National Academies Press: OpenBook

Resources for Teaching Elementary School Science (1996)

Chapter: 10. Professional Associations and U.S. Government Organizations

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Suggested Citation:"10. Professional Associations and U.S. Government Organizations." National Academy of Sciences. 1996. Resources for Teaching Elementary School Science. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/4966.
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CHAPTER 10
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS AND U.S. GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS

Many groups of professional scientists and educators engage in active efforts to improve precollege science education and offer assistance relevant to elementary science teaching. Chapter 10 provides information about such professional associations, societies, and U.S. government organizations and lists many of the programs, services, publications, and materials that are available to schools and teachers from these sources.

This listing is based on the results of a formal survey conducted by the National Science Resources Center and on information in the Guidebook to Excellence, a directory of federal resources in mathematics and science education produced by the Eisenhower National Clearinghouse for Mathematics and Science Education.

The chapter includes about 120 annotations, each to a specific association or organization. Several sources of assistance, such as field centers, regional resource centers, and networks of affiliated organizations, may be represented within one annotation. For example, the entry for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Education Division, refers to the nine NASA Teacher Resource Centers located at NASA Field Centers serving multi-state areas.

Each annotation provides the organization name, address, and telephone number. (An officer or executive director is named only when the organization itself does not have a fixed address.) Brief descriptive phrases highlight relevant programs, services, publications, and materials. Program and project names are highlighted in boldface type.

This listing is not exhaustive, and the absence of any organization is not intended as a reflection on the quality of its programs or on their possible value for elementary hands-on science teaching. Readers are encouraged to identify additional sources of assistance.

10.1 American Association for the Advancement of Science. 1333 H St., NW, Washington, DC 20005 (202) 326-6400

U.S. science organization that embraces all the sciences, with membership of 140,000 individuals and nearly 300 science societies and organizations. Programs/services:

•Extensive programs and materials produced by the association's Directorate for Education and Human Resources include the following: Annual Forum for School Science; Collaboration for Equity in Science; radio programs Science Update and Kinetic City Super Crew (the latter with teacher's guide, home activities, and call-in); senior scientists to collaborate with individual teachers; database of scientists who are available to help teachers; project SLIC (Science Linkages in the Community) to train people to teach science. Publications/ materials: Books in many fields of science and science education,

Suggested Citation:"10. Professional Associations and U.S. Government Organizations." National Academy of Sciences. 1996. Resources for Teaching Elementary School Science. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/4966.
×
Suggested Citation:"10. Professional Associations and U.S. Government Organizations." National Academy of Sciences. 1996. Resources for Teaching Elementary School Science. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/4966.
×

including IDEAAAS: Sourcebook for Science, Mathematics and Technology Education (3rd ed.); Science Education News; Science Books & Films (review magazine); videos focused on out-of-school programs for minorities, girls, and disabled students; posters.

Project 2061: a long-term science education reform initiative (grades K-12), seeking science literacy for all high school graduates. Publications/materials : Science for All Americans, on science literacy; Benchmarks for Science Literacy, a curriculum design tool defining expectations for science knowledge for grades 2, 5, 8, and 12; other books and computer-based materials on curriculum design, exemplary resources, and research.

10.2 American Association of Physics Teachers, American Center for Physics, One Physics Ellipse, College Park, MD 20740 (301) 209-3300

Professional association of more than 11,000 college-level physicists, high school physics teachers, and others interested in the quality of physics education. Programs/services: Cooperates with American Physical Society (see 10.15) in Teacher-Scientist Alliance Institute to mobilize scientists in support of systemic reform of elementary science education.

10.3 American Astronomical Society (AAS), 2000 Florida Ave., NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20009 (202) 328-2010

Professional society of more than 6,000 astronomers, physicists, and other scientists in related fields. Programs/services: AAS Teacher Resource Agents, a program funded by the National Science Foundation, providing 4-week summer institutes at three regional sites (in Arizona, Illinois, and Maryland); the program prepares teachers (grades K-12) to be resource agents who present workshops to other teachers.

10.4 American Ceramic Society, 735 Ceramic P1., Westerville, OH 43081 (614) 794-5898

Professional society of 16,000 scientists, engineers, educators, and others interested in a wide range of ceramics, such as glasses, cements, and refractories. Programs/services: Links scientists to schools nationwide to serve as mentors, to make in-school presentations, and to invite students to the workplace; through these links, the society fosters scientist-teacher collaborations and partnerships that provide teachers and students access to the society's publications and materials. Publications/ materials: Science on Wheels (experiment manual); ceramic sample kit; Ceramics-Into the Future (video).

10.5 American Cetacean Society, P.O. Box 2639, San Pedro, CA 90731 (310) 548-6279

Volunteer organization of more than 2,500 scientists, educators, and lay persons interested in education about and devoted to the protection of whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Programs/services: Information hotline; volunteer opportunities for teachers. Publications/materials : Gray Whale Teaching Kit; Whalewatcher (journal); newsletter; bibliography; information sheets available free of charge to children.

10.6 American Chemical Society, 1155 16th St., NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 452-2113

Principal professional society of chemists, with 145,000 members. Programs/services: Operation Chemistry (OpChem), funded by the National Science Foundation and involving 2-week workshops for teacher-training teams and subsequent workshops nationwide for thousands of teachers; Community Science Grants for children and adults to explore hands-on science as teams. Publications/materials: Curriculum guidelines; supplemental activities; audiovisual materials; WonderScience (activities magazine for upper-elementary students and adults working together; published jointly with the American Institute of Physics (see 10.12)); video and booklet supporting chemists who go into the classroom; newsletter; posters.

10.7 American Forest Foundation, 1111 19th St., NW, Suite 780, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-2462

A publicly supported conservation and education organization and a resource center on sustainable forestry. Programs/services: Cosponsored with the Western Regional Environmental Education Council: Project Learning Tree (PLT)—a comprehensive environmental education program for students (PreK through 12) in 50 states and 6 foreign countries, focused on a broad range of environmental issues and designed to develop critical thinking skills. Project Learning Tree is also a distribution network for PLT curriculum and other materials; workshops, with accompanying instructional materials, are provided for teaching PLT. Publications/materials: PLT curriculum units and teacher's guides; computer-based and other materials distributed mostly through the PLT network; newsletter.

Suggested Citation:"10. Professional Associations and U.S. Government Organizations." National Academy of Sciences. 1996. Resources for Teaching Elementary School Science. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/4966.
×

10.8 American Geological Institute, 4220 King St., Alexandria, VA 22302-1507 (703) 379-2480

Federation of more than 25 professional, scientific, and technical associations in the earth sciences. Publications/materials: Adventures in Geology, a text-based approach to geology and science teaching (for grades K-3, 4-6); Earth Science Content Guidelines, a report, including activities, to guide the inclusion of earth science content in curriculum for grades K-12, with ideas and activities in the areas of solid earth, water, air, ice, life, and earth in space.

10.9 American Indian Science and Engineering Society, 1630 30th St., Suite 301, Boulder, CO 80301 (303) 492-8658

Society of American Indian and non-Indian students, scientific professionals, and interested corporations providing programs for American Indian students and their teachers to enhance student interest and abilities in science by linking hands-on, student-centered science to culture and community with uniquely Indian programs and curricula; science focus on biology, human biology, environmental sciences, and science/technology and society. Programs/services: Workshops at society meetings; institutes; surplus equipment; technical assistance; information hotline; National American Indian Science Fair. Publications/materials: Curriculum units; teacher's guides; audiovisual and computer-based materials; Winds of Change Magazine for students; newsletter; posters.

10.10 American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, The Aerospace Center, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW, Washington, DC 20024 (202) 646-7444

Principal technical society for engineering and science in aviation and space, with 45,000 members. Programs/services: Volunteers, usually acting through local sections of the institute, provide teacher workshops, tutor and mentor students, judge science fairs, sponsor essay contests, hold paper airplane contests, and work with teachers and students.

10.11 American Institute of Biological Sciences, 730 11th St., NW, Washington, DC 20001-4521 (202) 628-1500

Umbrella organization of professional life science societies and institutions responsible for the Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS). Programs/services: Sessions at annual meetings; database of scientists who are available to help teachers. Publications/materials : BioScience (monthly magazine).

10.12 American Institute of Physics, American Center for Physics, One Physics Ellipse, College Park, MD 20740-3843 (301) 209-3100

Organization of 10 professional societies (totaling 75,000 members) and 19 affiliated societies in physics and related fields; concerned with collecting and disseminating information about physics, physics education, and the history of physics. Programs/services: Science Education for Every Kid (SEEK); Students to Explore and Experience Science—hands-on demonstrations for sixth-grade inner-city students. Publications/materials: WonderScience (activities magazine for upper-elementary students and adults working together; published jointly with American Chemical Society (see 10.6)); Physics Education News (semimonthly electronic newsletter).

10.13 American Meteorological Society, 1701 K St., NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20006 (202) 466-5728

Professional scientific society of more than 11,000 members; focused on meteorology, climatology, and oceanography. Programs/services: Two national projects—Project ATMOSPHERE (meteorology and climatology) and the newer Maury Project (oceanography)—to train teachers (grades K-12) in these areas: 1-week institutes for master teachers, and monitoring of subsequent workshops nationwide in which the master teachers train other teachers. Publications/materials: Teacher's guides, materials, hands-on activities solely for use in the two projects; audiovisual and computer-based materials; newsletter.

10.14 American Nuclear Society, 555 No. Kensington Ave., La Grange Park, IL 60525 (708) 579-8230

International scientific and educational organization composed of physicists, chemists, engineers, educators, and other professionals involved in nuclear science or engineering. Programs/services: Multifaceted Public Education Program (PEP); PEP Educational Outreach from local sections of the society, providing scientist collaborations, speaker resources, and information hotlines. Publications/materials: Instructional materials for teachers; newsletter.

Suggested Citation:"10. Professional Associations and U.S. Government Organizations." National Academy of Sciences. 1996. Resources for Teaching Elementary School Science. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/4966.
×

10.15 American Physical Society, American Center for Physics, One Physics Ellipse, College Park, MD 20740 (301) 209-3263

Principal professional society for physicists and physics students, with more than 40,000 members; focused primarily on physics and also on physics education. Programs/ services: Teacher-Scientist Alliance Institute, a national cooperative effort operated with the American Association of Physics Teachers (see 10.2) to mobilize scientists in support of efforts at systemic reform of elementary science education. Scientists from areas with school districts engaged in systemic reform are recruited, taught about reform issues, and expected to recruit and teach other scientists in their areas.

10.16 American Physiological Society, 9650 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20814-3991 (301) 530-7132

Professional society of about 7,000 scientists; focused on how the human body functions. Programs/services: Database of scientists who are available to help teachers; online information service on educational materials, programs, and activities. Publications/materials: Resource sheets (e.g., a list of resources, criteria for gender and race equity, and issues in animal research).

10.17 American School Health Association, P.O. Box 708, Kent, OH 44240 (216) 678-1601

Association committed to safeguarding the health of school-aged children, with 4,000 health professionals working in schools. Programs/services : Sessions and workshops at annual National School Health Conference. Publications/materials: Curriculum guidelines and units with hands-on materials; instructional materials in Journal of School Health.

10.18 American Society for Cell Biology, 9650 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20814 (301) 530-7153

Society of more than 7,000 scientists. Programs/services: Scientist collaborations with individual teachers; database of scientists who are available to help teachers; letter-answering service for students; speakers.

10.19 American Society for Microbiology, 1325 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20005 (202) 942-9283

Oldest biological science society in the world, with 40,000 members. Programs/services: Scientist-Educator Network consisting of scientists who are available to provide assistance as presenters, resource people (for advice, supplies, and classroom visits), advisers to teachers on curriculum and projects, providers of laboratory tours, judges at science fairs, and, sometimes, mentors to students (to advise on projects and to be shadowed during the workday); database of members of this network is available to science teachers. Publications/materials : "How-to" manual for scientists involved in outreach efforts at schools.

10.20 American Society of Plant Physiologists, 15501 Monona Dr., Rockville, MD 20855-2768 (301) 251-0560

Society of more than 5,000 plant-science researchers and teachers. Programs/services: Encourages scientist collaborations with individual teachers and teacher-scientist partnerships, which it supports with a videotape for scientists on using fast-growing plants in the classroom.

10.21 American Zoo and Aquarium Association, 7970-D Old Georgetown Rd., Bethesda, MD 20814 (301) 907-7777

Association of more than 160 zoos, zoological parks, and aquariums, supporting membership excellence in conservation, education, science, and recreation. Programs/services: Suitcase for Survival, a national program that provides suitcases filled with confiscated wildlife products and accompanied by educational materials to educate youth about protected wildlife and how illegal trade threatens the extinction of certain species. Program cosponsors: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, World Wildlife Fund, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA); AZA coordinates the program. Teacher-training workshops are held at selected zoological parks and aquariums nationwide; a complete list of zoos and aquariums that disseminate Suitcase for Survival is available from AZA.

10.22 Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD), 1250 No. Pitt St., Alexandria, VA 22314-1453 (703) 549-9110

Educational association with more than 190,000 members. Programs/ services: Dissemination of information on educational research and practice, and activities addressing teaching and learning in all fields: sessions at annual conference; Professional Development Institutes (of 1 to 3 days) in major U.S. cities; sponsorship of networks (usually with newsletters) that meet at annu-

Suggested Citation:"10. Professional Associations and U.S. Government Organizations." National Academy of Sciences. 1996. Resources for Teaching Elementary School Science. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/4966.
×

al conferences. Publications/materials: ASCD Curriculum Handbook; Brown's Directories of Instructional Programs (annual guide to commercial materials); Only the Best (annual guide to computer-based materials); Curriculum Materials Directory (annual guide to noncommercial materials); Educational Leadership (journal); ASCD books; Hands-On Elementary Science (materials for 20 workshops), from TERC (see 10.105), Cambridge; audio-/videotapes.

10.23 Association of Astronomy Educators, 5103 Burt St., Omaha, NE 68132 (402) 556-0082

Association dedicated to improving astronomy education at all levels from kindergarten through college by encouraging the development and exchange of information about effective curricula, materials, facilities, and groups. Programs/services: Workshops and sessions at National Science Teachers Association meetings. Publications/materials : Newsletter; occasional publications.

10.24 Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC), 1025 Vermont Ave., NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20005 (202) 783-7200

Worldwide organization of science centers and museums, planetariums, space theaters, nature centers, aquariums, natural history museums, children's museums, and other facilities, with more than 270 members in the United States and Canada. Programs/ services:

• Created and operates YouthALIVE!—a program for underserved adolescents (grades 5-12) delivered by nearly 50 museums that are members of either ASTC or the Association of Youth Museums (see 10.25). (Contact ASTC for current list of disseminating museums.) Newsletter, directory of programs, and "How-to" manual for YouthALIVE! are available. The program provides hands-on enrichment programs with structured opportunities (for grades 5-8), such as clubs, camps, classes, workshops, and field trips, to heighten interest and involvement of targeted adolescents in the physical sciences; museums design their individual programs, often working with community-based organizations, and seek minimum involvement of 120 hours per year for 2 or 3 years for each student; ASTC provides technical assistance and professional development for museum staff members.

Publications/materials: The ASTC/ CIMUSET Directory of member institutions (CIMUSET is the International Committee of Science and Technology Museums, of the International Council of Museums); publications catalog.

10.25 Association of Youth Museums, 1775 K St., NW, Suite 595, Washington, DC 20006 (202) 466-4144

Professional service organization serving more than 330 member museums worldwide. Programs/services: Provides forum for interaction, a source for information and professional development, and a focus for collaboration among youth museums and traditional museums with a special interest in children and family audiences.

10.26 Astronomical Society of the Pacific, 390 Ashton Ave., San Francisco, CA 94112 (415) 337-1100

A 105-year-old scientific and educational society with members from 50 states and more than 60 countries. Programs/services: Program of workshops and other activities for teachers (grades 3-12) at society's summer annual meeting; program to link astronomers with classroom teachers; information hotline. Publications/materials: Instructional materials; information packets; resource guides; audiovisual and computer-based materials; posters; comprehensive mail-order catalog of these materials; free quarterly newsletter on teaching astronomy in grades 3-12.

10.27 Atlantic Center for the Environment, 39 So. Main St., Ipswich, MA 01938 (508) 356-0038

Organization of 5,000 educational professionals, university students, and others concerned with environmental issues involving marine biology, ornithology, climatology, and oceanography in northern New England, Atlantic Canada, and eastern Quebec. Programs/services: Workshops with instructional materials; scientist-teacher collaborations; lab visits and research opportunities for school students; speakers for classrooms. Publications/materials: Curriculum units with hands-on materials; teacher's guides; audiovisual and computer-based materials; posters.

Suggested Citation:"10. Professional Associations and U.S. Government Organizations." National Academy of Sciences. 1996. Resources for Teaching Elementary School Science. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/4966.
×

10.28 Atlantic Salmon Federation, P.O. Box 429, St. Andrews, New Brunswick, Canada EOG 2X0 (506) 529-4581

International organization of more than 5,000 conservationists, scientists, government officials, and salmon fishermen; promotes conservation and wise management of Atlantic salmon and its environment. Programs/services : Fish Friends, a program for educating elementary school children about fish ecology, growth, and survival, that includes the following: in-class presentations, an egg-incubation aquarium for each classroom, field trips to release salmon reared in the classroom to local waterways, and in-service workshops for participating teachers. Publications/materials : Curriculum guide; curriculum supplements; audiovisual materials; magazine for students; posters.

10.29 Challenger Learning Centers, Challenger Center for Space Science Education, 1029 No. Royal St., Suite 300, Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 683-9740

Network of more than 25 centers in the United States and Canada, about half at museums, focused on space science, and using simulation, teamwork, creative problem solving, and responsible decision making. Programs/services: Space flight simulators with hands-on learning experiences and classroom-based projects for students; workshops for teachers using hands-on activities and mission simulation models, with faculty drawn partly from NASA Teacher-in-Space finalists. Publications/materials : Hands-on instructional units on space topics.

10.30 The City College Workshop Center, NAC 4/220, City College of City University of New York, Convent Ave. and 138th St., New York, NY 10031 (212) 650-8436

Programs/services: Center provides a national model for in-service education of teachers (grades K-8), directly and through master teachers, in constructivist, inquiry-centered methods of teaching science and mathematics; primary focus is New York City schools; the model and technical assistance are also disseminated in other U.S. locations and in foreign countries. Center offers 4-week summer institutes followed by 20 intensive weekly follow-up sessions, many in actual classrooms, on how to teach children in this way; similar summer institute and weekly follow-up sessions on how to teach teachers to teach in this way.

10.31 Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 159 Sapsucker Woods Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850-1999 (607) 254-2440

International center for the study, appreciation, and conservation of birds and an authoritative source of information about birds. Programs/services: Provides up-to-date ornithological data to scientists and communications media worldwide; developed two projects allowing participation in hands-on, inquiry-based activities—Project FeederWatch, to help scientists track winter bird populations at feeders, and Project PigeonWatch, to help scientists answer questions about pigeon behavior. Publications/materials: Home course for adults on bird biology; bird sound recordings on cassettes and CDs; slide collection, with copies at nominal fee; newsletter.

10.32 Council for Elementary Science International, c/o Dr. Betty Burchett, CESI Membership Chair, 212 Townsend Hall, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211 (314) 882-4831

Professional organization with 1,600 members and a Division Affiliate of the National Science Teachers Association (see 10.84), dedicated to stimulating, improving, and coordinating science teaching (grades pre-K through 8). Programs/services: Make-and-Take sessions. Publications/materials : Sourcebooks for teaching elementary science; research monographs on teaching science; file sheets; VHS video; CESI Science.

10.33 Council for Exceptional Children, 1920 Association Dr., Reston, VA 22091-1589 (703) 620-3660

Network of 59 state and provincial federations, 1,012 chapters, and 17 divisions make up this international professional organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with disabilities and/or who are gifted. Programs/services: Annual convention; topical conferences; symposiums; workshops; conferences of state federations. Publications/materials: Extensive literature on special education, including curriculum materials, with semiannual catalog; TEACHING Exceptional Children and Exceptional Children (journals); newsletter; publications of the various divisions.

10.34 Council of State Science Supervisors, c/o Dr. Thomas Keller, Council President, Maine Department of Education, 23 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0023 (207) 287-5920

Organization consisting of a science supervisor/specialist/consultant from each of the 50 states and other juris-

Suggested Citation:"10. Professional Associations and U.S. Government Organizations." National Academy of Sciences. 1996. Resources for Teaching Elementary School Science. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/4966.
×

dictions (e.g., the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam). Programs/services : Sessions at National Science Teachers Association conventions (regional and national); program of Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Teaching; coordination of individual members' work in creating curriculum guidelines, frameworks, and standards within their respective areas; information dissemination, primarily to members.

10.35 Educational Equity Concepts, 114 E. 32nd St., Suite 701, New York, NY 10016 (212) 725-1803

National organization dedicated to producing educational programs and materials free from bias regarding gender, race and ethnicity, disability, and income; offers the following:

  • Playtime Is Science, a physical science activity program (for PreK through 3), with hands-on curriculum materials, audiovisual materials, and facilitator notebook; staff development and parent training provided; sessions on this program held at meetings and workshops.

  • What Will Happen IFYoung Children and the Scientific Method, physical science curriculum (for grades K-2 or K-3); curriculum guide and staff development guide; newsletter.

10.36 Education Development Center, 55 Chapel St., Newton, MA 02158-1060 (617) 969-7100

International education research and development firm founded in 1958, with a Center for Learning, Teaching, and Technology among its subdivisions. Programs/publications: Insights, a comprehensive K-6 science curriculum. Services: Workshops at meetings of National Science Teachers Association and other organizations; technical assistance to Statewide Systemic Initiatives (see 10.82) in 24 states and Puerto Rico; assistance to several school districts in implementing systemic reform.

10.37 Eisenhower National Clearinghouse for Mathematics and Science Education, The Ohio State University, 1929 Kenny Rd., Columbus, OH 43210-1079 (614) 292-7784; (800) 621-5785

Clearinghouse financed by U.S. Department of Education. Services/materials: Science education information (grades K-12): comprehensive collection of curriculum resources in many formats (print, audio, multimedia, video, kits, games), for which a detailed catalog, ENC Online, is available via modem (1-800-362-4448); Telnet and Gopher (enc.org); and World Wide Web (http://www.enc.org). Many other products and services are available in print and electronic format, including a database of federal programs, electronic visits to particular schools, and a reference service. Information is also available via email (info@enc.org).

10.38 Entomological Society of America, 9301 Annapolis Rd., Lanham, MD 20706-3115 (301) 731-4535

Professional scientific society with 9,200 members; focused on insects. Programs/Services: Insect Expo sessions at society meetings. Publications/materials : Insect Appreciation Digest for teachers; slide collection; newsletter; posters.

10.39 Environmental Action Coalition, 625 Broadway, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10012 (212) 677-1601

Nonprofit organization concerned with education in the areas of household hazardous waste, recycling, waste prevention, and urban forestry. Programs/services: Environmental library with curriculum guides and lists of the guides; teacher-training workshops; speakers at career days. Publications/materials: Curriculum units with hands-on materials; supplemental activities; audiovisual materials.

10.40 EPIE Institute, 103-3 W. Montauk Hwy., Hampton Bays, NY 11946 (516) 728-9100

Consumer-oriented organization that evaluates educational products. Programs/services: Curriculum Analysis Services for Educators (CASE), a computer-based process whereby EPIE (Educational Products Information Exchange) determines the degree of alignment of a school's curricular goals and objectives with textbooks, other instructional materials, and tests. Publications/materials: TESS (The Educational Software Selector), a database with information on more than 3,000 educational software programs ranging over all the sciences and social sciences (including citations to reviews), available in MS-DOS, Macintosh, and CD-ROM versions; The Latest and Best of TESS (print directory based on TESS (see 7.18)); EPIEgram (newsletter).

Suggested Citation:"10. Professional Associations and U.S. Government Organizations." National Academy of Sciences. 1996. Resources for Teaching Elementary School Science. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/4966.
×

10.41 ERIC Clearinghouse for Science, Mathematics, and Environmental Education, The Ohio State University, 1929 Kenny Rd., Columbus, OH 43210-1080 (614) 292-6717; (800) 276-0462; 800-LET-ERIC (for new users)

Clearinghouse and international information network, 1 of 16 in the ERIC (Educational Resources Information Center) system, which is supported by the U.S. Department of Education. Services/programs: Collects, catalogs, and provides access to educational materials; offers reference and referral services; produces bibliographic information; maintains extensive database of reports, curricular and instructional materials, evaluations, and information on programs, practices, and policies in science, mathematics, and environmental education; accessible and searchable on CD-ROM or over Internet: e-mail (ericse@osu.edu); Gopher (gopher.ericse.ohiostate.edu); World Wide Web (http://www.ericse.ohio-state.edu).

10.42 4-H SERIES Project Office, University of California at Davis, HCD, Davis, CA 95616-8523 (916) 752-8824

Office at the University of California, Davis, that created and operates the following 4-H-related programs funded by the National Science Foundation:

  • 4-H SERIES (Science Experiences and Resources for Informal Education Settings)—national program in which 9-to-12-year-olds are led by trained teens in science activities in out-of-school settings, then follow up with related community service projects.

  • 4-H YES (Youth Experiences in Science)—national after-school program in which 5-to-8-year-olds are led by trained teens in science activities at child care centers for school-age children.

Both programs are delivered at 4-H SERIES Regional Leadership Centers at the University of California, Davis; University of Missouri, Cooperative Extension of Lawrence County, Mount Vernon, Mo.; Cornell University, Cooperative Extension, Broome County, Binghamton, N.Y.; and Rock Eagle 4-H Center, Eatonton, Ga.; 4-H YES is also available at local 4-H offices.

10.43 Geological Society of America, P.O. Box 9140, Boulder, CO 80301-9140 (303) 447-2020

Professional scientific society with more than 16,000 members. Programs/services : Partners for Excellence Program (PEP), a national network of people committed to enhancing science education for children and fostering collaborations and partnerships between teachers and scientists; sessions for teachers at annual meeting; free PEP membership for teachers. Available through PEP: national database of scientist partners (for grades K-12); scientist mentors and tours for students of the society's facility. Publications/materials: Activity and resource packets; slide sets; video; regional field trip guidebooks.

10.44 Geothermal Education Office, 664 Hilary Dr., Tiburon, CA 94920 (800) 866-4436

Nonprofit educational office focused on K-12 education about geothermal energy. Programs/services: Free workshops for teachers; scientist collaborations and information from a scientist database; 24-hour 800 number for free materials; referrals for more technical information; classroom speakers; class visits to geothermal power plants; scientist mentors for students; poster and essay contests. Publications/materials : Curriculum unit (grades 4-6); curriculum guidelines and activity suggestions offered by phone; audiovisual materials; Steam Press (annual journal of geothermal education in newsletter format); newsletter; posters.

10.45 Gifted Child Society, 190 Rock Rd., Glen Rock, NJ 07452 (201) 444-6530

Society of 4,000 educators, parents, and gifted children that provides training for educators, assistance for parents, and support for gifted children. Programs/services: Conferences and seminars for teachers; scientist collaborations with teachers; equipment for loan; information hotline; semiannual newsletter; speakers; Saturday Workshop program, scientist mentors, scholarships, and competitive examinations for children. Publications: Newsletter.

10.46 The GLOBE Program, 744 Jackson Pl., NW, Washington, DC 20503 (202) 395-7600

Worldwide network of students (grades K-12) making environmental observations and sharing findings with one another and with the scientific community via Internet and World Wide Web; lead agency in this program—National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. For further information: e-mail (info@globe.gov) and World Wide Web (http://www.globe.gov).

10.47 Great Lakes Planetarium Association (GLPA), c/o Dr. D. David Batch, GLPA President, Abrams Planetarium, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 (517) 355-4676

Regional association of professionals from planetariums (including many that are school-based) in Illinois,

Suggested Citation:"10. Professional Associations and U.S. Government Organizations." National Academy of Sciences. 1996. Resources for Teaching Elementary School Science. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/4966.
×

Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin; association focus is on astronomy and space science, but also includes geology, earth science, and meteorology. Programs/services: Workshops for teachers at annual conference; information about the region's planetariums and their programs. Publications/materials: Resource banks of slides; planetarium show scripts; booklets on teaching astronomy and on the use of a planetarium for astronomy education; member newsletter.

10.48 Great Plains Planetarium Association (GPPA), c/o Ms. April Whitten, GPPA President, Mallory-Kountze Planetarium, University of Nebraska, Omaha, NE 68182-0266 (402) 554-2510

Regional association of professionals from planetariums (including many that are school-based) in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and South Dakota; association focus is on astronomy and space science, but also includes physics, earth and environmental sciences, and history of science. Programs/services: Workshops for teachers at annual conference; information about the region's planetariums and their programs. Publications/materials: Newsletter; surplus equipment (donated through newsletter); audiovisual materials.

10.49 Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, Science Education Department, 60 Garden St., MS-71, Cambridge, MA 02138 (617) 495-9798

Small department in a large astrophysical research center; focused on curriculum development, teacher enhancement, and applications of advanced technology; emphasis mostly but not solely on higher grades. Services: Project SPICA, a program providing teacher workshops in astronomy education (grades K-12), supported by a teacher manual of 37 activities, developed by teachers recruited nationwide; workshops at National Science Teachers Association meetings. Publications/materials : Harvard-Smithsonian Case Studies in Science Education (videos, with accompanying guide materials, giving visual models of science education reform, for in-service and preservice teacher education programs).

10.50 High-Scope Educational Research Foundation, 600 No. River St., Ypsilanti, MI 48198-2898 (313) 485-2000

Research, development, training, and public advocacy organization focused on bringing active, hands-on science learning to grades K-3. Programs/services: K-3 workshop sessions at meetings; week-long K-3 science workshops. Publications/materials: Teacher's manual that includes K-3 student activities.

10.51 Institute for Chemical Education, University of Wisconsin, Department of Chemistry, 1101 University Ave., Madison, WI 53706 (608) 262-3033

National organization centered at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, with a network of field centers and affiliates across the country devoted to helping teachers at all grade levels (kindergarten through college) revitalize science in the schools. Programs/services: Two-week workshops at various regional sites; 4-week workshops in Madison; summer fellowships; Chem Camps for students (grades 5-8). Publications/materials : Supplemental activities; instructional materials for teachers; kits and devices; newsletter.

10.52 Institute for Earth Education, Cedar Cove, Greenville, WV 24945 (304) 832-6404

International educational organization consisting of a volunteer network of individuals and member organizations; fosters earth education programs. Programs/services: Earth Education interest sessions and workshops conducted by associates around the country; International Earth Education Conferences. Publications/materials: Develops and disseminates complete educational programs (Earthkeepers, Sunship Earth, SUNSHIP III, Earth Caretakers); Talking Leaves (journal); Earth Education Sourcebook; other books and program materials.

10.53 International Wildlife Coalition, 70 E. Falmouth Hwy., East Falmouth, MA 02536 (508) 548-8328

Worldwide coalition that researches and protects great whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, and other marine mammals, and operates the Whale Adoption Project. Programs/services: In the Whale Adoption Project of the International Wildlife Coalition (IWC), individuals or classes pay to ''adopt" a humpback whale; the project supports many IWC activities, including Project SWIMS (Studying Whales Integrated with Math and Science), in which educators (mostly of grades 6-9) receive direct experience in marine research techniques, whale biology, and related subjects in classroom settings aboard the research vessel RV Navaho . Publications/materials: Whales of the World (biology curriculum, with 11 activities, developed and tested by teachers for grades 2-5); newsletter for children.

Suggested Citation:"10. Professional Associations and U.S. Government Organizations." National Academy of Sciences. 1996. Resources for Teaching Elementary School Science. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/4966.
×

10.54 JASON Project, JASON Foundation for Education, 395 Totten Pond Rd., Waltham, MA 02154 (617) 487-9995

Annual 2-week interactive field trip, taking half a million students on remote scientific expedition via satellite; emphasis on wide range of earth science and environmental research topics; available at 27 Primary Interactive Network Sites (PINS), including 7 museums and 3 NASA Field Centers (see 10.59)—Ames, Goddard, Johnson. Services : Live TV programs from expeditions, with interactive features; simulation of expedition site at each PINS; participation in actual expedition by selected students and teachers; email, Gopher, and World Wide Web homepage with expedition reports, data, and other educational electronic resources. Publications/materials: Curriculum units on expeditions available 6 months before each expedition. For further information: e-mail (info@JASON.org); Gopher (gopher.jason.bridgew.edu); World Wide Web (http://seawifs.gsfc.nasa.gov/JASON.html).

10.55 Los Alamos National Laboratory, P.O. Box 1663, MSP278, HRSEO, Los Alamos, NM 87545 (505) 667-1919

One of 10 national laboratories of the U.S. Department of Energy (see 10.74), with an active program in science education. Programs/services : Science at Home, a program to promote scientific curiosity and improve scientific literacy, with workshops anywhere in the United States to train trainers and teachers on materials that partner teachers, parents, and students (grades K-8) in science activities; various other regional and local programs.

10.56 Middle Atlantic Planetarium Society (MAPS), c/o Ms. Laura Deines, MAPS President, Southworth Planetarium, 96 Falmouth St., University of Southern Maine, Portland, ME 04103 (207) 780-4249

Regional association of professionals from planetariums (including many that are school-based) in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia; association focus is on astronomy and space science. Programs/services : Workshops for teachers at society meetings; teacher-scientist partnerships; facilitation of loans of Starlab portable planetariums among member planetariums; information about the region's planetariums and their programs. Publications/materials: Under Roof, Dome, and Sky (collection of activities developed and used by member planetariums); newsletter.

10.57 Mineral Information Institute, 475 17th St., Suite 510, Denver, CO 80202 (303) 297-3226

Private organization supported by professional associations, private companies, and foundations. Programs/services: Disseminates information about metals, minerals, and energy resources. Publications/materials : Supplementary activities; audiovisual and computer-based materials; posters.

10.58 National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Central Operation of Resources for Educators (CORE), Lorain County Joint Vocational School, 15181 Rte. 58 So., Oberlin, OH 44074 (216) 774-1051, Ext. 293

Worldwide distribution center for NASA audiovisual educational materials. Publications/materials: Free catalog (send request on school letterhead).

10.59 National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Education Division, Code FEE, NASA Headquarters, Washington, DC 20546-0001

Programs/services: The following programs and services of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) are delivered via 9 NASA Field Centers that serve multi-state areas. These Field Centers are located at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, Ala.; NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif.; Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.; NASA Kennedy Space Center, Kennedy Space Center, Fla.; NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.; NASA Stennis Space Center, Stennis Space Center, Miss.; NASA Lewis Research Center, Cleveland, Ohio; NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, Tex.; and NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, Va. Two other field centers serving only their own states are the NASA Dryden Flight Research Facility, Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.; and Wallops Flight Facility, Wallops Island, Va.

  • [(202) 358-1518] The Aerospace Education Services Program consists of traveling aerospace-education units with classroom programs, teacher-enhancement workshops (1 hour to 2 weeks long) on integrating aerospace into the curriculum, and assembly programs (grades K-12).

  • [(202) 358-1518] The Community Involvement Program, an intensive community program emphasizing aerospace, seeks to involve service clubs, government officials, and the private sector, in addition to schools: offers in-service workshops (1 week to 1 month long), assemblies, exhibits, public events.

  • 1(202) 358-15401 The NASA Teacher Resource Center Network comprises 9 Teacher Resource Centers, located at the 9 NASA Field Centers listed above in this

Suggested Citation:"10. Professional Associations and U.S. Government Organizations." National Academy of Sciences. 1996. Resources for Teaching Elementary School Science. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/4966.
×

entry. The Teacher Resource Centers disseminate NASA educational materials (videotapes, slides, audiotapes, publications, lesson plans, and activities) emphasizing science, mathematics, and technology. These materials are also disseminated by 47 Regional Teacher Resource Centers in 36 states, and by NASA's Central Operation of Resources for Educators (see 10.58).

  • [(202) 358-1518] NASA's Urban Community Enrichment Program trains lead-teacher teams to conduct interdisciplinary aerospace activities in schools and to train other teachers.

10.60 National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, Mail Code CL-01, Huntsville, AL 35812-0001 (205) 961-1225

Programs/services: NASA Spacelink, a computer information service providing a large variety of aeronautics and space information, including lesson plans and activities; access via modem [(205) 895-0028] or Internet [spacelink.msfc.nasa.gov for Gopher; Telnet; ftp; and World Wide Web—preceded by http://]. (For other programs and services at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, see 10.59.)

10.61 National Association for Research in Science Teaching (NARST) , c/o Dr. John R. Staver, NARST Executive Secretary, Center for Science Education, 219 Bluemont Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506 (913) 532-6294

Professional association of more than 1,000 members worldwide, organized to improve science teaching through research. Programs/services: Annual convention, with more than 200 research papers. Publications/materials : Journal of Research in Science Teaching; newsletter.

10.62 National Association for the Education of Young Children, 1509 16th St., NW, Washington, DC 20036-1426 (800) 424-2460

Association of 75,000 professional educators and others involved with preschool and primary school education. Publications/materials : More than 100 books, monographs, and other materials (catalog available) on early childhood education; Young Children (journal); posters.

10.63 National Association of Biology Teachers, 11250 Roger Bacon Dr., No. 19, Reston, VA 22090 (703) 471-1134

Professional society of more than 7,000 biology educators and administrators, representing all grade levels. Programs/services: Annual convention; occasional 1- and 2-day regional summer workshops. Publications/materials : Monographs and special publications; The American Biology Teacher (magazine); newsletter; catalog of materials; posters.

10.64 National Association of Elementary School Principals, 1615 Duke St., Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 684-3345

Organization serving 26,000 elementary and middle school principals in the United States and Canada, with an affiliate in every state. Programs/services: Annual convention, with some sessions on science. Publications/materials: Principal (magazine); newsletter; other publications.

10.65 National Audubon Society, 700 Broadway, New York, NY 10003 (212) 979-3000

Organization with 600,000 members and 40 state and 500 local groups (distinct from Audubon Societies of certain states, which are independent); concerned with ecology, natural resources, wildlife, and habitats. Programs/services: Audubon Adventures urban training program (grades 4-6), with teacher's guide; scholarships for educators to attend ecology workshops; Youth Camp in Maine (for 10-to-14-year-olds). Publications/materials: Curriculum units with hands-on materials; videos with accompanying teacher's guides; software on ecology topics.

10.66 National Center for Health Education, 72 Spring St., Suite 208, New York, NY 10012-4019 (212) 334-9470

Organization that promotes health education in schools, families, and communities. Programs/services: Development, management, and dissemination of Growing Healthy, a comprehensive school health program (grades K-6); teacher-training workshops for Growing Healthy. Publications/materials : Guide to the adoption of Growing Healthy program; curriculum units with hands-on materials; curriculum guidelines; supplemental activities; audiovisual materials.

10.67 National Center for Improving Science Education, 2000 L St., NW, Suite 603, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 467-0652

Division of The NETWORK of Andover, Mass., an organization dedicated to educational reform. Programs/services: Provides guidance for educational policymakers, cur-

Suggested Citation:"10. Professional Associations and U.S. Government Organizations." National Academy of Sciences. 1996. Resources for Teaching Elementary School Science. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/4966.
×

riculum developers, and practitioners by synthesizing findings in policy studies, research reports, and exemplary practices and by transforming them into practical resources, with one area of emphasis chosen for synthesis work each year; offers workshops by technical assistance teams. Publications/materials: Curriculum guidelines; guidelines for policymakers; information for parents in resource book and pamphlets; books and monographs (publications list available).

10.68 National Center for Research on Teacher Learning, Michigan State University, College of Education, 116 Erickson Hall, East Lansing, MI 48824-1034 (517) 355-9302

Research center supported by the U.S. Department of Education. Programs/services : Conducts research on how teachers learn to teach and engage students in active learning, with some projects specifically focused on science and mathematics.

10.69 National Center for Science Teaching and Learning, The Ohio State University, 1929 Kenny Rd., Columbus, OH 43210-1015 (614) 292-3339

Research center supported by the U.S. Department of Education. Programs/services : Conducts research on noncurricular factors (such as social/cultural, organizational, and technological) affecting science students and teachers (grades K-12).

10.70 National Consortium for Environmental Education and Training, University of Michigan, School of Natural Resources, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1115 (313) 998-6726

Consortium (funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (see 10.119)) of academic institutions, corporations, and nonprofit organizations headed by the University of Michigan; operates national program for providers of in-service education to teachers (grades K-12), natural resource management professionals, and environmental educators. Programs/services : Workshops for in-service providers; dissemination of information; coordination of environmental information nationwide. Publications/materials : Environmental education toolbox for in-service providers.

10.71 National Earth Science Teachers Association, 2000 Florida Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20009 (202) 462-6910

Professional society of 1,500 earth science teachers. Programs/services : Workshops and rock swaps at national and regional National Science Teachers Association meetings; summer field trips and field conferences. Publications/materials: The Earth Scientist (membership journal); scripted slide sets.

10.72 National Energy Foundation, 5225 Wiley Post Way, Suite 170, Salt Lake City, UT 84116 (801) 539-1406

Nonprofit educational organization devoted to the development of instructional materials and the implementation of innovative teacher-training and student programs. Programs/services: Workshops for teachers on mining education; student-team energy patrols; student debate program. Publications/materials: Curriculum units with hands-on materials; curriculum guidelines; supplementary materials; posters; newsletter for teachers; catalog of materials.

10.73 National Geographic Society, 1145 17th St., NW, Washington, DC 20036 (800) 368-2728

World's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organization. Publications/materials: National Geographic Kids Network, a computer-and telecommunications-based science curriculum (grades 4-6), developed in cooperation with TERC (see 10.105) and focused on acid rain, weather, water quality, trash, nutrition, and solar energy, in which student-scientists investigate real-world scientific issues and exchange information with other students around the world, providing hands-on experience in scientific methods and computer technology; CD-ROMs; interactive videodiscs; films; books; National Geographic Magazine.

10.74 National Laboratories and Facilities of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), c/o U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Scientific and Technical Information, PO. Box 62, Oak Ridge, TN 37831 (615) 576-8401

Programs/services: Science education programs: The U.S. Department of Energy's 10 national laboratories and 30 specialized facilities throughout the United States offer a wide variety of regional and local science education programs in their respective localities. The laboratories are Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, Ill.; Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, N.Y.; Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory,

Suggested Citation:"10. Professional Associations and U.S. Government Organizations." National Academy of Sciences. 1996. Resources for Teaching Elementary School Science. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/4966.
×

Batavia, Ill.; Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Idaho Falls, Idaho; Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, Berkeley, Calif.; Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, N.Mex.; National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, Colo.; Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tenn.; Pacific Northwest Laboratory, Richland, Wash.; and Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, N.Mex., and Livermore, Calif. Other leading DOE laboratories include Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, Calif.; Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Princeton, N.J.; and Stanford Linear Accelerator Center, Stanford, Calif. For a description of all of DOE's science education programs, request the Education Programs Catalog from the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Scientific and Technical Information at the address above.

10.75 National Marine Educators Association, P.O. Box 51215, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 (408) 648-4841

Association of professionals from education (kindergarten through graduate school), science, business, government, museums, aquariums, and marine research, with more than 1,200 members and 15 regional chapters; focused on marine, physical, earth, and life sciences, marine education, and marine history, literature, songs, and art. Programs/services: Teacher's workshops and opportunities for networking with scientists at annual conference and at conferences organized by regional chapters. Publications/materials: The Journal of Marine Education, with activities; newsletter, with reviews of curricular materials.

10.76 National Network for Science and Technology (NNST), 6H Berkey Hall, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1111 (517) 355-0180

Network of land grant universities, Cooperative Extension Systems, and other organizations in all 50 states, concerned with children, youth, and families at risk; promotes science and technology literacy. Programs/services: Technical and program assistance for extension faculty and collaborators to develop and implement effective programs; national and regional training and symposia; research and development; electronic clearinghouse. For further information: e-mail: (nnst@mes.umn.edu); Gopher and Telnet: (gopher-cyfernet.mes.umn.edu).

10.77 National Research Council; Center for Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Education, 2101 Constitution Ave., Washington, DC 20418 (202) 334-2353

The National Research Council (NRC) is the operating arm of three honorary academies: the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the Institute of Medicine. NRC's primary concern is advising the federal government on matters of science and technology policy. It has become increasingly active in efforts to improve science education and has been a leader in the development of standards for precollege science education, completing the development of the National Science Education Standards (see 6.34) in 1995. NRC's Center for Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Education is concerned with curriculum development and review; educational policy, research, assessment, and evaluation; K-12 policy and practice; and postsecondary policy and practice. Programs/services:

  • [(202) 334-3628] The National Science Education Standards project has a comprehensive outreach strategy to support national, state, and local utilization of the Standards through leadership and resource development, partnerships and networks, and targeted symposia and workshops.

  • [(202) 357-2555] National Science Resources Center (see 10.83), a joint program of the National Academy of Sciences and the Smithsonian Institution, is concerned with reforming science education and producing resources for teaching science.

  • [(202 334-2110] Project RISE (Regional Initiatives in Science Education) provides scientists and engineers with information and resources to assist them in contributing effectively to K-12 science education partnerships ranging from classroom interactions to systemic reform programs.

10.78 National Science Education Leadership Association, P.O. Box 5556, Arlington, VA 22205 (703) 524-8646

A 1,200-member association of chairpersons, department heads, science supervisors, coordinators, and other leaders in science education; focused on improving science education through leadership development. Programs/services: Miniconferences; leadership institutes; other programs to develop leadership skills. Publications/materials: Science Leadership Trend Notes; NSELA Handbook; Science Educator (journal).

10.79 National Science Foundation, Directorate for Education and Human Resources, 4201 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22230 (703) 306-1600

The Directorate for Education and Human Resources of the National Science Foundation, an independent

Suggested Citation:"10. Professional Associations and U.S. Government Organizations." National Academy of Sciences. 1996. Resources for Teaching Elementary School Science. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/4966.
×

federal agency, is a major force for improving science education in the United States; it initiates and sponsors a wide variety of projects to improve education in science, mathematics, and engineering. Programs/services: The Directorate's work is carried out by three divisions and one office:

  • Division of Elementary, Secondary, and Informal Education (see 10.80), concerned with curriculum and teacher enhancement in science, mathematics, and engineering.

  • Division of Human Resource Development (see 10.81), concerned with broadening the participation in science, mathematics, and engineering of persons in underrepresented groups.

  • Division of Undergraduate Education [(703) 306-1670], concerned with teacher preparation; included among its efforts—the new Collaboratives for Excellence in Teacher Preparation Program.

  • Office of Systemic Reform (see 10.82), concerned with three large-scale reform programs: the Rural Systemic Initiatives Program, Statewide Systemic Initiatives Program, and Urban Systemic Initiatives Program.

Publications/materials: Guide to Programs (for current fiscal year); Indicators of Science and Mathematics Education; Indicators of Science and Engineering Education; other reports; fact sheets.

10.80 National Science Foundation; Directorate for Education and Human Resources; Division of Elementary, Secondary, and Informal Education, 4201 Wilson Blvd., Rm. 885, Arlington, VA 22230 (703) 306-1620

Programs/services: The Division of Elementary, Secondary, and Informal Education operates the following National Science Foundation (see 10.79) programs:

  • [(703) 306-1615] The Informal Science Education Program supports nonschool projects (for example, by museums and youth organizations) to increase involvement with science, mathematics, and technology.

  • [(703) 306-1614] The Instructional Materials Development Program supports development of innovative, comprehensive, and diverse materials implementing standards-based reform in science, mathematics, and technology.

  • [(703) 306-1620] The Local Systemic Change through Teacher Enhancement Program supports comprehensive, systemic efforts at fundamental reform of science, mathematics, and technology education in grades K-12 in whole schools, targeting at least 200 teachers in each program and emphasizing teacher enhancement and instructional materials.

  • [(703) 306-1613] The Teacher Enhancement Program supports projects to enhance the content knowledge and pedagogical skills of teachers of science, mathematics, and technology in grades K-12.

10.81 National Science Foundation, Directorate for Education and Human Resources, Division of Human Resource Development, 4201 Wilson Blvd., Rm. 815, Arlington, VA 22230 (703) 306-1640

Programs/services: The Division of Human Resource Development operates the following National Science Foundation (see 10.79) programs:

  • [(703) 306-1633] The Comprehensive Partnerships for Minority Student Achievement Program supports programs for comprehensive pre-college education reform in school systems with significant minority populations.

  • [(703) 306-1637] Programs for Persons with Disabilities supports programs to develop new teaching methods, increase recognition of needs and capabilities of students with disabilities, promote accessibility of appropriate instructional materials and technologies, and increase availability of mentoring resources.

  • [(703) 306-1637] Programs for Women and Girls supports model projects, experimental projects, and information-dissemination activities to improve the science, mathematics, and technology education of women and to increase their numbers in these fields.

10.82 National Science Foundation, Directorate for Education and Human Resources, Office of Systemic Reform, 4201 Wilson Blvd., Rm. 875, Arlington, VA 22230 (703) 306-1690

Programs/services: The following National Science Foundation (see 10.79) programs support systemic improvements in science, mathematics, and technology education in grades K-12:

  • [(703) 306-1684] The Rural Systemic Initiatives Program supports projects to make systemic improvements in science, mathematics, and technology education in rural, economically disadvantaged regions.

  • [(703) 306-1682] The Statewide Systemic Initiatives Program supports comprehensive, systemic, statewide efforts to change educational systems and improve science, mathematics, and technology education.

  • [(703) 306-1684] The Urban Systemic Initiatives Program supports comprehensive, systemic efforts at fundamental reform of science, mathematics, and technology education in large urban school systems.

Suggested Citation:"10. Professional Associations and U.S. Government Organizations." National Academy of Sciences. 1996. Resources for Teaching Elementary School Science. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/4966.
×

10.83 National Science Resources Center, Smithsonian Institution, MRC-502, Arts and Industries Bldg., Rm. 1201, Washington, DC 20560 (202) 357-2555

Organization sponsored jointly by the National Academy of Sciences and Smithsonian Institution to contribute to the improvement of science education in the nation's schools. Programs/services: Workshops at National Science Teachers Association and other meetings; two annual Leadership Institutes to train teams from school districts across the country on science education reform issues and methods; annual Scientists and Engineers Working Conferences to increase involvement of participants in science education; technical support for school districts involved in science education reform; support of other organizations in reform efforts. Publications/materials: Science and Technology for Children, a series of 24 core curriculum units (grades 1-6) in the physical, life, and earth sciences; Resources for Teaching Elementary School Science and projected companion volumes for middle and high schools; Science for All Children (forthcoming), a comprehensive guide to systemic science education reform in the nation's schools; newsletter.

10.84 National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), 1840 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22201-3000 (703) 243-7100

Organization committed to improving science education at all levels, PreK through college, with membership of 52,000, including science teachers, supervisors, administrators, scientists, and business and industry representatives. Programs/services: One national and three regional conferences per year; certification of science teachers in eight teaching-level and discipline-area categories; computer bulletin board; employment registry; educational tours; nearly 20 award programs for teachers; award programs for students; NASA Educational Workshops for Elementary School Teachers (NEWEST) [(703) 312-9296]-2-week workshops for teachers (grades K-6) on aerospace topics and techniques for incorporating them in curricula, conducted by NASA scientists at various NASA Field Centers (see 10.59) using both NSTA and NASA materials. Publications/materials: Science and Children (magazine); NSTA Reports! (newspaper); curriculum units; supplementary activities; other instructional materials and publications; posters; complete catalog of titles.

10.85 National Urban Coalition, 1875 Connecticut Ave., NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20009 (202) 986-1460; (800) 328-6339

Urban action and advocacy organization, focused on ensuring that students of all races, cultures, and ethnic backgrounds are educated in mathematics, science, and technology for the workforce of tomorrow. Programs/services: Award-winning program, Say YES to a Youngster's Future, featuring Say YES 3- and 4-week summer institutes for teachers, in-service workshops at schools and other local sites for Say YES teachers during school year, and stipends for program activities. Publications/materials: Curriculum units and other materials for the Say YES and Family Math and Science programs; Say YES Gazette (newsletter); posters.

10.86 National Wildlife Federation, 8925 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA 22184-0001 (800) 245-5484

Federation of 6,500 state and territorial conservation organizations and associate members. Programs/ services: 3-day NatureQuest workshops for educators and nature and science counselors at sites around the country; Conservation Summits for interested adults; Wildlife Camps (for students age 9-13). Publications/materials: NatureScope (series of curriculum units and supplemental activities); Ranger Rick (magazine for students age 6-12).

10.87 Network for Portable Planetariums, c/o Ms. Sue Reynolds, Planetarium Specialist, Onondaga-Cortlandt-Madison BOCES, P.O. Box 4774, Syracuse, NY 13221 (315) 433-2671

Nationwide network of users of portable and small stationary planetariums, established to help members deliver planetarium-based educational experiences; focused on astronomy and space science. Programs/services : Database of portable-planetarium experts throughout the world who are available for career and technical consultation and workshops; semiannual regional meetings for reviewing materials in the public domain file, demonstrating lessons and techniques, and discussing common problems. Publications/materials: Public domain file of curriculum materials and materials (pre-and post-) for planetarium visits.

10.88 North American Association for Environmental Education, 1255 23rd St., NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20037 (202) 884-8912

Professional organization of persons involved with environmental education; promotes environmental education programs and provides information about them. Programs/services: Operates VINE (Volunteer-led Investigations of Neighborhood Ecology) for 8-to-11-year-olds, involving urban community organizations and parents in backyard and schoolyard

Suggested Citation:"10. Professional Associations and U.S. Government Organizations." National Academy of Sciences. 1996. Resources for Teaching Elementary School Science. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/4966.
×

explorations; 1-hour to 2-day sessions at annual conference; summer and school-year institutes for VINE Follow Through, to link schoolyard investigations with constructivist learning in classrooms. Publications/materials : Supplies for VINE schoolyard programs; curriculum guidelines; Volunteers Teaching Children: A Guide for Establishing VINE Ecology Education Programs; VINE and other environmental education publications and catalog; newsletter.

10.89 Northwest EQUALS, FAMILY SCIENCE, Portland State University, PO. Box 1491, Portland, OR 972011491 (503) 725-3045

Regional site for the EQUALS and FAMILY MATH programs produced by EQUALS of Berkeley, Calif., and the developer and national disseminator of FAMILY SCIENCE. Programs/services: FAMILY SCIENCE, a national outreach program designed to teach science by having children (grades K-8) and parents learn and enjoy science together; modeled after FAMILY MATH of EQUALS, FAMILY SCIENCE addresses the underrepresentation of women and ethnic and racial minorities in the sciences by demonstrating the role science plays in daily life, schooling, and future work; teacher-education workshops ranging from 1 hour to 2 days at schools and agencies, and through regional dissemination sites in 37 states; teacher-scientist partnerships. Publications/materials: FAMILY SCIENCE (book on implementing the program).

10.90 Pacific Planetarium Association (PPA), c/o Mr. Jon Elvert, PPA President, 2300 Leo Harris Pkwy., Eugene, OR 97401 (503) 687-STAR

Regional association of professionals from planetariums (including many that are school-based) in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon, Washington; focused primarily on astronomy and earth and space science for grades K-12. Programs/services: State in-service workshops; annual conference; scientist collaborations with individual teachers, and teacher-scientist partnerships supported by individual planetariums; information about the region's planetariums and their programs.

10.91 Project WET, Montana State University/The Watercourse, 201 Culbertson Hall, Bozeman, MT 59717 (406) 994-5392

Nonprofit supplementary education program for educators and students (grades K-12), focused on water resources and related issues; cosponsored by the Watercourse (which was created with funding from the U.S. Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation) and by the Western Regional Environmental Education Council; available through Project WET coordinators in 33 states. Programs/services: Workshops and institutes for teachers; teacher-scientist collaborations; information hotline. Publications/materials: Project WET Curriculum and Activity Guide, with more than 90 hands-on water activities; Science Activities (magazine for teachers); WETnet Newsletter; The Watershed Manager Teacher's Guide and Software; The Water Story (magazine for students); other publications and modules.

10.92 Project WILD, 5430 Grosvenor Lane, Bethesda, MI) 20814 (301) 493-5447

Nonprofit interdisciplinary, supplementary education program on conservation and environmental issues for educators (grades K-12), developed jointly by the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and the Western Regional Environmental Education Council; available in 50 states, the District of Columbia, 10 Canadian provinces, and several foreign countries. Programs/services: Two-day workshops for educators, usually available statewide and sponsored jointly by a state's wildlife agency and department of education. Publications/materials: Available only through workshops: Project WILD Activity Guide (emphasizing wildlife and habitat); Project WILD Aquatic Education Activity Guide (emphasizing water and aquatic systems).

10.93 Quality Education for Minorities Network, 1818 N St., NW, Suite 350, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 659-1818

Programs/services: Operates the Community Service Centers Project, a pilot effort to establish community service centers on college and university campuses located near low-income public housing, and targeting groups underrepresented in science: Native Americans, African Americans, Mexican Americans, Native Alaskans, and Puerto Ricans. Various educational activities offered at the centers, including some to empower students and parents to become advocates for quality education.

Suggested Citation:"10. Professional Associations and U.S. Government Organizations." National Academy of Sciences. 1996. Resources for Teaching Elementary School Science. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/4966.
×

10.94 Rocky Mountain Planetarium Association (RMPA). c/o Ms. Bess Amaral, RMPA President, Robert Goddard Planetarium, 11th and No. Main, Roswell, NM 88201 (505) 624-6744

Regional association of professionals from planetariums (including many that are school-based) in Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, Wyoming; focused on astronomy and space science. Programs/services : Information about the region's planetariums and their programs. Publications/materials: Some supplemental activities and audiovisual materials produced by individual planetariums, available from the association.

10.95 School Science and Mathematics Association, Department of Curriculum and Foundations, Bloomsburg University, 400 E. Second St., Bloomsburg, PA 17815-1301 (717) 389-4915

Organization with 1,100 members—science and mathematics teachers (elementary school through college)—emphasizing integration of science and mathematics. Programs/services: Workshops at annual meetings. Publications/materials: Curriculum units emphasizing science-mathematics integration; Topics for Teachers (monograph series); Classroom Activities (monograph series); School Science and Mathematics (journal); newsletter.

10.96 Science-by-Mail, Museum of Science, Boston; Science Park, Boston, MA 02114-1099 (800)-729-3300

National NSF-supported program: students (grades 4-9), supported and mentored by a pen pal scientist, work in small teams on two thematic "challenge packets" and one Big Challenge in science and technology per year. Services: Organization of teams and recruitment and matching of scientists by 11 science and children's museums in different parts of the country. Publications/materials: Hands-on packets with 4 to 6 theme-oriented experiments and the Big Challenge, containing materials to do the experiments, solve the challenge, and correspond with scientist mentors; instructional guide for each unit.

10.97 Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society, 99 Alexander Dr., P.O. Box 13975, Research Triangle Park, NC 22709 (800) 243-6534

Interdisciplinary honor society of more than 90,000 research scientists and engineers affiliated with some 500 local Sigma Xi groups throughout North America. Programs/services: Available mostly through local Sigma Xi groups: teacher-scientist partnerships; speakers bureaus; classroom demonstrations; curriculum development with teachers; sponsorship of science fairs; lab visits for students; scientist mentors for students. Publications/materials: From Society headquarters: Scientists and Science Education (annual report on the activities of the local groups); brochures to promote scientist-teacher partnerships and scientist involvement in reform efforts; names and addresses of the officers of local Sigma Xi groups. From local groups: curriculum guidelines and units; audiovisual and computer-based materials; lab equipment/supplies for loan or as gift.

10.98 Smithsonian Institution, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, Arts and Industries Bldg., Rm. 1163, Washington, DC 20560 (202) 357-2425

Smithsonian Institution's central office for precollege education, drawing on the entire Smithsonian complex of museums, exhibitions, collections, and staff expertise to create a range of materials and programs. Programs/services: Summer seminars for teachers; Smithsonian Online on Internet. Publications/materials: Supplemental curriculum materials; "Mystery at the Museum" (videogame); Art-to-Zoo (journal); newsletter.

10.99 Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS). Applied Sciences, Trailer #5, University of California at Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064 (408) 459-4272

Society of 600 professionals in science and education seeking to increase the participation of Latinos and Native Americans in science. Programs/services: Teacher workshops at annual meeting. Publications/materials : Newsletter, with a section on K-12 programs.

10.100 Society of Automotive Engineers, International, 400 Commonwealth Dr., Warrendale, PA 150960001 (412) 776-4841

Society of 60,000 engineers and scientists concerned with self-propelled vehicles on land and sea and in air and space. Programs/services: World in Motion project to help educate elementary school children; database of engineers and scientists who are available to help teachers and for collaborations and partnerships with teachers. Publications/materials : Curriculum units with hands-on materials; supplementary activities; audiovisual materials; posters.

Suggested Citation:"10. Professional Associations and U.S. Government Organizations." National Academy of Sciences. 1996. Resources for Teaching Elementary School Science. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/4966.
×

10.101 Soil and Water Conservation Society, 7515 Northeast Ankeny Rd., Ankeny, IA 50021 (800) THE-SOIL

Multidisciplinary educational and scientific organization for professionals in natural resource management, with many activities carried out by local chapters. Programs/services: Teacher workshops; database of scientists who are available to help teachers; teacher-scientist partnerships; response to teacher requests for scientific information; internships and summer fellowships for teachers. Publications/materials : Cartoon booklets on natural resource topics for students (ages 8-11), and related teacher's guides.

10.102 Southeast Planetarium Association (SPA), c/o Ms. Kris McCall, SPA President, Sudekum Planetarium, 800 Ridley Blvd., Nashville, TN 37203 (615) 401-5077

Regional association of professionals from planetariums (including many that are school-based) in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Puerto Rico; focused primarily on astronomy and earth science, and also on the physical sciences and biology. Programs/services: Sessions at annual meeting; database of scientists who are available to help teachers; promotion of scientist collaboration with individual teachers; information about the region's planetariums and their programs. Publications/materials: Newsletter.

10.103 Southwest Association of Planetariums (SWAP), c/o Mr. Bow Walker, SWAP President, Hudnall Planetarium, Tyler Junior College, P.O. Box 9020, Tyler, TX 75711 (903) 510-2312

Regional association of professionals from planetariums (including many that are school-based) in Arkansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas; focused on astronomy and space science. Programs/services: Annual conference; information about the region's planetariums and their programs. Publications/materials: Newsletter.

10.104 SWOOPE (Students Watching Over Our Planet Earth), Rte. 6, Box 211, Fairmont, WV 26554 (304) 363-4309

Environmental education program in more than 1,100 schools in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and several foreign countries; creates and coordinates science research projects on environmental topics for students (grades K-12), and promotes collaborations over the Internet [e-mail: kanawha@aol.com] among schools nationwide; enrolls only teachers. Services: Provides teacher support through newsletters, online discussions, and individual support; creates computer protocols and links schools; sets research problems for students; processes and disseminates research results. Publications/materials : Background materials; hands-on laboratory activities.

10.105 TERC, 2067 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02140 (617) 547-0430; e-mail: communications@terc.edu

Nonprofit education research and development organization focused on science and mathematics learning and teaching. Programs/services : The Hub (electronic source of materials and information). Publications/materials : National Geographic Kids Network (see 10.73), developed with National Geographic Society; LabNet, an electronic community of elementary and secondary teachers that fosters science and mathematics teaching; Tabletop Junior software for visualization in data collection and analysis; Hands On! (periodical on science, math, and technology education); publications on telecommunications.

10.106 Triangle Coalition for Science and Technology Education, 5112 Berwyn Rd., College Park, MD 20740-4129 (301) 220-0870

Coalition with representation from more than 100 member organizations, including business, industry, and labor, scientific and engineering societies, education associations, and government agencies, working to link national efforts at science education reform with local schools and school districts. Programs/services: Promotes collaborations and partnerships between teachers and volunteer scientists through several hundred action groups or alliances. Publications/materials : Guide for Building an Alliance and Guide for Planning a Volunteer Program, both dealing with science, mathematics, and technology education; numerous reports on reform efforts, state and federal programs, and other issues in science education; newsletter.

10.107 United States Space Foundation, 2860 So. Circle Dr., Suite 2301, Colorado Springs, CO 80906-4184 (800) 691-4000

Nonprofit organization with more than 1,200 corporate and individual members; promotes awareness of and support for U.S. space endeavors

Suggested Citation:"10. Professional Associations and U.S. Government Organizations." National Academy of Sciences. 1996. Resources for Teaching Elementary School Science. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/4966.
×

and includes an active education department and a NASA Regional Teacher Resource Center (see 10.59). Programs/services: Getting Comfortable Teaching with Space: graduate course in several states and in-service teacher workshops nationwide; Space Discovery Adventure Workshops for Colorado Springs teachers. Publications/materials: Teaching With Space: K-6 Aviation, Space and Technology Resource Guide; newsletter.

10.108 U.S. Department of Agriculture; Cooperative State, Research, Education, and Extension Service, Rm. 3441, South Bldg., Washington, DC 20250-0904 (202) 720-2908

Several programs concerned in whole or in part with science education are related to the 4-H programs of the U.S. Department of Agriculture:

  • Families, 4-H, and Nutrition—School enrichment programs to encourage interest in mathematics and science; coordinated by State 4-H Leaders through County Cooperative Extension Services of land grant universities.

  • 4-H SERIES and 4-H YES Projects (see 10.42).

  • National Network for Science and Technology (see 10.76).

10.109 U.S. Department of Education, Office of Educational Research and Improvement, 555 New Jersey Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20208 (202) 219-2050

An office of the U.S. Department of Education that supports research and disseminates information. Among its many other activities, this office operates or supports the following:

  • [(202) 219-2116] Ten Eisenhower Regional Mathematics and Science Education Consortia, which provide information, technical assistance, and training to states, schools, and teachers to help improve mathematics and science programs and adapt and use exemplary instructional materials, teaching methods, curricula, and assessment tools. Located in Andover, Mass.; Aurora, Colo.; Austin, Tex.; Charleston, W.Va.; Honolulu, Hawaii; Montpelier, Vt.; Oak Brook, Ill.; Philadelphia, Pa.; Portland, Oreg.; Tallahassee, Fla.

  • ERIC (Educational Resources Information Center) Clearinghouse (see 10.41).

  • Eisenhower National Clearinghouse for Mathematics and Science Education (see 10.37).

  • [(202) 219-2116] Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Program, which funds projects to help schools teach students who are gifted and talented, especially if they are disadvantaged, handicapped, or have limited English.

  • [(202) 219-1761] National Assessment of Educational Progress, which measures educational achievement of students in grades 4, 8, and 12, and, for science, uses a hands-on task and portfolio.

  • [(202) 219-2134] National Diffusion Network (NDN), a system for disseminating more than 70 programs, products, and processes in mathematics, science, and technology education. After evaluation of educational resources by the U.S. Department of Education's Program Effectiveness Panel, NDN helps schools introduce programs into classrooms with a person-to-person system, using state facilitators, program developers, and certified trainers.

  • [(202) 219-2187] Ten Regional Educational Laboratories that do applied research and development on educational programs, materials, and professional development and that work with states and localities to implement systemic school improvement. Located in Andover, Mass.; Aurora, Colo.; Austin, Tex.; Charleston, W.Va.; Honolulu, Hawaii; Oak Brook, Ill.; Philadelphia, Pa.; Portland, Oreg.; San Francisco, Calif.; and Tallahassee, Fla.

  • [(202) 219-2097] Star Schools Program, which funds partnerships using telecommunications and distant-learning technologies (for example, satellites, fiber optics, computer networks) to improve education.

  • [(202) 219-2143] Teacher Networking Project, a national grants program to make electronic networks and online services tools for professional development of teachers.

10.110 U.S. Department of Education, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, 400 Maryland Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20208 (202) 401-0113

Programs/services: An office of the U.S. Department of Education supporting elementary and secondary education through programs for compensatory education, school improvement, special student populations, the Eisenhower Mathematics and Science Education State Formula Grants Program, and the Christa McAuliffe Fellowship Program for outstanding teachers.

10.111 U.S. Department of Education, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, School Effectiveness Division, 600 Independence Ave., SW, Portals 4500, Washington, DC 20202-6140 (202) 260-2666

Programs/services: Division in the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education that operates the Eisen-

Suggested Citation:"10. Professional Associations and U.S. Government Organizations." National Academy of Sciences. 1996. Resources for Teaching Elementary School Science. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/4966.
×

hower Professional Development State Grants Program, which supports teacher enhancement programs through both in-service and preservice training, via state educational agencies to local school systems.

10.112 U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science Education and Technical Information, 1000 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20585

Office in the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) that operates the following:

  • [(202) 586-5779] National Geographic Kids Network (see 10.73), a training program for teachers, offered at selected DOE research laboratories and facilities, on this program of the National Geographic Society.

  • [(202) 586-8949] PreFreshman Enrichment Program (PREP), which supports summer enrichment institutes for students (grades 6-10) at many community colleges, colleges, and universities nationwide, with academic-year follow-up.

10.113 U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Anasazi Heritage Center, P.O. Box 758, 27501 Hwy. 184, Dolores, CO 81323 (970) 882-4811

Programs/services: The national Heritage Education Program, focused on archaeology, history, and paleontology, provides educational experiences and teaching resources for schools, museums, and outdoor classrooms (grades 4-7).

10.114 U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation Environmental Education Program, P.O. Box 25007 (D-5100), Denver, CO 80225-0007 (303) 236-9336, Ext. 223

Programs/services: Presents indoor and outdoor programs for students and teachers (grades K-12) on many environmental subjects, especially water, at many locales in all states west of the Mississippi.

10.115 U.S. Department of the Interior, Earth Science Information Centers, 507 National Center, Reston, VA 22092 (800) USA-MAPS

Programs/services: Nationwide information and sales centers for U.S. Geological Survey's map products and earth science publications. Centers located in Anchorage, Alaska; Denver, Colo.; Menlo Park, Calif.; Reston, Va.; Rolla, Mo.; Salt Lake City, Utah; Sioux Falls, S.Dak.; Spokane, Wash.; Stennis Space Center, Miss.

10.116 U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, P.O. Box 37127, Suite 560, Washington, DC 20013-7127 (202) 523-5270

Programs/services: The National Park Service's Parks as Classrooms Program arranges workshops for teachers at more than 270 sites of the National Park Service to encourage building curricula around National Park resources; many sites have workshops focused at least in part on science.

10.117 U.S. Department of the Interior, Watchable Wildlife, Western Fish and Wildlife Staff, 3380 Americana Terr., Boise, ID 83706 (208) 384-3088

Programs/services: Twenty-eight-state network of state wildlife coalitions, with more than 2,400 wildlife-viewing areas; coordinated by state wildlife agencies, and offering guidebooks to state Watchable Wildlife facilities.

10.118 U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, Aviation Education Division (AHR-15), 800 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20591

Programs/services: Programs and services through the Aviation Education Division of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) include the following:

  • [(202) 366-7500] Aviation Education Resource Centers, a national network at colleges, museums, and state aviation offices targeting grades K-12; centers disseminate FAA educational materials (print materials, videotapes, educational software); center personnel provide general information, conduct workshops, make presentations.

  • [(202) 366-7500] Aviation Education Workshops for Teachers are held annually at colleges and universities nationwide to prepare teachers to teach aviation; FAA provides materials, speakers, and information.

10.119 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M St., SW, Washington, DC 20460

Programs and services of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) include the following:

Suggested Citation:"10. Professional Associations and U.S. Government Organizations." National Academy of Sciences. 1996. Resources for Teaching Elementary School Science. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/4966.
×
  • [(202) 260-8619; Mail Code 1707] Environmental Education Grants Program, operated by EPA's Environmental Education Division (at address above), supports projects of state and local agencies and nonprofit organizations that design, demonstrate, or disseminate new approaches in environmental education-projects with wide potential applicability and addressing high-priority issues.

  • [(202) 260-0578; Mail Code H8105] EPA Research Laboratory-based Education Programs offer teaching materials, workshops, lab visits, class presentations, and in-service events (grades K-12) in the localities of 13 EPA research laboratories (4 at Research Triangle Park, N.C.; 2 in Cincinnati, Ohio; and 1 each in Las Vegas, Nev.; Ada, Okla.; Athens, Ga.; Gulf Breeze, Fla.; Duluth, Minn.; Corvallis, Oreg.; and Narragansett, R.I.).

  • [(202) 260-7751; Mail Code 3404] Ten Public Information Centers (PICs) offering environmental education materials (such as publications, data, and exhibits) for students and teachers (grades K12); located at regional EPA offices in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Kansas City, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Seattle.

10.120 Young Astronaut Council, 1308 19th St., NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 682-1984

Corporation formed by the White House in 1984 to administer the Young Astronaut Program, a national education program promoting the study of science, technology, and mathematics by building on the excitement of space; with more than 27,000 Young Astronaut Chapters in every state and in 42 foreign countries. Programs/services: Space School, a live, interactive satellite TV course (grades 4-6); annual student conference; multidisciplinary competitions. Publications/materials : Space School teacher kit with resource pages and activity sheets, tracking the Space School TV program; yearlong curriculum for school-based Young Astronaut Chapters.

10.121 Young Entomologists' Society, 1915 Peggy Pl., Lansing, MI 48910-2553 (517) 887-0499

Educational organization of more than 700 youth and amateur adult entomology enthusiasts. Programs/services: Insect science workshops; ''Buggy Bookstore" with mail-order catalog, offering a wide selection of entomological handbooks, manuals, resource guides, educational materials, and related products. Publications/materials: Insect World (semimonthly "bug-info-letter" for students ages 6-11); curriculum and supplementary materials; audiovisual materials; bimonthly newsletter for students; extensive bibliography; posters.

Suggested Citation:"10. Professional Associations and U.S. Government Organizations." National Academy of Sciences. 1996. Resources for Teaching Elementary School Science. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/4966.
×
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Next: Appendixes »
Resources for Teaching Elementary School Science Get This Book
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What activities might a teacher use to help children explore the life cycle of butterflies? What does a science teacher need to conduct a "leaf safari" for students? Where can children safely enjoy hands-on experience with life in an estuary? Selecting resources to teach elementary school science can be confusing and difficult, but few decisions have greater impact on the effectiveness of science teaching.

Educators will find a wealth of information and expert guidance to meet this need in Resources for Teaching Elementary School Science. A completely revised edition of the best-selling resource guide Science for Children: Resources for Teachers, this new book is an annotated guide to hands-on, inquiry-centered curriculum materials and sources of help in teaching science from kindergarten through sixth grade. (Companion volumes for middle and high school are planned.)

The guide annotates about 350 curriculum packages, describing the activities involved and what students learn. Each annotation lists recommended grade levels, accompanying materials and kits or suggested equipment, and ordering information.

These 400 entries were reviewed by both educators and scientists to ensure that they are accurate and current and offer students the opportunity to:

  • Ask questions and find their own answers.
  • Experiment productively.
  • Develop patience, persistence, and confidence in their own ability to solve real problems.

The entries in the curriculum section are grouped by scientific area—Life Science, Earth Science, Physical Science, and Multidisciplinary and Applied Science—and by type—core materials, supplementary materials, and science activity books. Additionally, a section of references for teachers provides annotated listings of books about science and teaching, directories and guides to science trade books, and magazines that will help teachers enhance their students' science education.

Resources for Teaching Elementary School Science also lists by region and state about 600 science centers, museums, and zoos where teachers can take students for interactive science experiences. Annotations highlight almost 300 facilities that make significant efforts to help teachers.

Another section describes more than 100 organizations from which teachers can obtain more resources. And a section on publishers and suppliers give names and addresses of sources for materials.

The guide will be invaluable to teachers, principals, administrators, teacher trainers, science curriculum specialists, and advocates of hands-on science teaching, and it will be of interest to parent-teacher organizations and parents.

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