We’re pleased to announce that our first issue of the Beyond Penguins and Polar Bears cyberzine is ready to view! This online magazine is written for elementary teachers to help develop their content knowledge of the polar regions and use best practices in integrating science and literacy instruction. Our first issue is called “A Sense of Place” and provides an introduction to the geographic location and characteristics of the Arctic and Antarctica. Read about a scientist who helped produce some of the most accurate images of Antarctica, learn about the research-based strategy of identifying similarities and differences, and much more. Visit the cyberzine home page and select A Sense of Place - Issue One, March 2008 to begin exploring.

Each month’s issue will be organized around a theme that reflects common science topics in the elementary curriculum. Coming next in April is “Learning From the Past,” an issue that examines the fossils, dinosaurs, and archaeological artifacts of the polar regions. But don’t worry - you’ll still be able to access all content from the previous issue!

As with any new undertaking, we’d appreciate feedback and comments. Post a comment to the blog, or use the contact information found in the magazine to tell us what you think.

Enjoy Beyond Penguins and Polar Bears, and share the site with your students and colleagues!