Station Break - September 2010

• Arkansas Studies
• Art, Music
• Counseling, Guidance
• Early Childhood

• Grants, Awards, Scholarships
• Health, Safety, Fitness
• History, Social Studies

• Library, Literature
• Math, Science
• Professional Development

LABOR DAY – SEPTEMBER 6

“The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, Sept 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held its second Labor Day holiday just a year later, on September 5, 1883.”

“ In 1884 the first Monday in September was selected as the holiday, as originally proposed, and the Central Labor Union urged similar organizations in other cities to follow the example of New York and celebrate a "workingmen's holiday" on that date. The idea spread with the growth of labor organizations, and in 1885 Labor Day was celebrated in many industrial centers of the country.”

SOURCE: United States Department of Labor
http://www.dol.gov/OPA/ABOUTDOL/LABORDAY.HTM

NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH, SEPTEMBER 15-OCTOBER 15, 2010
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hispanic-heritage-month-2010--sept-15---oct-15-98622924.html

September 15 was chosen as the starting point for the month-long celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month because it is the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively. The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute provides a list of their celebration events at http://www.chci.org/events/page/2010-chci-hispanic-heritage-month-events-september-12-15. The site also includes information about the education center, scholarships, internships, fellowships and other resources.

SOURCE: National Observances at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_observances_in_the_United_States_by_presidential_proclamation

ARKANSAS STUDIES

ARKANSAS HISTORY ONLINE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT!

As part of American Experience's We Shall Remain, “Arkansas's First People” is a 5-part series featuring unique perspectives on: the American Indian cultural legacy, archeological data, and interviews with modern tribal representatives of those who had and still have an impact on Arkansas.

This Online professional development series consists of Web-based support materials, streamed videos, graded assessment questions based upon the videos, and a course survey.

SEPTEMBER 10, 1863, THE CIVIL WAR BATTLE OF BAYOU FOURCHE SEALED LITTLE ROCK’S FATE

September 10, 1863, Brigadier General John W. Davidson of the Army of Arkansas crossed the Arkansas River to move on Little Rock. Although Davidson ran into Confederate troops at Bayou Fourche, he sent them fleeing back to Little Rock.

SOURCE: http://www.nps.gov/hps/abpp/battles/bystate.htm

EXPLORING ARKANSAS VIDEO SEGMENTS

If you are looking for something specific about Arkansas to share with your class, you may want to check these videostreamed programs.

MONTH OF BROADCAST	SEGMENT	TOPICS
May 2010 http://watch.aetn.org/video/1485885103
“Old Spanish Treasure Cave”	1	Northwest Arkansas, Old Spanish Treasure Cave, Gravette, Spanish conquistadors, Native American, archaeology, hidden gold, treasure, George Dunbar, mining, bats, fossils
“Petit Jean State Park Seven Hollows Trail”	2	Petit Jean State Park, Seven Hollows Trail, first state park, 1923, the Grotto, waterfall, natural stone arch, streams, pictographs, Eastern Collared Lizard (mountain boomers), rattlesnakes, fire aftermath
“Parkin Archaeological State Park”	3	Northeast Arkansas, Parkin Archaeological State Park, Native American, head pots, archaeology, Mississippian era, Mississippian Indian, June 1541 Hernando De Soto visit, Casqui, mounds, platform mounds, research lab, corn, agriculture, drought, climate, collapse
“Bald Knob National Wildlife Refuge”	4	Bald Knob National Wildlife Refuge, Little Red River, John Hancock Insurance Company, water management, migratory fowl, water fowl, bottomland hardwood, rice, duck food, geese (Blue, Snow, Canada, White Fronted), Northern Pin Tail Duck management
*April 2010* http://watch.aetn.org/video/1457605735
“Pedestal Rock Scenic Area”	1	Pedestal Rock scenic area, bluffs, ice caverns, ancient geology, Ozarks, rock formation, ancient riverbed
“Ozark National Forest”	2	Ozark National Forest, Sam’s Throne, camping facilities, Sam Davis, recreation
“Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge”	3	Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge, Arkansas River, Levee Trail, Native American, Osage, Cherokee, Holly Brown, bottomland, Army Corps of Engineers, water fowl, geese (Snow and Canada), eagles
“Big Creek Natural Area”	4	Big Creek Natural Area, pool and ripple system, watershed, Little Red River, White River, Mississippi River, Riparian Forest,
March 2010 http://watch.aetn.org/video/1434966482
“Forked Mountain”	1	Forked Mountain, Ouachita National Forest, the Chimney, Lower Forked Summit, South Fourche River Valley, legend, Native American, Quapaw, Osage
“Wapanocca Wildlife Refuge”	2	Wapanocca Wildlife Refuge, Mississippi flyway, Wapanocca Lake, driving tour, Ox Bow Lake, water fowl, migratory songbirds, cypress swamp, grasslands, Nash Buckingham, Chickasaw, De Soto, Native American artifacts, mallards, geese (white fronted, snow and Canada), wood ducks, agricultural fields, hardwoods, Mississippi River Delta Region
“Devil’s Den State Park”	3	Devil’s Den State Park, mountain biking, Fossil Flat mountain biking trail, Northwest Arkansas, Lee Creek, Lake Lincoln trail
“North Sylamore Creek Hiking Trail”	4	North Sylamore Creek hiking train, Blanchard Springs recreation area, bluffs, waterfalls, remnants of old homesteads, botanical features, overlooks, Ozark hills and hollows, Mountain View
February 2010 http://watch.aetn.org/video/1402752157
“Ozark Adventure Race”	1	Ozark Adventure Race, Northwest Arkansas, Lake Fort Smith, Devil’s Den, Chester, urban adventure race, fitness, orienteering, zip lines, mystery challenge event, navigating with map and compass, team effort
“Lake Enterprise”	2	Southeast Arkansas, Lake Enterprise, cypress trees, Spanish moss, Louisiana/Arkansas, Indian mound, archeological discoveries, skiing, bass fishing, white perch, brim, catfish, fishing gear
“Ozark Railway Adventure”	3	Ozark Railway Adventure, Arkansas Missouri Railroad, Van Buren to Winslow, 1900s railroad cars, 1950s dining car, Missouri Pacific Railroad, Arkansas River, Winslow Tunnel, railroad trestles, Briscoe Railroad, Fort Smith, Chester

GHOSTS, LEGENDS, AND THE UNEXPLAINED AT CROWLEY’S RIDGE STATE PARK
http://www.arkansasstateparks.com/events/ghosts-legends-and-the-unexplained-52028/Ghosts
October 30, 2010
6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Admission: Free

What's lurking in the woods at Crowley's Ridge State Park? Come find out and hear local legends and ghost stories. Guests are encouraged to wear costumes and prizes will be awarded for the best ones.

ART AND MUSIC

“FOR THE LOVE OF PUBLICATION!” LESSON PLAN
http://www.pbs.org/teachers/connect/resources/7834/preview/
Grades: 6-12

Discover the passion behind self-published magazines and consider how creative writing can affect a community and give voice to something the writer feels strongly about.

SOURCE: Oregon Public Broadcasting: Art Beat at School 60.0 0 Lesson Plan

EXPERIMENTAL MUSIC
http://www.pbs.org/teachers/connect/resources/7109/preview/
Grades: 6-8

Associate different chords with descriptive terms evoking the sounds' moods, and learn how differences in basic building blocks of music can lead to differences in expression. Design and conduct an experiment testing people's responses to music.

SOURCE: The Music Instinct 60.0 0 Lesson Plan

COUNSELING AND GUIDANCE

PARENT INVOLVEMENT VIDEO “PARENTS MAKE THE DIFFERENCE”
http://www.parenting-ed.org/media.asp

See how Arkansas schools are successfully involving parents in education. This program might serve as a starting point for meaningful discussion and planning for the new school year.

TIPS FOR RAISING GRATEFUL CHILDREN
http://www.pbs.org/parents/experts/archive/2010/05/serving-up-spoonfuls-of-gratit.html?utm_source=newsletter1&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20100520

Parenting can be a far richer experience when we take time to be grateful for the little things. Being thankful not only helps us stay positive, but it also sets a powerful example for our children. Discover easy ways to help kids express gratitude.

SOURCE: PBS Parents

EARLY CHILDHOOD

“Whatever we do to show our children we love them, nothing can replace times when we give them our complete attention. I believe that the children who have learned that there will be such times for them are the ones who are least likely to demand it and to compete for it”.
- The Timeless Wisdom of Mister Rogers

TIPS FOR HANDLING TANTRUMS
http://www.pbs.org/parents/supersisters/archives/2010/07/toddlers-and-tantrums.html?utm_source=newsletter1&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20100729

Do the twos really have to be so terrible? Not when you develop strategies to deal with inevitable meltdowns. Remembering that emotional changes are a sign of your child's growth can help you deal with these changes.

SOURCE: PBS Parents

WHAT MAKES A GOOD CLASSROOM?
http://www.pbs.org/parents/readinglanguage/articles/goodclassroom/main.html?utm_source=newsletter1&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20100819

Decades of research about how young children learn have shown that good beginnings make a lifelong difference. Young children who spend time in homes and classrooms in which there is a great deal of conversation and daily exposure to books and writing are better prepared to become readers and writers when they enter kindergarten. School-aged children who are in classrooms with a well-balanced reading and writing program and who have support from home are more likely to become skilled readers and writers. This age-customized guide to child care settings and classrooms can help you get your child off to the best start possible.

SOURCE: PBS Parents

BUILDING LITERACY THROUGH PLAY
http://www.pbs.org/parents/readinglanguage/quicktips/park.html

Playgrounds offer loads of fun, but they're also a place where literacy can happen. Use your next trip to the park or playground as an opportunity to build your child's literacy skills. See how kids can learn through play.

SOURCE: PBS Parents

GETTING KIDS READY FOR BED
http://www.pbs.org/parents/parenthelpers/bedtime.html?utm_source=newsletter1&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20100805

After a long day, the last thing you feel like doing is battling with your child over bedtime. See how establishing clear limits and a simple routine can help kids wind down after a busy day.

SOURCE: PBS Parents

HELP FOR PARENTS TO HELP THEIR CHILDREN

Parents can select programs from the list below to help their children learn basic concepts. If a seven year-old child is having trouble with reading and writing, the list will show Arthur, Between the Lions, Electric Company, Martha Speaks, Super WHY, Word Girl and Word World as appropriate resources. By going to the program Web sites, parent and child can play the games, do the activities, color the activity pages and explore the world of reading together.

PROGRAMS BY FOCUS AREAS

PROGRAM	AGE	FOCUS
Arthur http://pbskids.org/arthur/	6-9 years	Reading, writing, social skills
Between The Lions http://pbskids.org/lions/	4-7 years	Reading
Caillou http://pbskids.org/caillou/	3-6 years	Social skills
The Cat in the Hat http://pbskids.org/clifford/index-brd-flash.html	4-7 years	Social skills
Clifford the Big Red Dog http://pbskids.org/clifford/index-brd-flash.html	4-7 years	Social skills
Curious George http://pbskids.org/curiousgeorge/	3-5 years	Science, engineering, math
Cyberchase http://pbskids.org/cyberchase/	8-12 years	Math
Dragon Tales http://pbskids.org/dragontales/index_sw.html	2-7 years	Social skills
Electric Company http://pbskids.org/electriccompany/#/Home/	6-9 years	Reading
Fetch with Ruff Ruffman http://pbskids.org/fetch/	6-10 years	Social skills, problem solving
Martha Speaks http://pbskids.org/martha/	4-7 years	Reading
Maya & Miguel http://pbskids.org/mayaandmiguel/flash.html	6-11 years	Spanish language, social skills
Mr. Rogers http://pbskids.org/rogers/	3-5 years	Social skills, self-esteem
Sesame Street http://pbskids.org/sesame/	2-4 years	Reading, math, social skills
Sid the Science Kid http://pbskids.org/sid/	3-6 years	Science
Super WHY! http://pbskids.org/superwhy/#	6-8 years	Reading
Word Girl http://pbskids.org/wordgirl/	6-8 years	Reading
Word World http://pbskids.org/wordworld/index_flash.html	6-8 years	Reading

CHILD DEVELOPMENT TRACKER
http://www.pbs.org/parents/childdevelopmenttracker/
A child's development is unique and complex. Although children develop through a generally predictable sequence of steps and milestones, they may not proceed through these steps in the same way or at the same time. A child's development is greatly influenced by factors in his or her environment and the experiences he or she has.
The information provided by this tool is considered by experts as a representation of "widely-held expectations" for what an average child might achieve within a given year. Please consider this in the context of your child's unique development.

SOURCE: PBS Parents

GRANTS, AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS

SIEMENS/COLLEGE BOARD 2010 COMPETITION
http://www.collegeboard.com/siemens/
Eligibiility: High School students (individuals or teams) who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Award Amount: $1,000-$100,000
Deadline: October 1, 2010

The Siemens Competition seeks to promote excellence by encouraging students to undertake individual or team research projects. It fosters intensive research that improves students' understanding of the value of scientific study and informs their consideration of future careers in these disciplines.

Grant Sources

Forecast of Finding for the U.S. Department of Education http://www.ed.gov/fund/grant/find/edlite-forecast.html
PEN WEEKLY NEWSBLAST http://www.publiceducation.org/newsblast_grants.asp This site includes grant opportunity, Web links, deadlines, eligibility and maximum grant amounts
EducationMoney.com
Federal Grants http://grants.gov allows you to search by category, you do not need to register to search for grant opportunities
http://grantsalert.com/

These sources will help locate foundation, government and other grant opportunities. It’s best to start when you have some time to invest, because one thing frequently leads to another link.

Grant Writing Tips and Tools

If you want factual information about grant writing and samples, be sure to visit the Guide for Writing a Funding Proposal by S. Joseph Levine, Ph.D., Michigan State University, at http://www.learnerassociates.net/proposal.
“SHOW ME THE MONEY: TIPS & RESOURCES FOR SUCCESSFUL GRANT WRITING” http://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/profdev/profdev039.shtml

HEALTH, SAFETY AND FITNESS

HOW KIDS CAN EAT GREEN – SIMPLE WAYS TO PROTECT THE EARTH
http://www.pbs.org/parents/special/article-earthday-greeneating.html?utm_source=newsletter1&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20100722

Just because your kids won't touch a spinach salad doesn't mean you can't serve eco-friendly meals that the whole family will enjoy. Invest in the future by involving kids in making smart food choices.

SOURCE: PBS Parents

HELPING YOUR CHILD LEARN TO RIDE A BIKE – NUDGING OR LETTING IT HAPPEN
http://www.pbs.org/parents/special/article-fathers-ride-bike.html?utm_source=newsletter1&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20100715

Balancing on two wheels requires a great leap of faith for most kids. And helping them to stay upright can be stressful for parents. Should you nudge your child along or just let it happen?

SOURCE: PBS Parents

HISTORY AND SOCIAL STUDIES

WELCOME TO THE SMITHSONIAN’S “HISTORY EXPLORER”
http://historyexplorer.americanhistory.si.edu/

Your gateway to innovative, standards-based online resources for teaching and learning American history, designed and developed by the National Museum of American History. The Museum is a proud partner with Verizon Thinkfinity. Visit the new thinkfinity.org Web site to find multidisciplinary content for all subjects, K-12. This site leads you to lessons, activities, interactives, artifacts and professional development.

COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG ELECTRONIC FIELD TRIPS SCHEDULE
http://www.history.org/trips/
Teacher Resources: http://www.history.org/history/teaching/index.cfm
Electronic Field Trips: http://www.history.org/history/teaching/eft.cfm

*The Will of the People* October 14, 2010	One of the most bitter presidential campaigns in U. S. history is part of a surprising lesson for a 21st-century student. Thomas Jefferson explains how negative campaigning, partisan politics, and contested elections have been part of our political system since the earliest days of the republic.
*The Bill of Rights* Broadcast premiere November 18, 2010	The Bill of Rights protects individual freedoms, but what if the government had too much power and there was no such thing as the Bill of Rights? Explore an alternate reality in which individual rights are limited and life is very different.
*Founders or Traitors?* December 16, 2010	The months of late 1776 were “the times that try men’s souls.” Join Edward Rutledge, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams as they attend a conference with British admiral Lord Howe, hoping to end the American rebellion peacefully. Discover the signers of the Declaration of Independence and the risks they took.
*The Amazing Trade Shop Science Race!* Broadcast premiere January 13, 2011	Root for student contestants as they compete to discover the physics, chemistry, and simple machines employed by Colonial Williamsburg’s tradespeople to reconstruct an eighteenth-century coffeehouse. Quirky “Professor Eddie” hosts this engaging science game show!
*Freedom Bound* February 10, 2011	Choice, hope, and escape from slavery are highlighted in stories spanning three centuries. Examine the options for slaves willing to risk their lives for freedom. Where could they run? Whom could they trust? Learn how these answers changed over time, from the American colonies’ first slave laws to the Underground Railroad before the Civil War.
*Women of the Revolution* Broadcast premiere March 10, 2011	Bravery. Loyalty. Sacrifice. Women of the Revolution possessed all of these qualities. Explore the excitement, peril, and individual stories of Deborah Sampson, Mary Perth, Martha Washington, and other women, on both sides of the conflict, who proved their mettle in America’s war for independence.
*Making History Live* April 7, 2011	What makes history come alive? Take a behind-the-scenes look at how historical African American character portrayals are created for Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area. From research through performance, experienced museum interpreters share their techniques for bringing the past to life.

LIBRARY, LITERATURE AND READING

TOOLS TO TRACK LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT
http://www.pbs.org/parents/childdevelopmenttracker/five/language.html?utm_source=newsletter1&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20100819

Language milestones don't stop once your child utters "da-da" and "ma-ma." Find out what to look for in the early years as your child develops language skills for life.

UPCOMING MASTERPIECE THEATRE PROGRAMS, SUNDAYS AT 9 P.M.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/schedule/

Inspector Lewis Detective Inspector Robbie Lewis and his cool, cerebral partner Detective Sergeant James Hathaway are back solving mysteries.
September 5, 2010	The Dead of Winter A body leads Lewis and Hathaway to an Oxford estate where Hathaway spent much of his youth.
September 12, 2010	Dark Matter When an amateur astronomer is found dead at the foot of the observatory stairs, Lewis and Hathaway find that the finger of suspicion points at the staff.
September 19, 2010	Your Sudden Death Question Lewis and Hathaway investigate the murder of a quiz competition contestant during a quiet summer holiday at an empty Oxford campus.
September 26, 2010	Falling Darkness When two murders share a link with their own Doctor Hobson, Lewis and Hathaway try to clear her name.
Wallander Kenneth Branagh returns to his remarkable Emmy and Golden-Globe nominated role as the soul searching Swedish cop Kurt Wallander, created by bestselling Swedish novelist Henning Mankell.
October 3, 2010		Faceless Killers The brutal murder of an elderly couple sparks a wave of revenge attacks against migrant laborers. Tracking the killers, Wallander has a deadly encounter.
October 10, 2010		The Man Who Smiled A suspicious car accident and a friend's suicide lead Wallander into an international conspiracy that threatens countless innocent lives.
October 17, 2010		The Fifth Woman A wave of torture killings targets successful older men who have a dark past. While solving this puzzle, Wallander faces the ultimate test with his dying father.
Sherlock Sherlock Holmes stalks again in a thrilling contemporary version of the Arthur Conan Doyle classic, starring Benedict Cumberbatch (The Last Enemy) as the go-to consulting detective in modern-day London, with Martin Freeman (The Office UK) as his loyal friend, Dr. John Watson.
October 24, 2010		A Study in Pink Sherlock Holmes teams up with former army doctor John Watson to solve a case of serial suicides and corner a killer who has mysterious powers over his victims.
October 31, 2010		The Blind Banker Pursuing the case of a banker and a journalist shot dead by a ghostly assailant, Sherlock and Watson uncover an antiquities-smuggling empire.
November 7, 2010		The Great Game In a gripping match of wits, Sherlock solves crimes at a dizzying pace for a mad bomber who threatens to blow up innocent people.

MATH AND SCIENCE

NOVA “FOUR-WINGED DINOSAUR” CHALLENGES ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT THE ORIGIN OF FLIGHT
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/evolution/four-winged-dinosaur.html

In 2002, the discovery of a beautiful and bizarre fossil astonished scientists and reignited the debate over the origin of flight. With four wings and superbly preserved feathers, the 130 million-year-old creature was like nothing paleontologists had ever seen before. In this program, NOVA travels to the Chinese stone quarry where the fossil was discovered–a famed fossil treasure-trove –and teams up with the world's leading figures in paleontology, biomechanics, aerodynamics, animation, and scientific reconstruction to perform an unorthodox experiment: a wind tunnel flight test of a scientific replica of the ancient oddity. Dubbed Microraptor, the crow-sized fossil is one of the smallest dinosaurs ever found and one of the most controversial, challenging conventional theories and assumptions about the evolution of flight.

EXPERIMENT WITH PLAYGROUND SCIENCE
http://www.pbs.org/parents/exploringscience/playground.html?utm_source=newsletter1&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20100715

Swings, climbers and teeter totters are more than just play equipment--they also make great science labs. Help even the youngest children learn about gravity and friction through play.

SOURCE: PBS Parents

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

FREE AETN IDEAS PORTAL AND AETN VIDEOSTREAMING WORKSHOPS

AETN offers free professional development workshops for Arkansas teachers.

The Arkansas IDEAS Workshop walks educators through all educational resources offered by AETN and a hands-on experience using the IDEAS portal. AETN Videostreaming Workshop will help educators understand the full range of features videostreaming offers.

Participants in either workshop will earn three technology professional development hours.

For registration, please call 1-800-488-6689, or email to education@aetn.org.

We also conduct workshops at schools around the state at no cost to the school district. You can contact us to schedule one for your school today!