New Journal Launches for STEM Educators
A
new online journal has been launched for
educators of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The new
digital
publication, Connected Science Learning, will highlight effective
programs,
practices and partnerships that educators — both in schools and out of
schools,
in places like museums or technology centers — can use to enhance STEM
learning.
"This
first-of-its-kind journal will inspire and
inform a wide range of educators, whether they are in the K-12 science
classroom, running an after-school program or leading education efforts
at a
museum or technology center," said NSTA Executive Director David Evans.
The
new publication edited by Dennis Schatz, a
senior advisor at the Pacific Science Center, released its first issue
March 15
with a theme of "Successful In-School and Out-of-School Science
Education
Collaborations." Educators can sign up to receive the free
journal that is
being produced jointly by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) and
the Association
of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC).
A
second issue of Connected Science Learning that
will focus on professional development will be released in fall 2016.
Both of
the first issues will be free, thanks to pilot underwriting from the
National
Science Foundation.
Representatives
of the partner associations said they
had found a dearth of accessible, user-friendly resources that would
connect
the programs in formal and informal learning environments.
"This
journal will be a valuable new bridge,"
said ASTC President and CEO Anthony (Bud) Rock.
The
inaugural issue includes articles that
highlight a STEM program in Minneapolis Public Schools, "a high
school
within a zoo" in Omaha, NE and a program at the Franklin Institute on
applying
neuroscience to education.
About the Author
Michael Hart is a Los Angeles-based freelance writer and the former executive editor of THE Journal.