Profile | NSTA Learning Center

Kathy Sparrow

I was the Science Supervisor for Akron Public Schools for 15 years after teaching middle and high school in Akron. I was involved in many Ohio state committes --including developing the state standards and reviewing questions for the Ohio Graduation Test. I served as president of National Science Eductation Leadership Association, a regional director for SECO (Ohio's state science organization) and on the NSTA Board of Directors. Currently, I am teaching Elementary Science Methods at Florida International University.

Location

Affiliation

Adjunct Professor, Florida International University (FIU)

Social Media

Twitter: none
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Recent Reviews by Kathy

External Resource: Don't Sweat It, LabTV Video

Tue Dec 16, 2014 3:17 PM

Whew! It's hot.

This collection is centered on the NDEP video about the study of the physiological reactions of the human body in different environments, specifically the tropics and the arctic. Scientists were testing NEET (an insect repellent) to see how it reacted to the body’s sweat production. The accompanying resources provide ancillary information on inquiry, professional development, the environment, and causes of weather around the Earth.

NDEP LabTV “Save the Bay: Robotics Challenge” Collection

Tue Nov 25, 2014 4:49 PM

Chesapeake Bay Redemption

This collection is centered on the NDEP video about the challenges of the Chesapeake Bay. In the video middle school students learn how to design and program robots and use them in their individual research projects (e.g., effect of construction sites, invasive plants, etc.) regarding the Chesapeake Bay. The other resources add to information about robotics, explain the work of a career person who builds reefs and plants oysters (that filter water) in the Chesapeake Bay;identify effects of climate changes in estuaries; and provide information on the deterioration of the environment due to the destruction of ecosystems, loss of biodiversity, or depletion of resources such as air, water and soil

The Case for STEM Education: Challenges and Opportunities Collection

Tue Nov 18, 2014 3:49 PM

Leading to STEM

This collection appears to focus on two themes in the challenge of implementing STEM education with the Next Generation Science Standards. One theme involves the leadership involved in implementing new standards including STEM. I especially liked the Guest Editorial by Page Keeley as she analogized science education with a system. When one part of the system is dysfunctional (e.g., K-6 science), it affects the whole system (e.g., ultimately preparing individuals for science and engineering careers). The second theme supports the NGSS/STEM vision in action. I loved watching the videos about the robotic birds—great example of bio mimicry also.

View all reviews by Kathy