BIOLOGY Tech

Stem Cell Biology, Global Warming, Infectious Diseases: Topics for Engaging Students in Biology Discussed at 2009 National Science Teachers Associatio

New Orleans (PRWEB) March 18, 2009 -- Internationally renowned scientist authors Ken Miller and Joe Levine will present innovative strategies for engaging students in learning biology at the 2009 National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) Conference this week in New Orleans. Authors of Pearson's bestselling high school biology program (http://www.biology.com), "Miller & Levine Biology," these expert scientists will address a wide range of topics - from the relationship between ecology and infectious diseases to stem cell biology to how to help students understand the science behind global warming.

Rob Nelson, the scientist who leads the Untamed Science team that produced the real-life, video biology adventures that are part of the program's digital path, will also present a special session guiding teachers so they can turn their own students into "Untamed Scientists" by integrating video adventures and experiments into their biology classrooms.

Launched late last year, the new "Miller & Levine Biology" takes a bold approach to science instruction, combining the power of new technology with a proven foundation of academic success. Through the program's new digital center, Biology.com, students meet Nelson and his team of Untamed Scientists. Described by Levine as "science reality TV," "Untamed Science" offers the perfect blend of energy, enthusiasm and solid scientific knowledge. The program's dynamic digital path also offers students and teachers a wealth of other engaging activities and information, including complete online student and teacher editions of the textbooks, editable worksheets, interactive study guides, fun science games and online assessments.

The topics and instructional strategies presented by Miller, Levine and Nelson at the conference support the new program's approach of infusing curriculum topics with real-world relevance for students. More details about the thought-provoking presentations follow:

-Ecology and Evolution of Infectious Disease - Joe Levine

Thursday, March 19 - 9:30-11 a.m. - Workshop Room 221

Bird flu, Mad Cow and West Nile appear out of nowhere, demonstrating that relationships between hosts and pathogens are dynamic and changing - driven by ecological and co-evolutionary forces. Grab students' attention and demonstrate the value of evolutionary and ecological concepts with stories of ongoing research in this thrilling field.

-Understanding and Teaching the Science of Climate Change - Joe Levine

Thursday, March 19 - 1:30-3 p.m. - Workshop Room 221

Global warming is an important, interdisciplinary topic, which blends ecology and earth science. Because of this complexity, global warming and its effects are poorly understood by the public and mass media, and subject to politicization. This talk presents a strategy to help students understand the rigorous science behind the headlines.

-Meet the Untamed Science Crew and Put Your Own Video Camera to Work in Your Science Classroom

Thursday, March 19 - 1:30-3 p.m. - Workshop Room 220

Join the Untamed Science crew as they discuss how the video revolution is motivating today's science students. Rob Nelson and his ecogeek colleagues will demonstrate how teachers and students can successfully make their own science videos. They'll also invite teachers with video experience to join the Untamed Science crew.

-Explore the Next Generation of Instructional Technology on Biology.com - Susan Cory

Thursday, March 19 - 3:30-5 p.m. - Workshop Room 221

Join Pearson presenter Susan Cory as she explores the dynamic digital path of the "Miller & Levine Biology" collection - Biology.com.

-Stem Cell Biology - What's Really Happening and How Do We Teach It? - Ken Miller

Saturday, March 21 - 9 a.m.-noon - Workshop Room 220

Rapid advances in stem cell research are changing both the scientific and the political climate surrounding this work. Miller will focus on ways that new developments in stem cell research may be brought into the biology classroom, as well as how teachers can deal with potential controversy.

The authors will also be signing copies of their new biology program in Pearson booth #110. Joe Levine will be available from 11:15 a.m.-noon; 3:15-3:45 p.m. and 4-4:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 19. Ken Miller will be in the booth on Saturday, March 21, from 9:45-10:30 a.m. and 1:45-2:30 p.m.

For more information about "Miller & Levine Biology," go to www.Biology.com or follow "UntamedScience" or "MillerandLevine" on Twitter.

About Pearson

Pearson (NYSE: PSO), the global leader in education and education technology, reaches and engages today's digital natives with effective and personalized learning, as well as dedicated professional development for their teachers. This commitment is demonstrated in the company's investment in innovative print and digital education materials for preK through professional learning, student information systems and learning management systems, teacher development, career certification programs, and testing and assessment products that set the standard for the industry. The company's respected brands include Scott Foresman, Prentice Hall, Addison Wesley, Benjamin Cummings, the Stanford Achievement Test series, the Wechsler family of assessments, SuccessNet, MyLabs, PowerSchool, SuccessMaker and many others. Pearson's comprehensive offerings help inform targeted instruction and intervention so that success is within reach of every student at every level of education. Pearson's commitment to education for all is supported by the global charitable giving initiatives of the Pearson Foundation. Pearson's other primary businesses include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group. For more information, go to www.pearson.com.

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