We battle the ‘block it all’ mentality each day.  As we realize students need these tools, we need to come up with ways to use them educationally.  Twitter is one of those sites for us.  We realize the potential for our students, so we unblocked it.  Now we have many teachers asking for us to block it since their students use it constantly.  So, do they see the need or value?  But do we show them the value?  I think we fail at that, but have no fear…how about 30 hashtags for Science educators?  You can find all of them here: http://www.onlinedegrees.org/30-terrific-twitter-hashtags-for-science-teachers/, but to give you a taste, how about:

• #sciencenews: Use this hashtag to stay on top of interesting news stories and research from all around the exciting and shiny world of sexy, sexy science.
• #chemistry: Use this hashtag for connecting with anyone and everyone who respects chemistry (well, and some who don’t), though be forewarned that students sometimes pop in here to complain about their assignments and tests with alarming frequency.
• #NASA: Perfect for classrooms who dream of the stars, this busy little hashtag involves both current events, past initiatives, and global opinions about America’s aviation and space exploration juggernaut.

I especially like the #chemistry hash.  While the article warns of students popping in, I would encourage this.  How better than to have students collaborate on a world wide stage.