NSTA Launches New Line of Enhanced E-books For Science Educators

The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) has released a new suite of enhanced e-books -NSTA eBooks±- for science teachers. Designed to strengthen teacher content knowledge and pedagogy, each interactive e-book provides an in-depth, self-directed learning experience, complete with its own high-resolution images, animations, videos, simulations, and embedded assessment. Each full-color e-book is correlated to the Disciplinary Core Ideas of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and is available today through the NSTA Science Store.

"As iPads and other tablet computers have become more prevalent in the classroom, the need to provide teachers with relevant, high-quality content in an interactive, easy-to-navigate package has become more important," said David Beacom, publisher and associate executive director at NSTA. "Our eBooks+ combine the best of traditional books and interactive media, offering a dynamic, media-rich experience for science teachers."

The NSTA eBooks+ add to an extensive, ever-expanding collection of NSTA products and resources, created to help science educators enrich and expand their professional growth.

New eBooks+ titles include:

Cell Structure and Function explores how cells, the basic building blocks of all organisms, function as systems of organelles and associated structures in a dynamic equilibrium between their internal and external environments. The focus of the e-book is on topics related to the structure of various types of cells, the molecular workings inside the cell, and the role of proteins as the main structural and functional molecules. Browse sample pages.

Coral Reef Ecosystems delves into the structure and inhabitants of a living reef. From the anatomy and reproduction of corals, their interdependence on other inhabitants of the reef, to the impact of disasters on a reef ecosystem, this e-book discusses what a coral reef ecosystem needs to survive and thrive and why coral reef ecosystems are important to our ocean. Browse sample pages.

Electric & Magnetic Forces e-book uses everyday events and items, like lightning, flashlights, batteries, compasses, and maglev trains, to examine electricity and magnetism. It provides detailed explanations of key science concepts, plus self-directed, embedded assessment to allow readers to check their learning. Teaching strategies will help teachers better understand student preconceptions and inquiry learning. The book's appealing multimedia and interactive simulations can also be used in the classroom. Browse sample pages.

Energy: Most of what goes on in the universe-from exploding stars and biological growth to the operation of machines and the motion of people-involves energy being transformed from one form into other forms. The Energy e-book uses a variety of everyday events to explore how all forms of energy can be represented as either potential or kinetic energy, how there are many forms (electrical, chemical, sound, magnetic, gravitational, nuclear) of energy, how these forms can transfer from one form to other forms, and how the total amount of energy remains the same and is measurable when studying a closed system. Browse sample pages.

Force and Motion explores the effects of forces on the motion of objects for both a conceptual and real-world understanding, using common, observable examples, like running, billiards, and motion of vehicles. Learn about concepts such as constant motion, acceleration, speed and direction, as well as a discussion of Newton's Laws of Motion. Browse sample pages.

Interdependence of Life examines the interactions between organisms and the environments in which they live-Earth spheres, ecosystems, abiotic factors, biotic factors, populations characteristics, limiting factors, and carrying capacity-as well as species relationships. This e-book examines, and demonstrates, the delicate balance that is kept by the organisms in these regions, not just from the perspective of the natural world, but based on human interactions and interference as well. The result is a representation of the rich tapestry of life that covers planet Earth. Browse sample pages.

Solar System looks at what we know about our solar system's planets, moons, and other celestial bodies. This e-book focuses on asteroids, comets, meteorites, and each of the eight planets in our solar system, including their moons and their rings. Solar system formation theories and technological advances used to study our solar system are also discussed. Browse sample pages.

Universe explores how the organization of stars and galaxies comprise a universe and how research scientists use specialized instruments to collect data about stars and galaxies. This enhanced e-book takes a closer look at our star, the Sun, and then uses this information to study the properties and characteristics of different types of stars. Following this exploration, the life cycle of stars, parallax, galaxies, and the organization of the universe are introduced. Browse sample pages.

NSTA members can purchase NSTA eBooks+ for a discounted price of $14.35 (non-members $17.95) from the NSTA Science Store. To order by phone, call 800-277-5300 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET weekdays.

About NSTA

The Arlington, VA-based National Science Teachers Association is the largest professional organization in the world promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all. NSTA's current membership includes approximately 55,000 science teachers, science supervisors, administrators, scientists, business and industry representatives, and others involved in science education.

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