ARKANSAS STUDIES

BE SURE TO VISIT THE IN THEIR WORDS INTERACTIVE WEB SITE ABOUT ARKANSAS WORLD WAR II VETERANS
http://www.intheirwords.org/

You and your students will meet some of Arkansas’s World War II veterans – common people in uncommon times – through their stories, maps, background information, artifacts and a treasure chest (literally) of information. 

Would your class like to do its own project?  Review the site to discover the questions that were asked, the format and other information that can direct a project for your class, your school or district.

OLD INDEPENDENCE REGIONAL MUSEUM INVITES VISITORS
http://www.ozarkfoothillsfilmfest.org/old_independence_reg_museum.htm
Hours:
     Tues.-Sat., 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
     Sun., 1:30-4 p.m.
Admission: $3 adults, $2 seniors, $1 children

This regional museum presents the histories of Independence, Baxter, Cleburne, Fulton, Izard, Jackson, Marion, Poinsett, Sharp, Stone, White and Woodruff counties.  It provides hands-on exhibits, public programs, the Archival Wing of the museum and an, expanding permanent collections, as well as historical discussions, research and writings about the region.

Do you have a favorite field trip destination?  Please share.  Contact Pam Wilson at education@aetn.org.

ART AND MUSIC

PUBLIC TELEVISION KQED’S SPARK EDUCATOR GUIDES
http://www.kqed.org/arts/spark/edguides.jsp
Grade Range: 9-12

Northern California’s public television network KQED’s Educator Guides and other tools at this site make contemporary arts an integral part of learning.

NOVA “MAYA: A MASTERPIECE REVEALED” INTERACTIVE/ONLINE ACTIVITY
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sciencenow/3401/03.html
Grades: 6-12

Examine a 2,000-year-old Mayan mural and learn about Mayan culture and religious beliefs.

COUNSELING AND GUIDANCE

A WALK UPSTREAM AND LEAVE ME ALONE! AVAILABLE ONLINE
http://ideas.aetn.org/productions/edu

A Walk Upstream (identifying and preventing child abuse) and Leave Me Alone! (dealing with bullying) are both available in streamed format.  As soon as Hidden Wounds (cutting) is streamed, it will be available at the same site. 

IT'S MY LIFE “CHEATING” OFFLINE ACTIVITY/PROJECT
http://pbskids.org/itsmylife/parents/resources/cheating.html
Grades: 3-8

Identify behaviors that count as cheating. Explore cheating issues, such as copying homework, copying material from the Internet and sharing answers on a test.

IN THE MIX “A PRIMER ON PEER MEDIATION” LESSON PLAN
http://www.pbs.org/inthemix/educators/lessons/schoolviol1/index.html
Grades: 9-12

Learn the steps of a mediation process to see that it is just a more formalized way of doing the basic steps of problem solving. Examine ways to deal with conflict, including peer mediation.

SOURCE: PBS Teacher Preview
http://www.pbs.org/teachers/preferences/,

MAYA AND MIGUEL “EMPATHY AND ART” OFFLINE ACTIVITY
http://pbskids.org/mayaandmiguel/english/parentsteachers/activities/empathy.html
Grades: K-5

Learn to understand and appreciate others who are different from oneself, model empathy and break down stereotypes through art and language.

EARLY CHILDHOOD

"I DON'T WANT IT!" TIPS TO TEMPT A PICKY EATER
http://www.pbs.org/parents/special/eatforhealth-article.html?campaign=parentsnews_1_pickyeater

If your preschooler is a picky eater, know that you're not alone. Resisting new foods is a normal part of a child's development, but these strategies can help you branch out from chicken nuggets and turn healthy foods into favorite choices.

SOURCE: PBS Parents
http://pbsparents.org

HOW TO TALK WITH KIDS ABOUT THE NEWS
http://www.pbs.org/parents/talkingwithkids/news/?campaign=parentsnews_2_twknews

Develop strategies for discussing today's headlines — from war, violence, and terrorists to the latest storm.  Learn how to calm kids' fears, stimulate their minds, and encourage them to think about their place in today's world.

SOURCE: PBS Parents
http://pbsparents.org

AGE-BY-AGE GUIDE TO BIRTHDAY PARTIES
http://www.pbs.org/parents/birthdays/article-agebyageguide.html?campaign-parentsnews_3_birthdaysagebyage

That ice skating party that worked so well for your eight-year-old won't do for your toddler. Get age-appropriate tips for planning a party that will take the cake!

SOURCE: PBS Parents
http://pbsparents.org

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS AND FOCUS AREAS

FREE PBS KIDS INTERACTIVE SITES BY AGE LEVEL
http://pbskids.org/

This site connects children to interactive online activities.

GRANTS, AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS

ARKANSAS SECURITIES DEPARTMENT GRANTS FOR TEACHERS
www.securities.arkansas.gov/education/GrantApplicationProcedure.html

The Arkansas Securities Department provides grants for teachers (grades
5-12) to develop programs to teach their students about securities and the stock market.
GRANTS TO HELP LOW-INCOME SCHOOLS PURCHASE BOOKS FOR SCHOOL LIBRARIES
http://www.neafoundation.org/programs/BAA_2007.htm
Deadline: November 12, 2007
Maximum Award: $1,000.
Eligibility: practicing preK-12 school librarians, teachers, or education support professionals in a U.S. public school in which at least 70 percent of the students are eligible for the free or reduced-price lunch program. 
The NEA Foundation will make awards to public schools serving economically disadvantaged students to purchase books for school libraries.
STAPLES FOUNDATION FOR LEARNING GRANTS SUPPORT FOR JOB SKILLS EDUCATION
http://www.grantsalert.com/grants.cfm?id=4&gid=8573
Maximum Award: $5,000-$25,000
Deadline: Dec. 7, 2007

The mission of Staples Foundation for Learning is to provide funding to programs that support or provide job skills and/or education for all people, with a special emphasis on disadvantaged youth.

2008 NATIONAL SCHOOLS OF CHARACTER AWARDS
http://www.grantsalert.com/grants.cfm?id=4&gid=8572
Award: $20,000
Deadline: Dec. 3, 2007

Ten public and private schools and districts will receive a $20,000 award for outstanding work in character education.  Eligible applicants must have been engaged in character education for a minimum of three full years, starting no later than Dec. 2004 for the 2008 awards.

TOSHIBA AMERICA FOUNDATION SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS TEACHING
http://www.grantsalert.com/grants.cfm?id=4&pg=1&gid=8015
Maximum Award: $5,000
Deadline: Feb. 1, 2008

Toshiba America Foundation encourages projects with the potential for improving classroom teaching and learning in science and mathematics.  The Foundation strongly encourages projects planned and led by individual teachers or teams of teachers for their own classrooms.

SCHOOL WELLNESS GRANT PROGRAM FOR PUBLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
http://www.grantsalert.com/grants.cfm?id=4&gid=7373
Maximum Award: $2,500
Deadline: Feb. 1, 2008

Grants will be awarded to provide equipment and/or educational programs that will help move children toward healthier diets and improve overall wellness.

ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE AWARDS
http://www.grantsalert.com/grants.cfm?id=4&gid=6311
Maximum Award: $10,000-$15,000
Deadline: Nov. 30, 2007

These awards recognize the outstanding efforts of students and teachers across the country who are working at a grassroots level to protect and preserve the environment.

LEMELSON-MIT AWARD FOR SUSTAINABILITY
http://www.grantsalert.com/grants.cfm?id=4&gid=8682
Maximum Award: $100,000
Deadline: Nov. 2, 2007

Today's world needs inventors focused on sustainable change. The $100,000 Lemelson-MIT Award for Sustainability celebrates individuals whose inventions and innovations enhance economic opportunity and community well-being in developing and/or developed countries, while protecting and restoring the natural environment.

HEALTH, SAFETY AND FITNESS

ARTHUR "FIRE SAFETY” OFFLINE ACTIVITY/PROJECT
http://pbskids.org/arthur/parentsteachers/activities/acts/fire_safety.html
Grades: PreK-2

Learn about fire safety and the importance of having a fire safety plan. Listen to a local fire fighter talk about his/her job and equipment.

SOURCE: PBS Teacher Preview
http://www.pbs.org/teachers/preferences/,

IT'S MY LIFE “BENEFITS OF EXERCISE” LESSON PLAN
http://pbskids.org/itsmylife/parents/lesson_plans/benefits_of_exercise.html
Grades: 3-8

Activities allow visitors to explain the importance or benefits of exercising, identify exercises that match each benefit and then complete a well-being survey to better understand your own current health.

HISTORY AND SOCIAL STUDIES

LAWRENCE OF ARABIA: THE BATTLE FOR THE ARAB WORLD
http://www.pbs.org/lawrenceofarabia/
Grades: 9-12

Take a deeper look into the players and strategies of Arab warfare in World War I.

LIBRARY, LITERATURE AND READING

AFRICA: SWAHILI FOLKTALE INTERACTIVE/ONLINE ACTIVITY
http://pbskids.org/africa/tale/index.html
Grades: K-5

Listen to or read a Swahili folktale about a young prince whose manners and friendships helped him on a quest. Learn about the importance of manners and friendship as you help Prince Sadaka pass "Three Tests: A Swahili Tale of Choices."

MARYLAND PUBLIC TELEVISION: KNOWING POE ANNOTATED POE INTERACTIVE/ONLINE ACTIVITY
http://knowingpoe.thinkport.org/writer/annotated.asp
Grades: 6-12

Discover hidden meanings in Edgar Allan Poe's most famous poem, "The Raven." Use annotated notes to explore unusual words and phrases, poetic devices and hidden meanings.

SOURCE: PBS Teacher Preview
http://www.pbs.org/teachers/preferences/

VISIT THE NEW BETWEEN THE LIONS SITE
http://pbskids.org/lions/parentsteachers/?campaign-parentsnews_3_newbetweenlions

Explore a wealth of literacy resources--activities, quick tips, recommended books and curriculum materials--on the newly redesigned Between the Lions site. Share the resources with your emerging reader and watch his interest grow.

BETWEEN THE LIONS BOOKPLATE
http://pbskids.org/lions/printables/misc/bookplate.html

Proclaim a favorite book with a print-and-color label

SOURCE: PBS Parents
http://pbsparents.org

MEDIA INFUSION: LITERACY SKILLS FOR YOUNG LEARNERS
http://www.pbs.org/teachers/mediainfusion
Grades: K-2

Elizabeth Ross Hubbell previews two of PBS’ new animated series. SUPER WHY! and WordGirl, both designed to teach literacy skills and boost reading comprehension. She takes readers on a tour of both shows’ educational features, which include comprehensive companion Web sites with engaging, interactive games.

POSTCARDS FROM BUSTER “ALIEN ADVENTURE” OFFLINE ACTIVITY/PROJECT
http://pbskids.org/buster/parentsteachers/lessons.html
Grades: Pre-K -2

Define the term UFO, share views and stories about UFOs and examine the structures and inhabitants of caves. Practice using new words in English about mysteries and caverns and new functional language about expressing amazement.

SOURCE: PBS Teacher Preview
http://www.pbs.org/teachers/preferences/,

GREAT INFORMATION FROM FELLOW TEACHERS

While at the Books, Books, Books workshop at Dawson Co-op, a fellow teacher recommended the Babymouse and Bone series as a good graphic novel choice.  Phyllis Hunt, Library Media Specialist at Magnet Cove Elementary in Malvern, decided to give the series a try.  Whoever passed the information along did a very good deed.  Phyllis has had great results using the series for grades K-6, with one student expanding her reading selections from art books only.  Students are asking for more, and the favorite friction series is Spiderwick Chronicles.

IN SEARCH OF SHAKESPEARE “PERFORMANCE FIRST” LESSON PLAN
http://www.pbs.org/shakespeare/educators/performance/lessonplan2.html
Grades: 6-8

Comprehend William Shakespeare's language by participating in exploratory, classroom performances of various plays. Interact with peers determining appropriate actions, gestures and sounds and listen purposefully to the text.

MATH AND SCIENCE

NOVA “FIRE A TORPEDO” INTERACTIVE/ONLINE ACTIVITY
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/lostsub/torpedo.html
Grades: 6-12

Investigate how a torpedo works, examine the factors to be considered in firing a torpedo and use this information to simulate sinking a ship.

THE LIVING EDENS “YELLOWSTONE: NATIVE AMERICAN MYTHS” LESSON PLAN
http://www.pbs.org/edens/yellowstone/teach2.html
Grades: 3-8

Examine Native American myths, summarize the myths in classroom discussion and write a myth.

PBS PARENTS GUIDE TO EARLY MATH “TIME TO MOVE” INTERACTIVE/ONLINE ACTIVITY
http://www.pbs.org/parents/earlymath/grades_games_timetomove_fla.html
Grades: PreK-2

Practice measuring and reading information in a chart. Measure the lengths of fish and compare the lengths with the lengths of fish listed in a chart.

CYBERCHASE “2D TO 3D MORPHING” INTERACTIVE/ONLINE ACTIVITY
http://pbskids.org/cyberchase/games/23dgeometry/index.html
Grades: 3-5

Investigate two- and three-dimensional shapes by turning 2-D patterns into 3-D cubes, pyramids and octahedrons.

SOURCE: PBS Teacher Preview
http://www.pbs.org/teachers/preferences/,

THE DEMOCRACY PROJECT “I.O.U.: AN INTRODUCTION TO THE NATIONAL DEBT” LESSON PLAN
http://pbskids.org/democracy/educators/nationaldebt.html
Grades: 6-8

Examine the causes, the consequences, the amount and the history of the national debt. Develop solutions for overcoming the debt.

SOURCE: PBS Teacher Preview
http://www.pbs.org/teachers/preferences/

NATURE “HIPPO BEACH”
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/hippo/
Grades: 6-12

Study a year in the life of the Luangwa River in Zambia, seen through the eyes of a hippo family. The film follows the fortunes of a "pod" of hippos, featuring a baby, his mother and his father — the dominant bull and master of "Hippo Beach."  Discover interactive maps as well as how water turns into stone.

PBS PARENTS GUIDE TO CREATIVITY: APPRECIATE - OR MAKE - A QUILT OFFLINE ACTIVITY/PROJECT
http://www.pbs.org/parents/creativity/tryhome.html
Grades: K-5

Explore geometric patterns and discuss the art of quilting. Arrange circles in a geometric pattern.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

FREE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS FEATURE AETN's ARKANSAS IDEAS PORTAL, LEARN NOW!  AND AETN VIDEOSTREAMING
http://ideas.aetn.org/workshops/ideas_workshop

"Getting Started with Arkansas IDEAS Online Professional Development:

• AETN Arkansas IDEAS and (B) AETN Videostreaming"  is an ADE-approved,  face to face, hands-on training series  designed to provide and establish access to online classroom and professional development tools for Arkansas teachers.

(A) AETN Arkansas IDEAS is designed to "walk" individual teachers and teacher trainers through the Arkansas IDEAS educational portal's myriad of resources, along with how to access the ADE-approved online professional development courses that are housed in the Arkansas IDEAS Learn Now! System. (3 TECH PD Hours)

(B) AETN Videostreaming provides hands-on experience selecting and using the vast array of free instructional video clips, images, and resources available to teachers through AETN Videostreaming, housed in AETN's Arkansas IDEAS educational portal.  Learn how to access and incorporate videostreamed resources to enhance your classroom presentations. (3 TECH PD Hours)

To register for any of these free workshops, call AETN Education at 1-800-488-6689 or send e-mail to education@aetn.org.  If registering by –e-mail, be sure to include:

• Name and school
• Phone number and e-mail address
• Session(s) requested