http://www.nsta.org Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, the National Science Teachers Association is a member-driven organization, 55,000-strong. We publish books and journals for science teachers from kindergarten through college. Each year we hold four conferences on science education: four regional events in the fall and a national gathering in the spring. We provide ways for science teachers to connect with one another. We inform Congress and the public on vital questions affecting science literacy and a well-educated workforce. And with your help, we can do even more. http://www.nsta.org/publications/news/summary.aspx?id=59965 Even though computers are pervasive in everyday life, many educators question the value of children becoming articulate in the language of technologyand#8212;programming. But as STEM and Common Core conceptsand#8212;with their emphasis on math, science, and critical thinking skillsand#8212;begin to shift curricula across the K-12 spectrum, coding is sparking renewed interest. http://www.nsta.org/publications/news/summary.aspx?id=59968 Programs build partnerships to provide the kinds of high-tech skills students need for college and careers. http://www.nsta.org/publications/news/summary.aspx?id=59971 Students in Grades 6-9 Tackle Real-World Challenges in Their Local Communities for a Chance to Advance to National Judging Event and Earn Up To $8,000 in U.S. Saving Bonds http://www.nsta.org/publications/news/summary.aspx?id=59966 Teacher education institutions risk becoming obsolete if they do not do a better job preparing future teachers to use digital curricula, experts say. http://www.nsta.org/publications/news/summary.aspx?id=59970 The flipped classroom is a form of blended learning in which students learn online at least part of the time while attending a brick-and-mortar school. Either at home or during a homework period at school, students view lessons and lectures online. Time in the classroom, previously reserved for teacher instruction, is spent on what we used to call homework, with teacher assistance as needed. http://www.nsta.org/publications/news/summary.aspx?id=59969 People who have taken dozens of massive open online courses share their advice for those teaching them. http://www.nsta.org/publications/news/summary.aspx?id=59964 Recognizing that American K12 students have fallen behind foreign students in their grasp of scientific principles, educators have devised a new set of teaching guidelines that will radically change the way science is taught in classrooms across the United States—including recommendations that climate change and evolution be taught as core elements of scientific knowledge. http://www.nsta.org/publications/news/summary.aspx?id=59967 Students who successfully complete an Advanced Placement computer science class in Washington state will get a math or science credit toward graduation, rather than having it count as an elective, under legislation Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee signed last week. http://www.nsta.org/publications/news/summary.aspx?id=59962 Sussex Academy of Arts and Sciences in Georgetown sponsored six Grade 6 teams in the national eCybermission competition, sponsored by the National Science Teachers Association. Each team identified a problem in the community and then applied research, experimentation and engineering to try to solve the problem. Students designed and tested creative ways to harness renewable energy, reduce stress and make sports safer. http://www.nsta.org/publications/news/summary.aspx?id=59963 Ellen O'Donnell doesn't just teach her Deerfield Community School seventh- and eighth-graders scientific theory. She takes them outside to show them the world they're studying so they can see how the classroom concepts relate to real life. For her efforts, O'Donnell has received the 2013 Distinguished Teaching Award from the National Science Teachers Association. http://www.nsta.org/publications/news/summary.aspx?id=59961 Despite steady gains in mathematics and science achievement, fewer than 75% of 2012 Texas high school graduates demonstrated college readiness in math, based on Texas Success Initiative indicators. Even fewer African-American (59%), Hispanic (68%), and economically disadvantaged (63%) students demonstrated the proficiency levels required for success in college level math. At the same time, national studies show the fastest growing high skill/high wage careers require a higher level of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills. http://www.nsta.org/publications/news/story.aspx?id=59950 The following excerpt is from Including Students With Disabilities in Advanced Science Classes, by Lori A. Howard and Elizabeth A. Potts, edited for publication here. http://www.nsta.org/publications/news/summary.aspx?id=59959 Rhode Island may prove to be the first state to adopt the Next Generation Science Standards issued in final form last month. The state board of education is expected to vote on the standards at its next meeting, on May 23. http://www.nsta.org/publications/news/summary.aspx?id=59955 A central Florida teenager who was accused of igniting a chemical explosion on school groundsand#8212;and who became the subject of a grassroots social media campaign on her behalfand#8212;will not face criminal charges, authorities said Wednesday. http://www.nsta.org/publications/news/summary.aspx?id=59952 With the completion of new standards intended to reshape science education, the real heavy lifting now begins.