Electrify your classroom with the study of the fascinating phenomenon of electromagnetism. After Hans Oersted, a Danish physicist and schoolteacher, discovered that an electrical current produces magnetism, the stage was set for the development of the electrical motor and the discovery of ways to generate electricity from motion and magnets.

	In This Issue Charged by Induction: Making String Dance Grade Levels: Intermediate Students watch string "dance" while they learn about induction. Chemicals Producing Electricity Grade Levels: Intermediate, Middle Students experiment with different chemicals and learn how they produce electricity. Closed Circuits Grade Levels: Intermediate, Middle, Secondary This lesson and worksheet ask students to think about how batteries work. Electricity Helping Us Communicate Grade Levels: Intermediate, Middle Students use light switches to learn about telegraph communication. Electromagnetic Fields Grade Levels: Intermediate The two sheets in this activity have a reference article, data chart, and questions to enhance the students' understanding of electromagnetic fields. Electrostatic Charge: Make a Spark with Your Finger Grade Levels: Intermediate Students learn about electrostatic charges by making sparks. Energy and Electricity Grade Levels: Intermediate, Middle Students gain an understanding of the terms "volt," "amp," "watt," "watt-hour," and "kilowatt-hour," and collect data about electricity consumption. Producing Electricity with Sunlight Grade Levels: Intermediate, Middle Students use solar cells and a light source to learn about solar energy. What Is the Kissing Balloon? Grade Levels: Intermediate, Middle Demonstrate static electricity with a balloon. The following lessons are excerpted from Charging Ahead: An Introduction to Electromagnetism, an NSTA Press publication. A Bonus from Electrical Flow – Magnetism Teacher's Guide Grade Levels: Middle, Secondary In this lesson, students discover that a live wire produces a magnetic field around it. Coils and Electromagnets – Teacher's Guide Grade Levels: Middle, Secondary Students learn that a live wire is not only able to show magnetic effects by deflecting compass needle; like regular, permanent magnets, it is also able to attract iron and steel objects. Electromagnetism Glossary of Terms Grade Levels: Middle, Secondary A glossary of terms related to the study of electromagnetism. The following lessons are excerpted from NSTA's award-winning professional journal Science Scope. Grade Levels: Intermediate/Middle Electromagnetism – Build Your Own Motor Students see firsthand the relationship between electricity and magnetism, or electromagnetism, and how these forces are a part of their everyday lives. Electromagnetism – Mystery Boxes, X Rays, and Radiology Teach students that the twentieth century began with the discovery of the electron and ended with mainstream applications of electron particle emission.

	NSTA Related Resources You can help science education efforts at the local, state, and national levels by serving on the NSTA Board of Directors or Council. Check out the Nomination Form – serving can enhance your career development! Consider applying for an NSTA Award – if chosen, you will receive funds to attend an NSTA National Convention, and you will be recognized for your contributions to education. Apply before July 15, 2002. For further information on either of the above opportunities you can contact Lori Pinson, Manager, NSTA Nominations & Teacher Recognition Programs at Lpinson@nsta.org or 703-243-7100. Looking for the most up-to-date textbooks, computer programs, curriculum kits, lab equipment, and other science classroom supplies? Then, check out NSTA's brand-new online suppliers guide, designed to be a "one-stop" shopping source for science education products and materials. The National Science Education Standards can be read online at the National Academy Press website. You can also buy the book in the NSTA Science Store along with NSTA's popular Pathways series and other guides to implementing the Standards. What does it take to be a science teacher? How can you tell if teaching science is the right career for you? Visit NSTA and search for career planning, teaching organizations, and information about getting your teaching certification. Searchable by region, category, or grade level, NSTA's calendar will keep you posted on upcoming science-related events. Family Education Network Related Resources Picture this: You have just come across one of TeacherVision's many exciting lessons and you want to print a copy to share with your colleagues. That's easy! Just click the "Print Page" icon on the upper right side of the page to get a printer-friendly version in seconds. Using TeacherVision's ready-made classroom forms will save you planning time and get you organized in a snap. Our hall, bathroom, and homework passes will come in handy, or you can print the attendance records to keep your class lists in order. Arranged by subject area and grade level, TeacherVision's theme library includes a collection of cross-curricular lessons and resources. In this month's featured themes you'll find a reference on the history of chopsticks, a Mother's Day story, patriotic songs, and much more! Poetry Month Asian-American History Mother's Day Memorial Day Math Month Spring Physical Fitness Month Biographies

	The National Science Teachers Association Resources Charging Ahead: An Introduction to Electromagnetism Students are introduced to the factors that determine the strength of electrical coils, and they use readily available materials to build a simple motor and a generator. Taking Charge Taking Charge helps you bring the (often) intimidating subject of electricity to students in the middle grades. NSTA Recommends Grades Pre-K – 4 Pocket Pals: Super Science Children aged 3 and over can learn more about scientific principles with this kid-sized set of materials. Grades 5-8 Awesome Experiments in Electricity and Magnetism The book is a compilation of 72 brief activities through which a student can explore basic concepts of electricity and magnetism. Grades 6-12 75 Easy Physics Demonstrations From simple kinematics or dynamics to optics, electricity, heat/temperature, and acoustics, there is something here for every teacher. Grades 9-12 Experiment Central: Understanding Scientific Principles Through Projects (4 vols.) This four-volume series presents 100 experiments and activities covering a wide range of science disciplines.