A new month brings a new issue of the Beyond Penguins and Polar Bears cyberzine! The 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 second issue is called “Polar Patterns: Day, Night, and Seasons” and provides content knowledge, lessons, and activities about patterns found in day and night and seasons within the context of the polar regions. Read about a scientist from The Ohio State University who studied the aurora and learn why these beautiful displays happen. Help your students with the challenging concept of cause and effect relationships and integrate art projects into your science and literacy activities. As usual, we feature a virtual bookshelf and expository articles (available in text, foldable book, and electronic book formats). Of course, there’s much more to learn and explore! Visit the cyberzine home page and select Polar Patterns: Day, Night, and Seasons - Issue 3, May 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 June is an issue that examines polar weather and climate. But don’t worry - you’ll still be able to access all content from the previous issues!

As always, 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 the third issue of Beyond Penguins and Polar Bears, and share the site with your students and colleagues!