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Dear NESTA Members,
As we approach the holiday break, my students are not-so-gently reminding of the incredible adaptability required in our profession. Now in my 25th year of teaching, I find myself working harder than ever to meet the diverse needs of my students. To “work smarter, not harder,” I’ve committed to increasing student agency in my classes. By fostering independence and ownership, my students gain unique access to our learning goals. Their ability to share personal experiences, engage in sense-making, and participate actively not only sparks curiosity but also strengthens critical thinking—better enabling them to connect scientific concepts to real-world challenges.
In exploring strategies that work (and learning from those that don’t), I invite you all to join me in supporting one another as we navigate future challenges together. During this break, I plan to carve out a “skinny minute” (or “New York minute,” depending on where you’re from!) to catch up and engage in our NESTA Professional Learning Community on Facebook. I’ll be sharing my commitment to instructional practices that promote inquiry, collaboration, and deeper understanding in Earth and space science classrooms. If you’d like to join or contribute, visit us here: bit.ly/3XzxZBY.
I also want to acknowledge that many of us (myself included) are actively trying to step back from social media. While Facebook remains our most cost-effective platform for sharing resources, questions, and ideas as a group, we are actively exploring alternatives for the near future.
Let’s continue building a stronger, more connected community together.
Warm regards during this holiday season, Natalie Macke President, NESTA
NOTE: The PLC will be only be available to paid members o NESTA
In the weeks ahead, we all will gather to celebrate Thanksgiving; I want to take a moment to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you. Your dedication to ensuring we have a future with informed and compassionate citizens that value stewardship of Earth inspires not only your students but also our entire community.
This year, as we take on new challenges, I am reminded of the power of resilience and unity. Our strength lies in our shared commitment to common goals. Together, we continue to build a strong and vibrant community that nurtures student curiosity, encouraging them to explore, reason, and explain phenomena through valid scientific practices.
May this season be a time of renewal and hope for each of you. Let us carry forward the spirit of gratitude and the confidence that, together, we can overcome any obstacle. Your work is invaluable, and your presence in this community is deeply appreciated. Wishing you and your loved ones a warm and joyful Thanksgiving!
With gratitude,
Natalie Macke President, NESTA
Happy Earth Science Week and fall greetings from Northeast New Jersey. I hope this message finds you settled into some school routines, so you have a moment or two to enjoy the changing palette of the outdoors.
I want to take a moment to acknowledge the difficult circumstances some of you may be facing in the wake of recent storms. These challenges have deeply affected your schools and communities, and NESTA is here to support you in any way we can. Please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Looking ahead, our leadership team is preparing for the NSTA's national conference in New Orleans. As in the past, we are compiling a document that highlights our members' contributions. If you’d like to include your activity—whether it's a workshop, poster, booth, or something else—please complete this Google Form (https://forms.gle/G8duNghJxjuAZ6cC8) by October 25th. We’re happy to help publicize your efforts.
May the transition of seasons remind us that cycles of change are not only inevitable but necessary for nurturing future growth. Just as nature relies on these shifts to bring about renewal, our community depends on the fresh perspectives and new ideas that each educator brings. Please consider being part of the change that shapes our collective future—ensuring that our students, classrooms, and communities continue to flourish. I would love an opportunity to cultivate new connections!
Wishing you a productive and inspiring fall season ahead! Hope to hear from you
Natalie Macke
nmacke12@gmail.com
NESTA President
NESTA sends you warm wishes for the school year ahead. Like every year, we’ll each face new challenges but also exciting opportunities. After a summer to recharge, I’m re-energized with new ideas and hopes for my classroom, and I feel ready to create a space for my students that is filled with discovery, growth, and meaningful connections.
Thinking about my goals for NESTA this year, I’ll take a similar approach:
1. Foster Discovery through Innovation: Promote innovative practices and approaches to problem-solving, including new tools such as those powered by AI. We aim to support our community’s mission while easing the burden of tedious professional tasks.
2. Promote Growth through Continuous Learning: Prioritize the professional and personal development of members by providing access to workshops, resources, and opportunities for skill-building.
3. Strengthen Meaningful Connections within the Community: Cultivate a supportive and inclusive environment where members can form meaningful relationships, share experiences, and collaborate effectively.
4. Establish and Support Connections with Other Educational Communities: Build partnerships and share resources with other educational organizations and communities, embracing the interdisciplinary nature of Earth and space science.
Please remember that NESTA is a completely volunteer organization, so I encourage you to reach out if you can help with any of the organizational goals or would simply like to start a conversation about them. I look forward to meeting and perhaps working with some of you this year! Good things are to come.
Greetings! As we anticipate and embark on a new school year, please remember that your passion and dedication play a crucial role in shaping the minds of future generations—those who will be entrusted with the stewardship of not just our planet, but perhaps boundaries far beyond. NESTA is here to support you every step of the way, providing resources, community, and encouragement.
A special thank you to Diane Ripollone and Kathy Biernat, presenters of our first collaborative webinar with the National Middle Level Science Teachers Association. Please take some time and review the materials they have provided at https://nestanet.org/webinar. I’ve added their resource list to our NESTA bookmark account!
Kudos to Peg Steffen for an excellent edition of The Earth Scientist focusing on PreK – Grade 5. The Board decided to provide open access to our spring and summer 2024 editions to celebrate our 40th anniversary and highlight the amazing work of our authors and 100% volunteer leadership group. Please share and help us grow . Thank you to Kristin Hunter-Thomson and Mike Jabot for an excellent Guest Editorial; a must read about the importance of data literacy in K-5 classrooms. I’m looking forward to our next edition highlighting 9-16 opportunities which should be in your inbox just in time for Earth Science Week, October 13-19th. https://www.earthsciweek.org/
Please feel free to reach out! Wishing you each a school year full of discovery, innovation, support and growth.
Natalie Macke NESTA President nmacke12@gmail.com
As our summer months pass by, I want to take a moment to celebrate this well-deserved break with you. Each of you has worked tirelessly throughout the school year, demonstrating unwavering dedication, creativity, and resilience in the face of challenges. Now, it's time to step back, relax, and recharge.
Summer is a special season for educators, offering an opportunity to rest and rejuvenate. Whether you’re traveling to new places, spending quality time with loved ones, engaging in professional activities or simply enjoying a quiet moment, I hope you embrace this time to restore your energy and spirit.
Remember, this break is not just a luxury but a necessity. It’s a time to reflect on the past year’s accomplishments and challenges, to dream and plan for the future, and perhaps revisit NESTA’s Vision Statement; “Inspire passion for stewardship and sustainability of Earth through a collaborative community of Earth and Space Science learning for ALL.” Let’s use this time to rekindle our enthusiasm and prepare ourselves mentally and physically for the exciting year ahead.
Enjoy every moment and come back refreshed and ready to inspire and educate with renewed vigor.
Wishing you each happy and healthy summer days with some lazy evenings.
Natalie Macke NESTA President
Greeting NESTA Community,
What a wonderful evening to spend time in fellowship with our members and friends during our Friends of Earth Science Reception at NSTA, Denver. A huge thank you to everyone who assisted with organizing such an enjoyable evening. A special shout-out to our event sponsors, Activate Learning and the American Geosciences Institute without their support, this type of event may not have been possible. Taking time for community building is so important and I look forward to next year's event in Philadelphia!
Exciting news from our recent NESTA leadership elections. We are happy to announce that Dr. Missy Holzer (Secretary), Parker Pennington (Treasurer), Emily Hollyday (Region I Director), Matt Haverty (Region VII Director), Kimberely Norris-Jones and Diane Tom-O'gata (Directors at Large) will all continue their positions for another two years.
I'm especially excited to welcome some new leadership this year! A big WELCOME to newly elected officers, Dr. Christopher Rommele, Associate Professor from West Chester University in PA will serve as our Region III Director and Andrew Epton a High School Science Teacher in Dearborn, MI will serve as Director for Region V.
Lastly, new to our Board we also welcome Dr. Missie Olsen, who will be taking over as Regional Director for Region VI for the remainder of the term. We are also happy to have two newly Appointed Officers join our Board of Directors: Jon Schrage, IN; will serve as Project Coordinator for Windows to the Universe and Jacob Tanenbaum, NY will be our K-5 Liaison.
It's Spring and NESTA leadership will continue to stay focused on finding unique ways to grow our membership; engage our community and champion excellence in Earth and Space Science education. build and outreach. Wishing you all a productive end to your school year. Be sure to visit our NESTA Professional Development Blog to stay apprised of opportunities for this Summer and next Fall. Happy Earth Day!
One Earth, Our Future.
The time is here for us all to get together to share, learn, and celebrate! - A special invitation for you...
NSTA, Denver is right around the corner and finally, the opportunity is here for our membership to connect face-to-face. We've put together a dedicated webpage for the event so you can easily find colleague and affiliate presentations! https://nestanet.org/NSTA_Denver2024
Please join us this year at the Friends of Earth Science Reception, on March 22nd (Friday evening) at 6:30 PM to both commune and celebrate all we have accomplished this past year. A special thank you to our event sponsors this year, AGI and Activate Learning. https://nestanet.org/Invite
Spring is near and so is our 2024 NESTA Curious Cloudy Connections Project Run! Please visit our project page to learn more about how to participate with your students! This collaborative project will be actively supporting participating classrooms between April 13 - May 18, 2024. Let NESTA leaders help you as you participate in Globe Program data collection and local data analysis supported by My NASA Data! https://nestanet.org/NESTADN
Finally, in will soon (3/27- 4/10) have an opportunity to elect NESTA leadership for our next term! - Show your support for your colleagues by taking just a moment of your time to complete your election ballot! Look for your ballot as a special E-mail communication. So excited to continue the great work we have accomplished while harnessing new energy and ideas for the future!
Please take a moment to connect!
Natalie MackeNESTA President
Are you presenting at NSTA Denver Convention in March? Let us help you get the word out! SHARE INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR NSTA ACTIVITY! Deadline for inclusion on webpage is Friday, March 15th.
Thank you to all our membership support… in our shortest, but busiest month! A few notes with perhaps an inspirational message to share.
February is here and that means it is a full-throttle effort for our team to provide the outreach and support to which we have all dedicated energy and our hours. I truly hope to see/meet some of you at NSTA, Denver. Our organization will be hosting our Friends of Earth Science Reception to celebrate all the hard work (100% volunteer) completed by our educator members and affiliates and pa.
In the age of “Teachers pay Teachers”, our organization bucks against the tide to simply ask, how can we help? What does your classroom need? I’m so proud of our efforts to maintain and uplift the collegial sentiment of sharing and community among educators.
To that end, I’m happy to say, please stay tuned to your INBOX as February and March will bring forth several opportunities to learn, participate and collaborate. A perfect time to bring authentic scientific investigation to a classroom near you! Need a jumpstart? Our Curious Cloudy Connections project will be up and running again this April, Hope you will join us!
Thank you for your shared commitment to excellence in space and Earth science education. Together we affect change not only in individual classrooms but throughout the entire community.
President, NESTA
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