SciencePlus Teachers Network welcomes you to another day at AST, designed specifically for new and experienced SciencePlus Teachers.  In order to accommodate the wish of some teachers to attend other AST sessions, we will again plan single Sessions, though, of course, we would hope most will stay with us for the day. Again this year, two of the sessions,3A and4A, are designed for new teachers, or experienced teachers new to SciencePlus.

1313  SESSION 1: LEARNING THEORY
(9:00 - 10:05)  How Do We Learn What We Know?  In this session we will take teachers through the process of revealing and restructuring preconceptions, both in themselves and in their students, and perhaps get a sense of how students feel when presented with new concepts!

2311    SESSION 2: LANGUAGE IN SCIENCEPLUS
(10:35 - 11:40)  One way in which SciencePlus is different from standard science texts lies in the number and variety of opportunities for using written and spoken language. We will take teachers through the process of getting reluctant writers started, and using the writing process to reveal understanding and promote learning,

3311  SESSION 3A: "GETTING STARTED"
(1:00 - 2:05)  As at last year's AST conference this session is designed to help teachers new to SciencePlus, by suggesting some Practical approaches to teaching the program, and getting the most from the experience.

3312    SESSION 3B: SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, SOCIETY & ENVIRONMENT- WHY BOTHER?
(1:00 - 2:05) As you may he aware, the authors of SciencePlus are in the process of revisions to the text*; these revisions will include, among other things, more deliberate links to STSE issues.  We will discuss the value of these and suggest some ways in which you may forge a few yourself, from existing SP materials.

4312    SESSION 4A: "ARE WE GOING TO THE LAB TODAY?"
(2:25 - 3:30)  While there is no substitute for active, hands-on learning experiences, the thought of taking 30 Jr. High students to the lab can strike fear into the most Stalwart of hearts.  We will provide some suggestions for managing the lab situation, and making science fun while retaining your sanity.

4314    SESSION 4B: ADAPTING CURRICULUM FOR SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENTS
(2:25 - 3-30)  Chances are that you already have some students who for one reason or another, find it impossible to cope with the curriculum as is.  Meeting their needs can be a challenge, given that your days are already packed.  This summer at the Summer Institute a group of teachers applied their collective energies to the problem, and we will bring you the results of their efforts.

Don't forget to drop into the Trading Post for curriculum material on disk. Please note: these sessions represent our plans, but as with all plans made so far in advance, they, are subject to change.  Please look for our flyer in early Fall, which will give a more definite picture of the day!! Or Contact Nan Armour or Frances Wallace.