[NAEP] MPES Newsletter: Volume 1, Issue 8

[Dawn Wiseman]

								April 28, 2008
 
	Volume 1, Issue 8


Spring has definitely sprung in our corner of the world. The trees 
have gone from being bare to bursting with green in about 5 days. 
With spring, of course, comes spring cleaning of our offices.

Our move to Kahnawake has left us with a significant number of 
resources labeled with our old organization name, mailing address 
etc. As we develop new materials these  (still great but now 
erroneously branded) resources have to go. And so we would like to 
offer them to you for the cost of shipping.

Available are:
- copies of our curriculum materials. Significant quantities of the 
most recent issues (geomatics, food, ocean and building engineering) 
are available, and smaller numbers of older titles (see 
http://www.nativeaccess.com/teachers/curriculum.html for a list of 
subject areas).
- both French and English versions of What Health Scientists Do.

This is a limited time offer because the space has to be cleared with 
in the next 2-3 weeks to make room for new materials. Anyone 
interested in getting the resources can contact me.


A final word about NCTM
While Salt Lake City was unseasonably cold, NCTM this year was great. 
My favourite session was led by Brent Davis (UBC) and Elaine Simmt 
(University of Alberta). They are studying issues of complexity in 
education - and particularly in math education.

Without going into to great detail, Brent and Elaine have been 
bringing together groups of K-12 teachers to explore how definitions 
of key concepts in mathematics (things like multiplication, prime, 
product, and factor) can evolve depending on how they are taught and 
used.

Check out Brent's web site to learn more about complexity.


Saskatchewan trio bring traditional teachings into classroom
Thanks to Rich Sgarlotti for forwarding the following item.

As far as some teachers are concerned, science doesn't have to be 
confined to the classroom. A trio from northern Saskatchewan has 
proven that science lessons are everywhere and that traditional 
ecological knowledge has a place in any classroom.

Full article.


The Sun's got gas
STEREO, the Solar TErrestrial RElations Observatory, involves two 
identical space-based solar observatories - one ahead of Earth in its 
orbit, the other trailing behind - that are tracing the flow of 
energy and matter from the Sun to Earth. The two-year mission will 
reveal the 3D structure of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and help us 
understand why they happen.

When CMEs come towards Earth they cause magnetic storms which can 
damage satleeites, wreck havoc with communications and cause 
spectacular Northrn (and Southern) lights. Damage isn't limited to 
Earth, however;  BBC reports that the orbiters have captured stunning 
new images of spaceborne debris thrown out from the Sun into a 
passing comet, and ripping off its tail.


Educational Studies in Language and Literature
The journal Educational Studies in Language and Literature has a 
special issue on Science Literacy for All Students: Language, 
Culture, and Knowledge about Nature and Naturally Occurring Events. 
It was guest edited by Larry Yore (Canada), Pauline Chinn (Hawaii) & 
Brian Hand (USA), and the complete issue is available online.


Out in the desert - a science project
Desert researchers in Australia have teamed up with Indigenous 
teenagers in Northern Territory schools to get the dirt   storms 
whipped up by prolonged drought. DustWatch is an Australia-wide 
network of volunteer observers who make simple observations (similar 
to those used by the Bureau of Meteorology) about the timing and 
characteristics of dust storms.


Upcoming events
Partnerships for Indian Education Conference
Rapid City, South Dakota
July 8-10, 2008
More information


Next issue
The next issue of the MPES newsletter is due out in two weeks. If you 
have any information you'd like to share with colleagues please email 
it to dawn at nativeaccess.com.