Arlington, VA, August 11, 2003 - Why is the sky blue? Why does left appear right and right appear left in a mirror? Teachers can answer these questions with confidence with help from a new book from NSTA Press® titled Light: Stop Faking It! Finally Understanding Science So You Can Teach It. Written with clarity and a creative flair, the book helps teachers of grades 5-8 understand basic concepts of light so they can teach them more effectively to their students.
Light: Stop Faking It! is the third title in the popular Stop Faking It! series, which is designed to help teachers bolster their content knowledge by focusing on specific science concepts. The series has struck a chord with educators and parents alike because it uses an entertaining approach that combines clear explanations, clever drawings, and activities that require easy-to-find materials.
"This book is a great resource for both elementary and middle level teachers," said author Bill Robertson, who teaches online math and physics for the University of Phoenix. "Elementary teachers with limited background in science will find it a lifeline to great science content, and middle level science teachers will find it a fun refresher that will enhance their understanding and give them neat new activities they can infuse into the classroom. Whether teachers need an in-depth explanation about why light bends or if they just need a quick answer to a question, it's a resource that should be on every school shelf."
Light: Stop Faking It! covers three scientific models of light. Each model is useful in explaining different kinds of observations. Using the models, teachers will be able to understand how and why light bends, how optical instruments form images, what causes rainbows, how to draw 3-D images, and why the sky is blue. The book also contains an entire chapter on how the eye works, and a small kit of supplies to help the reader learn through hands on activities.
Each chapter ends with a "Summary and Applications" section that reinforces concepts with everyday examples. The summaries review the information covered in the chapter and illustrate the concepts by describing common occurrences, such as how the "ghosts" in the haunted house at Disney World are created using screened images and reflection. The key to success of the Stop Faking It! series is its ability to make complex information simple, yet accurate and easy to understand.
The material presented in Light: Stop Faking It! is also linked to the most up-to-date Web content through NSTA’s innovative SciLinks® program. Readers will find SciLinks® codes located at key points throughout the book. By logging onto www.nsta.org/scilinks and entering a code, readers will receive an annotated listing of as many as 15 Web sites that will direct them to the best, NSTA-approved Internet resources to reinforce content presented in the book.
Author Bill Robertson is a science education writer, who reviews and edits science materials and frequently conducts in-service teacher workshops. Robertson has also developed K-12 science curricula, teacher materials, and award-winning science kits. He earned a master’s degree in physics from the University of Illinois and a Ph.D. in science education from the University of Colorado.
Purchase Light: Stop Faking It! Finally Understanding Science So You Can Teach It from the NSTA Science Store or by calling 1-800-277-5300 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. EST weekdays. Outside the United States and Canada, call 301-638-0200. The 120-page book costs $15.95 (Item # PB169X3, ISBN 08735521569). NSTA members receive a 20% discount.
About NSTA
The Arlington, Va.-based National Science Teachers Association is the largest professional organization in the world promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all. NSTA's current membership includes more than 55,000 science teachers, science supervisors, administrators, scientists, business and industry representatives, and others involved in science education.
About NSTA Press®
NSTA Press develops more than a dozen books and other educational programs each year. Focused on the K–12 market and specifically aimed at teachers of science, NSTA Press titles offer a unique blend of accurate scientific content and sound teaching strategies.
Media Contact:
Carla Daniels
National Science Teachers Association
(703) 312-9371
Carla.daniels@nsta.org
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