What resources are available for professional development?

I forgot to mention in my introduction, that I don't consider myself highly knowledgeable in the area of science. That is why I have decided to research what resources are out there to help teachers stay informed (Or for some of us GET informed). Going into this class I think I assumed I would probably be given materials to teach and that those would be just fine. But, because of all we have learned about how to teach effectively, I realize that whatever materials I am supplied with probably won't amount to an effective science lesson. For this reason, I will be spending the next few weeks looking for places to turn to when I need to better understand concepts, I need ideas for lessons, or I  would like something new to think about.


One website I came across is the National Science Teachers Association. The first thing I noticed was the association’s motto "Committed to promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all". I like this motto because it doesn't just suggest the website is for teachers, but for anyone interested in learning. I also read that the websites member's include not only teachers, but also science supervisors, administrators, business representatives, and others involved in the science field. I get the feeling that many knowledgeable individuals (not just in the field of science alone) are involved with this association.


The website suggested a number of events for profession development.  The National Science Teachers Association holds a science education conference every year. The conference includes 100's of workshops and demonstrations for what appears to be a wide variety of grade levels and science areas. The website also lists locations for the associations learning centers. Where one on one demonstrations and meetings take place.


Honestly, I'm not sure that I would ever take advantage of a national conference. However, becoming a member of the association grants the user access to several searchable data bases, grade-specific journals and newsletters, lesson plans, and book discounts. It is not free, but for new teachers it is only $34 a year. I think this site would definitely be helpful for beginning teachers in the science field. Also, this site is a great FREE resource for a variety of science literature. The site has a bookstore that carries all types of science materials. I think referring to the site's online store could spark a lot of ideas, even if I didn't purchase anything.