Features

For the last three years, Marietta (Mars) Bloch, B.Sc. (Hon), B.Ed., has co-ordinated the Toronto District School Board's science and technology programs, from grade 1 through secondary school.

Several science and technology strands lend themselves directly to outdoor experiences. Students need to be able to make observations, collect data, and test hypotheses in nature.

As co-chair of STAO 2003, I invite all my elementary colleagues to attend the Science Teachers’ Association of Ontario annual conference. This year, the conference runs November 6-8 at the Regal Constellation Hotel, Toronto. The theme for STAO 2003 is Dreams Are Made for Pursuit.

Critical thinking is a disciplined process that requires the learner to conceptualize, apply, analyze, synthesize and evaluate information gathered by observation, experience, reflection, reasoning or communication.

No one is in a better position to see the benefits of school nutrition programs than teachers.

The fact is, fewer men are becoming elementary teachers. Eighteen male teachers give their insight.

The statistics are in, finally proving what everyone with an arts education has long known: boys in Canadian schools are well behind girls in academic performance, particularity in reading and writing.

This first celebratory event was initiated by the International Registry of World Citizens to celebrate the United Nations International Day of Peace.

While our teachers are away, some write wonderful letters back to us. They deserve to be shared. I hope you enjoy these excerpts and will be inspired to consider a teaching exchange at some point in your own career.