Patterns, issue #5, is now posted on our website (http://www.spigotsciencemag.com), and it’s all about math.

This issue marks a milestone for us here at Spigot as we have completed our first year of publishing! Patterns joins Simple Machines, The Universe, Trees, and our very first publication, Water. This coming January our Energy issue is coming out. We are pleased with our growing subscriber base and would love to have more feedback about how you are using Spigot with kids and classrooms. vgirandola@spigotsciencemag.com

Time for Science
Teaching science is a noble and necessary part of our educational system. An understanding of science, of how things work, of what makes the world turn and the rain fall, along with a good dose of curiosity, is what brings about inventions and innovations that improve our lives and enhance humanity. Science in the schools however is becoming the victim of a balancing act. Recent studies indicate in some places, as much as 75 minutes of science a week is being sacrificed to the teaching of math and reading/language arts. Instead of balancing the schedule, science is being catapulted overboard. What that means for the advancement of invention remains to be seen.

Integrating Science
Integrating science into other subjects throughout the day is one way to combat this time drain. Spigot does just that. Our TOC ( Table of Contents) links articles to math, geography, language arts, health, social studies, and the arts. Trickles, the Teaching Guide lists vocabulary, skills, reading level and national standards. Our plans for the future include adding a full glossary of the vocabulary words in each issue. Science can be taught in all subjects.

Keeping Science in the Balance
Both Dave and I have been classroom teachers. We know first hand the balancing act that is always lurking there in the shadow of the plan book. I remember wishing there were 6 days in a week (what a crazy thought!) so that I would get in all the instruction in both science and social studies without giving up precious time for either.
No matter what, the language of science is especially important in the early education years. For that language fascinates, stimulates, and prepares young minds to someday make discoveries that will save our world.
Val Girandola, Editor in Chief