Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/602151
RA Reminder The declaration of candidacy form for state delegates to the 2016 NEA Representative Assembly in Washington, D.C., will appear in the December/January Educator. Holy Science, Batman! Unlike other superheroes with X-ray vision or webbing that shoots out from their hands, Batman conquers crime with brains, brawn, and high-tech gadgets and gear. Batman Science: The Real-World Science Behind Batman's Gear uncovers true-life connections to his wizardry, pairing full-color comic book-style illustrations with colorful photos. Students learn, for example, how that Batsuit and cape have parallels with breakthrough materials such as Kevlar and Nomex, which help keep soldiers and firefighters safe. The brainchild of engineer Tammy Enz and science writer Agnieszka Biskup, the book explores other Dark Knight thrills such as manned and unmanned flight, ejection systems, shape-shiing, and all those cool tools and weapons in his utility belt. Batman Science is a 2015-16 California Reads recommendation for kids in grades 6-8. For other picks, see cta.org/californiareads. Tell us your favorite books at #californiareads. Native American Heritage Month "Let us put our minds together and see what life we will make for our children." —Tatanka Iotanka (Sitting Bull) The effort to gain recognition for the sig- nificant contributions the first Americans made to the establishment and growth of the United States started in the early 1900s and is now honored with an official month. November is a time to learn more about the history and heritage of Native Ameri- can peoples. Educators can engage students any number of ways, including with Native American "pourquoi" tales, which explain why something in nature is the way it is. The Library of Congress, National Endowment for the Humanities, Smithsonian Institution and other government agencies have lesson plans and primary sources that educators can access, including images, manu- scripts, maps, and sound files that bring historical and current events to life. See nativeamericanheritagemonth.gov. 8 cta.org