Look around. Plastic is everywhere. But some experts say today's plastic will be in our landfills for thousands of years to come. Imagine a world without plastic. In some communities, it's a new reality. Explore the good and the bad of plastic in our lives.

Empires have been built from it. Wars have been fought for it. Imagine a world without oil. What alternatives do we have in a future with limited oil and other fossil fuels?

It may be a parent's dream, but imagine life without the Internet or World Wide Web. Would airlines be able to fly? Would our nation's security be at risk? What can be done to safeguard the Internet?

Take a closer look at the Bible you thought you knew Have you noticed that the more you look at something, the less you see it? The same thing can happen with Scripture. You've seen a story or a passage so many times that you overlook its significance: "Our Father, who art in heaven..." "The Lord is my shepherd..." "For God so love the world..." You may know these passages, you may love them, but maybe you've stopped expecting much from them. Take a Closer Look for Women leads you to pause along the familiar (and less well-known) paths of the Bible and say, "I've never noticed this! I've never thought of it this way before!" When you take a closer look at Scripture, you see how rich and deep and multifaceted it is. And you will be inspired - mind, heart, and soul - to apply the beauty of these truths to every area of your life.

If you like the popular?Teaching Science Through Trade Books? columns in NSTA?s journal Science and Children, or if you?ve become enamored of the award-winning Picture-Perfect Science Lessons series, you?ll love this new collection. It?s based on the same time-saving concept: By using children?s books to pique students? interest, you can combine science teaching with reading instruction in an engaging and effective way.

Help elementary students discover the solids, liquids, and gases that make up the world around them. Science Readers: A Closer Look: Basics of Matter: Complete Kit includes: Books (6 titles, 6 copies each, 32 pages per book); data analysis activities; audio recordings; digital resources; and a Teacher's Guide.

This diagnostic assessment guide is designed to assist schools in developing their curriculum and assessment policies and help teachers in assessing individual pupils' understanding and progress and identifying appropriate next steps in a way which fits in with day to day teaching. Existing research and practice are applied within the context of curriculum and assessment for Education 5-14. The principles of diagnostic assessment and the procedures for putting them into practice in science are illustrated by reference to work in primary classes. However, the principles are equally applicable to work carried out in secondary schools. The eight chapters are: (1) introduction; (2) science context, particularly the key role of investigation skills; (3) how to collect information; (4) implementing diagnostic assessment as part of teaching; (5) ways of gathering information through observation, discussion, questioning and analyzing pupils' work; (6) ways of considering pupils' work using attainment targets; (7) strategies for helping pupils develop further understanding and skills in science; and (8) how the processes and products of pupils' work can be assessed in terms of the criteria of the attainment targets for Environmental Studies 5-14. (LZ)

Learning more about our writers with formative assessment. The tools and strategies you need to use formative assessment to establish an environment where students will internalize ways that they can assess their own writing and become independent writers. This hands-on guide shares methods for collecting and managing information, and shows practical, simple, and concise ways to document student thinking. In the accompanying online videos, the authors demonstrate conferences with individual writers, small groups, and whole groups. Quick, easy-to-manage assessment methods emphasize that formative assessment do not have to take a long time to be worthwhile and effective. Vignettes from classroom teachers, principals, and authors add a variety of perspectives and classroom experiences on this important topic. -- Provided by publisher.

Learn to live a life without limits! For years, the August Institute of Life Studies has introduced new techniques for self-improvement to people all over the world… people just like you! CEOs, sports figures, movie stars and political leaders have gained the tools and abilities to achieve success, power and fulfillment in every aspect of their lives. Now, Dr. August, the founder and president of the August Institute, shares with you his incredible secrets for accomplishing goals and experiencing personal breakthroughs – right now! Learn how to break free of your old routines, and stop living your life by a “script”; achieve personal growth and recognize the potential for greatness within yourself; reject the limitations of your past while exploring the possibilities of your future; and discover the powers that you possess to change your life forever! You have the ability to become the person you’ve always dreamed of being. Now it’s time to stop dreaming your life and start living your dreams!