Abstract
Did you know that a dollar bill is attracted to a magnet? And did you know that starting a science lesson this way is more likely to engage students than asking them to turn to page 125 in their textbooks? It may seem like common sense, but starting a lesson with a problem or activity captures a student's curiosity. And when students are curious, they want to learn.
“Shifting the lesson away from starting with content and starting with the wonder and excitement and real-world applications, you can hook more students into learning and get them excited,” said Jenny Sue Flannagan, director of the Martinson Center for Mathematics and Science and assistant professor in the School of Education at Regent University in Virginia Beach, Va.
As director of the Martinson Center, Flannagan, a member of PDK's 2009-10 Class of Emerging Leaders, provides high-quality professional development for teachers in order to improve science and math instruction.
“When I think about all the careers and the jobs in today's world — and not just in the U.S., but globally — the skills that students learn in math and science touch almost every single job,” she said. “If our students are going to be competitive in the global marketplace of today and the future, we've got to be preparing students to fill those jobs.”
One Martinson Center institute that will be held this summer for preschool and kindergarten teachers combines math and science activities with children's literature.
Flannagan has also started an outreach program called “Budding Scientist,” which targets preschool children. Each month, Martinson provides a science lesson that focuses on building student vocabulary and students' observational skills, along with such early math skills as counting and number recognition. This year, the program will expand to a second preschool center.
“The feedback from parents was fantastic last year. Students were using the words at home, and one young girl even asked for a lab coat and goggles for Christmas,” Flannagan said.
“I really think that future scientists and mathematicians are born in kindergarten and preschool,” Flannagan said. “If we can get them engaged and hooked and wanting to answer questions, it will fuel a desire to take math and science courses in middle school and high school, and [they might] possibly even choose a career because of that excitement.”
Emerging Leader Applications Due May 17
If you are age 40 or younger, consider applying to be part of PDK's 2010-11 Class of Emerging Leaders. This program recognizes top young educators from around the world for their professional achievements, particularly those related to PDK's tenets of service, research, and leadership.
The new Emerging Leaders, who will be selected based on their professional accomplishments, will be honored at the 2011 PDK Summit. The award includes a travel stipend to attend the summit, the opportunity to publish with PDK, grant opportunities, and invitations to participate in other PDK initiatives.
If you know someone who should apply, spread the word.
Applications are available at
New and Improved
PDK Chalk Walk and PDKConnect
The PDK Chalk Walk is back, and it's easier than ever to hold your own walk. Your walk can be as big or small as you want. It's not too late to plan one this year!
The Chalk WalkSM is a fun, active event to raise money to honor and support great teachers. Funds raised can be used to support future great teachers in your own community.
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Check out the new and improved PDKConnect, an exclusive online community only for PDK members.
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Save the Dates: Feb. 17-20, 2011
To reinforce PDK's commitment to cultivating the next generation of great educators, the Future Educators Association® (FEA) annual conference and the PDK summit will be combined and take place Feb. 17-20, 2011, at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta in Atlanta, Ga.
Due to the date change, there will be no PDK summit in 2010. For details, visit
Elect PDK Board
PDK members should have received ballots in the mail to elect new regional board members.
This election is part of a constitutionally required reapportionment that divides the membership six equal regions and takes effect July 1. Members in each region will elect a regional board member to serve on the PDK International Board of Directors. The term of office for the new officials will begin July 1 and will last for two years.
Also on the ballot in two regions is a primary election for candidates running for president-elect of the PDK board, since the PDK Constitution limits those running for this office to one person from each region. The president-elect election will not be held until spring 2011. The president-elect serves six years: two as president-elect, two as president, and two as past president.
Elections began February 26 and will run for 60 days. PDK strongly encourages you to vote.
Foundation Funds Audits of 8 Mississippi School Districts
CREATE Foundation's Toyota Education Endowment Fund is funding PDK curriculum audits in eight school districts in three Mississippi counties.
When Toyota announced its decision to build a manufacturing facility in northeast Mississippi, company officials committed to establish a $50 million endowment fund. The money is directed to support education in Pontotoc, Union, and Lee (PUL Alliance) counties, which worked together to lure the plant to their area.
A PDK audit has already been conducted at Tupelo School District, and seven more audits will occur in early 2010.
For details, check out the press release at