Past Issues
NCLB and Teacher Quality: What Do You Need to Know? (Volume 12, Number 29)
The teacher quality provisions of NCLB can seem daunting to many teachers. The resources in this issue of ENC Focus will clarify the issues and illustrate the progress that states have made in implementing those requirements.
Experiential Learning Opportunities for Teachers (Volume 12, Number 28)
When teachers go a step beyond workshops and seminars and commit to learning experiences that take them to places a bit outside their comfort zones, they return changed, refreshed, and enthused. Several articles from teachers recount unique adventures at sea, in the wilderness, and on site at a NASA space center. It's not too early to start thinking about how you'll spend next summer's vacation. See if anything on our sample list of opportunities for mathematics and science teachers strikes your fancy. Your students will thank you!
Graphic Organizers for Science (Volume 12, Number 27)
When words bring confusion instead of clarity, it's time to try visual communication. Explore the how and why of linear strings, hierarchy diagrams, flowcharts, comparison matrices, and all kinds of maps--spider, concept, fishbone--to name just a few! Articles describe using graphic organizers with students in science class. You'll also find resources from ENC's collection and links to software that will help you and your students create graphic organizers on the computer.
Plan Your Professional Development (Volume 12, Number 26)
Teachers have all kinds of things to consider as they plan their professional development--state and local requirements, student needs, and available opportunities. Get started with the whole process with a few important readings, planning templates, and ideas for learning opportunities.
Classroom Ideas for Elementary Math (Volume 12, Number 25)
How can a tiger cub teach algebra? Can you find the fractions in beating time on a drum? How can code breaking make math fun? For the answers, see articles describing plans for engaging activities as well as resources filled with related ideas to use with your students. The activities are geared for elementary students, but middle school and even high school math teachers will get fresh ideas to adapt for their students.
Virtual Schools (Volume 12, Number 24)
Meet teachers who are pioneering their way in a new world of opportunities. This issue of ENC Focus explores virtual schools--education opportunities for high school students that take place over the Internet. You'll learn not just how a class works virtually, but also how the role of the teacher changes. Resources for learning more are also highlighted.
Algebra for K-5: The Xs and Whys (Volume 12, Number 23)
Articles in this issue provide a rationale for teaching algebra in the early grades, along with professional readings to support teachers as they help students develop algebraic thinking. Watch a teacher put theory into practice as she presents her fifth grade class with their very first algebra lesson. When you're ready to try it in your classroom, use the carefully selected activities provided in this issue.
Classroom Ideas for Middle School Math (Volume 12, Number 22)
The Classroom Ideas series is an ongoing feature of ENC Focus. Each article includes detailed plans for engaging activities tested in the authors' own classrooms. You'll also find resources filled with related ideas to use with your students. The activities in this issue are appropriate for middle school, but they can also be adapted for other levels.
Teaching Chemistry K-12 (Volume 12, Number 21)
Chemistry isn't just for high school! As early as elementary school, students start observing the properties of different materials, often in hands-on investigations. Such activities increase in complexity as students advance so that by high school, they are exploring reactions and constructing their own questions about the chemical world. This issue of ENC Focus supports teachers of students in different grades, with specific learning activities and professional support materials. The introduction provides an overview of which process skills students need to acquire at different grade levels--for chemistry or any science topic.
Classroom Ideas for High School Math (Volume 12, Number 20)
Teachers working in the real world of high school describe how they deal with teenagers who need a bit of convincing to see that math is relevant to their lives. Their articles include detailed plans for engaging activities from their own classrooms. You'll also find lists of web sites and other resources to help you find hundreds of interesting math problems for your students. This issue is part of ENC's Classroom Ideas series. This time, the activities are designed for high school, but they can be adapted for use on other levels.
Inquiry + Internet = Learning for Grades K-6 (Volume 12, Number 19)
Discover a wealth of resources and reasons for using the Internet to promote and support inquiry with students in grades K-6. This issue of ENC Focus includes teacher stories and online materials that show how the Internet can be a vehicle for hands-on learning. For those interested in the "doing" of actual science and visualization of mathematics, take the online express to knowledge and put the power of the Internet to use with your students!
Vacation Planning Resources (Volume 12, Number 18)
It's about time to hit the open road, to pack the family into your vehicle of choice and see a different part of the country, state, or city! But where to go and what to do? Use this issue of ENC Focus, Vacation Planning Resources, to get some good ideas. ENC's own Guidebook of Federal Resources is quite handy for finding specific programs in national parks and other vacation spots. Other web sites and resources for finding family fun are also highlighted. We've even gathered a few tips for parents on helping kids get the most out of a journey--whether it's to the zoo or the other side of the country.
History of Science: An Astronomy Example (Volume 12, Number 17)
This issue puts the big ideas behind The National Science Education Standards (NSES) for the history and nature of science into the context of detailed plans for astronomy lessons about the discoveries of Galileo and Captain James Cook. Also included are lists of outstanding resources for teaching astronomy from an historical point of view.
Arithmetic: Mastering the Operations (Volume 12, Number 16)
Elementary teachers have quite a challenge with arithmetic. Students need to demonstrate that they can test well on basic math facts; at the same time, teachers must build a strong foundation for conceptual understanding in elementary school mathematics. In this issue of ENC Focus, ENC content specialists highlight a variety of resources designed to help teachers convey the content and the concepts of arithmetic to students in grades K-6. Some resources emphasize student mastery of skills, while others are geared toward teachers and how classroom instruction supports student understanding. The highlighted arithmetic topics are addition and subtraction, multiplication and division, and fractions and decimals.
Arithmetic: Deepening Teacher Understanding (Volume 12, Number 15)
Elementary school teachers are asked to wear many teaching hats. For some, the "math hat" is the most challenging. This issue of ENC Focus is created to help you deepen your understanding of arithmetic, the foundation your students must have to succeed in middle school and high school math classes. Here you will find articles, books, videos, and CD-ROMs created especially to help teachers become more confident in math and in their ability to teach the subject in K-Grade 6 classrooms.
Big Ideas in Science (Volume 12, Number 14)
This issue of ENC Focus presents background information on just what is meant by "big ideas" and why this approach to teaching science is essential. An introduction will help readers consider some of the cultural context necessitating a new approach to science teaching. Users can then go on to explore five specific science concepts with selected instructional resources from ENC's Collection to implement the concepts at each grade band.
Picturebooks for K-4 Science (Volume 12, Number 13)
Exciting picturebooks help children think like scientists. This issue provides tips for selecting and using books, articles about science writers for children, resources for teachers, and annotated lists of outstanding science picturebooks for you to use with your students.
Math Anxiety (Volume 12, Number 12)
Some people are good at math. Some just are not! That's just one of many myths surrounding math anxiety. Teachers need to overcome the myths so they can understand math anxiety and learn specific strategies to overcome a problem that has serious consequences in school and in life.
Differentiated Instruction (Volume 12, Number 11)
In this issue of ENC Focus, differentiation of curriculum and instruction is examined as a path to improving student learning. Nationally recognized authority Carol Ann Tomlinson writes about how to help all students succeed in math and science, offering strategies and tips to guide educators as they consider the challenge of implementing differentiation. Two teachers share their experiences of how differentiation unfolded in their districts. Additional resources include selected resources from the ENC Collection and two ERIC Digests on the topic.
Middle School Geometry from Different Angles (Volume 12, Number 10)
Students in the middle grades are in transition, not only physically and emotionally but also intellectually. Not yet ready for the higher level of reasoning that will be required in a high school geometry course, they are still developing insight into the geometrical shapes and structures around them. Given the different learning styles of this age group, we offer ideas on teaching middle school geometry from different angles, through instructional methods that are visual and hands-on. This issue of ENC Focus offers examples of such techniques through articles, lesson ideas, and resources.
Helping Parents of Young Science Learners (Volume 12, Number 9)
Why do kites fly? How are rainbows made? Do these questions stump parents in your school? Learn how one elementary school makes science learning fun for parents and their children. The Young Scientist Club provides a yearlong program of basic and enrichment activities that families can learn from and take home to answer the "why" questions. The club shares its flyers and one workshop presentation. Web sites designed to help families engage in science activities are also identified.
Water Resources and Water Quality (Volume 12, Number 8)
We have scoured the national science standards to provide a list of grade-level appropriate topics on water resources and water quality for you and your students to explore. We have also located several online activities you can use in your classroom.
Exploring Engineering (Volume 12, Number 7)
What does it take to become an environmental engineer? How about an electrical engineer? Classroom Calendar highlights several careers in celebration of National Engineering Week. Visit these overviews of engineering careers to learn what engineers in specific fields do and how you can incorporate elements of engineering in your classroom. ENC features several teacher and student resources for each field, including web-based activities for some hands-on work, virtually speaking.
Video Study Groups for Math Teachers (Volume 12, Number 6)
Professionally produced video case studies, available both on tape and on the Internet, are excellent tools for professional growth for mathematics teachers. But even greater learning occurs when ordinary classroom teachers allow their practice to be videotaped. Opening the classroom door in this way moves educators away from a view of teaching as a solitary activity toward a view of teaching as a professional activity open to collective improvement.
Looking into a Standards-Based Classroom (Volume 12, Number 5)
Mathematics and science teachers were among the early developers of national standards for their teaching. Many states based their science and math standards on those written by the national associations. Here we discuss the central strategies of the national standards and via video clips look inside classrooms where they are in evidence.
After-School Math (Volume 12, Number 4)
After-school learning is being recognized as an important adjunct to the formal curriculum offered in class. In many situations, after-school tutoring is mandated by the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) act. But after-school caregivers know that math has to be interesting and challenging to engage tired and restless youngsters.
Connected Kids: Using the Internet to Teach PreK-2 Mathematics (Volume 12, Number 3)
Even the youngest students can use the Internet to learn mathematics. Read about how to effectively use the Internet with your students and find several online math activities to use in your classroom.
From Presentations to Probes: Students and Technology (Volume 12, Number 2)
It's never too early--and never too late--to introduce technology in
the classroom. Helping students become comfortable and skilled in the
use of technology is the ultimate goal of these four Classroom Calendar entries.
Professional Book Discussion Groups (Volume 12, Number 1)
Whether you are a teacher who wants to take charge of your own professional development or a school or district administrator responsible for teacher learning, forming a professional book discussion group will meet your needs. Start your own book group with the help of teacher-written articles and annotated lists of professional books.
Webquests as Powerful Teaching Tools for Math and Science (Volume 11, Number 17)
In this issue of ENC Focus, webquests are defined and analyzed piece-by-piece to provide clear directions for using these tools to enhance student learning experiences with technology. The issue examines sections of various webquests and explains what makes each one successful. Several exemplary math quests and science quests are described to encourage educators to build similar tools for their own students.
Navigating NASA (Volume 11, Number 16)
NASA offers a variety of resources for math and science teachers to use in the classroom or for professional development. Learn more about some of the resources and programs offered, and learn how to navigate NASA's expansive web site to find resources that meet your needs.
Homework Perspectives (Volume 11, Number 15)
Examine your use of homework in this professional development tool, complete with personal assessment and reflection, vignettes and readings, discussion questions, and more. This issue was designed to stimulate consideration of the role you want homework to play in your classroom.
What Students Need to Know About Genetics (Volume 11, Number 14)
Students at all grade levels can study genetics. We have scoured the national science standards to provide a list of grade-level appropriate topics for you and your students to explore. We have also located several online activities and assessments you can use in your classroom.
Holiday Gift Ideas from ENC (Volume 11, Number 13)
During the holiday season, everyone can use help finding gifts. This issue of ENC Focus has ideas for searching through ENC Online to find fun and educational gift possibilities for the students in your life. Teachers, share these ideas with the families of your students. Parents, turn to this issue throughout the year for shopping suggestions.
Art and Social Studies in Math Class (Volume 11, Number 12)
Take a trip through ten web sites to explore the value in making connections between mathematics and other disciplines--social studies, art, and architecture. These resources were selected particularly for middle school students. The sites emphasize the real-life application of mathematics concepts, as well as the beauty of mathematics in nature.
Misconceptions in Science (Volume 11, Number 11)
As teachers, we don't always have all of the answers. Sometimes we even have misconceptions about the content we teach. But there are strategies and activities we can use to discover and address our misconceptions.
NSF-Funded High School Math Programs (Volume 11, Number 10)
The National Science Foundation funded the development of 12 programs aligned with standards of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. In Part 3 of this three-part feature, five high school math programs are described along with links to adoption sites and evidence-based research. A district curriculum coordinator discusses implementation. Elementary programs are covered in Part 1 and middle school programs in Part 2.
NSF-Funded Middle School Math Programs (Volume 11, Number 9)
The National Science Foundation funded the development of 12 programs aligned with standards of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. In Part 2 of this three-part feature, four middle school math programs are described along with links to adoption sites and evidence-based research. A district curriculum coordinator discusses implementation. Elementary programs are covered in Part 1 and high school programs in Part 3.
NSF-Funded Elementary Math Programs (Volume 11, Number 8)
The National Science Foundation funded the development of 12 programs aligned with standards of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. In Part 1 of this three-part feature, three elementary math programs are described along with links to adoption sites and evidence-based research. A district curriculum coordinator discusses implementation. Middle school programs are covered in Part 2 and high school programs in Part 3.
Learning Communities (Volume 11, Number 7)
Why are schools that function as learning communities so effective at sustained improvement? Explore what goes into turning a school into a learning community and why it's worth the effort. Readings and the story of a school on its way to true collaboration are accompanied by resources from the ENC Collection and tools for self-assessment and reflection.
Supporting New Teachers (Volume 11, Number 6)
Education and retention of teachers are key elements of the No Child Left Behind Act, and the support of new teachers is an important component of those efforts. In addition to articles and resources for conducting teacher induction programs, several resources are suggested for the new teachers themselves.
Literature in High School Math (Volume 11, Number 5)
Using literature in high school mathematics class is fun and motivating for students. This issue provides a wide variety of literature suggestions and creative methods to approach the task.
The Mathematics and Science Initiative of the U.S. Department of Education (Volume 11, Number 4)
The U.S. Department of Education is working to improve math and science education in many ways. Current efforts include a public outreach campaign that stresses the importance of math and science education, an emphasis on the recruitment and retention of teachers, and the development of a strong research base in these fields.
Evaluating Web Resources (Volume 11, Number 3)
We all know that we need to evaluate web sites before we use them, but why is it so important to evaluate materials on the web, and how do we do it?
Lesson Study (Volume 11, Number 2)
In the lesson study model of professional development, teachers connect with one another to focus their energy on student learning in the classroom. The collaboration challenges the status quo that teachers and their classrooms are islands--relatively unaware of events on other islands--with students floating in between. Lesson study legitimizes the work that teachers do in classrooms, giving teachers authority in making the instructional decisions necessary for their students.
No Child Left Behind (Volume 11, Number 1)
In this comprehensive overview of the current school reform legislation, you'll learn what it means for your district, your state, and your classroom now and in coming years.
Mathematics and Science for Students with Special Needs (Volume 10, Number 2)
More than 13 percent of all students have disabilities, and they are spending more time in regular education classrooms. This issue shares the successes of teachers who have taught in inclusive classrooms, as well as insights from teachers with disabilities. For teachers new to special education, terminology and etiquette are explored.
Data-Driven Decision Making (Volume 10, Number 1)
As Nancy Love points out in her book Using Data/Getting Results, "we need to learn how to use data constructively to improve learning for all students." The data are available in our classrooms, our districts, and across the country; we simply need to know how to gather and use it.
Success in the Urban Classroom (Volume 9, Number 4)
Where there is passion and willingness to tailor teaching strategies, urban students are every bit as successful as students elsewhere. These articles offer every teacher ideas on how to "teach all children well."
Increasing Your Mathematics and Science Content Knowledge (Volume 9, Number 3)
One of teachers' primary concerns is how to become better teachers for their students. Renowned mathematics educator Liping Ma urges teachers "do not forget yourself as a teacher of yourself," and that is the message of every article in this issue.
Mathematics and Science Across the Curriculum (Volume 9, Number 2)
Combining multiple subjects and bringing outside subjects into the mathematics and science classroom are ways to enhance the learning experience. Who ever heard of writing in math class? or how about finding the math in a piece of art? Articles in this issue are by teachers who have done those things and more.
By Your Own Design: A Teacher's Professional Learning Guide (Volume 9, Number 1)
This issue serves as an introduction to the wealth of content found in the By Your Own Design section under Professional Development. These resources empower teachers to take control of their professional development. The goal is to make every teacher an active participant in their professional learning.
New Horizons in Mathematics and Science Education (Volume 8, Number 4)
Teachers of the future will deal with the implications of broad societal changes and will work with students, parents, and the community to create an educational system that is less conventional, but potentially more stimulating and successful than ever.
Becoming Literate in Mathematics and Science (Volume 8, Number 3)
We all agree that schools must prepare young people to be math literate, science literate, and technology literate, but we are not always sure what the literate citizen should look like. From understanding net gains and losses, spreadsheets, and annual reports to the composition of matter and the chemistry of the universe, math and science literacy affects the decisions we make in our personal and community life.
Teaching in the Standards-Based Classroom (Volume 8, Number 2)
Virtually every national standards document, every state framework, and every local set of standards calls for fundamental changes in what and how teachers teach. Read about ways to use the standards mandated in your school to improve your practice--to help you teach in your standards-based classroom.
Partnerships with Business and the Community (Volume 8, Number 1)
Articles in this issue will help you shape the relationship between your school and its environment. Emphasis is on the fact that the bottom line of all school partnerships is student learning.
Making Schools Work for Every Child (Volume 7, Number 4)
Teachers know that educational equity does not mean "the same treatment for everyone." They know that true equity involves meeting the different needs of each student. Check out this issue for practical approaches that will help you make your classroom a place where every child can succeed.
Mathematics and Science in the Real World (Volume 7, Number 3)
By bringing the real world into their classroom, teachers motivate and interest students in the concepts they are trying to teach.
Assessment That Informs Practice (Volume 7, Number 2)
In an era of state-mandated proficiencies and alternative assessment strategies, educators need practical ideas they can use to meaningfully assess their students' learning and their own practice. These articles will help you do just that.
Reality of Change (Volume 7, Number 1)
Teachers face the Reality of Change every day. Explore these articles for stories that describe how teachers are dealing with the challenges, as well as practical suggestions for improving teaching and learning.
Integrating Technology in the Classroom (Volume 6, Number 3)
What do we know about appropriate ways to enhance student learning with technology? How can technology change the nature of teaching and learning? This issue addresses these questions while offering practical ideas for using technology in your classroom.
Inquiry and Problem Solving (Volume 6, Number 2)
Researchers who study the human brain have found that significant learning requires an active process, the kind of thinking that occurs when students are involved in inquiry and problem solving in the classroom. Get ideas and read stories from teachers who have encouraged their students to become inquirers and problem solvers.
Innovative Curriculum Materials (Volume 6, Number 1)
The curriculum materials chosen for use in the classroom have a significant impact on instruction. This issue provides guidance for choosing materials that foster educational improvement and suggestions for the successful implementation of a new curriculum, including ways to inform parents.
Family Involvement in Education (Volume 5, Number 3)
Families play an indispensable role in education, and teachers can help them become involved. This issue provides advice to teachers for engaging families in math and science education and advice to families to help them become comfortable with the subjects.
Informal Mathematics and Science Education (Volume 5, Number 2)
School isn't the only place to learn about math and science. Informal learning experiences provide students with some understanding of the subjects, and lots of questions. Learn about the resources available to teachers and families from national parks, zoos, and aquariums.
Multicultural Approaches in Math and Science (Volume 5, Number 1)
America's classrooms are becoming increasingly more culturally diverse, and educators are turning to new approaches and resources to better address the varied backgrounds and educational needs of their students. This issue brings together a selection of multicultural materials and teacher perspectives.
Using Children's Literature in Math and Science (Volume 4, Number 5)
This issue offers suggestions for selecting and using children's literature in your classroom. Numerous resources selected from ENC's collection include teacher resource materials and children's books for science and math.
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