Jennifer Rahorn
UMBC - pre-service teacher
MD

Scope on the Skies: Between the planets

Wed, May 11, 2011 11:31 AM
Learn more about the asteroid belt!

This Journal Article can be a valuable resource, specifically for those who do not know a lot about the asteroid belt (like me). This article discusses where the asteroid belt is located, how orbital resonances with Jupiter have affected the asteroid belt and how the orbital paths of the asteroids are different from the planets. If the last sentence has you asking what orbital resonances are then this article is a must read! Learn more about the dividing line between the earth planets and gas giants.

Wed, May 11, 2011 11:13 AM
Awesome Assessment Ideas!

This chapter appears to be a very valuable preview of a great resource! Teachers are constantly assessing student learning and what better way to do so than with fresh ideas that are varied and not boring. The teacher’s notes also would be helpful as they include a purpose for the assessment (what are you trying to assess?), related concepts, explanations, and curricular and instructional considerations for elementary, middle and high school students. The chapter also provides suggestions for instruction and assessment, related research and study guides as well as related resources and NSTA store publications and journal articles. This was only a preview but if this much information is provided for one assessment idea, imagine how much help 25 of these would be! I would definitely recommend this book to teachers looking for new assessment ideas.