentation on the following four questions: (1) Why are the polar regions important for global climate? (2) What is one (of many) important climate discoveries from past ice coring science? (3) How can teachers and students become engaged in IPY ice coring programs? (4) Where can teachers get reliable information about climate change science? The Web seminar was designed for educators of grades 5-12. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSPSG08_May01">Polar Science Global Discoveries IPY Research Update for Teachers I</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: IPY Ice Coring Programs for Teacher and Students

8/12/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: IPY Ice Coring Programs for Teacher and Students is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/boston08/IPY-Boston/webseminarI.aspx">Polar Science Global Discoveries IPY Research Update for Teachers I</a>, May 1, 2008. The podcast is 10 minutes 6 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the first of two related to the IPY Symposium that took place at the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in Boston, Massachusetts. The presenter focused her presentation on the following four questions: (1) Why are the polar regions important for global climate? (2) What is one (of many) important climate discoveries from past ice coring science? (3) How can teachers and students become engaged in IPY ice coring programs? (4) Where can teachers get reliable information about climate change science? The Web seminar was designed for educators of grades 5-12. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSPSG08_May01">Polar Science Global Discoveries IPY Research Update for Teachers I</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Incorporating Authentic Scientific Research in an Introductory General-Education Course for Nonmajors

8/12/2009 12:00:00 AM

Nonscience majors enrolling in introductory science courses may not have a chance to conduct authentic scientific research and therefore may develop a distorted view of science. This article describes how authentic research activities were incorporated in an introductory geoscience course. Pairs of students investigated research questions related to volcanoes using online earthquake data and ArcMap 9.x software, and then presented their results in a public session. Such activities can be effectively used in a variety of science courses.

Podcast: Impacts to Coral Reefs: Animal Influences

8/12/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Impacts to Coral Reefs: Animal Influences is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/boston08/Corals/webseminarI.aspx">NOAA: Coral Reef Ecosystems I</a>, April 10, 2008. The podcast is 12 minutes 32 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the first of two related to the NOAA Symposium that took place at the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in Boston, Massachusetts. The presenter talked about how watersheds, animals, industry, environmental stress, and human recreation (diving, sailing, and boating) are impacting the health of coral reefs. Drinnen also shared ideas of specific things we can do to help improve the health of coral reefs. The Web seminar was designed for educators of grades 5-12. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSCES08_Apr10">NOAA: Coral Reef Ecosystems I</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Impacts to Coral Reefs: Land Based Pollution

8/12/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Impacts to Coral Reefs: Land Based Pollution is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/boston08/Corals/webseminarI.aspx">NOAA: Coral Reef Ecosystems I</a>, April 10, 2008. The podcast is 10 minutes 43 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the first of two related to the NOAA Symposium that took place at the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in Boston, Massachusetts. The presenter talked about how watersheds, animals, industry, environmental stress, and human recreation (diving, sailing, and boating) are impacting the health of coral reefs. Drinnen also shared ideas of specific things we can do to help improve the health of coral reefs. The Web seminar was designed for educators of grades 5-12. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSCES08_Apr10">NOAA: Coral Reef Ecosystems I</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Coral Reef Teaching Resources

8/12/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Coral Reef Teaching Resources is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/boston08/Corals/webseminarII.aspx">NOAA: Coral Reef Ecosystems II</a>, May 8, 2008. The podcast is 11 minutes 34 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the second of two related to the NOAA Symposium that took place at the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in Boston, Massachusetts. Dr. Chaston talked about coral biology, the value of coral reefs, land-based pollution impacts, and management actions. She also shared information about teaching resources available on the Internet. The Web seminar was designed for educators of grades 5-12. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSCES08_May08">NOAA: Coral Reef Ecosystems II</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Management of Coral Reefs

8/12/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Management of Coral Reefs is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/boston08/Corals/webseminarII.aspx">NOAA: Coral Reef Ecosystems II</a>, May 8, 2008. The podcast is 4 minutes 53 seconds in duration. This source Web Seminar was the second of two related to the NOAA Symposium that took place at the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in Boston, Massachusetts. Dr. Chaston talked about coral biology, the value of coral reefs, land-based pollution impacts, and management actions. She also shared information about teaching resources available on the Internet. The Web seminar was designed for educators of grades 5-12. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSCES08_May08">NOAA: Coral Reef Ecosystems II</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Identification

8/5/2009 12:00:00 AM

Everyone is familiar with terrestrial insects such as dragonflies, houseflies, mosquitoes, and beetles, but many of us are unaware that several insects live in the water during their larval stages. These insects are part of a larger group of organisms called aquatic macroinvertebrates, which also includes crustaceans, worms, and mollusks. They are called macroinvertebrates because they can be seen with the naked eye and lack vertebrae. The objective of this investigation is to identify common macroinvertebrates that live in streams and wetlands.

Factors That Affect Eutrophication

8/5/2009 12:00:00 AM

In this investigation, the effects of excess nutrients (nitrate and phosphate) on algae will be examined. An excess of these nutrients can lead to eutrophication in ponds and lakes. Eutrophic lakes typically are shallow, have mucky bottoms, and have warmer temperatures. These types of conditions lower the amount of oxygen available to aquatic organisms and sometimes can lead to fish kills. Usually eutrophic lakes are most noted for their algal blooms, which decrease the commercial and aesthetic value of the lake.

Groundwater Contamination

8/5/2009 12:00:00 AM

This investigation consists of two parts, in which students first model the effects of groundwater contamination and then track the flow of the contamination. However, Part I does not have to be done in order to do Part II. This Teacher Information section presents general information relevant to both parts of the investigation, followed by information specific to each part. There is a separate Student Handout for each part plus a question sheet (at the end of the chapter) covering both parts.

Flood Frequency Analysis for a River

8/5/2009 12:00:00 AM

In many watersheds, the frequency of flooding has greatly increased in the past 20 years, mainly due to changes in the hydrology as a result of farming and urbanization. Human habitation of floodplains causes floods to be perceived as destructive, but the actual destructiveness of a flood depends on what human interference there has been in the watershed and what humans have put in the floodplain area. The objective of this investigation is to predict the recurrence intervals and percent chance of various flows for a river.

Comparison of Phosphate Levels in Stream Sediments

8/5/2009 12:00:00 AM

Phosphorus is an important nutrient to all life. Unfortunately, when phosphate reaches the soil it is not all used up by the plants. If excess phosphate enters the waterways in the watershed, it can cause increased plant growth in lakes and streams and lead to the eutrophication of lakes. The objective of this investigation is to analyze phosphate levels in stream sediments by land use area.

Stream Channel Morphology

8/4/2009 12:00:00 AM

When humans change the natural topography, certain effects are likely to be seen in a watershed. The transportation of water and sediment increases when streams are straightened and, with the increased flow rate of water, erosion also increases. All of these factors increase turbidity and can have a negative effect on the waterways and most lakes. A degraded visual appearance will be the most noticeable effect, but animal and plant life will also begin to change as streams are changed. In this investigation, the objective is to compare how channel morphology affects the flow of water and the transportation of sediment.

Calculating Stream Discharge

8/4/2009 12:00:00 AM

Streamflow, or discharge, is defined by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) as the volume of water flowing past a fixed point in a fixed unit of time. The discharge of a stream can be affected by many things, including topography and channel morphology. However, rainfall and land use have the greatest effect on stream discharge. Being able to calculate stream discharge is important because this information is needed to make flood frequency predictions. The objective of this investigation is to measure the discharge of a stream.

Modeling Glacial Features With Sand

8/3/2009 12:00:00 AM

In this investigation, students make a model of the different erosional features of valley and continental glaciers out of sand and determine their impact on topography and hydrology.

Glacial Features of a Watershed

8/3/2009 12:00:00 AM

The objective of this investigation is for students to learn how glaciers shaped a watershed.

Answers to Science Questions From the Stop Faking It! Guy

8/3/2009 12:00:00 AM

Podcast: Landing Site Selection

7/29/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Landing Site Selection is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/boston08/NASA-Mapping/webseminarI.aspx">Mapping the Moon: Simulating LOLA in the Classroom</a>, April 22, 2008. The podcast is 11 minutes 5 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the first of two related to the NASA Symposium: Mapping the Moon: Simulating LOLA in the Classroom that took place at the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in Boston, Massachusetts. The presenters reviewed the concept of spatial resolution as it relates to topographic maps. With the help of the participants, a landing site was selected for a simulated mission to "Lunar Land." The Web seminar was designed for educators of grades 4-12. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSMMS08_Apr22">Mapping the Moon: Simulating LOLA in the Classroom</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Lunar Mapping Activity for the Classroom

7/29/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Lunar Mapping Activity for the Classroom is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/boston08/NASA-Mapping/webseminarI.aspx">Mapping the Moon: Simulating LOLA in the Classroom</a>, April 22, 2008. The podcast is 11 minutes 20 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the first of two related to the NASA Symposium: Mapping the Moon: Simulating LOLA in the Classroom that took place at the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in Boston, Massachusetts. The presenters reviewed the concept of spatial resolution as it relates to topographic maps. With the help of the participants, a landing site was selected for a simulated mission to "Lunar Land." The Web seminar was designed for educators of grades 4-12. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSMMS08_Apr22">Mapping the Moon: Simulating LOLA in the Classroom</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Basic Greenhouse Physics

7/29/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Basic Greenhouse Physics is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/NewOrleans09/SRS/webseminarI.aspx">SRS, NOAA, USFS: Earth Then, Earth Now: Our Changing Climate I</a>, March 31, 2009. The podcast is 7 minutes 36 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the first of two scheduled as a follow-up to the Earth Then, Earth Now: Our Changing Climate Symposium that took place at the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in New Orleans, LA. In the program, Dr. Winton talked about greenhouse gases, the Earth's carbon cycle, and global climate models. He showed a variety of graphs generated from current research to illustrate the human influence on Earth's current climate pattern. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSETE09_Mar31">SRS, NOAA, USFS: Earth Then, Earth Now: Our Changing Climate I</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Climate Models and What They Tell Us

7/29/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Climate Models and What They Tell Us is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/NewOrleans09/SRS/webseminarI.aspx">SRS, NOAA, USFS: Earth Then, Earth Now: Our Changing Climate I</a>, March 31, 2009. The podcast is 10 minutes 50 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the first of two scheduled as a follow-up to the Earth Then, Earth Now: Our Changing Climate Symposium that took place at the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in New Orleans, LA. In the program, Dr. Winton talked about greenhouse gases, the Earth's carbon cycle, and global climate models. He showed a variety of graphs generated from current research to illustrate the human influence on Earth's current climate pattern. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSETE09_Mar31">SRS, NOAA, USFS: Earth Then, Earth Now: Our Changing Climate I</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Cruel, Cruel Summer

7/28/2009 12:00:00 AM

Scientists expect that a warmer climate will cause more severe, more frequent, and longer heat waves. Heat waves pose a significant health risk to everyone, but especially to poor, elderly, and chronically ill individuals. In this open-ended inquiry, students use raw data from public health websites to investigate the relationship between extreme heat and human mortality. The activity stresses data acquisition and analysis skills.

Podcast: Climate Change Summary

7/27/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Climate Change Summary Questions is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall07/IPY_Birmingham/webseminarI.aspx">Artic and Antarctic Living Systems</a>, December 20, 2007. The podcast is 6 minutes 41 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the first of three, related to the IPY Symposium that took place at the NSTA Area Conference on Science Education in Birmingham, Alabama. Dr. Kelly gave a fascinating presentation about the International Polar Year (IPY) and land and marine adaptations to extreme conditions, species migration, and the role of humans in polar ecosystems. The web seminar was designed for educators of grades 5-8. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSALS07_dec20">Artic and Antarctic Living Systems</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Evidence for Anthropogenic Carbon in the Ocean

7/27/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Evidence for Anthropogenic Carbon in the Ocean is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/NewOrleans09/NOAA/webseminarI.aspx">NOAA: The Heat is On! Climate Change and Coral Reef Ecosystems I</a>, April 2, 2009. The podcast is 2 minutes 35 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the first of two scheduled as a follow-up to the The Heat is On! Climate Change an Coral Reef Ecosystems Symposium that took place at the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in New Orleans, LA. In the program Dr. Gledhill talked about ocean acidification, the basic carbon dioxide chemistry cycle of the oceans, and the changes coral reef ecosystems are experiencing due to anthropogenic increases in carbon dioxide. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSCCC09_Apr02">NOAA: The Heat is On! Climate Change and Coral Reef Ecosystems I</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Ocean Acidification Basics

7/27/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Ocean Acidification Basics is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/NewOrleans09/NOAA/webseminarI.aspx">NOAA: The Heat is On! Climate Change and Coral Reef Ecosystems I</a>, April 2, 2009. The podcast is 10 minutes 28 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the first of two scheduled as a follow-up to the The Heat is On! Climate Change an Coral Reef Ecosystems Symposium that took place at the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in New Orleans, LA. In the program Dr. Gledhill talked about ocean acidification, the basic carbon dioxide chemistry cycle of the oceans, and the changes coral reef ecosystems are experiencing due to anthropogenic increases in carbon dioxide. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSCCC09_Apr02">NOAA: The Heat is On! Climate Change and Coral Reef Ecosystems I</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Ocean Acidification Impacts

7/27/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Ocean Acidification Impacts is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/NewOrleans09/NOAA/webseminarI.aspx">NOAA: The Heat is On! Climate Change and Coral Reef Ecosystems I</a>, April 2, 2009. The podcast is 3 minutes 32 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the first of two scheduled as a follow-up to the The Heat is On! Climate Change an Coral Reef Ecosystems Symposium that took place at the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in New Orleans, LA. In the program Dr. Gledhill talked about ocean acidification, the basic carbon dioxide chemistry cycle of the oceans, and the changes coral reef ecosystems are experiencing due to anthropogenic increases in carbon dioxide. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSCCC09_Apr02">NOAA: The Heat is On! Climate Change and Coral Reef Ecosystems I</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Saturation State of the Oceans

7/27/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Saturation State of the Oceans is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/NewOrleans09/NOAA/webseminarI.aspx">NOAA: The Heat is On! Climate Change and Coral Reef Ecosystems I</a>, April 2, 2009. The podcast is 10 minutes 39 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the first of two scheduled as a follow-up to the The Heat is On! Climate Change an Coral Reef Ecosystems Symposium that took place at the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in New Orleans, LA. In the program Dr. Gledhill talked about ocean acidification, the basic carbon dioxide chemistry cycle of the oceans, and the changes coral reef ecosystems are experiencing due to anthropogenic increases in carbon dioxide. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSCCC09_Apr02">NOAA: The Heat is On! Climate Change and Coral Reef Ecosystems I</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: The Case for the Balance Carbon Budget

7/27/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: The Case for the Balance Carbon Budget is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/NewOrleans09/NOAA/webseminarI.aspx">NOAA: The Heat is On! Climate Change and Coral Reef Ecosystems I</a>, April 2, 2009. The podcast is 4 minutes 34 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the first of two scheduled as a follow-up to the The Heat is On! Climate Change an Coral Reef Ecosystems Symposium that took place at the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in New Orleans, LA. In the program Dr. Gledhill talked about ocean acidification, the basic carbon dioxide chemistry cycle of the oceans, and the changes coral reef ecosystems are experiencing due to anthropogenic increases in carbon dioxide. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSCCC09_Apr02">NOAA: The Heat is On! Climate Change and Coral Reef Ecosystems I</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Unknowns about Ocean Acidification

7/27/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Unknowns about Ocean Acidification is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/NewOrleans09/NOAA/webseminarI.aspx">NOAA: The Heat is On! Climate Change and Coral Reef Ecosystems I</a>, April 2, 2009. The podcast is 8 minutes 41 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the first of two scheduled as a follow-up to the The Heat is On! Climate Change an Coral Reef Ecosystems Symposium that took place at the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in New Orleans, LA. In the program Dr. Gledhill talked about ocean acidification, the basic carbon dioxide chemistry cycle of the oceans, and the changes coral reef ecosystems are experiencing due to anthropogenic increases in carbon dioxide. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSCCC09_Apr02">NOAA: The Heat is On! Climate Change and Coral Reef Ecosystems I</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Effects of Ocean Acidification on Deep Water Corals

7/27/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Effects of Ocean Acidification on Deep Water Corals is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/NewOrleans09/NOAA/webseminarI.aspx">NOAA: The Heat is On! Climate Change and Coral Reef Ecosystems I</a>, April 2, 2009. The podcast is 5 minutes 15 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the first of two scheduled as a follow-up to the The Heat is On! Climate Change an Coral Reef Ecosystems Symposium that took place at the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in New Orleans, LA. In the program Dr. Gledhill talked about ocean acidification, the basic carbon dioxide chemistry cycle of the oceans, and the changes coral reef ecosystems are experiencing due to anthropogenic increases in carbon dioxide. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSCCC09_Apr02">NOAA: The Heat is On! Climate Change and Coral Reef Ecosystems I</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Earth's Changing Climate

7/24/2009 12:00:00 AM

In 1896, Svante Arrhenius published the first model of the effects of industrial carbon dioxide (CO2) on Earth's climate. Since the days of Arrhenius, scientists have moved from pencils to supercomputers. Calculations take hours or days instead of months. Models include a dazzling array of variables, including evapotranspiration and oceanic heat transport. And perhaps most remarkable, scientists have data from multiple millennia and nearly every corner of the planet. This chapter discusses how scientists study climate change. It also will examine the types and causes of changes that have occurred in the last 100 years.

Biological Effects of Climate Change

7/24/2009 12:00:00 AM

How important is climate change-something that has occurred throughout Earth's history? Can ecosystems tolerate the magnitude and rate of future change? How will other conservation threats interact with climate change? How likely are widespread extinctions, and how might they affect the functioning of ecosystems and human societies? Biologists are trying to answer these and other questions as climate change intensifies. This chapter will set the stage for the classroom activities in Part II of the book by summarizing how climate change has affected biological systems thus far.

Quick Guide to Climate

7/24/2009 12:00:00 AM

This "Quick Guide to Climate" is a brief, student-friendly overview of Chapters 1 through 3. The overview is suitable either for introducing climate change to your students or for reviewing key concepts at the end of a unit. You can also use the overview in part or in entirety as background information for the classroom activities in Part II of the book.

Climate and Life

7/23/2009 12:00:00 AM

Climate is the state of the atmosphere over years or decades. Although climate is commonly defined as "average weather," the term encompasses more than a simple mean. It also refers to variability, seasonality, and extremes in climate elements such as temperature and precipitation (Hartmann 1994). Earth's climate is controlled by a complex, interactive system composed of land, water, snow and ice, organisms, and the atmosphere (Landsberg and Oliver 2005). This chapter discusses how climatic conditions, and therefore, changes in climate-can impact the health and reproductive success of all organisms.

Podcast: Video of Rover Airbag

7/21/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Video of Rover Airbag is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/JPL2/webseminar4.aspx">Robotics Engineering: Big Toys, Big Fun</a>, November 29, 2007 . The podcast is 7 minutes 31 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was developed in collaboration with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and Arizona State University's (ASU) Mars Education Program. The presenter was Kobie Boykins, Mechanical Engineer at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. Mr. Boykins gave the audience a "behind the scenes" look of what it was like to build the twin rovers that are still driving across the surface of Mars. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSREB07_nov29">Robotics Engineering: Big Toys, Big Fun</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Mars Rover

7/21/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Mars Rover is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/JPL2/webseminar12.aspx">Robotic Exploration of the Red Planet</a>, May 14, 2008 . The podcast is 8 minutes 37 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was developed in collaboration with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and Arizona State University's (ASU) Mars Education Program. The presenter was Greg Mehall, Research Specialist at the Arizona State University. Mr. Mehall provided a "behind the scenes" look of what it takes to build complex robots, like the twin rovers that are still driving across the surface of Mars. He also provided an update regarding the Phoenix mission to Mars which is expected to land on Mars at the end of the month Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSRER08_May14">Robotic Exploration of the Red Planet</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Studying Mars

7/21/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Studying Mars is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/JPL2/webseminar12.aspx">Robotic Exploration of the Red Planet</a>, May 14, 2008 . The podcast is 12 minutes 9 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was developed in collaboration with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and Arizona State University's (ASU) Mars Education Program. The presenter was Greg Mehall, Research Specialist at the Arizona State University. Mr. Mehall provided a "behind the scenes" look of what it takes to build complex robots, like the twin rovers that are still driving across the surface of Mars. He also provided an update regarding the Phoenix mission to Mars which is expected to land on Mars at the end of the month Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSRER08_May14">Robotic Exploration of the Red Planet</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Mars Rover Spirit

7/21/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Mars Rover Spirit is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/JPL2/webseminar13.aspx">NASA JPL/NSTA Web Seminar: Mars Exploration Rovers: Where Are They Now?</a> June 5, 2008. The podcast is 11 minutes 40 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was developed in collaboration with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and Arizona State University's (ASU) Mars Education Program. The presenter was Dr. Steve Ruff, Faculty Research Associate in the School of Earth and Space Exploration's Mars Space Flight Facility at ASU. Dr. Ruff gave an update on the Mars Exploration Rovers and the Phoenix Lander missions. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSERW08_Jun05">NASA JPL/NSTA Web Seminar: Mars Exploration Rovers: Where Are They Now?</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Questions about Space Missions and Crew

7/17/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Questions about Space Missions and Crew is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall07/NASA_Detroit/webseminarI.aspx">Igniting the Flame of Knowledge: Human Space Flight</a>, October 30, 2007. The podcast is 4 minutes 35 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was a follow-up to the NASA Symposium that took place at the NSTA Area Conference on Science Education in Detroit, Michigan. The presenter shared information about the STS-118 mission, the International Space Station and the Engineering Design Challenge. The program was designed for educators of grades 4-9. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSHSF07_nov6">Igniting the Flame of Knowledge: Human Space Flight</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Food Preparation in Space

7/17/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Food Preparation in Space is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/boston08/NASA-Explorers/webseminarI.aspx">21st Century Explorer - Today's Knowledge for Tomorrow's Explorer</a>, April 24, 2008. The podcast is 9 minutes 24 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the first of two related to the NASA Symposium: 21st Century Explorer - Today's Knowledge for Tomorrow's Explorer that took place at the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in Boston, Massachusetts. The presenters talked about food for spaceflight, past and present. They also did an overview of the 21st Century Explorer Educational Package of the same title. The program was designed for educators of grades 3-5. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSCET08_Apr24">21st Century Explorer - Today's Knowledge for Tomorrow's Explorer</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Impacts to Coral Reefs: Watersheds

7/17/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Impacts to Coral Reefs: Watersheds is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/boston08/Corals/webseminarI.aspx">NOAA: Coral Reef Ecosystems I</a>, April 10, 2008. The podcast is 10 minutes 24 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the first of two related to the NOAA Symposium that took place at the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in Boston, Massachusetts. The presenter talked about how watersheds, animals, industry, environmental stress, and human recreation (diving, sailing, and boating) are impacting the health of coral reefs. Drinnen also shared ideas of specific things we can do to help improve the health of coral reefs. The program was designed for educators of grades 5-12. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSCES08_Apr10">NOAA: Coral Reef Ecosystems I</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Discovering Sand and Sand Paintings

7/16/2009 12:00:00 AM

This activity blends social studies and art with math and science. First, students will explore the visible characteristics of sand, and then they will make Navajo-style sand paintings with paper, glue, and colored sand. In the process, they will hone their estimation skills by assessing the number of sand grains on their paintings, as well as in a small bag of sand. They will gain an appreciation for the meaning, beauty, and utility of Navajo sand paintings.

Heat Exchange in Air, Water, and Soil

7/16/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Earth is composed, at least at the surface, of soil/rock, water, and air. How do the heat exchange properties of these three very different substances compare, and what effect, if any, do they have on climate and weather? This activity represents a somewhat more advanced investigation of a complex subject, but is readily adapted to lower grades.

Developing a Model of the Earth's Inner Structure

7/16/2009 12:00:00 AM

How much do your students know about the Earth's interior? This activity will provide them with a hands-on experience, as well as with appropriate terms and concepts. Students discover what makes a good model as they first choose a fruit or vegetable model and then create a two-dimensional, and possibly a three-dimensional, clay model of the Earth's interior. They will use proportion and estimation to build their clay models. They also will compare their various models for accuracy and overall utility.

Podcast: Overcoming Obstacles to Family Involvement

7/14/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Overcoming Obstacles to Family Involvement is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall07/NASA_Denver/webseminarII.aspx">Successful Strategies for Involving Parents in Education</a>, Wednesday, December 12, 2007. The podcast is 7 minutes 59 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the second of two related to the NASA Symposium that took place at the NSTA Area Conference on Science Education in Denver, Colorado. The presenter talked about the importance of parental involvement in children's education and successful strategies for involving parent in education. She also shared information about a variety of NASA educational programs and resources available electronically at NASA. The Web seminar was designed for educators of grades K-6. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSISM07_dec12">Successful Strategies for Involving Parents in Education</a>, Wednesday to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Search for Lunar Ice

7/14/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Search for Lunar Ice is a segment of the Web Seminar: NASA: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall06/lunar/webseminarII.aspx">Mapping the Moon: Simulating LOLA in the Classroom II</a>, Tuesday, November 14, 2006. The podcast is 6 minutes 18 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the second of four on the topic of Lunar Exploration. The presenter was Dr. Anuradha Koratkar, Associate Research Scientist at the University of Maryland Baltimore County's Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology (GEST) Center. The presentation focused on the search for water on the Moon. Recent observations indicate the possibility of ice on the Moon, in particular, within lunar craters at the north and south poles of the Moon. The upcoming Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter mission will continue the search for water using different instruments. Click, NASA: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSLE06_Nov14">Mapping the Moon: Simulating LOLA in the Classroom II</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Urban U.S. is Increasing

7/14/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Urban U.S. is Increasing is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/NewOrleans09/SRS/webseminarII.aspx">SRS, NOAA, USFS, Earth Then, Earth Now: Our Changing Climate II</a>, Thursday, April 23, 2009. The podcast is 10 minutes 5 seonds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the second of two scheduled as a follow-up to the Earth Then, Earth Now: Our Changing Climate Symposium that took place at the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in New Orleans, LA. In the program Dr. Bloniarz and Vicki Arthur showcased a curriculum that highlights the importance of trees as a natural resource. They gave participants a chance to hear about and use a tree benefits calculator that provides monetary values for the many benefits provided by trees. The presenters talked about Urban Forestry and explained that the projected growth of urban areas over the next 30 years will make the thoughtful planning of urban forests essential to environmental and economic prosperity. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSETE09_Apr23">SRS, NOAA, USFS, Earth Then, Earth Now: Our Changing Climate II</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Tree Benefits Calculator

7/14/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Tree Benefits Calculator is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/NewOrleans09/SRS/webseminarII.aspx">Earth Then, Earth Now: Our Changing Climate</a>, April 23, 2009. The podcast is 6 minutes 09 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the second of two scientists and education specialists from Sally Ride Science, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the U.S. Forest Service. The seminars focused on the basic science behind our understanding of climate change and global impacts on the atmosphere, ecosystems, and oceans around the world. The presenters shared their science expertise, answered questions from the participants, and provided information regarding web sites that students can use in the classroom. The Web Seminars were designed for educators of grades 5-12. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSETE09_Apr23">Earth Then, Earth Now: Our Changing Climate</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Classroom Resources for Coral Reefs

7/14/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Classroom Resources for Coral Reefs is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/NewOrleans09/NOAA/webseminarII.aspx">NOAA: The Heat is On! Climate Change and Coral Reef Ecosystems II</a>, Thursday, April 30, 2009. The podcast is 5 minutes 55 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar is the second of two scheduled as a follow-up to The Heat is On! Climate Change an Coral Reef Ecosystems Symposium that took place at the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in New Orleans, LA. In the program, Dr. Mark Eakin talked about coral bleaching and the death of large areas of corals reefs that have been associated with this phenomenon. He also presented data that showed global climate change as the cause of the problem and mentioned specific behaviors that all individuals can engage in to help slow the destruction of this critical resource. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSCCC09_Apr30">NOAA: The Heat is On! Climate Change and Coral Reef Ecosystems II</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Climate Change Overview

7/14/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Climate Change Overview is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/NewOrleans09/NOAA/webseminarII.aspx">NOAA: The Heat is On! Climate Change and Coral Reef Ecosystems II</a>, Thursday, April 30, 2009. The podcast is 11 minutes 53 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar is the second of two scheduled as a follow-up to The Heat is On! Climate Change an Coral Reef Ecosystems Symposium that took place at the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in New Orleans, LA. In the program, Dr. Mark Eakin talked about coral bleaching and the death of large areas of corals reefs that have been associated with this phenomenon. He also presented data that showed global climate change as the cause of the problem and mentioned specific behaviors that all individuals can engage in to help slow the destruction of this critical resource. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSCCC09_Apr30">NOAA: The Heat is On! Climate Change and Coral Reef Ecosystems II</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Coral Bleaching Basics

7/14/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Coral Bleaching Basics is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/NewOrleans09/NOAA/webseminarII.aspx">NOAA: The Heat is On! Climate Change and Coral Reef Ecosystems II</a>, Thursday, April 30, 2009. The podcast is 12 minutes 50 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar is the second of two scheduled as a follow-up to The Heat is On! Climate Change an Coral Reef Ecosystems Symposium that took place at the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in New Orleans, LA. In the program, Dr. Mark Eakin talked about coral bleaching and the death of large areas of corals reefs that have been associated with this phenomenon. He also presented data that showed global climate change as the cause of the problem and mentioned specific behaviors that all individuals can engage in to help slow the destruction of this critical resource. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSCCC09_Apr30">NOAA: The Heat is On! Climate Change and Coral Reef Ecosystems II</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Coral Bleaching Surprises

7/14/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Coral Bleaching Surprises is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/NewOrleans09/NOAA/webseminarII.aspx">NOAA: The Heat is On! Climate Change and Coral Reef Ecosystems II</a>, Thursday, April 30, 2009. The podcast is 8 minutes 24 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar is the second of two scheduled as a follow-up to The Heat is On! Climate Change an Coral Reef Ecosystems Symposium that took place at the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in New Orleans, LA. In the program, Dr. Mark Eakin talked about coral bleaching and the death of large areas of corals reefs that have been associated with this phenomenon. He also presented data that showed global climate change as the cause of the problem and mentioned specific behaviors that all individuals can engage in to help slow the destruction of this critical resource. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSCCC09_Apr30">NOAA: The Heat is On! Climate Change and Coral Reef Ecosystems II</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Future for Coral Reefs

7/14/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Future for Coral Reefs is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/NewOrleans09/NOAA/webseminarII.aspx">NOAA: The Heat is On! Climate Change and Coral Reef Ecosystems II</a>, Thursday, April 30, 2009. The podcast is 8 minutes 55 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar is the second of two scheduled as a follow-up to The Heat is On! Climate Change an Coral Reef Ecosystems Symposium that took place at the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in New Orleans, LA. In the program, Dr. Mark Eakin talked about coral bleaching and the death of large areas of corals reefs that have been associated with this phenomenon. He also presented data that showed global climate change as the cause of the problem and mentioned specific behaviors that all individuals can engage in to help slow the destruction of this critical resource. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSCCC09_Apr30">NOAA: The Heat is On! Climate Change and Coral Reef Ecosystems II</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Introduction to Coral Reefs

7/14/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Introduction to Coral Reefs is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/NewOrleans09/NOAA/webseminarII.aspx">NOAA: The Heat is On! Climate Change and Coral Reef Ecosystems II</a>, Thursday, April 30, 2009. The podcast is 6 minutes 52 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar is the second of two scheduled as a follow-up to The Heat is On! Climate Change an Coral Reef Ecosystems Symposium that took place at the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in New Orleans, LA. In the program, Dr. Mark Eakin talked about coral bleaching and the death of large areas of corals reefs that have been associated with this phenomenon. He also presented data that showed global climate change as the cause of the problem and mentioned specific behaviors that all individuals can engage in to help slow the destruction of this critical resource. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSCCC09_Apr30">NOAA: The Heat is On! Climate Change and Coral Reef Ecosystems II</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Lesson Extension on the Benefits of Trees

7/14/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Lesson Extension on the Benefits of Trees is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/NewOrleans09/SRS/webseminarII.aspx">SRS, NOAA, USFS, Earth Then, Earth Now: Our Changing Climate II</a>, Thursday, April 23, 2009. The podcast is 7 minutes 2 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the second of two scheduled as a follow-up to the Earth Then, Earth Now: Our Changing Climate Symposium that took place at the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in New Orleans, LA. In the program Dr. Bloniarz and Vicki Arthur showcased a curriculum that highlights the importance of trees as a natural resource. They gave participants a chance to hear about and use a tree benefits calculator that provides monetary values for the many benefits provided by trees. The presenters talked about Urban Forestry and explained that the projected growth of urban areas over the next 30 years will make the thoughtful planning of urban forests essential to environmental and economic prosperity. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSETE09_Apr23">SRS, NOAA, USFS, Earth Then, Earth Now: Our Changing Climate II</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: United States Forest Service Educational Resources and Associated National Standards

7/14/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: United States Forest Service Educational Resources and Associated National Standards is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/NewOrleans09/SRS/webseminarII.aspx">SRS, NOAA, USFS, Earth Then, Earth Now: Our Changing Climate II</a>, Thursday, April 23, 2009. The program is 7 minutes 4 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the second of two scheduled as a follow-up to the Earth Then, Earth Now: Our Changing Climate Symposium that took place at the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in New Orleans, LA. In the program Dr. Bloniarz and Vicki Arthur showcased a curriculum that highlights the importance of trees as a natural resource. They gave participants a chance to hear about and use a tree benefits calculator that provides monetary values for the many benefits provided by trees. The presenters talked about Urban Forestry and explained that the projected growth of urban areas over the next 30 years will make the thoughtful planning of urban forests essential to environmental and economic prosperity. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSETE09_Apr23">SRS, NOAA, USFS, Earth Then, Earth Now: Our Changing Climate II</a> to place the archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: How to use I-Tree Curriculum

7/13/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: How to use I-Tree Curriculum is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/NewOrleans09/SRS/webseminarII.aspx">Earth Then, Earth Now: Our Changing Climate</a>, April 23, 2009. The podcast is 3 minutes 49 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the second of two scientists and education specialists from Sally Ride Science, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the U.S. Forest Service. The seminars focused on the basic science behind our understanding of climate change and global impacts on the atmosphere, ecosystems, and oceans around the world. The presenters shared their science expertise, answered questions from the participants, and provided information regarding web sites that students can use in the classroom. The Web Seminars were designed for educators of grades 5-12. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSETE09_Apr23">Earth Then, Earth Now: Our Changing Climate</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: I-Tree a Science Based Tool for Making Urban Tree Decisions

7/13/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: I-Tree a Science Based Tool for Making Urban Tree Decisions is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/NewOrleans09/SRS/webseminarII.aspx">Earth Then, Earth Now: Our Changing Climate</a>, April 23, 2009. The podcast is 12 minutes 36 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the second of two scientists and education specialists from Sally Ride Science, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the U.S. Forest Service. The seminars focused on the basic science behind our understanding of climate change and global impacts on the atmosphere, ecosystems, and oceans around the world. The presenters shared their science expertise, answered questions from the participants, and provided information regarding web sites that students can use in the classroom. The Web Seminars were designed for educators of grades 5-12. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSETE09_Apr23">Earth Then, Earth Now: Our Changing Climate</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Observations of Change

7/13/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Observations of Change is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/NewOrleans09/SRS/webseminarII.aspx">Earth Then, Earth Now: Our Changing Climate</a>, April 23, 2009. The podcast is 12 minutes 36 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the second of two scientists and education specialists from Sally Ride Science, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the U.S. Forest Service. The seminars focused on the basic science behind our understanding of climate change and global impacts on the atmosphere, ecosystems, and oceans around the world. The presenters shared their science expertise, answered questions from the participants, and provided information regarding web sites that students can use in the classroom. The Web Seminars were designed for educators of grades 5-12. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSETE09_Apr23">Earth Then, Earth Now: Our Changing Climate</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Additional Discoveries of Galileo

7/13/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Additional Discoveries of Galileo is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall08/NASA/webseminarII.aspx">Discover the Universe - From Galileo to Today</a>, January 20, 2009. The podcast is 12 minutes 1 second in duration. The source Web Seminar was the second of two featuring scientists and education specialists from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA. The seminar focused on key science concepts - Earth's place in the universe; light, energy, and optics; and, models and evidence in science - as participants investigate how NASA's space-based missions extend the legacy of observation and discovery that Galileo Galilei initiated when he turned his telescope to the skies in 1609. The presenter shared their science expertise, answered questions from the participants, and provided information regarding web sites that students can use in the classroom. The Web Seminar was designed for educators of grades 5-12. Topics include telescopes, Galileo Galilei, mirrors, lenses, space telescopes, electromagnetic radiation, optics, light, astronomical objects, and careers. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSDTU09_Jan20">Discover the Universe - From Galileo to Today</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Brief History of Galileo

7/13/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Brief History of Galileo is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall08/NASA/webseminarII.aspx">Discover the Universe - From Galileo to Today</a>, January 20, 2009. The podcast is 3 minutes 47 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the second of two featuring scientists and education specialists from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA. The seminar focused on key science concepts - Earth's place in the universe; light, energy, and optics; and, models and evidence in science - as participants investigate how NASA's space-based missions extend the legacy of observation and discovery that Galileo Galilei initiated when he turned his telescope to the skies in 1609. The presenter shared their science expertise, answered questions from the participants, and provided information regarding web sites that students can use in the classroom. The Web Seminar was designed for educators of grades 5-12. Topics include telescopes, Galileo Galilei, mirrors, lenses, space telescopes, electromagnetic radiation, optics, light, astronomical objects, and careers. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSDTU09_Jan20">Discover the Universe - From Galileo to Today</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: How Will NASA Kepler Find Planets

7/13/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: How Will NASA Kepler Find Planets is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall08/NASA/webseminarII.aspx">Discover the Universe - From Galileo to Today</a>, January 20, 2009. The podcast is 13 minutes 47 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the second of two featuring scientists and education specialists from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA. The seminar focused on key science concepts - Earth's place in the universe; light, energy, and optics; and, models and evidence in science - as participants investigate how NASA's space-based missions extend the legacy of observation and discovery that Galileo Galilei initiated when he turned his telescope to the skies in 1609. The presenter shared their science expertise, answered questions from the participants, and provided information regarding web sites that students can use in the classroom. The Web Seminar was designed for educators of grades 5-12. Topics include telescopes, Galileo Galilei, mirrors, lenses, space telescopes, electromagnetic radiation, optics, light, astronomical objects, and careers. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSDTU09_Jan20">Discover the Universe - From Galileo to Today</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: International Year of Astronomy

7/13/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: International Year of Astronomy is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall08/NASA/webseminarII.aspx">Discover the Universe - From Galileo to Today</a>, January 20, 2009. The podcast is 5 minutes 40 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the second of two featuring scientists and education specialists from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA. The seminar focused on key science concepts - Earth's place in the universe; light, energy, and optics; and, models and evidence in science - as participants investigate how NASA's space-based missions extend the legacy of observation and discovery that Galileo Galilei initiated when he turned his telescope to the skies in 1609. The presenter shared their science expertise, answered questions from the participants, and provided information regarding web sites that students can use in the classroom. The Web Seminar was designed for educators of grades 5-12. Topics include telescopes, Galileo Galilei, mirrors, lenses, space telescopes, electromagnetic radiation, optics, light, astronomical objects, and careers. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSDTU09_Jan20">Discover the Universe - From Galileo to Today</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Johannes Kepler

7/13/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Johannes Kepler is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall08/NASA/webseminarII.aspx">Discover the Universe - From Galileo to Today</a>, January 20, 2009. The podcast is 11 minutes 56 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the second of two featuring scientists and education specialists from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA. The seminar focused on key science concepts - Earth's place in the universe; light, energy, and optics; and, models and evidence in science - as participants investigate how NASA's space-based missions extend the legacy of observation and discovery that Galileo Galilei initiated when he turned his telescope to the skies in 1609. The presenter shared their science expertise, answered questions from the participants, and provided information regarding web sites that students can use in the classroom. The Web Seminar was designed for educators of grades 5-12. Topics include telescopes, Galileo Galilei, mirrors, lenses, space telescopes, electromagnetic radiation, optics, light, astronomical objects, and careers. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSDTU09_Jan20">Discover the Universe - From Galileo to Today</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Kepler's Laws of Planetary Motion

7/13/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Kepler's Laws of Planetary Motion is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall08/NASA/webseminarII.aspx">Discover the Universe - From Galileo to Today</a>, January 20, 2009. The podcast is 11 minutes 13 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the second of two featuring scientists and education specialists from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA. The seminar focused on key science concepts - Earth's place in the universe; light, energy, and optics; and, models and evidence in science - as participants investigate how NASA's space-based missions extend the legacy of observation and discovery that Galileo Galilei initiated when he turned his telescope to the skies in 1609. The presenter shared their science expertise, answered questions from the participants, and provided information regarding web sites that students can use in the classroom. The Web Seminar was designed for educators of grades 5-12. Topics include telescopes, Galileo Galilei, mirrors, lenses, space telescopes, electromagnetic radiation, optics, light, astronomical objects, and careers. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSDTU09_Jan20">Discover the Universe - From Galileo to Today</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: NASA Kepler Mission

7/13/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: NASA Kepler Mission is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall08/NASA/webseminarII.aspx">Discover the Universe - From Galileo to Today</a>, January 20, 2009. The podcast is 4 minutes 2 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the second of two featuring scientists and education specialists from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA. The seminar focused on key science concepts - Earth's place in the universe; light, energy, and optics; and, models and evidence in science - as participants investigate how NASA's space-based missions extend the legacy of observation and discovery that Galileo Galilei initiated when he turned his telescope to the skies in 1609. The presenter shared their science expertise, answered questions from the participants, and provided information regarding web sites that students can use in the classroom. The Web Seminar was designed for educators of grades 5-12. Topics include telescopes, Galileo Galilei, mirrors, lenses, space telescopes, electromagnetic radiation, optics, light, astronomical objects, and careers. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSDTU09_Jan20">Discover the Universe - From Galileo to Today</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: What Makes a Planet Earth-like

7/13/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: What Makes a Planet Earth-like is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall08/NASA/webseminarII.aspx">Discover the Universe - From Galileo to Today</a>, January 20, 2009. The podcast is 6 minutes 53 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the second of two featuring scientists and education specialists from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA. The seminar focused on key science concepts - Earth's place in the universe; light, energy, and optics; and, models and evidence in science - as participants investigate how NASA's space-based missions extend the legacy of observation and discovery that Galileo Galilei initiated when he turned his telescope to the skies in 1609. The presenter shared their science expertise, answered questions from the participants, and provided information regarding web sites that students can use in the classroom. The Web Seminar was designed for educators of grades 5-12. Topics include telescopes, Galileo Galilei, mirrors, lenses, space telescopes, electromagnetic radiation, optics, light, astronomical objects, and careers. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSDTU09_Jan20">Discover the Universe - From Galileo to Today</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Geography of Mars

7/13/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Geography of Mars is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/JPL2/webseminar5.aspx">Are We Alone?</a>, December 6, 2007. The podcast is 9 minutes 13 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar featured staff from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Arizona State University discussing the topic of Mars Exploration. This web seminar focused on the topic of Astrobiology. As scientists continue to explore the planets of our solar system, one question remains: is there life beyond our planet? Astrobiology is devoted to the scientific study of life in the universe - its origin, evolution, distribution, and future. This multidisciplinary field brings together the physical and biological sciences to address some of the most fundamental questions of the natural world: How do living systems emerge? How do habitable worlds form and how do they evolve? Does life exist on worlds other than Earth? How could terrestrial life potentially survive and adapt beyond our home planet? Join us with Dr. Jim Rice as he talks about Astrobiology, extreme environments, some of the extreme places we have found life thriving, and the applications of these to Mars exploration. The seminar is designed for educators of grades 5-12. An archive of this web seminar and related PowerPoint presentation may be available at the end of the program. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSAWA07_dec6">Are We Alone?</a> to place this archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Sea Ice Organisms

7/10/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Sea Ice Organisms is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall07/IPY_Birmingham/webseminarI.aspx">Arctic and Antarctic Living Systems</a>, December 20, 2007. The podcast is 8 minutes 44 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the first of three in celebration of the International Polar Year, IPY. Featuring scientists and education specialists from the National Science Foundation, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and NASA, these Web Seminars helped participants to link science expertise and resources to engaging, hands-on, and inquiry-based classroom activities. The seminars focused on global climate change and living systems in the Arctic and Antarctic regions. Topics covered included global climate change, living systems, plants, humans, animals, adaptation, carbon cycle, air, water, migration, and weather. This Web Seminar was designed for grade 5-8 educators. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSALS07_dec20">Arctic and Antarctic Living Systems</a> to place this web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: STS -118 Mission Patch

7/10/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: STS -118 Mission Patch is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall07/NASA_Detroit/webseminarI.aspx">Igniting the Flame of Knowledge: Human Space Flight</a>, October 30, 2007. The podcast is 7 minutes 52 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the first of two featuring scientists and education specialists from NASA. This Web Seminar helped participants to link science expertise and resources to engaging, hands-on, and inquiry-based classroom activities. The seminar focused on the biological and physical aspects of humans living and working in space as NASA completes the International Space Station, returns a human presence on the moon and looks forward to Mars and beyond. Topics included the Moon, Mars, habitats, energy, life support systems, space exploration, humans in space, spacesuits, ecosystems, health, human biology, plants, science careers, and engineering ecosystems. This Web Seminar was designed for grade 4-9 educators. Click, Igniting the Flame of Knowledge: Human Space Flight to place this <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSHSF07_nov6">archive</a> in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Aquarius Underwater Habitat

7/10/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Aquarius Underwater Habitat is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/stlouis07/habitat/webseminarII.aspx">Living and Working in Space: Habitat</a>, June 7, 2007. The podcast is 3 minutes 11 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the second of two web seminars on the topic of Living and Working in Space: Habitat. The presenter was Dr. Mary Sue Bell, Planetary Geologist working in the Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science Directorate at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. Dr. Bell talked about living and working in extreme environments. She specifically showcased the work of NASA astronauts training in NOAA's Aquarius facility. The NASA missions to Aquarius are called NEEMO. NEEMO stands for: NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations. Click Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSLWSH07_June7">Living and Working in Space: Habitat</a>, June 7, 2007 to place this archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Discoveries from the 2007-2009 International Polar Year

7/10/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Discoveries from the 2007-2009 International Polar Year is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/boston08/IPY-Boston/webseminar.aspx">Polar Science, Global Discoveries: IPY Research Update for Teachers</a>, May 1, 2008. The podcast is 11 minutes 38 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the first of two in celebration of the International Polar Year, IPY. It Featured scientists and education specialists from the National Science Foundation, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and NASA, this Web Seminar helped participants to link science expertise and resources to engaging, hands-on, and inquiry-based classroom activities. The seminars focused on global climate change and the research findings from the first year of IPY. Topics covered included global climate change, living systems, plants, humans, animals, adaptation, carbon cycle, air, water, migration, and weather. This Web Seminar was designed for grade 5-8 educators. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSPSG08_May01">Polar Science, Global Discoveries: IPY Research Update for Teachers</a> to place this archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Monitoring Ice Sheets

7/10/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Monitoring Ice Sheets is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall07/IPY_Denver/webseminarII.aspx">The Role of Polar Regions in Earth's Changing Climate System</a>, December 13, 2007. The podcast is 6 minutes 35 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the second of two celebration of the International Polar Year, IPY. Featuring scientists and education specialists from the National Science Foundation, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and NASA, this Web Seminar helped participants to link science expertise and resources to engaging, hands-on, and inquiry-based classroom activities. The seminar focused on the International Polar Year (IPY) and how polar regions interact with Earth's climate system, atmospheric gas changes over Earth's history, what ice cores tell us about past climate, and the implications of climate change in the polar regions. This Web Seminar was designed for grade 5-8 educators. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSRPR07_dec13">The Role of Polar Regions in Earth's Changing Climate System</a> to place this archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Global Climate Change

7/10/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Global Climate Change is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall07/IPY_Denver/webseminarI.aspx">The Role of Polar Regions in Earth's Changing Climate System</a>, November 27, 2007. The podcast is 10 minutes 46 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the first of two in celebration of the International Polar Year, IPY. Featuring scientists and education specialists from the National Science Foundation, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and NASA, this Web Seminar helped participants to link science expertise and resources to engaging, hands-on, and inquiry-based classroom activities. The seminar focused on the International Polar Year (IPY) and how polar regions interact with Earth's climate system, atmospheric gas changes over Earth's history, what ice cores tell us about past climate, and the implications of climate change in the polar regions. This Web Seminar was designed for grade 5-8 educators. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSRPR07_nov27">The Role of Polar Regions in Earth's Changing Climate System</a> to place this archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Snow and Temperature Changes

7/10/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Snow and Temperature Changes is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/stlouis07/IPYice/webseminarI.aspx">The Fragile Ice</a>, May 3, 2007. The podcast is 7 minutes 29 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the first of two in celebration of the International Polar Year, IPY. Featuring scientists and education specialists from the National Science Foundation, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and NASA, these Web Seminars helped participants to link science expertise and resources to engaging, hands-on, and inquiry-based classroom activities. The seminars focused on the role of ice in Earth's changing climate and its impact on life. Topics covered included global climate change, water, air, atmosphere, hydrosphere, geologic time, remote sensing, and satellites. These Web Seminars were designed for grade 5-8 educators. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSTFI07_May3">The Fragile Ice</a> to place this archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Websites for Teacher Professional Development

7/10/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Websites for Teacher Professional Development is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/boston08/IPY-Boston/webseminarII.aspx">Polar Science, Global Discoveries: IPY Research Update for Teachers</a>, May 22, 2008. The podcast is 7 minutes 2 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the second of two in celebration of the International Polar Year, IPY. Featuring scientists and education specialists from the National Science Foundation, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and NASA, this Web Seminar helped participants to link science expertise and resources to engaging, hands-on, and inquiry-based classroom activities. The seminars focused on global climate change and the research findings from the first year of IPY. Topics covered included global climate change, living systems, plants, humans, animals, adaptation, carbon cycle, air, water, migration, and weather. This Web Seminar is designed for grade 5-8 educators. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSPSG08_May22">Polar Science, Global Discoveries: IPY Research Update for Teachers</a> to place this archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: What is Life is

7/10/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: What is Life is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/JPL2/webseminar5.aspx">Are We Alone?</a> December 6, 2007. The podcast is 5 minutes 36 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was developed in collaboration with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and Arizona State University's (ASU) Mars Education Program. The presenter was Dr. Jim Rice, a member of the science team on the Mars Exploration Rovers program. Dr. Rice talked about Astrobiology, extreme environments, some of the extreme places we have found life thriving on Earth, and the applications of these to Mars exploration. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSAWA07_dec6">Are We Alone?</a> to place this archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: How do we Recycle Water in Space

7/10/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: How do we Recycle Water in Space is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/boston08/NASA-Explorers/webseminarII.aspx">21st Century Explorer - Today's Knowledge for Tomorrow's Explorer</a>, May 15, 2008. The podcast is 11 minutes 34 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the second of two featuring scientists and education specialists from NASA. The Web Seminar helped participants to link science expertise and resources to engaging, hands-on, and inquiry-based classroom activities. The seminar focused on the 21st Century Explorer project. Each of 21st Century Explorer project activities promotes higher order thinking skills, and expands the space exploration knowledge base of the bilingual educator, learner, and family.This Web Seminar was designed for grade 3-5 educators. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSCET08_May15">21st Century Explorer - Today's Knowledge for Tomorrow's Explorer</a> to place this archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Impact to Coral Reefs - Recreation

7/10/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Impact to Coral Reefs - Recreation is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/boston08/Corals/webseminarI.aspx">Coral Ecosystems: Impacts to Coral Reefs</a>, April 10, 2008. The podcast is 11 minutes 47 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the first of two featuring scientists and education specialists from NOAA. This Web Seminar helped participants to link science expertise and archives to engaging, hands-on, and inquiry-based classroom activities. The seminar focused on the biology, dynamics, and conservation of coral ecosystems. This Web Seminar was designed for grade 5-12 educators. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSCES08_Apr10">Coral Ecosystems: Impacts to Coral Reefs</a> to place this archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Impacts of Coral Reefs - Industry

7/10/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Impacts of Coral Reefs - Industry is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/boston08/Corals/webseminarI.aspx">Coral Ecosystems: Impacts to Coral Reefs</a>, April 10, 2008. The podcast is 8 minutes 30 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the first of two featuring scientists and education specialists from NOAA. This Web Seminar helped participants to link science expertise and archives to engaging, hands-on, and inquiry-based classroom activities. The seminar focused on the biology, dynamics, and conservation of coral ecosystems. This Web Seminar was designed for grade 5-12 educators. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSCES08_Apr10">Coral Ecosystems: Impacts to Coral Reefs</a> to place this web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Impacts to coral reefs - environmental stress

7/10/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Impacts to coral reefs - environmental stress is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/boston08/Corals/webseminarI.aspx">Coral Ecosystems: Impacts to Coral Reefs</a>, April 10, 2008. The podcast is 12 minutes 2 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the first of two featuring scientists and education specialists from NOAA. This Web Seminar helped participants to link science expertise and archives to engaging, hands-on, and inquiry-based classroom activities. The seminar focused on the biology, dynamics, and conservation of coral ecosystems. This Web Seminar was designed for grade 5-12 educators. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSCES08_Apr10">Coral Ecosystems: Impacts to Coral Reefs</a> to place this archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Value of Coral Reefs

7/10/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Value of Coral Reefs is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/boston08/Corals/webseminarI.aspx">Coral Ecosystems: Impacts to Coral Reefs</a>, April 10, 2008. The podcast is 10 minutes 36 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the first of two featuring scientists and education specialists from NOAA. This Web Seminar helped participants to link science expertise and archives to engaging, hands-on, and inquiry-based classroom activities. The seminar focused on the biology, dynamics, and conservation of coral ecosystems. This Web Seminar was designed for grade 5-12 educators. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSCES08_Apr10">Coral Ecosystems: Impacts to Coral Reefs</a> to place this web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Characteristics of Light

7/10/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Characteristics of Light is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/JPL2/webseminar9.aspx">Exploring Mars with CRISM and the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter</a>, March 6, 2008. The podcast is 6 minutes 28 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar featured staff from NASA and Arizona State University discussing the topic of Mars Exploration. In this web seminar the presenter will talk about what scientists using the Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars (CRISM) instrument aboard the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter are learning about the mineral composition of Mars. Topics included Mars, remote sensing, orbits, satellite technology, space exploration, minerals, and mapping, The presenter was Dr. Scott Murchie from the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Maryland. The seminar is designed for educators of grades 5-12. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSEMC08_Mar06">Exploring Mars with CRISM and the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter</a> to place this archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Geology of Mars

7/10/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Geology of Mars is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/JPL2/webseminar9.aspx">Exploring Mars with CRISM and the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter</a>, March 6, 2008. The podcast is 10 minutes 49 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar featured staff from NASA and Arizona State University discussing the topic of Mars Exploration. In this web seminar the presenter will talk about what scientists using the Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars (CRISM) instrument aboard the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter are learning about the mineral composition of Mars. Topics included Mars, remote sensing, orbits, satellite technology, space exploration, minerals, and mapping, The presenter was Dr. Scott Murchie from the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Maryland. The seminar is designed for educators of grades 5-12. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSEMC08_Mar06">Exploring Mars with CRISM and the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter</a> to place this archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Teaching IPY in the Classroom

7/10/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Teaching IPY in the Classroom is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall07/IPY_Birmingham/webseminarII.aspx">Arctic and Antarctic Living Systems</a>, January 17, 2008. The podcast is 7 minutes 48 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the second of three in celebration of the International Polar Year, IPY. Featuring scientists and education specialists from the National Science Foundation, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and NASA, these Web Seminar helped participants to link science expertise and resources to engaging, hands-on, and inquiry-based classroom activities. The seminars focused on global climate change and living systems in the Arctic and Antarctic regions. Topics covered included global climate change, living systems, plants, humans, animals, adaptation, carbon cycle, air, water, migration, and weather. This Web Seminar was designed for grade 5-8 educators. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSALS07_jan17">Arctic and Antarctic Living Systems</a> to place this archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Aquarius Experiments

7/9/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Aquarius Experiments is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/stlouis07/habitat/webseminarII.aspx">Living and Working in Space: Habitat</a>, June 7, 2007. The podcast is 10 minutes 41 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the second of two web seminars on the topic of Living and Working in Space: Habitat. The presenter was Dr. Mary Sue Bell, Planetary Geologist working in the Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science Directorate at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. Dr. Bell talked about living and working in extreme environments. She specifically showcased the work of NASA astronauts training in NOAA's Aquarius facility. The NASA missions to Aquarius are called NEEMO. NEEMO stands for: NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSLWSH07_June7">Living and Working in Space: Habitat</a> to place this archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Mixing It Up: Integrated, Interdisciplinary, Intriguing Science in the Elementary Classroom (e-book)

7/7/2009 12:00:00 AM

This book-a compilation of 25 practical articles from NSTA's elementary school journal, Science & Children-offers a wealth of lesson plans and idea starters using interdisciplinary, integrated, and thematic approaches. Discover how a language arts unit on survival can include student inquiry into properties of ice, ways to improve students' observational skills as they write haiku about nature, how to use data collection and math in mapping the ocean floor, and more. To engage students schoolwide or in the great outdoors, several articles offer project-based interdisciplinary units that are widely adaptable. Each article is categorized by grade level, the National Science Education Standards it addresses, and whether it is interdisciplinary, integrated, thematic, or a combination of the three. Even teachers who lack a strong science background will find these concrete techniques especially valuable for teaching science through other subjects (and vice versa).

Investigating Surface Tension and Soap

7/7/2009 12:00:00 AM

You students encounter soap and water every day and the activity in this chapter helps them learn something new about both substances. Students find out why water can actually overfill a cup without spilling and why soap makes dust or dirt particles seem to run away. The key to both phenomena is surface tension, which is easily investigated by all grade levels using simple materials. In the process, students collect data, compute averages, graph results, and reach conclusions.

Digging Into Soil

7/7/2009 12:00:00 AM

For this Earth science investigation, students examine the composition of soil samples taken from three different depths at the same location. Students answer questions such as "How do the three samples compare? How does the soil feel? Look? Smell? What sorts of things are included in it? Are there any living creatures? Will a hand lens help me find out?" Students measure, count, and graph the number of rocks greater than or equal to 3 cm in diameter. Finally, they estimate the percentages of seven soil components for each of the three samples.

Observing and Sorting Rocks

7/7/2009 12:00:00 AM

In this activity, students examine garden variety rocks, classifying them based on observable properties. This lesson teaches students not only about rocks but also about how to take a closer look at objects and materials that they encounter every day. Students are encouraged to notice details that they may have previously overlooked. Students observe, test, and sort a collection of rocks using a variety of criteria including hardness, texture, luster, reaction to weak acid, magnetic attraction, and density. They then use Venn diagrams to group similar rocks.

Exploring Evaporation

7/7/2009 12:00:00 AM

Students learn what evaporation is and how various factors-time, heat, surface area, and wind-affect it. They also discover that water does not always evaporate at the same rate and saltwater leaves something behind when it evaporates. Finally, students apply what they have learned to discover how evaporation affects climate and weather.

Podcast: Dust and Dunes

7/6/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Dust and Dunes is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/JPL2/webseminar10.aspx">Using Earth to Explore Mars</a>, April 3, 2008. The podcast is 9 minutes 20 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was developed in collaboration with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and Arizona State University's (ASU) Mars Education Program. The presenters were Dr. Joshua Bandfield, Research Specialist at the Mars Spaceflight Facility at Arizona State University and Brian Grigsby, Director of the ASU Mars Education and Outreach Program at Arizona State University. Dr. Bandfield used images to compare Earth with Mars, highlighting the similarities of the two planets and Mr. Grigsby provided an update of current and future NASA's missions to Mars. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSUEE08_Apr3">Using Earth to Explore Mars</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Impact Craters

7/6/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Impact Craters is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/JPL2/webseminar10.aspx">Using Earth to Explore Mars</a>, April 3, 2008. The podcast is 6 minutes 8 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was developed in collaboration with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and Arizona State University's (ASU) Mars Education Program. The presenters were Dr. Joshua Bandfield, Research Specialist at the Mars Spaceflight Facility at Arizona State University and Brian Grigsby, Director of the ASU Mars Education and Outreach Program at Arizona State University. Dr. Bandfield used images to compare Earth with Mars, highlighting the similarities of the two planets and Mr. Grigsby provided an update of current and future NASA's missions to Mars. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSUEE08_Apr3">Using Earth to Explore Mars</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Polar Caps

7/6/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Polar Caps is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/JPL2/webseminar10.aspx">Using Earth to Explore Mars</a>, April 3, 2009. The podcast is 9 minutes 27 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was developed in collaboration with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and Arizona State University's (ASU) Mars Education Program. The presenters were Dr. Joshua Bandfield, Research Specialist at the Mars Spaceflight Facility at Arizona State University and Brian Grigsby, Director of the ASU Mars Education and Outreach Program at Arizona State University. Dr. Bandfield used images to compare Earth with Mars, highlighting the similarities of the two planets and Mr. Grigsby provided an update of current and future NASA's missions to Mars. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSUEE08_Apr3">Using Earth to Explore Mars</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: River Deltas and Gullies

7/6/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: River Deltas and Gullies is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/JPL2/webseminar10.aspx">Using Earth to Explore Mars</a>, April 3, 2010. The podcast is 10 minutes 25 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was developed in collaboration with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and Arizona State University's (ASU) Mars Education Program. The presenters were Dr. Joshua Bandfield, Research Specialist at the Mars Spaceflight Facility at Arizona State University and Brian Grigsby, Director of the ASU Mars Education and Outreach Program at Arizona State University. Dr. Bandfield used images to compare Earth with Mars, highlighting the similarities of the two planets and Mr. Grigsby provided an update of current and future NASA's missions to Mars. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSUEE08_Apr3">Using Earth to Explore Mars</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Rock Layers and Deserts

7/6/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Rock Layers and Deserts is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/JPL2/webseminar10.aspx">Using Earth to Explore Mars</a>, April 3, 2011. The podcast is 7 minutes 59 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was developed in collaboration with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and Arizona State University's (ASU) Mars Education Program. The presenters were Dr. Joshua Bandfield, Research Specialist at the Mars Spaceflight Facility at Arizona State University and Brian Grigsby, Director of the ASU Mars Education and Outreach Program at Arizona State University. Dr. Bandfield used images to compare Earth with Mars, highlighting the similarities of the two planets and Mr. Grigsby provided an update of current and future NASA's missions to Mars. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSUEE08_Apr3">Using Earth to Explore Mars</a> to place the web seminars archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Volcanoes

7/6/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Volcanoes is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/JPL2/webseminar10.aspx">Using Earth to Explore Mars</a>, April 3, 2012. The podcast is 6 minutes 48 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was developed in collaboration with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and Arizona State University's (ASU) Mars Education Program. The presenters were Dr. Joshua Bandfield, Research Specialist at the Mars Spaceflight Facility at Arizona State University and Brian Grigsby, Director of the ASU Mars Education and Outreach Program at Arizona State University. Dr. Bandfield used images to compare Earth with Mars, highlighting the similarities of the two planets and Mr. Grigsby provided an update of current and future NASA's missions to Mars. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSUEE08_Apr3">Using Earth to Explore Mars</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Stepping Up to Science and Math: Exploring the Natural Connections (e-book)

7/6/2009 12:00:00 AM

Stepping Up to Science and Math invites you to step back and rethink the way you teach both of these essential subjects. Then it illustrates how you can step up the pace with Standards-based activities that make learning more effective and efficient. (You can even step outside the ordinary with new lessons featuring gummy worms, school buses, or the planet Mars.) Compiled from Science & Children, NSTA's award-winning elementary school journal, Stepping Up gathers 21 articles that provide interdisciplinary options for linking inquiry-based activities to mathematics as well as other K-6 curriculum areas, such as language arts and social studies. The book is organized into three broad content areas based on subject matter or skills: - Making connections among the basic process skills-such as linear measurement, data collection, estimation, and graphing-that underpin both science and math. Chapter titles include "Say Yes to Metric," "Gummy Worms Measurement," and "Weighing Dinosaurs." - Using scientific concepts as the core for authentic investigations that link to other disciplines. Titles cover "Crossing the Curriculum with Frogs," "Real Earthquakes, Real Learning," and "Mission to Mars." - Finding contemporary applications for scientific inquiry and experimentation to develop more advanced integrated process skills. Among the titles: "The Scoop on Science Data," "Thinking Engineering," and "Building Structures."

Podcast: Extreme Life on Earth

7/6/2009 12:00:00 AM

ThePodcast: Extreme Life on Earth is a segment of the <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/JPL2/webseminar5.aspx">Are We Alone?</a> that took place on December 6, 2007. The podcast is 12 minutes 48 seconds in duration. In the source Web Seminar, Dr. Jim Rice used photos of geological features found on Earth and Mars to compare the planets. The images included features like volcanoes, canyons, deltas, ice sheets and glaciers, sand dunes, planet-wide dust storms, dust devils, gullies, etc.

Podcast: Mars Background Info

7/6/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Mars Background Info is a segment of the Web Seminar <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/JPL2/webseminar5.aspx">Are We Alone?</a>, December 6, 2007. The podcast is 6 minutes 18 seconds in duration. In the source Web Seminar, Dr. Jim Rice used photos of geological features found on Earth and Mars to compare the planets. The images included features like volcanoes, canyons, deltas, ice sheets and glaciers, sand dunes, planet-wide dust storms, dust devils, gullies, etc. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSAWA07_dec6">Mars Background Info</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Dig In! Hands-On Soil Investigtions (e-book)

7/6/2009 12:00:00 AM

Give students the dirt on soil with a practical book that brings new meaning to the term "hands-on." Using these 12 activities and two original stories as guides, kids will soon be up to their elbows in the study of soil formation, habitats and land use, animals that depend on soil, plants that grow in soil, soil science, and soil conservation. Each teacher-tested lesson plan offers helpful background, assessment methods, and suggestions for further exploration. This book also contains SciLinks--Internet links, housed on an NSTA web site, that we promise to keep up-to-date and relevant to your teaching for as long as the book stays in print!

Podcast: The Importance of Water

7/2/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: The Importance of Water is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall06/lunar/webseminarII.aspx">Lunar Exploration: Mapping the Moon</a>, Tuesday, November 14, 2006. The podcast is 10 minutes 19 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the second of four on the topic of Lunar Exploration. The presenter was Dr. Anuradha Koratkar, Associate Research Scientist at the University of Maryland Baltimore County's Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology (GEST) Center. The presentation focused on the search for water on the Moon. Recent observations indicate the possibility of ice on the Moon, in particular, within lunar craters at the north and south poles of the Moon. The upcoming Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter mission will continue the search for water using different instruments. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSLE06_Nov14">Lunar Exploration: Mapping the Moon</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Where in the Solar System can we Find Water

7/2/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Where in the Solar System can we Find Water is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall06/lunar/webseminarII.aspx">Lunar Exploration: Mapping the Moon</a>, Tuesday, November 14, 2006. The podcast is 12 minutes 23 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the second of four on the topic of Lunar Exploration. The presenter was Dr. Anuradha Koratkar, Associate Research Scientist at the University of Maryland Baltimore County's Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology (GEST) Center. The presentation focused on the search for water on the Moon. Recent observations indicate the possibility of ice on the Moon, in particular, within lunar craters at the north and south poles of the Moon. The upcoming Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter mission will continue the search for water using different instruments. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSLE06_Nov14">Lunar Exploration: Mapping the Moon</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Can Ice be On the Moon

7/2/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Can Ice be On the Moon is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall06/lunar/webseminarII.aspx">Lunar Exploration: Mapping the Moon</a>, Tuesday, November 14, 2006. The podcast is 15 minutes 8 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the second of four on the topic of Lunar Exploration. The presenter was Dr. Anuradha Koratkar, Associate Research Scientist at the University of Maryland Baltimore County's Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology (GEST) Center. The presentation focused on the search for water on the Moon. Recent observations indicate the possibility of ice on the Moon, in particular, within lunar craters at the north and south poles of the Moon. The upcoming Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter mission will continue the search for water using different instruments. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSLE06_Nov14">Lunar Exploration: Mapping the Moon</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: How do we Generate Maps

7/2/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: How do we Generate Maps is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall06/lunar/webseminarI.aspx">Lunar Exploration: Mapping the Moon</a>, Tuesday, November 7, 2006. The podcast is 4 minutes 35 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the first of four on the topic of Lunar Exploration. The presenter was Dr. Anuradha Koratkar, Associate Research Scientist at the University of Maryland Baltimore County's Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology (GEST) Center. The presentation focused on mapping the Moon and how NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter mission will create a new topographic map of the Moon. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSLE07_Nov7">Lunar Exploration: Mapping the Moon</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: How do we see an Object

7/2/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: How do we see an Object is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall06/lunar/webseminarI.aspx">Lunar Exploration: Mapping the Moon</a>, Tuesday, November 7, 2006. The podcast is 7 minutes 2 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the first of four on the topic of Lunar Exploration. The presenter was Dr. Anuradha Koratkar, Associate Research Scientist at the University of Maryland Baltimore County's Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology (GEST) Center. The presentation focused on mapping the Moon and how NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter mission will create a new topographic map of the Moon. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSLE07_Nov7">Lunar Exploration: Mapping the Moon</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Mapping the Moon

7/2/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Mapping the Moon is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall06/lunar/webseminarI.aspx">Lunar Exploration: Mapping the Moon</a>, Tuesday, November 7, 2006. The podcast is 7 minutes 10 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the first of four on the topic of Lunar Exploration. The presenter was Dr. Anuradha Koratkar, Associate Research Scientist at the University of Maryland Baltimore County's Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology (GEST) Center. The presentation focused on mapping the Moon and how NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter mission will create a new topographic map of the Moon. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSLE07_Nov7">Lunar Exploration: Mapping the Moon</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Evolution in Perspective: The Science Teacher's Compendium (e-book)

7/1/2009 12:00:00 AM

If ever a subject could benefit from a strong dose of perspective, it's evolution. This important new book supplies the necessary insights by bringing together the views of leading scientists, professors, and teachers. Working from the premise that only those students whose schools teach them about the nature of science will truly understand evolution, the collection gathers 12 influential articles first published in the NSTA member journal, The Science Teacher. The articles fall into three categories. The Scientific Perspective explores the evidence supporting evolution. The Educational Perspective looks at evolution's place in the National Science Education Standards and at the thorny problem of calling evolution a "theory." The Science Teacher's Perspective moves into the classroom, discussing lesson plans that allow students to explore evolution and draw their own conclusions. Also included is the recently revised NSTA Position Statement on Evolution. This collection comes from, and is developed for, the people on the front lines-educators who deal with the controversy over evolution every day. From a practical standpoint, the book can help you address the subject in the classroom without being dragged into endless, ultimately unproductive debate. From a substantive standpoint, it provides a remarkable overview of the state of teaching evolution in America.

More Everyday Science Mysteries: Stories for Inquiry-Based Science Teaching (e-book)

6/25/2009 12:00:00 AM

Where do rotten apples go after they fall off the tree? Does the temperature of the wood affect the heat of the fire? Can you make water boil faster? How large a mirror do you need to see your whole body? This second volume of 15 mystery stories examines more science concepts and reinforces the value of learning science through inquiry. Each mystery presents opportunities for students to create questions, form hypotheses, test their ideas, and come up with explanations. Focused on concepts such as weather and climate, thermodynamics, interdependency of living things, adaptation, life cycles, properties of matter, reflection and refraction, and chemical bonds, these mysteries draw students into the stories by grounding them in experiences students are familiar with, providing them with the foundation for classroom discussion and inquiry. "These stories are bound to reveal the wonderful ideas all students have, give them the confidence to explore their own thinking, and provide opportunities for them to ‘do' science rather than have science ‘done' to them." -Page Keeley, NSTA President 2008-09

Uncovering Student Ideas in Science, Volume 1: 25 Formative Assessment Probes (e-book)

6/23/2009 12:00:00 AM

Before your students can discover accurate science, you need to uncover the preconceptions they already have. This book helps pinpoint what your students know (or think they know) so you can monitor their learning and adjust your teaching accordingly. Loaded with classroom-friendly features you can use immediately, the book is comprised of 25 "probes"-brief, easily administered activities designed to determine your students' thinking on 44 core science topics (grouped by light, sound, matter, gravity, heat and temperature, life science, and Earth and space science). The probes are invaluable formative assessment tools to use before you begin teaching a topic or unit. The detailed teacher materials that accompany each probe review science content; give connections to National Science Education Standards and Benchmarks; present developmental considerations; summarize relevant research on learning; and suggest instructional approaches for elementary, middle, and high school students. Other books may discuss students' general misconceptions about scientific ideas. Only this one provides probes-single, reproducible sheets- you can use to determine students' thinking about, for example, photosynthesis, moon phases, conservation of matter, reflection, chemical change, and cells. Each probe has been field-tested with hundreds of students across multiple grade levels, so they're proven effective for helping your students reexamine and further develop their understanding of science concepts.

Climate Change From Pole to Pole: Biology Investigations (e-Book)

6/23/2009 12:00:00 AM

Climate Change From Pole to Pole: Biology Investigations offers timely, relevant, biology-based case studies and background information on how to teach the science of climate change. The six painstakingly researched and field-tested activities, which build on four content chapters, give students the opportunity to solve real-life scientific problems using guiding questions, graphs and data tables, short reading assignments, and independent research. This volume provides an authentic and rigorous way to engage students in science and environmental issues-scientific methods, evidence, climate, and biological effects of climate change-and is a unique and essential resource for your high school or college-level classroom.

Uncovering Student Ideas in Science, Volume 2: 25 More Formative Assessment Probes (e-Book)

6/23/2009 12:00:00 AM

If Hollywood filmed this sequel, the studio would call it "Probes II: More Battles Against Misunderstandings." Like the blockbuster before it, Volume 2 will reveal the surprising misconceptions students bring to the classroom-so you can adjust your teaching to foster a sound understanding of science. The popular features from Volume 1 are all here. The field-tested probes are short, easy to administer, and ready to reproduce. Teacher materials explain science content and suggest grade-appropriate ways to present information. But Volume 2 covers more life science and Earth and space science probes. New topics include forms of matter, changes in matter, living things and life processes, rocks and landforms, the day/night cycle, and objects in the night sky. Volume 2 also suggests ways to embed the probes throughout your instruction, not just when starting a unit or topic. This new classroom tool will help you not only uncover students' existing ideas, but also use that knowledge to improve your teaching and advance student understanding of science concepts.

The New Greenhouse

6/23/2009 12:00:00 AM

This story is based upon using solar energy and a variety of materials to modify and channel this energy to capture and hold heat. Almost everybody has experienced the differences in temperature due to sunshine passing through windows into an enclosed space. With this story, students can explore the effects of solar energy, energy absorption, and energy dissipation of various substances and also the effect of dark and light colors on the absorption of heat in closed systems. The technological aspects of this story are also important in that students can use their new learning about energy supply and storage for the development of a more efficient product. This is putting science to use in solving a real-life problem.

Frosty Morning

6/19/2009 12:00:00 AM

The theme of the story can be summed up in one word: microclimates. Have you noticed that there are variations among the temperatures broadcasted on your radio or TV and your own thermometer? Have you noticed that there are differences in temperature depending upon where you place your thermometer? Have you noticed that certain plants do better or worse depending upon where in your yard they are planted? This story highlights the fact that there are physical differences in every location that modify the amount of heat that is distributed in and around that location. This creates little islands of climatic diversity called microclimates. This story should result in deeper understanding of the effects of differential heating of the Earth's surface by the Sun.

The Little Tent That Cried

6/17/2009 12:00:00 AM

The incident described in this story actually happened to the author during a camping trip in Everglades National Park years ago. The humidity was fierce but the air cooled down and overnight he awoke to a wet face and wet pillow. This story is designed to help the students see the water cycle in a natural situation rather than in the usual highly stylized manner. The water in their breath or in the air inside tent in vapor form condensing on the cooler tent surface and returning to liquid form "raining" down upon their bodies is something to which students might be able to relate directly.

Where Are The Acorns?

6/17/2009 12:00:00 AM

The main purpose of the "Cheeks" story is to get the children to learn something about the behavior of shadows cast by objects in sunlight. Although the story takes liberties with the "thoughts and projections" of Cheeks, one can take it as merely a motivational story. Some may be concerned with anthropomorphism but children read stories every day about animals that talk and have emotions. To leave these aspects out of the story would remove the "hook" that connects the students to the story characters. The authors believe that the teacher can make sure that children do not use these liberties to further misconceptions about the animals involved.

Master Gardener

6/17/2009 12:00:00 AM

This story is designed to spur an inquiry activity about the process of weathering and soil formation. Evidence lies all around us if we look closely enough and ask the right questions. Eddie is helping us by asking some of these questions and the authors would like the children to ask some of their own questions as well. The result should be a better understanding of the materials that make up our planet and how they came to be.

Moon Tricks

6/16/2009 12:00:00 AM

The apparent daily motion of the Moon and other celestial objects through the sky is a major science concept. This story is designed to call attention to the changes in position and shape of the Moon over time. Its purpose is to motivate students to observe the Moon each day, record their observations and find the patterns in the Moon's movement and shape. For older students, the reasons for these patterns might also be the curricular goal.

Scope on the Skies: Summer Skies (2009)

6/10/2009 12:00:00 AM

This summer the planet parade shifts to the morning skies as most of the visible planets are arranged over the southeastern to southwestern horizons before the Sun rises. And only one planet, Saturn, graces the evening skies. All, with the exception of Mercury and Venus, will stay essentially in the same part of the sky throughout our summer months. Mercury and Venus, as the fastest-orbiting planets, will show a noticeable change in position during the coming three-month period. This month's column will enable you to chart your course through the summer skies with ease.

Science Sampler: Teaching-A reflective process

6/9/2009 12:00:00 AM

In this article, the authors describe how they used formative assessments to ferret out possible misconceptions among middle-school students in a unit about weather-related concepts. Because they teach fifth- and eighth-grade science, this assessment also gives them a chance to see how student understanding develops over the years. This year they used the formative assessment probe "Wet Jeans" from Uncovering Student Ideas in Science: 25 Formative Assessment Probes (Keeley, Eberle, and Farrin 2005).

Podcast: Albedo

6/8/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Albedo is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall07/IPY_Denver/webseminarI.aspx">The Role of Polar Regions in Earth's Changing Climate System</a>, November 27, 2007. The podcast is 9 minutes 33 seconds in duration. The source web seminar was developed in celebration of the International Polar Year, IPY. Featuring scientists and education specialists from the National Science Foundation, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and NASA, this web seminar helped participants to link science expertise and resources to engaging, hands-on, and inquiry-based classroom activities. The seminar focused on the International Polar Year (IPY) and how polar regions interact with Earth's climate system, atmospheric gas changes over Earth's history, what ice cores tell us about past climate, and the implications of climate change in the polar regions. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSRPR07_nov27">The Role of Polar Regions in Earth's Changing Climate System</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: IPY History

6/8/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: IPY History podcast is a portion of the web seminar titled: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSRPR07_nov27">The Role of Polar Regions in Earth's Changing Climate System</a>. The podcast is 4:02 minutes in duration. The Podcast focuses on the the History of the International Polar Year (IPY). The source web seminar was developed in celebration of the International Polar Year, IPY. Featuring scientists and education specialists from the National Science Foundation, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and NASA, this web seminar helped participants to link science expertise and resources to engaging, hands-on, and inquiry-based classroom activities. The seminar focused on the International Polar Year (IPY) and how polar regions interact with Earth's climate system, atmospheric gas changes over Earth's history, what ice cores tell us about past climate, and the implications of climate change in the polar regions. The source web seminar was designed for grade 5-8 educators and took place on November 27, 2007. The web seminar archive and related PowerPoint presentation may be accessed in its entirety at: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSRPR07_nov27">http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSRPR07_nov27</a>.

Podcast: Sea Ice

6/8/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Sea Ice is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall07/IPY_Denver/webseminarI.aspx">The Role of Polar Regions in Earth's Changing Climate System</a>, November 27, 2007. The podcast is 10 minutes 35 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the first of two related to the IPY Symposium that took place at the NSTA Area Conference on Science Education in Denver, Colorado. The presenter talked about the changing climate system and how the Arctic and Antarctic regions are responding to these changes. He also talked about the International Polar Year and its related teacher opportunities. The Web seminar was designed for educators of grades 5-8. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSRPR07_nov27">The Role of Polar Regions in Earth's Changing Climate System</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

Podcast: Sea Ice vs. Land Ice

6/8/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Podcast: Sea Ice vs. Land Ice is a segment of the Web Seminar: <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall07/IPY_Denver/webseminarI.aspx">The Role of Polar Regions in Earth's Changing Climate System</a>, November 27, 2007. The podcast is 10 minutes 6 seconds in duration. The source Web Seminar was the first of two related to the IPY Symposium that took place at the NSTA Area Conference on Science Education in Denver, Colorado. The presenter talked about the changing climate system and how the Arctic and Antarctic regions are responding to these changes. He also talked about the International Polar Year and its related teacher opportunities. The Web seminar was designed for educators of grades 5-8. Click, <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9/WSRPR07_nov27">The Role of Polar Regions in Earth's Changing Climate System</a> to place the web seminar archive in your Learning Center Library now.

The Early Years: Adding Up the Rain

6/4/2009 12:00:00 AM

Having your class measure and record the amount of precipitation that falls daily is a job young children can do as part of learning about measurement and weather. Summer is a good time to prepare to teach about recording precipitation so you can begin soon after school starts. The objective of this month's lesson is to measure and collect data about precipitation (rain, hail, and snow).

Archive: Designed to Inspire: On the Moon June 4, 2009

6/4/2009 12:00:00 AM

This Web Seminar took place on June 4, 2009, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Presenting was Susan Buckey, Natalie Hebshie, Kristy Hill, and Thea Sahr from WGBH and NASA. The presentation group focused their information on the Design Squad PBS Series and highlighted their On the Moon activity guide. For more information about this web seminar, its presenter(s), read what participants said about it, and to see and download its PowerPoint slides <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/WGBH/Webseminar.aspx" target=_Blank">go here</a>.

Designing Payloads

6/2/2009 12:00:00 AM

Imagine soaring in the Earth's atmosphere to near the edge of space. Is there air to breathe? Is it dark? Are there clouds? What about air pressure? Fifth-grade students from Ferguson Elementary in Klamath Falls, Oregon, were wondering these questions as they participated in To the Edge of Space, an exciting, yearlong collaborative Earth science learning experience developed in partnership with Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT) and Oregon NASA Space Grant Consortium. The project culminates in a high-altitude balloon satellite launch at the university. This article describes the inquiry-based project that was developed using Toyota Tapestry grant monies.

Archive: APS: Studying the Human Physiological Limits of Exploring Mars, May 13, 2009

5/13/2009 12:00:00 AM

Dr. Jim Pawelczyk, Associate Professor of Physiology, Kinesiology and Medicine at Pennsylvania State University has had extensive experience as an astronaut and researcher on the effects of microgravity on the human body. Missions to Mars would require humans to travel well beyond the current record of 15 months by a Russian astronaut, and doubling that length to nearly 30 months. Factors such as the environment, bone repair and growth, radiation, psychological stamina, and other influences play a critical role towards achieving this goal. Data from previous missions such as the International Space Station and Skylab have helped in determining how to address these challenges, but Pawelczyk points out the need to inspire today's students to realize the solutions and possibilities of such travel since they will be our astronauts, engineers, and scientists of tomorrow. For more information about this web seminar, its presenter(s), read what participants said about it, and to see and download its PowerPoint slides <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/NSDL3/Webseminar8.aspx" target=_Blank">go here</a>.

Nature of Light

5/1/2009 12:00:00 AM

SciPacks are 10 hour online learning experiences teachers can use to enhance their understanding of a particular scientific concept. Teachers access topics "on demand" from the Internet. Topics are based on science literacy goals in the national standards and tied to state standards. Pedagogical Implications also address student misconceptions. Expert content help is available via email as well as a final assessment to demonstrate understanding of the SciPack content. The Nature of Light SciPack explains the concept of light as electromagnetic radiation and as waves. It covers the electromagnetic spectrum and the effects of wavelength on the interaction of light with different materials, including some examples of phenomena that can be explained by differences in wavelength. It also covers electromagnetic waves as a form of energy.

Light as Waves

5/1/2009 12:00:00 AM

Science Objects are two hour on-line interactive inquiry-based content modules that help teachers better understand the science content they teach. This Science Object is the second of four Science Objects in the Nature of Light SciPack. It provides conceptual and real world understanding of the idea that waves (including sound and seismic waves, waves on water, and light waves) have energy and can transfer energy when they interact with matter. Wave behavior can be described in terms of how fast the disturbance propagates, and of the distance between successive crests or troughs of the wave (the wavelength). Accelerating electric charges produce electromagnetic waves which can be organized into a spectrum of varying wavelengths (and frequencies): radio waves, microwaves, radiant heat or infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, x-rays, and gamma rays. These wavelengths vary from radio waves (the longest) to gamma rays (the shortest). Human eyes only respond to a narrow range of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation-what we call visible light. In empty space, electromagnetic waves of all wavelengths move at the same speed-the "speed of light."

Archive: The Heat is On! Climate Change and Coral Reef Ecosystems, April 30, 2009

4/30/2009 12:00:00 AM

This Web Seminar took place on April 30, 2009, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time. Presenting was Dr. Mark Eakin who serves as an Oceanographer in NOAA's NESDIS Center for Satellite Applications and Research. In this Seminar, Dr. Eakin focused the discussion on coral bleaching and the global climate changes that our causing the issue. For more information about this web seminar, its presenter(s), read what participants said about it, and to see and download its PowerPoint slides <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/NewOrleans09/NOAA/webseminarII.aspx" target=_Blank">go here</a>.

Archive: Earth Then, Earth Now: Our Changing Climate, April 23, 2009

4/23/2009 12:00:00 AM

This Web Seminar took place on April 23, 2009, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Presenting was Dr. David Bloniarz Project Director of the USDA Forest Service's Urban Natural Resources Institute (UNRI) and Conservation Education Specialist Vicki Arthur. The presenters gave an overview of the i-Tree resources including a curriculum that is developed for use with secondary students and adaptable to the elementary classroom. For more information about this web seminar, its presenter(s), read what participants said about it, and to see and download its PowerPoint slides <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/NewOrleans09/SRS/webseminarII.aspx" target=_Blank">go here</a>.

The Creation Controversy and The Science Classroom (e-book)

4/23/2009 12:00:00 AM

In the debate over creationism, you need ammunition that will let you respond to the opposition in a forceful but reasoned manner. This is it. Organized into three practical parts, The Creation Controversy arms you with insights into modern science and the Book of Genesis, effective strategies for teaching evolution and other controversial topics, and the NSTA Position Statement on Evolution.

Watershed Dynamics (Teacher Edition) (Includes the full Student Edition) (e-book)

4/18/2009 12:00:00 AM

Whether you're a stream studies novice or a veteran aquatic monitor, Watershed Dynamics gives you abundant practical resources to extend your students' investigations into local water quality and land-use issues. This two-part set is ideal for teaching biological and ecological concepts and research techniques. It also shows how the interplay between scientific data and human judgment can shape public policy decisions on zoning, flood control, and agricultural practices. The Teacher Edition explains how to guide student research and engineering design projects. Classroom-ready materials include detailed background, sample assessment tasks and rubrics, and guidelines for integrating peer review into classroom science. The Teacher Edition also includes the complete Student Edition. Watershed Dynamics is the final volume in the four-part Cornell Scientific Inquiry Series, designed to guide students in designing and conducting experiments, presenting their results, and exchanging feedback with their peers. See the other titles in the series: Decay and Renewal, Assessing Toxic Risk, and Invasion Ecology.

Teaching Through Trade Books: Sunrise, Sunset

4/3/2009 12:00:00 AM

The next time you watch the Sun rise; take a minute to think about what's really going on. You are standing on a giant ball of rock that is hurtling through space, and the spot where you are standing is rotating in the direction of a star 93 million miles away! It makes a beautiful sunrise seem even more amazing. In this month's trade book-inspired K-2 lesson, students observe the pattern the Sun follows as it appears to move across the sky, and in the 3-6 lesson, students model day and night and explore the need for different time zones on Earth.

Science Shorts: Word Wall Work-Supporting Science Talk

4/2/2009 12:00:00 AM

One goal of classroom teachers is for students to develop the ability to recognize and understand the vocabulary of science. Classroom teachers also understand that students "need to keep expanding their understanding of scientific terminology so that they move from recognition of terms to full ownership of them" (McKee and Ogle 2005). In order for students to develop full ownership of the language of science, they must have frequent opportunities to use it. This lesson is designed to put a common classroom tool-the word wall-to new use giving teachers and students support for making scientific language a regular part of their classroom community.

Archive: The Heat is On! Climate Change and Coral Reef Ecosystems, April 2, 2009

4/2/2009 12:00:00 AM

This Web Seminar took place on April 2, 2009, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time. Presenting was Dr. Dwight Gledhill, a chemist with NOAA's Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) Ocean Chemistry Division. In this Seminar, Dr. Gledhill focused the discussion on changes that are being observed in coral reef ecosystems that are directly attributed to climate change. For more information about this web seminar, its presenter(s), read what participants said about it, and to see and download its PowerPoint slides <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/NewOrleans09/NOAA/webseminarI.aspx" target=_Blank">go here</a>.

Explaining Glaciers, Accurately

4/1/2009 12:00:00 AM

What happens when a geology graduate student and two fourth-grade teachers collaborate on lessons for the classroom? They discover interesting and practical ways to explore geology and other scientific concepts, that's what! Here they share the glacial erosion lessons that grew out of the geologist's frustration at finding glacial erosion labs erroneously showing glaciers eroding by pushing rocks. Their goal was to find a way to show and explain glacial erosion more accurately and in a way that elementary age students could understand.

Volcanoes on the Beach?

4/1/2009 12:00:00 AM

How could a rock formed by volcanic activity get to this shoreline, surrounded by sedimentary rocks? That was the question a group of third-grade students asked-and answered-during an inquiry-based summer camp. Over a two week timeframe, the students practiced basic inquiry skills such as observing; measuring; describing and drawing; sharing tasks in a team; and applying physical principles to field observations along the Baltic Sea coast in northern Germany. Through this activity, common rocks in the children's environment obtained new meaning for them, and at the same time, scientific skills of observation and reasoning were strengthened.

Partners in Learning

4/1/2009 12:00:00 AM

What happens when children and scientists learn together? A partnership is formed, that's what! This article describes how a university scientist and a teacher teamed up with a local fourth-grade teacher to provide a unique opportunity for students to observe real scientists at work and enhance their knowledge of weather at the same time. The project was designed to raise profile of meteorology in the school curriculum and to demonstrate to students and teachers that physics and mathematics (via meteorology) have great practical importance. Their ultimate goal was to engage and inspire children and young adults in science. The experiences described here were part of that initiative.

Archive: Earth Then, Earth Now: Our Changing Climate, March 31, 2009

3/31/2009 12:00:00 AM

This Web Seminar took place on March 31, 2009, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Presenting was Dr. Mike Winton, an oceanographer at the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) of the National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration (NOAA). In this Seminar, Dr. Winton focused the discussion on the data indicating the Earth's climate is changing and possible consequences. For more information about this web seminar, its presenter(s), read what participants said about it, and to see and download its PowerPoint slides <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/NewOrleans09/SRS/webseminarI.aspx" target=_Blank">go here</a>.

Science Sampler: Space moves-Adding movement to solar system lessons

3/27/2009 12:00:00 AM

Earth and space science figure prominently in the National Science Education Standards for levels 5-8 (NRC 1996). The Earth in the Solar System standard focuses on students' ability to understand (1) the composition of the solar system (Earth, Moon, Sun, planets with their moons, and smaller objects like asteroids and comets) and (2) that gravitational force holds us to Earth and governs movement in the solar system. With a little creativity and thought, movement can be added to lessons addressing these abstract concepts. This article provides some examples found especially useful by students and teachers in the lower-middle-level grades.

Tried and True: Solar System in the Hallway

3/27/2009 12:00:00 AM

After studying phenomena related to the positions and motions of the Earth, Sun, and Moon, many students are familiar with the positional ordering of the planets, but their knowledge of the distances involved is vague. Scale models are one means of bringing extreme sizes into better focus, cutting them down to relative values that they can better comprehend. The Solar System in the Hallway activity consists of a scale model of the inter-planet distances set up in a hallway for students to explore. This article describes how to send your students on a trip to the Solar System via your school's hallway!

Scope on the Skies: Tracking the messenger

3/27/2009 12:00:00 AM

During April and May, the innermost planet, Mercury, will have its greatest apparition (morning or evening viewing opportunity) for the year as it graces the evening skies over the western horizon after sunset. Considering that Mercury, the fastest-orbiting planet, is typically only visible for a couple of weeks at each apparition (morning or evening), what is it that determines that one will be better than another? The answer, as they say in the real estate business, is location, location, location. By regularly observing the planet's orbital motion, it becomes apparent why it is all about location.

Inquiry, Argumentation, and the Phases of the Moon: Helping Students Learn Important Concepts and Practices

3/26/2009 12:00:00 AM

An important goal of the current reform movement in science education is to promote scientific literacy in the United States, and scientific inquiry is at its heart. However, the National Science Education Standards clearly indicate that to promote inquiry, more emphasis should be placed on "science as argument and explanation" rather than on science as "explanation and argument." They also call for scientific argumentation to play a more central role in the teaching and learning of science (NRC 1996). To that end, this article describes a multiple-day, inquiry-based lesson about the phases of the Moon that engages students in scientific research and argumentation.

Solar Paths: An International and Integrated Look at the Sun and Seasons

3/26/2009 12:00:00 AM

Some of the most difficult concepts for students to understand in Earth science are the ideas and explanations related to the Sun and seasons. The daily rotation of the Earth causes day and night, and the differences of how it is observed at different locations on Earth is a concept that is a challenge for many middle-school-age students to grasp. This article describes how to present these ideas to students using an international perspective and integrated approach that includes myth, archaeology, culture, and science.

Archive: NOAA/NSTA Symposium: The Heat is On!: Climate Change and Coral Reef Ecosystems, New Orleans, Louisiana: March 21, 2009

3/21/2009 12:00:00 AM

During this half-day Symposium, experts and educators from NOAA's Coral Reef Conservation Program and Coral Reef watch gave an overview of the biology of coral and coral reefs and showed the participants how satellite data is used to understand and predict coral bleaching events and ocean acidification. The participants engaged in hands-on experiments which illustrated the effects of ocean acidification and helped learners understand the structure and biology of a coral polyp.

Archive: Climate Change/NSTA Symposium: Earth Then, Earth Now: Our Changing Climate, New Orleans, Louisana: March 19, 2009

3/19/2009 12:00:00 AM

During this half-day Symposium, scientists and education specialists from SRS, NOAA, and USFS talked about the basic science behind our understanding of climate change, and global impacts on the atmosphere, ecosystems (particularly forests), and oceans around the world. The presenters, some of whom were prominent scientists, drew upon the latest science to provide a story of our changing climate and they included hands-on activities for classroom use and current ideas for facing our climate challenge and creating a healthier planet.

Career of the Month: An Interview With Ice Scientist Julienne Stroeve

3/17/2009 12:00:00 AM

While most of us may never see or feel Arctic sea ice ourselves, it directly influences the climate, wildlife, and people who live in the Arctic-and because of the link to global warming, the fate of sea ice affects the rest of us, too. As an ice scientist with the National Snow and Ice Data Center, Julienne Stroeve studies the changes in Arctic sea ice to piece together what its decline means for our planet.

Scope on the Skies: Star light, star bright

2/27/2009 12:00:00 AM

In astronomy, the brightness of a star is described in terms of a star's magnitude. Stellar magnitude is expressed two different ways, using the terms apparent magnitude and absolute magnitude. For both magnitudes, the numbering scale is the same, with negative numbers being brighter stars and positive numbers being dimmer stars. This month's column sheds light on the stars and how astronomers measure distances to these celestial objects.

Watershed Investigations: 12 Labs for High School Science

2/25/2009 12:00:00 AM

As urbanization and populations increase, it becomes increasingly more important that we understand the given relationships between the trends in our behavior and the ecological impacts they impart. Of particular importance is the fragile state of a great number of our watersheds, which provide not only drainage areas from our rivers and streams, but also drinking water for human and animal populations alike. Watershed Investigations: 12 Labs for High School Science provides high school educators with a series of broad-based, hands-on experiments designed to help students understand the relationships between human impact and local hydrology. Covering a range of disciplines-including geology, chemistry, Earth science, botany, and biology-this volume gives educators lesson plans that will interest the student and meet a wide array of state and national curricular standards. The book includes twelve customizable labs, each with extensive background and reference information designed to allow students to share the excitement of discovery along with the methods of scientific research and relevant examples of textbook subject material. Labs include: - Modeling Glacier Features with Sand - Glacial Features of a Watershed - Plant Identifications - Wetland Delineation - Measuring Plant Allelopathy - Stream Channel Morphology - Calculating Stream Discharge - Flood Frequency Analysis for a River - Comparison of Phosphorous Levels in Stream Sediments - Macroinvertebrate Identification - Factors that Affect Eutrophication - Groundwater Contamination The flexible formats of these labs can be customized to fit any teaching style and can be adapted to fit either inquiry-based or traditional methods based on the given class and situation. Additionally, the book contains helpful reference materials and appendices that include a history of the watershed, resources for additional information, and rubrics for writing classroom laboratory reports. An exceptional example of proactive ecological education, Watershed Investigations will give students real-world experiential learning opportunities to understand abstract environmental concepts with concrete scientific detail.

More Everyday Science Mysteries: Stories for Inquiry-Based Science Teaching

2/25/2009 12:00:00 AM

Tried and True: Chipping away at the rock cycle

1/30/2009 12:00:00 AM

The National Science Education Standards recommend that middle school students have a clear understanding of the history, composition, and formative processes that shape the Earth. To accomplish this goal, the authors use an engaging activity that uses candy chips to explore the rock cycle and model the different types of rocks. This is a culminating activity to reinforce the main concepts of rocks and the rock cycle that have been previously introduced. This activity, which is described here, was inspired by a lesson found on the Utah State Office of Education website entitled "A Chip off the Old Rock."

Scope on the Skies: The new Milky Way galaxy

1/30/2009 12:00:00 AM

When students are asked about the Milky Way galaxy and where our solar system is located, most will describe it as a spiral-shaped galaxy with the Sun located on one of the spiral arms. While this is essentially correct, data obtained with the Spitzer telescope have provided new insight into the shape of our galaxy and given us a newer model of the Milky Way galaxy to consider. This month's column sheds light on the new Milky Way galaxy and the Spitzer telescope.

Archive: Media Literacy in the 21st Century: WGBH Teachers Domain, January 28, 2009

1/28/2009 12:00:00 AM

This Web Seminar, developed in collaboration with the National Science Digital Library, took place on Wednesday, January 28, 2009 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time. In this program, presenters Daniella Quiñones and Rusty Low discussed the resources available in the WGBH Teachers Domain and reliable source criteria. For more information about this web seminar, its presenter(s), read what participants said about it, and to see and download its PowerPoint slides <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/NSDL3/Webseminar5.aspx" target=_Blank">go here</a>.

Archive: Discover the Universe - From Galileo to Today, January 20, 2009

1/20/2009 12:00:00 AM

This Web Seminar took place on January 20, 2009 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Presenting was Dr. Natalie Batalha, professor of astronomy and physics at San Jose State University where she conducts research on extrasolar planet detection and stellar astrophysics. She is a co-Investigator for NASA's Kepler Mission. Dr Batalha talked about the history of Astronomy focusing on Kepler, the scientist, and the current NASA mission, named in his honor, to search for planets in the inhabitable zones around stars. For more information about this web seminar, its presenter(s), read what participants said about it, and to see and download its PowerPoint slides <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall08/NASA/webseminarII.aspx" target=_Blank">go here</a>.

The Interdisciplinary Study of Biofuels

1/13/2009 12:00:00 AM

From media news coverage to fluctuating gas prices, the topic of energy is hard to ignore. However, little connection often exists between energy use in our daily lives and the presentation of energy-related concepts in the science classroom. The concepts of energy production and consumption bring together knowledge from several science disciplines to both enhance student understanding and seek solutions to important global problems. This article provides an overview of activities and discussions teachers can use to address the questions raised about biofuels in biology, chemistry, and physics classes.

Archive: Igniting Students' Interests in Science Careers, January 8, 2009

1/8/2009 12:00:00 AM

This Web Seminar, sponsored by Sally Ride Science, took place on January 8, 2009, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Time. Presenting were Dr. Karen Flammer, Research Physicist at UCSD and Senior Vice-President at Sally Ride Science and Julie Miller from Olathe District Schools in Kansas. This web seminar focused on strategies that teachers can use to integrate the topic of science careers into classroom lessons. For more information about this web seminar, its presenter(s), read what participants said about it, and to see and download its PowerPoint slides <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall08/SRS/webseminarII.aspx" target=_Blank">go here</a>.

Science Sampler: Conceptualizing Moon Phases-Helping students learn how to learn

1/2/2009 12:00:00 AM

Helping students understand how to learn is an important goal for all subjects and levels of education. While this goal is highly regarded, promoting it is extremely difficult. Many times, we as teachers are consumed with how to better help our students understand the content and forget to draw their attention to how they came to understand a particular phenomenon. This article provides a concrete experience that will help students better understand what causes the phases of the Moon seen from Earth, and also explains how we can help students develop their understanding of how to learn. Although it doesn't address all that is known about learning, it does provide some major implications for learning.

Scope on the Skies: International Year of Astronomy

1/1/2009 12:00:00 AM

This year marks the 400th anniversary of when a telescope was used for astronomical observations, and 2009 has also been designated the International Year of Astronomy-a yearlong celebration of astronomy through various events and activities both online and in the real world. These include the GLOBE at Night star count program; 100 Hours of Astronomy; Astronomy Day; and Space Week. In this month's column, you'll discover ways to bring this exciting event into your orbit!

Science Sampler: Seeing the world in a garden-Science and art curricula synergy

1/1/2009 12:00:00 AM

Duke Farms and Gardens, a 2,700-acre estate in Hillsborough, New Jersey, that includes a large greenhouse, was the site of a middle school field trip that provided the opportunity to highlight overlapping science and visual art curricula goals. Some of the classroom activities that students engaged in before and after returning from the field trip included creating three-dimensional terrariums with living plants, rocks, and earth, and sketching, drawing, painting, and making prints of the contents of the discrete greenhouse gardens.

How Does Mechanical Weathering Change Rocks? Using Reading-to-Learn Strategies to Teach Science Content

12/31/2008 12:00:00 AM

Many teachers fall into the pattern of "assumptive teaching" (Herber 1970), assuming that other instructors will teach students the important strategies they need for learning. In this case, tools and strategies may not be taught outside of reading or language arts because a science teacher can say, "It's not my job." However, a sixth-grade team decided to make it their jobs. With the help of university researchers, they employed three reading-to-learn strategies in their content areas as a routine instructional strategy to help students become expert readers. In this article, they summarize their work using one particular science lesson as an example. This snapshot demonstrates how the reading-to-learn strategies are used in the service of learning science content.

Seeking Other Worlds

12/31/2008 12:00:00 AM

Is Earth unique in the universe? What is a habitable planet? How abundant are habitable planets? NASA's Kepler Mission team seeks answers to these questions. Launching in 2009, Kepler is NASA's first mission capable of finding Earth-sized and smaller planets in the habitable zone of other stars in our galaxy. This space mission offers an intriguing context for teaching and learning science concepts that support the National Science Education Standards in "Earth and Space Sciences" and "Science as Inquiry." These activities include building models, positing explanations, understanding our solar system and extending that knowledge to other planetary systems, interpreting graphical data, and applying mathematics to analyze science data.

Science Sampler: Exploratory Excursions-Documenting slow changes in local parks

12/31/2008 12:00:00 AM

While hiking a local conservation property and trying to unwind after a hectic day, it dawned on the author that teaching his students about slow changes to the Earth's surface could be as simple as a walk in the woods. Decaying stumps, ATV tracks, stone walls, and crumbling outcrops were all evidence that nature and humans were altering the Earth's surface. After talking about these ideas with his sixth-grade teaching team, they decided to plan a field trip to two local land trust properties where students would document change in action. Here he shares the details of their exciting and inquiry-based excursion.

The Landsat Image Mosaic of Antarctica (LIMA)

12/22/2008 12:00:00 AM

By studying Antarctica via satellite and through ground-truthing research, we can learn where the ice is melting and why. The Landsat Image Mosaic of Antarctica (LIMA), a new and cutting-edge way for scientists, researchers, educators, students, and the public to look at Antarctica, supports this research and allows for unprecedented views of our coldest and driest landmass. This article discusses LIMA, presents two LIMA-based classroom activities, and calls for science teachers to create additional related activities for classrooms around the world.

Take Off With NASA's Kepler Mission!

12/22/2008 12:00:00 AM

Humans have long wondered about life in the universe. Are we alone? Is Earth unique? What is it that makes our planet a habitable one, and are there others like Earth? NASA's Kepler Mission seeks the answers to these questions. Kepler is a space-based, specially designed 0.95 m aperture telescope. Launching in 2009, Kepler is NASA's first mission capable of finding Earth-size and smaller planets in the habitable zone of other stars in our galaxy. Therefore, the Kepler Mission provides an opportunity for interdisciplinary science teaching, as it combines Earth and space science with life sciences. Teachers and students can bring this mission down to Earth by using the accompanying poster, partaking in classroom activities, and visiting the mission's website (see "On the web").

Archive: Discover the Universe - From Galileo to Today, December 16, 2008

12/16/2008 12:00:00 AM

This Web Seminar took place on December 16, 2008, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Presenting was Dr. Bryan Mendez, Education and Public Outreach Specialist at the Center for Science Education at UC Berkeley's Space Sciences Laboratory. Dr. Mendez talked about Galileo Galilei, telescopes, and the International Year of Astronomy. For more information about this web seminar, its presenter(s), read what participants said about it, and to see and download its PowerPoint slides <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall08/NASA/webseminarI.aspx" target=_Blank">go here</a>.

Celebrate With SATELLITES

12/15/2008 12:00:00 AM

The SATELLITES program uses geospatial technologies to study surface temperatures of Earth's materials, such as sand, soil, grass, and water. Data are collected using Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) protocols, which are then used in research projects that are a part of the International Polar Year (IPY). Students collect data, conduct field campaigns, design inquiry-based research projects, and attend and present at a SATELLLITES science conference. One student activity, "Heating Things Up," is included in this article to help introduce students to the factors that affect Earth's surface temperature. This article describes the activity, program, and ways to get involved.

Archive: Igniting Students' Interests in Science Careers , December 10, 2008

12/10/2008 12:00:00 AM

This Web Seminar, sponsored by Sally Ride Science, took place on December 10, 2008, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Time. Presenting were Dr. Karen Flammer, Research Physicist at UCSD and Senior Vice-President at Sally Ride Science and Julie Miller from Olathe District Schools in Kansas. This web seminar focused on four science fields and a number of strategies that teachers can use to ignite students' interests in science careers. For more information about this web seminar, its presenter(s), read what participants said about it, and to see and download its PowerPoint slides <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/fall08/SRS/webseminarI.aspx" target="_Blank">go here</a>.

Archive: Chemistry Comes Alive III: Water, December 9, 2008

12/9/2008 12:00:00 AM

This Web Seminar, developed in collaboration with the National Science Digital Library (NSDL) took place on December 9, 2008, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time. In this program Dr. John W. Moore, W. T. Lippincott Professor, University of Wisconsin-Madison and Director of the Institute for Chemical Education, Dr. Lynn Diener, Assistant Professor at Mount Mary College; and Dr. James Skinner J. O. Hirschfelder Professor, University of Wisconsin-Madison and Director of the Theoretical Chemistry Institute focused on the chemical properties of water, it's molecular and chemical structure and behavior, and some of the current research related to the chemical analysis of water. For more information about this web seminar, its presenter(s), read what participants said about it, and to see and download its PowerPoint slides <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/NSDL3/Webseminar4.aspx" target=_Blank">go here</a>.

Archive: NASA/NSTA Symposium: Discover the Universe - From Galileo to Today, Cincinnati, Ohio: December 5, 2008

12/5/2008 12:00:00 AM

During this half-day Symposium, science and education experts from NASA lead discussions on key science concepts - Earth's place in the universe; light, energy, and optics; and, models and evidence in science - as participants investigated how NASA's space-based missions have extended the legacy of observation and discovery that Galileo Galilei initiated when he turned his telescope to the skies in 1609. Presenters shared information about resources and opportunities for teachers and students related to the International Year of Astronomy (IYA). The IYA is a world-wide celebration of the 400th anniversary of Galileo's observations.

Scope on the Skies: Lunar looks and latitude

12/3/2008 12:00:00 AM

During December, the Sun gains a bit of notoriety as its celestial position this month marks a change of seasons, a solstice. The word solstice describes the day, or moment, when the Sun stops its north or south apparent motion. This month, the Sun reaches the low point in its position relative to the Earth's latitude system for those who live north of the equator. However, from the Southern Hemisphere, the Sun (with the same celestial coordinates) will be at its highest point above the northern horizon. The height that the Sun reaches in the sky depends entirely on the viewer's latitude. In this month's Scope on the Skies column, you'll discover the reasons behind this celestial phenomenon.

Science Sampler: School yard geology

12/2/2008 12:00:00 AM

"Can we break rocks again today?" This statement is typical of the excitement students show for identifying rock types after they apply their rock identification knowledge to the geology in the school yard. Many school yards, although bulldozed during construction, still exhibit telling outcrops of the underlying bedrock. Armed with a few materials, you can discover what is just outside your door while modeling the joy of doing science. This activity fits into the curriculum after the rock cycle and igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rock identification labs.

Digging Into Inquiry-based Earth Science Research

11/25/2008 12:00:00 AM

To help eighth-grade students experience the excitement of Earth science research, the authors developed an inquiry-based project in which students evaluated and cataloged their campus geology and soils. Following class discussions of rock-weathering and soil-forming processes, students worked in groups to excavate multiple soil pits in the school yard. They collected soil samples to study the characterization of soil morphology and to conduct petrographic (i.e., thin-section) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analyses. Students gained hands-on geospatial and mathematic skills from recording compass, distance, and orientation measurements while establishing a base map for their campus research site.

Archive: Sally Ride Science/NSTA Symposium: Igniting Students' Interests in Science Careers, Portland, Oregon: November 20, 2008

11/20/2008 12:00:00 AM

During this half-day symposium, Sally Ride Science scientists and education specialists shared information with the participants about the wide variety of STEM careers available, the many paths to becoming a scientist, and the vibrant men and women involved in science today. The presenters also performed activities that enhanced the participants' knowledge about science careers and served as models for activities they can do with their students in the classroom. All participants received educational materials from Sally Ride Science, including a book about science careers and an educational poster focusing on science careers. The symposium was designed for teachers of grades 6-9.

Archive: Intro to the Atlas of Science Literacy, November 18, 2008

11/18/2008 12:00:00 AM

This Web Seminar took place on November 18, 2008, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Presenting was Ted Willard, project director for Project 2061 at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Assisting Mr. Willard on the chat window was Mary Koppal, Communications Director for Project 2061 at the AAAS. Mr. Willard gave an introduction to the Atlas of Science Literacy. For more information about this web seminar, its presenter(s), read what participants said about it, and to see and download its PowerPoint slides <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/AAAS/Webseminar.aspx" Target="_blank">go here</a>.

The Early Years: Air Is Not Nothing

11/14/2008 12:00:00 AM

Children usually begin to understand that a substance called air is all around us after age three, but they don't grasp that air is matter until age five, or even older. They may learn that "air is a gas" but have difficulty naming the substance that fills a soap bubble or explaining how a balloon expands, and they don't understand where a gas released by opening a soda or mixing baking soda and vinegar comes from or where it goes. Yet, amid these ideas, early childhood is rich with opportunities for students to experience a range of gas behaviors; even if they can't name or explain them. The lesson in this month's column allows students to experience air's mass and the force it can exert on objects.

Teaching Through Trade Books: The Wonder of Water

11/14/2008 12:00:00 AM

Water is an extraordinary substance that we often take for granted. Not only is it what makes our planet uniquely habitable, water is the only substance on Earth that naturally occurs in three different forms. In this month's column, students will explore some of water's fascinating properties.

Archive: Energy and the Polar Environment, November 13, 2008

11/13/2008 12:00:00 AM

This Web Seminar, developed in collaboration with the National Science Digital Library (NSDL) took place on Thursday, November 13, 2008, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time. In this program Jessica Fries-Gaither, Project Director and Elementary Resource Specialist for the Ohio Resource Center and Dr. Carol Landis, Education Coordinator at the Byrd Polar Research Center provided content and resources on the topic of energy and how they relate to the poles. Teaching strategies for integrating science and literacy were also featured. For more information about this web seminar, its presenter(s), read what participants said about it, and to see and download its PowerPoint slides <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/NSDL3/webseminar3.aspx">go here</a>.

Archive: Beyond Penguins and Polar Bears: Physical Science From the Poles, October 29, 2008

10/29/2008 12:00:00 AM

This Web Seminar, developed in collaboration with the National Science Digital Library (NSDL) took place on Wednesday, October 29, 2008, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time. In this program Jessica Fries-Gaither, Project Director and Elementary Resource Specialist for the Ohio Resource Center and Dr. Carol Landis, Education Coordinator at the Byrd Polar Research Center featured resources from the online professional development magazine, Beyond Penguins and Polar Bears for K-5 educators. For more information about this web seminar, its presenter(s), read what participants said about it, and to see and download its PowerPoint slides <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/NSDL3/Webseminar2.aspx">go here</a>.

Scope on the Skies: The view from Earth

10/27/2008 12:00:00 AM

A practical method for either observing or modeling the view we have of other planets is to focus on planets near the horizon, specifically morning or evening planets and their location relative to the Sun. Planets rising ahead of the Sun are seen above the eastern horizon, are located to the right or west of the Sun, and are known as morning planets. On the other hand, or horizon actually, planets setting after the Sun over the western horizon and located to the left or east of the Sun are known as evening planets. Bring your students' view from Earth a little closer by using the computer-assisted astronomy resources described in this month's column.

Science Sampler: Field Journals-Bringing the past to life

10/24/2008 12:00:00 AM

In this activity, students travel back in time as explorers to collect scientific information on plant and animal life during various geological eras. The author uses the book, The Deep Time Diaries as way to bring literature into the science classroom and to introduce field journals. Students have two days to collect research from the internet, books, and maps to complete their field-journal entries. They then compile the information and create drawings of what they discovered. To add a creative element to the field journals, students also invent an imaginary story line of what could have happened during their jump back in time.

Every Day Science-November 2008

10/22/2008 12:00:00 AM

This monthly feature contains facts and challenges for the science explorer.

Scientific Journals: A Creative Assessment Tool

10/20/2008 12:00:00 AM

The typical use of science notebooks is for students to record information as they complete an investigation, writing down their procedure, observations, data, results, graphs, and any other factual information pertaining to their experiment. The author did the same, but also incorporated specific writing assignments to prepare students to publish "articles" about their science investigations in a class science journal. During the school year, they published eight science journals, all based on investigations or special projects the students completed. In this article, the author describes how she integrated language arts and science throughout the school year.

Now You "Sea" Ice, Now You Don't

10/9/2008 12:00:00 AM

Increasing air temperatures in the last 50 years have dramatically altered the Antarctic Peninsula ecosystem. In this interdisciplinary inquiry, learners use a cooperative approach to investigate changes in the living and nonliving resources of the Peninsula. The activity stresses the importance of evidence in the formulation of scientific explanations. This free selection includes the Table of Contents and the following sections: How To Use This Book; Climate Change Case Studies (Chapters 5-10): Their focus, use, and Curriculum Connections, and About the Authors. As a special bonus, Chapter 1, entitled Climate and Life, is also included.

Climate Change From Pole to Pole: Biology Investigations

10/7/2008 12:00:00 AM

The Story of Science Classroom Companion: Einstein Adds a New Dimension (e-Book)

10/7/2008 12:00:00 AM

The Story of Science Classroom Companion is a boon for teachers who choose master storyteller Joy Hakim's Einstein Adds a New Dimension as a primary or supplemental physics text. Hakim's newest title in The Story of Science series brings to life the history of Albert Einstein and his fellow scientists as they lay the groundwork for concepts of particle physics and quantum mechanics. The Classroom Companion, which includes editions for both teachers and students, follows Hakim's text chapter by chapter and provides teaching tips, lists of key vocabulary words, activities, writing prompts, additional online and print resources, and more. Free to NSTA members, this easily downloaded e-book will help classroom teachers and parents of homeschoolers use Hakim's outstanding Einstein Adds a New Dimension to integrate science process with science literacy.

Meteorology

10/6/2008 12:00:00 AM

In this chapter, students investigate Earth's atmosphere, beginning with a study of the hydrologic cycle. They examine how factors such as pressure, saturation, and air density contribute to weather. Students are introduced to concepts of air masses and the ways these masses interact to produce weather. Students examine patterns, using them to make predictions and forecasts about weather conditions. This free selection includes the Table of Contents, Introduction, Correlations with National Science Education Standards and Benchmarks for Science Literacy section, and the Index.

Resources and Human Impact: Grades 5-8

9/30/2008 12:00:00 AM

In today's global society, it has become increasingly important to educate our students about the human impact upon the Earth's resources. It is also our duty as teachers to teach our students responsible decision-making so that they may make better choices about how their actions affect Earth's complex system. Land, atmosphere, oceans, and all forms of life interact continually in our ever-changing planet that may not be noticeable on a day-to-day basis; for example, some of these interactions over time drive the course of climate change. The websites in this guide will help you bring real-world data into the classroom, engage students in collaborative studies using real-time data, and help your students to understand that humans have the power to create new technologies and methods that will reverse this negative impact. As students work through the simulations, interactive data charts, educational games, and more, they will learn core content, apply scientific and mathematical skills, and become knowledgeable "keepers of the Earth."

Resources and Human Impact

9/30/2008 12:00:00 AM

SciPacks are 10 hour online learning experiences teachers can use to enhance their understanding of a particular scientific concept. Teachers access topics "on demand" from the Internet. Topics are based on science literacy goals in the national standards and tied to state standards. Pedagogical Implications also address student misconceptions. Expert content help is available via email as well as a final assessment to demonstrate understanding of the SciPack content. The Resources and Human Impact SciPack explores the role society plays in environmental degradation, and the technological solutions, including resource management, that arises from environmental issues. Human beings modify all components of Earth's ecosystems as they use and consume available resources. The amount and rate of consumption is affected by the population growth and access to technology. This SciPack is focused on Standards and Benchmarks related to interactions in and between ecosystem; population growth and carrying capacity; resource use; and environmental degradation and changes to Earth's systems.

Resources and Human Impact: Earth as a System

9/30/2008 12:00:00 AM

Science Objects are two hour on-line interactive inquiry-based content modules that help teachers better understand the science content they teach. This Science Object is the first of four Science Objects in the Resources and Human Impact SciPack. It explores how human beings, who live within and depend on Earth's ecosystems, modify the land, ocean, and atmosphere. In all environments, organisms, including humans, cooperate or compete with one another for resources. These resources include food, air, water, and space. The size and rate of growth of all species, including humans, are affected by these environmental factors. In turn, these environmental factors are affected by the size and rate of growth of a population. Populations are limited in growth by the carrying capacity of the environment, which is the amount of life any ecosystem can support with its available space, energy, water, and food.

Resources and Human Impact: Population Growth, Technology, and the Environment

9/30/2008 12:00:00 AM

Science Objects are two hour on-line interactive inquiry-based content modules that help teachers better understand the science content they teach. This Science Object is the second of four Science Objects in the Resources and Human Impact SciPack. It explores how technology can solve problems, but at the same time, can also create new strains on the environment. Improved technology used for harvesting food, coupled with the technology of improved sanitation, has accelerated the growth of the human population. A larger human population increases the impact on the environment and its resources, many of which are limited and non renewable. Due to the rapid growth of the human population and their use of technology in many parts of the world, humans have exceeded the carrying capacity of their environment, compromising human health.

Resources and Human Impact: Environmental Degradation

9/30/2008 12:00:00 AM

Science Objects are two hour on-line interactive inquiry-based content modules that help teachers better understand the science content they teach. This Science Object is the third of four Science Objects in the Resources and Human Impact SciPack. It explores how human activities, such as reducing the amount of forest cover, increasing the amount and variety of chemicals that enter the atmosphere, intensive farming and fishing, and consuming fossil fuels have changed Earth's land, oceans, and atmosphere. Although the land, atmosphere, and the oceans have a limited capacity to absorb wastes and recycle materials naturally, humans have disrupted these natural cycles. Fresh water, limited in supply, is essential for life and most industrial processes. Overuse and pollution of rivers, lakes, oceans, and groundwater reduces the availability and suitability of these resources for all organisms. Technology used in the extraction and consumption of fossil fuels needed to meet the growing human demand has increased the depletion of nonrenewable energy resources such as fossil fuels, and degraded or altered the environment, both locally and globally.

Resources and Human Impact: Using Technology to Address Resource Use Issues

9/30/2008 12:00:00 AM

Science Objects are two hour on-line interactive inquiry-based content modules that help teachers better understand the science content they teach. This Science Object is the last of four Science Objects in the Resources and Human Impact SciPack. It explores how human beings impact other species and the ecosystems in which they live. Due to our role in changing the environment, humans have a responsibility for preserving their habitat. There are a variety of approaches to reducing or reversing the human impact on the environment such as limiting population growth, reducing resource use, modifying population distribution, recycling resources, and the wise use of technology to solve problems. Managing resources by cleaning up polluted air, water, or soil or restoring depleted soil, forests, or fishing grounds can be difficult and costly but are critical for human health. Alternative energy resources such as wind, tides, and solar radiation can be utilized to reduce the consumption of fossil fuel-based energy sources. Social, political, and economic factors involve tradeoffs that will strongly influence the types and extent to which technologies will be developed and used.

Scope on the Skies: No place like home

9/26/2008 12:00:00 AM

At a distance of 50.1 light years, the star 51 Pegasi represents an interesting milestone. When viewed today, the light you see from this star left the same year that President Eisenhower signed the National Aeronautics and Space Act (July 29, 1958). Two months later, on October 1, 1958, the first NASA administrator, T. Keith Glennan, was hired and the United States was officially in the space business. Student's can celebrate NASA's birthday and many achievements this month by using the web resources at the end of this column to research NASA's space exploration missions from the past 50 years, or planned missions for the future.

Science Sampler: Chemical weathering-Where did the rocks go?

9/25/2008 12:00:00 AM

This lesson is part of a larger Earth science unit that combines the concepts of the rock cycle and the water cycle and how they interact to change landforms. The authors refer to it as the "make it and then break it" unit. They spend half the unit making metamorphic, sedimentary, and igneous rock models, and the second half of the unit weathering and eroding their models and other rocks. Students use the lessons learned to answer an open-ended question describing the process of weathering. They also make decisions regarding the chemical and mechanical weathering on monuments and buildings.

Science Sampler: Taking steps to understand geologic time

9/25/2008 12:00:00 AM

Getting students to understand the concept of geologic time is challenging because it is difficult to imagine the vast time frame of Earth's history. Therefore, this article describes an inquiry-based activity that uses an experiential model to help students understand geologic time. It allows students to visualize vast expanses of time on a personal scale. By the time the lesson ends, students are motivated to research information for their time line.

Archive: Celebrating Astronomy: A Star's Story, September 25, 2008

9/25/2008 12:00:00 AM

This Web Seminar, developed in collaboration with the National Science Digital Library (NSDL) took place on Thursday, September 25, 2008, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time. In this program Dr. Cathy Ezrailson, Assistant Professor at the University of South Dakota and Dr. Susana Deustua, Researcher at the Space Telescope Science Institute, and co-chair of the US International Year of Astronomy, provided content and resources related to astronomy from The Physics Front, a digital collection of resources for teaching physics for secondary teachers that is a part of ComPADRE, the NSDL digital library for physics and astronomy. For more information about this web seminar, its presenter(s), read what participants said about it, and to see and download its PowerPoint slides <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/NSDL3/Webseminar1.aspx"> go here<a/>.

The 23rd Annual Consortium of Geologists

9/23/2008 12:00:00 AM

Today's scientific theories are the result of a long collaborative process, sometimes over centuries, among many different scientists from various parts of the world. To communicate this concept to middle school students and introduce them to the theory of plate tectonics and continental drift, they are placed in the role of geologists attending a major conference: The 23rd Annual Consortium of Geologists. The goal of this lesson is to have students examine a new series of evidence and develop their own hypotheses based on this evidence.

The Benefits of Scientific Modeling

9/16/2008 12:00:00 AM

When students are engaged in scientific modeling, they are able to notice patterns and develop and revise representations that become useful models to predict and explain-making their own scientific knowledge stronger, helping them to think critically, and helping them know more about the nature of science. To illustrate, this article describes a unit on evaporation and condensation that incorporates four essential aspects of scientific modeling. In the unit, students construct, use, evaluate, and revise evaporation and condensation models to understand how a solar still cleans dirty water.

Real-Time Ocean Data in the Classroom

9/10/2008 12:00:00 AM

To apply students' savvy internet skills in the science classroom-as well as capture their interest in science and investigation, and provide opportunities for authentic research-introduce them to real-time data from ocean-observing systems. Students can use data from these ocean-observing systems to discover the winds and waves from storms or to explore currents and predict marine-organism distribution. The four web-based student activities presented in this article bring the world of high-tech instruments and real-time data information to the classroom.

Case Study: To Boldly Go… Or Not

9/3/2008 12:00:00 AM

This public-hearing case study is centered upon the recent decision by President George W. Bush to set NASA's primary goal as a return to the Moon, followed by a mission to Mars. The members on the expert panel are fictitious and the transcript contrived; however, the views expressed in the case study correspond to actual views held by leading space advocacy groups such as the Mars Society and the Planetary Society, as well as NASA. These fictionalized quotes should not be interpreted as belonging to any representative of these organizations.

Scope on the Skies: Planets a go-go

8/27/2008 12:00:00 AM

The school year kicks off with a great parade of planets in the evening skies, as four of the six visible planets will make an appearance during the evening hours following sunset. For the first half of September, students will have an opportunity for viewing and comparing the relative orbital speeds of planets and the effect of Earth's revolution. Simply look toward the west at sunset for a trio of planets a couple hand widths above the horizon. The brightest member of the trio will be Venus, greatly outshining nearby Mercury and Mars.

Science Sampler: The use of stations to develop inquiry skills and content for rock hounds

8/26/2008 12:00:00 AM

Teaching the rock cycle can overwhelm even the most enthusiastic rock hound. As middle school science teachers, we constantly struggle with an appropriate balance between Earth system content and experiential activities. The authors have found that stations can be successfully employed to teach rock cycle content while reinforcing development of inquiry skills. Using stations, teachers are able to implement the abundance of available activities that incorporate content, standards, and inquiry skills.

The Early Years: Thinking Space

8/15/2008 12:00:00 AM

Space exploration is a high-interest topic for girls and boys. They love to play with space models (toys), pore over space images, talk about what they have seen in the sky or on television, and play astronaut. Use the activities described here to encourage students to engage in imaginative play about space. Explorations like these are the kind of inspiration teachers need to help their students' science learning blast off!

Teaching Through Trade Books: Moon Phases and Models

8/15/2008 12:00:00 AM

From the time they are very young, children are naturally curious about the Moon. They may wonder about the different shapes of the Moon when they look up at the night sky. In this month's primary lesson, students discover through direct observations and reading that the Moon's shape follows a pattern. In the upper-elementary lesson, students explore the reason for this pattern using a model.

Science Shorts: Here Comes the Sun

8/14/2008 12:00:00 AM

Time is an abstract concept for many elementary students. Add to that the idea that the position of the objects in the sky-Sun, Moon, etc.-changes over the course of the day, and you have a mix ripe for confusion and potential misconceptions. In the following lesson, children have the opportunity to make multiple observations of the Sun's location in the sky throughout the school day. Such observations help students recognize changes in the sky, notice the repeating pattern of the Sun's location from day to day, and deepen their understanding of the abstract concept of time.

Every Day Science Calendar: September 2008

8/14/2008 12:00:00 AM

This monthly feature contains facts and challenges for the science explorer.

Sky Observations by the Book

8/13/2008 12:00:00 AM

The National Science Education Standards (NSES) state that students in grades K-4 are expected to understand that astronomical objects in the sky, including the Sun, Moon, and stars-have properties, locations, and patterns of movement that can be observed and described. They further suggest using an inquiry-based approach to teach these science concepts. However, there are several challenges in teaching space science concepts through actual observation. To address these concerns, the authors share two inquiry-based astronomy lessons for young children using selected trade books and real sky images via computer.

Bringing Moon Phases Down to Earth

8/13/2008 12:00:00 AM

Teaching astronomy concepts to elementary students does not have to be complicated or require expensive materials. As a teacher resource agent for the American Astronomical Society and through involvement with other science- or astronomy-related organizations, the author has discovered through experience that sometimes it's the simplest hands-on activities that are the most effective in conveying astronomy concepts. In this article, she shares her process for introducing K-4 students to the phases of the moon.

Take a Planet Walk

8/13/2008 12:00:00 AM

Physical models in the classroom "cannot be expected to represent the full-scale phenomenon with complete accuracy, not even in the limited set of characteristics being studied" (AAAS 1990). Therefore, by modifying a popular classroom activity called a "planet walk," teachers can explore upper elementary students' current understandings; create an environment where students generate questions based on their prior knowledge; and challenge students to think critically about the accuracy and limitations of a scale model of our solar system.

Reading, Writing, and Rings!

8/13/2008 12:00:00 AM

Reading, Writing, and Rings! was created by a team of elementary teachers, literacy experts, and scientists in order to integrate science and literacy. These free units bring students inside NASA's Cassini-Huygens mission to Saturn. The authors-a science teacher and education outreach specialist and two evaluators of educational programs-have been studying how these materials are being used by teachers, science specialists, and after-school teachers, and share their findings with you in this article.

A Week for Space

8/12/2008 12:00:00 AM

Space Week focuses on concepts that enable students to make concrete observations in the early grades (K-2) and move to concepts that help students develop their internet research and writing skills in middle and upper grades (Grades 3-5), and culminates with the development of science investigation design skills (Grade 6). To help launch your students' interest in space science, this article presents inquiry-based space lessons, which are aligned with the National Science Education Standards.

The Moon's Phases and the Self Shadow

8/12/2008 12:00:00 AM

In this article, the authors present a new way of teaching the phases of the Moon. Through the introduction of a self shadow (an idea of a shadow that is not well-known), they illuminate students' understanding of the phases of the Moon and help them understand the distinction between the shadows that cause eclipses and the shadows that relate to the phases of the Moon. Then, they follow with two easy-to-do demonstrations that help students further develop their understanding of the reasons behind the patterns of lightness and darkness in the Moon's phases.

Ice Core Investigations

8/6/2008 12:00:00 AM

What can glaciers tell us about volcanoes and atmospheric conditions? How does this information relate to our understanding of climate change? Ice Core Investigations is an original and innovative activity that explores these types of questions. It brings together popular science issues such as research, climate change, ice core drilling, and air pollution to create a meaningful science learning experience for students.

Scope on the Skies: The skies this summer

7/27/2008 12:00:00 AM

Summer 2003 celestial events included a last look at Jupiter as an evening planet, a close view of Mars, and the Perseid meteor shower. In addition, three spacecraft were launched, which provided many opportunities to stay invovled with space and astronomy during the summer.

Science Sampler: Planetary real estate

7/27/2008 12:00:00 AM

In the Planetary Real Estate Sales Activity, students pretend they are the new owners of one of the planets in the solar system challenged with the task of developing and selling it to make a profit. By having students "sell" an assigned planet through an oral presentation and visual component, students are required to research and synthesize information about a specific planet. What makes this project different from most research projects is the emphasis on the creative aspect. Most students do not view science as a creative endeavor. One of the goals of this project is to emphasize that knowledge of facts alone is useless; it is how one uses knowledge that is truly important.

Science Sampler: A slice of solar cooking

7/27/2008 12:00:00 AM

Using the principles of scientific investigation, students design a solar cooker using materials supplied by the teacher. Students then spend individual time designing a solar cooker on their own. Afterward, students are placed in groups to cooperatively design a cooker. The kids construct their cookers, and then try them out by sun-roasting apples. A report is written to summarize at least three science concepts utilized in their design. Through this engaging and inquiry-based activity, students learn the application of science by transforming insulation to heat energy.

Science Sampler: Goldstone Apple Valley Radio Telescope Project

7/27/2008 12:00:00 AM

The Goldstone Apple Valley Radio Telescope (GAVRT) project involved thousands of student scientists across the nation in the collection and analysis of astronomical data using a 34-meter radio telescope. These students contributed to the work of the world's foremost authorities on space science when they forwarded their information to NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) scientists. The JPL scientists used the information to expand their studies of Jupiter, Uranus, and variable quasars.

How We Know What We Know About Our Changing Climate: Scientists and Kids Explore Global Warming

7/22/2008 12:00:00 AM

When the weather changes daily, how do we really know that Earth's climate is changing? Here is the science behind the headlines-evidence from flowers, butterflies, birds, frogs, trees, glaciers and much more, gathered by scientists from all over the world, sometimes with assistance from young "citizen-scientists." And here is what young people, and their families and teachers, can do to learn about climate change and take action. Climate change is a critical and timely topic of deep concern, here told in an age-appropriate manner, with clarity and hope. Kids can make a difference! This book combines the talents of two uniquely qualified authors: Lynne Cherry, the leading children's environmental writer/illustrator and author of The Great Kapok Tree, and Gary Braasch, award-winning photojournalist and author of Earth Under Fire: How Global Warming is Changing the World.

Forecast-Cloudy With a Chance of Educational Reform: A New Weather & Water Partnership Offers Some Relief From the Drought

7/7/2008 12:00:00 AM

The Ocean Institute (OI) is dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding of the ocean environment. Its 9-week Weather & Water program is intended to interface the very frontier of ocean science with the needs of fifth-grade teachers and classrooms. Weather & Water seeks to improve test scores on standardized assessments and to model best practices in inquiry-based science.

Meeting the MOON from a Global Perspective

7/5/2008 12:00:00 AM

The MOON Project (More Observations of Nature) engages middle school students and pre-service teachers in a long-term (16-week) investigation of the Moon. It provides an opportunity to share, via the Internet, their observations with other students around the world.

Stargazing in Your Classroom

6/29/2008 12:00:00 AM

When taking students outside to see the stars is not an option, teachers can bring the stars inside the classroom. These instructions for building a portable planetarium also include suggestions for cross-cultural and social studies connections.

Tried and True: Rock cycle project-Rock and rap CD cover

6/26/2008 12:00:00 AM

The Earth system views the entire planet as a single dynamic entity. Understanding the individual components and their interactions is necessary to completely understand how the planet works. Because the Earth system can be too complex for many middle-level students to initially view as a whole, it is best to look at each of the components separately (Kali, Orion, and Eylon 2003). Cycles such as the rock cycle are important for understanding the interconnections among the spheres. Therefore, the Rock and Rap CD project, which follows the steps of the 5E learning model (BSCS 2006), is a fun activity that helps students to grasp this difficult concept.

Scope on the Skies: Dance of the planets and our Moon

6/26/2008 12:00:00 AM

This summer, the visible planets will put on quite a display, giving us not only the opportunity to compare relative orbital motions, but to also see some beautiful arrangements and conjunctions among the planets, stars, and our Moon. Some of the celestial activity will conveniently take place during the early evening hours and some during the early morning predawn hours. Use the accompanying calendar to follow the Moon and planets during the summer months.

Science Shorts: Project BudBurst-Analyzing Data

6/12/2008 12:00:00 AM

Project BudBurst is a national program intended to get students and other "citizen scientists" to participate in a real study about plants, the environment, and climate change. It also provides an excellent opportunity for students to build data-analysis skills. A collaboration of several agencies and universities, the program began last year and attracted thousands of participants from 26 states. The project operates through its user-friendly website and participation is free. This article describes this project and includes a lesson related to how geography can affect plant life cycles.

Earth's Changing Surface

6/10/2008 12:00:00 AM

SciPacks are 10 hour online learning experiences teachers can use to enhance their understanding of a particular scientific concept. Teachers access topics "on demand" from the Internet. Topics are based on science literacy goals in the national standards and tied to state standards. Pedagogical Implications also address student misconceptions. Expert content help is available via email as well as a final assessment to demonstrate understanding of the SciPack content. The Earth's Changing Surface SciPack explores how Earth's ever-changing surface is due to continuous natural processes such as tectonic activity, earthquakes, volcanic activities, weathering and erosion, and sedimentation and the reformation of rock. The focus is on topics supporting Standards and Benchmarks related to how and why these processes occur, and how elements cycle through the land, oceans, and atmosphere as a result of these processes. This SciPack looks at Earth as a system that exists in dynamic equilibrium.

Archive: Mars Exploration Rovers: Where Are They Now?, June 5, 2008

6/5/2008 12:00:00 AM

This Web Seminar was developed in collaboration with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and Arizona State University's (ASU) Mars Education Program. The event took place on June 5, 2008, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Time. The presenter was Dr. Steve Ruff, Faculty Research Associate in the School of Earth and Space Exploration's Mars Space Flight Facility at ASU. Dr. Ruff gave an update on the Mars Exploration Rovers and the Phoenix Lander missions. For more information about this web seminar, its presenter(s), read what participants said about it, and to see and download its PowerPoint slides <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/JPL2/webseminar13.aspx"> go here</a>.

Archive: Beyond Penguins and Polar Bears Series: Integrating Science and Literacy for the K-5 Classroom, Seminar 1: Polar Geography, May 27, 2008

5/27/2008 12:00:00 AM

This Web Seminar, developed in collaboration with the National Science Digital Library (NSDL) took place on Tuesday, May 27, 2008, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time. In this program Jessica Fries-Gaither, Project Director and Elementary Resource Specialist for the Ohio Resource Center, and Dr. Carol Landis, Education Coordinator at the Byrd Polar Research Center, featured the online magazine titled: Beyond Penguins and Polar Bears. This magazine provides resources and strategies for teachers interested in integrating science and literacy. For more information about this web seminar, its presenter(s), read what participants said about it, and to see and download its PowerPoint slides <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/NSDL2/webseminar11.aspx"> go here</a>.

Archive: Polar Science, Global Discoveries: IPY Research Update for Teachers, May 22, 2008

5/22/2008 12:00:00 AM

This Web Seminar, sponsored by the National Science Foundation, NOAA, and NASA, took place on May 22, 2008, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Presenting was Dr. Mary Albert, Senior Research Engineer at the U.S. Army Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory in Hanover, New Hampshire. The topic of her presentation was global climate change. For more information about this web seminar, its presenter(s), read what participants said about it, and to see and download its PowerPoint slides <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/boston08/IPY-Boston/webseminarII.aspx"> go here</a>.

Archive: From Astrobiology to Zoology: Igniting Students' Interests in Science Careers , May 20, 2008

5/20/2008 12:00:00 AM

This Web Seminar, sponsored by Sally Ride Science, took place on May 20, 2008, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Time. Presenting were Brenda Wilson, Vice-President for Content and Out-of-School Programs at Sally Ride Science and Julie Miller from Olathe District Schools in Kansas. This web seminar focused on four science fields and a number of strategies that teachers can use to ignite students' interests in them. For more information about this web seminar, its presenter(s), read what participants said about it, and to see and download its PowerPoint slides <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/boston08/SRS/webseminarII.aspx"> go here</a>.

Scope on the Skies: Celestial grid system

5/18/2008 12:00:00 AM

The "coordinate system" in the sky is essentially an extension of the Earth's surface-based system of latitude and longitude. There are celestial poles and a celestial equator and, just like parallels of latitude on Earth, objects are measured in degrees of declination north or south from the celestial equator. Unlike the longitude system, however, celestial objects are measured in only one direction, rather than using east and west as we do with longitude. Discover the celestial coordinate system and the Sun's apparent path along the ecliptic in this month's column.

Archive: Robotic Exploration of the Red Planet, May 14, 2008

5/14/2008 12:00:00 AM

This Web Seminar was developed in collaboration with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and Arizona State University's (ASU) Mars Education Program. The event took place on May 14, 2008, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Time. The presenter was Greg Mehall, Research Specialist at the Arizona State University. Mr. Mehall provided a "behind the scenes" look of what it takes to build complex robots, like the twin rovers that are still driving across the surface of Mars. He also provided an update regarding the Phoenix mission to Mars which is expected to land on Mars at the end of the month. For more information about this web seminar, its presenter(s), read what participants said about it, and to see and download its PowerPoint slides <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/JPL2/webseminar12.aspx"> go here</a>.

Archive: Mapping the Moon: Simulating LOLA in the Classroom, May 13, 2008

5/13/2008 12:00:00 AM

This Web Seminar, sponsored by the NASA, took place on May 13, 2008, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Time. Presenting was Don HigdonDon Higdon, a Senior Instructional Designer at the University of Maryland Baltimore County. Assisting Mr. Higdon on the chat window and programming a robot was Dr. Susan Hoban, a NASA Astronomer who works with the Goddard Earth Science Technology Center also at the University of Maryland Baltimore County. The title of the presentation was: The Search for Lunar Ice. For more information about this web seminar, its presenter(s), read what participants said about it, and to see and download its PowerPoint slides <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/boston08/NASA-Mapping/webseminarII.aspx">go here</a>.

Archive: Coral Ecosystems, May 8, 2008

5/8/2008 12:00:00 AM

This Web Seminar, sponsored by NOAA, took place on May 8, 2008, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Presenting was Dr. Kathy Chaston, Coral and Coastal Management Specialist with NOAA's Office of Coastal Resource Management. Dr. Chaston talked about land-based pollution threats to coral reefs. For more information about this web seminar, its presenter(s), read what participants said about it, and to see and download its PowerPoint slides <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/boston08/Corals/webseminarII.aspx"> go here</a>.

Archive: Polar Science, Global Discoveries: IPY Research Update for Teachers, May 1, 2008

5/1/2008 12:00:00 AM

This Web Seminar, sponsored by the National Science Foundation, NOAA, and NASA, took place on May 1, 2008, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Presenting was Dr. Mary Albert, Senior Research Engineer at the U.S. Army Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory in Hanover, New Hampshire. The topic of her presentation was global climate change. For more information about this web seminar, its presenter(s), read what participants said about it, and to see and download its PowerPoint slides <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/boston08/IPY-Boston/webseminarI.aspx">go here</a>.

Archive: From Astrobiology to Zoology: Igniting Students' Interests in Science Careers , April 30, 2008

4/30/2008 12:00:00 AM

This Web Seminar, sponsored by Sally Ride Science, took place on April 30, 2008, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Time. Presenting were Dr. Karen Flammer, Research Physicist at University of California in San Diego and Senior Vice-President at Sally Ride Science and Julie Miller from Olathe District Schools in Kansas. This web seminar focused on strategies that teachers can use to ignite students' interests in science careers. For more information about this web seminar, its presenter(s), read what participants said about it, and to see and download its PowerPoint slides <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/boston08/SRS/webseminarI.aspx">go here.</a>

Archive: Imagine Mars, April 29, 2008

4/29/2008 12:00:00 AM

This Web Seminar was developed in collaboration with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and Arizona State University's (ASU) Mars Education Program. The event took place on April 29, 2008, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Time. The presenters were Stephenie Lievense, Imagine Mars Project Lead and David Delgado, Outreach Coordinator for NASA's Mars Public Engagement Team. The presenters talked about the Imagine Mars project and gave examples on how teachers can use it with students in the classroom and after school programs. For more information about this web seminar, its presenter(s), read what participants said about it, and to see and download its PowerPoint slides <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/JPL2/webseminar11.aspx" target=_Blank">go here</a>.

Archive: Mapping the Moon: Simulating LOLA in the Classroom, April 22, 2008

4/22/2008 12:00:00 AM

This Web Seminar, sponsored by the NASA, took place on April 22, 2008, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Time. Presenting was Don Higdon, a Senior Instructional Designer at the University of Maryland Baltimore County. Assisting Mr. Higdon on the chat window was Dr. Susan Hoban, NASA Astronomer, who works with the Goddard Earth Science Technology Center also at the University of Maryland Baltimore County. The presentation focused on the topics of topographic maps, the concept of resolution, and the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter's LOLA instrument. For more information about this web seminar, its presenter(s), read what participants said about it, and to see and download its PowerPoint slides <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/boston08/NASA-Mapping/webseminarI.aspx">go here</a>.

Archive: Coral Ecosystems, April 10, 2008

4/10/2008 12:00:00 AM

This Web Seminar, sponsored by NOAA, took place on April 10, 2008, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Presenting was Kelly Drinnen, Education Specialist for the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary. The topic of her presentation was impacts to coral reefs. For more information about this web seminar, its presenter(s), read what participants said about it, and to see and download its PowerPoint slides <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/boston08/Corals/webseminarI.aspx">go here</a>.

Scope on the Skies: Of moons and rings

4/4/2008 12:00:00 AM

When the planet Saturn is mentioned, most probably picture the spectacular rings above the planet's equator. The rings are not unique to Saturn (planetary rings encircle the four Jovian planets), but they are the only ones visible from Earth. Despite the compelling beauty and mysteries of ring systems and the dynamics that add to their allure, the incredible variety among the many moons of these planets is equally exciting.

Teacher's Toolkit: Information literacy for science education-Evaluating web-based materials for socioscientific issues

4/4/2008 12:00:00 AM

Students who engage in scientific inquiry must be able to evaluate the processes and evidence used to reach conclusions about scientific issues, regardless of whether the process is conducted in the classroom or through an information search on the internet. To explore strategies for integrating information literacy and science, the authors engaged students in analyses of internet-based content related to a current socioscientific issue: global warming. A WebQuest, which is described in this article, was developed to guide students through the process of evaluating websites.

Archive: Using Earth to Explore Mars, April 3, 2008

4/3/2008 12:00:00 AM

This Web Seminar was developed in collaboration with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and Arizona State University's (ASU) Mars Education Program. The event took place on April 3, 2008, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Time. The presenters were Dr. Joshua Bandfield, Research Specialist at the Mars Spaceflight Facility at Arizona State University and Brian Grigsby, Director of the ASU Mars Education and Outreach Program at Arizona State University. Dr. Bandfield used images to compare Earth with Mars, highlighting the similarities of the two planets and Mr. Grigsby provided an update of current and future NASA's missions to Mars. For more information about this web seminar, its presenter(s), read what participants said about it, and to see and download its PowerPoint slides <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/JPL2/webseminar10.aspx">go here</a>.

Archive: IPY/NSTA Symposium: Polar Science, Global Discoveries: IPY Research Update for Teachers, Boston, MA: March 29, 2008

3/29/2008 12:00:00 AM

During this half-day symposium, sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in celebration of the International Polar Year (IPY), scientists and education specialists shared information with teachers about the global climate change. The presenters led activities that enhanced the participants' knowledge about the topic and that can be easily replicated in their classrooms. All participants received a DVD and 2-CD set from NOAA as well as a list of related URLs that can be used for further exploration of activities and programs related to the IPY.

Archive: Sally Ride Science/NSTA Symposium: From Astrobiology to Zoology: Igniting Students' Interests in Science Careers, Boston, MA: March 29, 2008

3/29/2008 12:00:00 AM

Archive: NASA/NSTA Symposium: Mapping the Moon: Simulating LOLA in the Classroom, Boston, MA: March 28, 2008

3/28/2008 12:00:00 AM

During this half-day symposium, sponsored by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), scientists and education specialists shared information with teachers about the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and its instruments to study the Moon, about topographic maps, and about robotic exploration. The presenters led activities that enhanced the participants' knowledge of the previously mentioned topics that can be easily replicated and/or simulated in their classrooms. All participants received educational materials and information about related links available via the NASA web site.

Archive: NOAA/NSTA Symposium: Coral Ecosystems, Boston, MA: March 27, 2008

3/27/2008 12:00:00 AM

During this half-day symposium, sponsored by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), scientists and education specialists shared information with teachers about the biology, dynamics, and conservation of coral ecosystems. The presenters led activities that enhanced the participants' knowledge about coral reef ecosystems that can be easily replicated in their classrooms. All participants received educational materials and information about related links available via the NOAA and NSTA web sites.

Archive: NASA/NSTA Symposium: 21st Century Explorer - Today's Knowledge for Tomorrow's Explorer, Boston, MA: March 27, 2008

3/27/2008 12:00:00 AM

During this half-day symposium, sponsored by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), scientists and education specialists shared information with teachers about the 21st Century Explorer project, about NASA's Crew Exploration Vehicle, and about how the human body changes during space flight. The presenters led activities that enhanced the participants' knowledge about space flight, science, and engineering that can be easily replicated in their classrooms. All participants received educational materials and information about related links available via the NASA web site. Former NASA Astronaut Michael Baker, who participated on four Space Shuttle missions, was one of the presenters of this Symposium sharing his spaceflight experiences with the audience.

Ask the Experts-April/May 2008

3/18/2008 12:00:00 AM

In this month's column, the experts address the following questions: - How does temperature regulate the gender of sea turtles (and other organisms) as they incubate? Also, how can XX females become male turtles simply due to temperature level if they do not have a Y chromosome to begin with? - Will we experience increased volcanic activity if the sea level rises due to human-induced global warming? - Why do we not see baby seagulls?

Idea Bank: Warming to Global Warming-Sunspots and Sea-Surface Temperature

3/17/2008 12:00:00 AM

In the problem-based laboratory activity described here, students evaluate the causality of changes on the solar surface in regard to climate change and warming in Earth's environment. They use graphing calculators and real-time data from the internet to research the possible effects of sunspot activity on ocean temperatures in the Atlantic. The 5E constructivist instructional model-Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate (Bybee 1997)-is used to analyze a false hypothesis linking sea-surface temperature to the Sun.

Making Science Relevant

3/13/2008 12:00:00 AM

By connecting science learning to important societal issues, teachers can motivate students to both enjoy and engage in relevant science (Bennet, Lubben, and Hogarth 2007). To develop that connection, teachers can help students take an active role in authentic community-based science that goes beyond merely learning about the science behind the issues. This article describes an approach to relevancy through an inquiry-based project that connects high school biology, chemistry, and environmental science curriculum to the local environment and the issue of water conservation and protection.

Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12: Books published in 2002 (Science Scope)

3/9/2008 12:00:00 AM

The books that appear in this annotated bibliography were selected as outstanding science trade books published in 2002. They are intended primarily for kindergarten through twelfth grade. They were selected by members of a book review panel appointed by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) and assembled in cooperation with The Children's Book Council (CBC). NSTA and CBC have cooperated on this bibliographic project since 1973.

Scintillating Stars

3/7/2008 12:00:00 AM

Often, a bright planet that is visible over the horizon will be mistaken for a star. Some believe they can tell the difference between a star and a planet because stars twinkle, or scintillate, and planets do not. In actuality however, both will twinkle because any light that passes through our atmosphere, whether it be reflected from a planet or generated by a star, will be interfered with by the atmospheric elements. This month's column sheds light on this "scintillating" subject and engages students in a research activity that revolves around the question: Is Pluto a planet?

Archive: Exploring Mars with CRISM and the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, March 6, 2008

3/6/2008 12:00:00 AM

This Web Seminar was developed in collaboration with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and Arizona State University's (ASU) Mars Education Program. The event took place on Thursday, March 6, 2008, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Time. The presenter was Dr. Scott Murchie from the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland. Dr. Murchie is the Principal Investigator for the CRISM instrument currently aboard the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter spacecraft at Mars. For more information about this web seminar, its presenter(s), read what participants said about it, and to see and download its PowerPoint slides <a href="http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/JPL2/webseminar9.aspx">go here</a>.

NSTA Learning Center Professional Development Tools

Archive: Global Climate Change Impacts in the Eastern United States, November 17, 2009

Archive: Anti-matter Eyes on the Gamma-ray Skies November 12, 2009

Online Courses: AMNH Seminars on Science

Natural Resources: Digging Soil

Archive: Global Climate Change Impacts in the Western United States, November 5, 2009

Scope on the Skies: Living with a star

Web Seminar: Higher than a Sea-Bird's Eye View: Coral Reef Remote Sensing using Satellites, December 15, 2009

Science Sampler: Global Warming Project

Web Seminar: From Sound Waves to Microwaves: "Listening" to the Oldest Light of the Universe with the Planck Mission December 16, 2009

Web Seminar: A Century of Cosmic Surprises December 8, 2009

Idea Bank: Extra! Extra! Read All About the Universe!

Rise the Moon

Answers to Science Questions From the <em>Stop Faking It!</em> Guy (e-book)

Scope on the Skies: October Skies (2009)

Science Matters - Achieving Scientific Literacy, <em>New Edition</em>, <em>Expanded and Updated</em>

Web Seminar: Relevance of Climate Change for the Arctic Marine Biological System, December 3, 2009

Science Shorts: Astronomies of Scale

Every Day Science: October 2009

Wind Solvers

Podcast: The Importance of Encouraging Science Interest Now

Podcast: Warming and Cooling of the Atlantic Ocean

Podcast: Sources of Reliable Climate Change

Hurricane Katrina: A Teachable Moment

Podcast: Scientific Method

Podcast: Polar Science and World Peace

Podcast: Phoenix mission

Podcast: Exploring Occupational Interests

Podcast: Careers in Earth Sciences

Podcast: Importance of Encouraging Science Interest Now

Is It Possible to Turn Coal Into Diamonds?

Podcast: Benchmark Hunting

Podcast: Earth and Mars Similar Features

Podcast: Atlantic Ocean Circulation

Podcast: Effects of Ocean Acidifcation on Coral Reefs

Scope on the Skies: September Skies (2009)

Web Seminar: Timely Teachings: Seasons and the Cycles of Night and Day, December 10, 2009

Podcast: Why are Polar Regions Important for Global Climate?

Podcast: Microbes and Climate

Podcast: The Role of Microbes in the Artic Ocean

Podcast: Three Tiered Ecosystem Problems

Podcast: Satellite Mapping of the Moon Surface

Podcast: Solar Wind

Podcast: The Electromagnetic Spectrum

Podcast: Determining a Lunar Landing Area

Podcast: Global Mean Temperature Increasing

Podcast: Habitats Needed for the Moon and Mars

Podcast: Discoveries from Ice Coring Science

Podcast: IPY Ice Coring Programs for Teacher and Students

Incorporating Authentic Scientific Research in an Introductory General-Education Course for Nonmajors

Podcast: Impacts to Coral Reefs: Animal Influences

Podcast: Impacts to Coral Reefs: Land Based Pollution

Podcast: Coral Reef Teaching Resources

Podcast: Management of Coral Reefs

Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Identification

Factors That Affect Eutrophication

Groundwater Contamination

Flood Frequency Analysis for a River

Comparison of Phosphate Levels in Stream Sediments

Stream Channel Morphology

Calculating Stream Discharge

Modeling Glacial Features With Sand

Glacial Features of a Watershed

Answers to Science Questions From the <em>Stop Faking It!</em> Guy

Podcast: Landing Site Selection

Podcast: Lunar Mapping Activity for the Classroom

Podcast: Basic Greenhouse Physics

Podcast: Climate Models and What They Tell Us

Cruel, Cruel Summer

Podcast: Climate Change Summary

Podcast: Evidence for Anthropogenic Carbon in the Ocean

Podcast: Ocean Acidification Basics

Podcast: Ocean Acidification Impacts

Podcast: Saturation State of the Oceans

Podcast: The Case for the Balance Carbon Budget

Podcast: Unknowns about Ocean Acidification

Podcast: Effects of Ocean Acidification on Deep Water Corals

Earth's Changing Climate

Biological Effects of Climate Change

Quick Guide to Climate