ARKANSAS STUDIES

QUARTZ IN THE OUACHITA NATIONAL FOREST
http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/ouachita/natural-resources/minerals/quartz.html

Take an in-depth look at quartz crystal mining and its impact on Arkansas.

A CASTLE IN THE MAKING – OZARK MEDIEVAL FORTRESS
http://ozarkmedievalfortress.com/

Have you ever dreamed of medieval castles, the real strongholds of the past, built with quarried stones, felled oaks, forged tools, and bare hands?

Do you wonder how it felt to build these fortresses from the ground up? An amazing task!  Explore the plans and future for this amazing fortress.  For information about children’s educational tours visit http://ozarkmedievalfortress.com/en-us/teachers/come-with-us-on-an-exciting-educational-adventure.

ARKANSAS POST NATIONAL MEMORIAL
http://www.aetn.org/programs/exploringarkansas/archives/archives/arkansas_post_national_memorial

Arkansas Post National Memorial near Gillette was not only the site of the first European settlement in the lower Mississippi Valley, but also a Civil War battleground and Arkansas’s only Revolutionary War battle site.

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ART AND MUSIC

KEEPING SCORE: REVEALING CLASSICAL MUSIC
http://video.pbs.org/program/1295137935/

Join Michael Tilson Thomas and the musicians of the San Francisco Symphony as they take viewers on a journey revealing classical music’s universal connections to the human spirit.  Explore the music and compelling stories of composers including Hector Berlioz, Charles Ives, Dmitri Shostakovich, who each struggled with musical language as a unique expression of their ideas.

THE MUSIC INSTINCT “EXPERIMENTAL MUSIC” LESSON PLAN
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/musicinstinct/education/lesson-1-experimental-music/lesson-overview/81/
Grades: 3-8

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: PBS Teachers Newsletter
http://www.pbs.org/teachers/preferences/

FROM THE TOP: THEME AND VARIATION
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/fromthetop/for-teachers/season-2/211/theme_and_variation.php
Grades: 6-12

Learn about theme and variation as compositional formats and participate in altering a familiar melody through group improvisation.

SOURCE: PBS Teachers Newsletter
http://www.pbs.org/teachers/preferences/

GREAT PERFORMANCES “DANCING GOOD AND EVIL” LESSON PLAN
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/gperf/education/plan_swanlake_overview.html
Grades: 3-8

Create a pantomime, work cooperatively to conduct and share research, and identify and discuss how movement is used in dance to develop character.

SOURCE: PBS Teachers Newsletter
http://www.pbs.org/teachers/preferences/

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COUNSELING AND GUIDANCE

ARKANSAS IDEAS LEARN NOW! SYSTEM PRESENTS ITS NEWEST COURSE: ADHE – ARKANSAS SCHOLARSHIP LOTTERY TRAINING (ACT 606)

The Arkansas Department of Higher Education in collaboration with AETN and ADE announce the release of the much sought after COURSE: ADHE – Arkansas Scholarship Lottery Training (Act 606). This course is required for public school district superintendents, assistant superintendents, and grades 7-12 principals and counselors.

Tara Smith of ADHE presents the material in an easily understandable way and graded questions follow each video segment. The course must be passed at mastery level of 80% or better in order to receive professional development credit.

PBS PARENTS GUIDE TO CREATIVITY “KALEIDOSCOPE”
http://www.pbs.org/parents/creativity/sensory/kaleidoscope.html
Grades: Prek -2

Make a virtual kaleidoscope. Explore color, symmetry and rotation.

SOURCE: PBS Teachers Newsletter
teachers@pbs.org

HELPING CHILDREN WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES
http://www.pbs.org/parents/inclusivecommunities/learning.html?utm_source=newsletter1&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20091106

Because there are so many kinds of learning disabilities, it can be difficult to decide which teaching strategy is right for an individual child.

IT'S MY LIFE “RUMOR CONTROL”
http://pbskids.org/itsmylife/games/rumorcontrol_flash.html
Grades: 3-8

Explore the difference between harmless, hurtful and dangerous gossip in this online interactive game. Examine rumors that float by, toss harmful rumors in the trash and report dangerous rumors to the principal's office.

SOURCE: PBS Teachers Newsletter
http://www.pbs.org/teachers/preferences/

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EARLY CHILDHOOD

SEASON 40 SHOW HIGHLIGHTS FROM SESAME STREET
http://www.pbs.org/parents/sesame/about_ss_season40video.html

Tune in and see if you and the children with you can keep from smiling when you watch the wild and wacky characters from Sesame Street.

PBS BOOKFINDER HELPS LOCATE THE RIGHT BOOK
http://www.pbs.org/parents/bookfinder/

Help parents find books by age level, theme, or type.

WHAT'S NEW ON SESAME STREET?
http://www.pbs.org/parents/sesame/about_ss_season40video.html?utm_source=newsletter1&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20091113

Sesame Street has been on the air for 40 years, which makes it older than many parents out there! While the program still provides valuable lessons in life and literacy, it enters its 40th year with some exciting surprises.

DINOSAUR TRAIN “A COLORFUL HYPOTHESIS” LESSON PLAN
http://www.pbs.org/teachers/dinosaurtrain/lessonplans/hypothesis/
Grades: PreK-2

Understand and apply the term "hypothesis" while investigating the science of color. Practice predicting and mixing colors with colored water to test the students' hypotheses about color changes.

SOURCE” PBS Teachers Newsletter
 http://www.pbs.org/teachers/preferences/

PROGRAMS BY FOCUS AREAS

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GRANTS, AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS

KNOWLES SCIENCE TEACHING FOUNDATION
http://www.grantsalert.com/grants.cfm?id=4&gid=33319
Eligibility: At least a bachelor’s degree in science, engineering or mathematics received their most recent content degree within the past five years (Individuals currently enrolled in a secondary math or science teaching credential program are eligible if they are within five years of their most recent content degree and have not completed their teaching credential before December 2009.)
Maximum Award: $150
Deadline: Jan. 13, 2010

Applications are now being accepted for one of the most generous and comprehensive teaching fellowships available for individuals committed to becoming professional high school science or mathematics teachers. KSTF Teaching Fellowships provide up to five years of financial and professional support to exceptional individuals as they begin their careers teaching in U.S. high schools.

SOURCE: Grants Alert
http://www.grantsalert.com/

UNDERGRADUATE INTERNATIONAL STUDIES AND FOREIGN LANGUAGE PROGRAM
http://www.ed.gov/legislation/FedRegister/announcements/2009-4/111709d.html
Eligibility: (1) IHEs; (2) Consortia of IHEs; (3) Partnerships between nonprofit educational organizations and IHEs; and (4) Public and private nonprofit agencies and organizations, including professional and scholarly associations.
Estimated Range of Awards: Single IHE: $50,000-$100,000. Consortia of IHEs/Organizations/Associations: $80,000-$160,000.
Estimated Average Size of Awards: Single IHE: $92,000.  Consortia of IHEs/Organizations/Associations: $130,000.
Estimated Number of Awards: 23.

The Undergraduate International Studies and Foreign Language (UISFL) program provides grants to strengthen and improve undergraduate instruction in international studies and foreign languages.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education

TOYOTA INTERNATIONAL TEACHER PROGRAM
http://www.toyota4education.com/
Eligibility: U.S. teachers grades 6-12 in all disciplines, with three consecutive years teaching experience
Award: fully funded 12-day study tour of Costa Rica

The 2010 Toyota International Teacher Program allows participants to explore Costa Rica's education, culture, and environment, examining how these affect industry and society in the country today.

SOURCE: PBS Teachers Newsletter
http://www.pbs.org/teachers/preferences/

INSTITUTE FOR INTERACTIVE JOURNALISM/JOHN S. AND JAMES L. KNIGHT FOUNDATION: NEW VOICES COMMUNITY NEWS GRANTS
http://www.j-newvoices.org/site/story/how_to_apply/
Eligibility: 501(c)3 organizations and education institutions, including civic groups, community organizations, public broadcasters, schools, colleges, and universities
Maximum award: $25,000
Deadline: February 15, 2010

The Institute for Interactive Journalism and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation New Voices Community News Grants will help fund the start-up of eight micro-local news projects and support them with two educational websites.

SOURCE” PBS Teachers Newsletter
 http://www.pbs.org/teachers/preferences/

TOSHIBA/NSTA: EXPLORAVISION AWARDS
http://www.exploravision.org/about/
Eligibility: Students K-12
Maximum award: $10,000
Deadline: February 2, 2010.

All inventions and innovations result from creative thinking and problem solving. The Toshiba/National Science Teachers Association ExploraVision Awards Program encourages kids to create and explore a vision of future technology by combining their imaginations with the tools of science.

SOURCE: PBS Teachers Newsletter
 http://www.pbs.org/teachers/preferences/

 

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

 

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HEALTH, SAFETY AND FITNESS

YOGA FOR KIDS!
http://www.pbs.org/parents/inclusivecommunities/yoga2.html
Grades: PreK-2

Many kids learn best through movement and play, which makes them ideal students of yoga. Find out how downward dog and sun salutations can help your child balance both body and mind.

SOURCE: PBS Teachers Newsletter
teachers@pbs.org

IT'S MY LIFE “BONKO'S BODY QUIZ”
http://pbskids.org/itsmylife/games/bonko_flash.html
Grades: 3-8

Quiz your knowledge of the physical effects of tobacco and illegal drugs on the human body in this interactive game. Click on Bonzo's body to find clues to help you answer each question.

SOURCE” PBS Teachers Newsletter
 http://www.pbs.org/teachers/preferences/

BERENSTAIN BEARS “DENTAL DILEMMAS” LESSON PLAN
http://pbskids.org/berenstainbears/caregiver/outreach.html
Grades: K-2

Discuss reasons for brushing teeth and different foods and drinks that are helpful or hurtful to teeth. Explore what it's like to visit the dentist through role-play.

SOURCE: PBS Teachers Newsletter
teachers@pbs.org

SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN FRONTIERS “MEMORY TESTS”
http://www.pbs.org/saf/1402/teaching/teaching2.htm
Grades: 9-12

Explore scientific research that says continued brain activity may delay or slow the loss of memory function. Investigate and practice different techniques to increase recall.

SOURCE: PBS Teachers Newsletter
teachers@pbs.org

FIZZY'S LUNCH LAB LESSON PLANS NOW AVAILABLE
http://www.pbs.org/teachers/lunchlab/

Fizzy's Lunch Lab has arrived on PBS KIDS. Explore related lesson plans for this Web-only series on eating healthy food. Designed for elementary students, these lesson plans cover a range of topics such as the human body, cooking, literacy, mathematics and creative writing/art. 

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HISTORY AND SOCIAL STUDIES

AMERICAN EXPERIENCE TEACHER RESOURCES
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/teachers/index.html

The American Experience teachers' area allows you to search or browse over 1,500 features from more than 110 American Experience Web sites -- including timelines, primary sources, teacher's guides, maps, galleries, interactives, video, and more -- to find history, civics, and other social studies resources for your classroom.

SAN ANTONIO MISSIONS: KEEPING HISTORY ALIVE
http://video.pbs.org/video/1185040258

Experience the traditions and historic mission sites of San Antonio and the impact of one woman’s determination to restore these historic sites.

THE STORY OF INDIA TEACHER RESOURCES AND LESSON PLANS
http://www.pbs.org/thestoryofindia/

Michael Wood's epic series. Lesson plan and rich resources enliven the history of India for students in the classroom.

SOURCE: PBS Teachers Newsletter
http://www.pbs.org/teachers/preferences/

AMERICAN EXPERIENCE “A MIDWIFE’S TALE”
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/midwife/gallery/index.html

In 1785 Martha Ballard began the diary that she would keep for the next 27 years, until her death. At a time when fewer than half the women in America were literate, Ballard faithfully recorded the weather, her daily household tasks, her midwifery duties (she delivered close to a thousand babies), her medical practice and countless incidents that reveal the turmoil of a new nation -- dizzying social change, intense religious conflict, economic boom and bust -- as well as the grim realities of disease, domestic violence, and debtor's prison.

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 

Jamestown Unearthed December 10, 2009	Take a look at how history is written and reevaluated as new methods of study are introduced. Using the example of Jamestown in 1607, explore the myths and misconceptions of that era: revisit the documents, artifacts, and other evidence through archaeology. Learn how every generation sees the evidence in new ways, and how this affects our understanding of the past.
Westward! Broadcast premiere January 14, 2010	Explore the story of the early days of American westward expansion. Daniel Boone recounts the exciting experiences and unexpected consequences associated with moving west. Learn about the risks and grueling personal hardships of creating new settlements.
The Slave Trade February 11, 2010	Beginning with the American Revolution, this program explores the U.S. law of 1807 that abolished the trans-Atlantic slave trade.Meet the people who were involved in or influenced by this pivotal legislation: the slaves, plantation owners, slave-ship captains, common seamen, government officials, Navy officers, and anti-slavery activists.
The Rights of Youth Broadcast premiere March 11, 2010	Imprisonment, whipping, forced transportation, and even death were some of the punishments that courts sentenced children to in the eighteenth century.  Witness how justice was administered at a time when criminal laws and sentencing guidelines made few or no exceptions for children.
Treasure Keepers April 22, 2010	You have seen their work in every museum, but what do conservators really do? Learn how conservators prevent or slow the damage caused by “agents of destruction.” Explore how and why preserving history is important for future generations.

 

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LIBRARY, LITERATURE AND READING

“LOOKING FOR LINCOLN THROUGH HIS WORDS” LESSON PLAN
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/lookingforlincoln/lessons/looking-for-lincoln-through-his-words/lesson-overview/230/
Grades: 3-5

Recognize the power of language through an examination of the words of Abraham Lincoln. Examine the text of the Gettysburg Address and other famous writings by our 16th president.

SOURCE” PBS Teachers Newsletter
 http://www.pbs.org/teachers/preferences/

AMERICAN EXPERIENCE “WALT WHITMAN: THE EVOLUTION OF A BOOK - AND ITS AUTHOR”
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/whitman/tguide/activities.html
Grades: 6-12

Explore the evolution of Whitman's poetry through a comparison of four specific poems, each added to one of the four printings of "Leaves of Grass." Consider contemporary events that influenced each poem's mood and theme.

SOURCE: PBS Teachers Newsletter
 http://www.pbs.org/teachers/preferences/

ACTIVITY PACKS: SHAKESPEARE AND THE RENAISSANCE
http://www.pbs.org/teachers/activitypacks/reading/shakespeare/

Explore the life and times of William Shakespeare, perform lines from his plays, study his characters and examine the rhythm of his sonnets. Explore the culture of the Elizabethan period and compare Renaissance society to today's.

SOURCE: PBS Teachers Newsletter
teachers@pbs.org

THE AMAZING COLOSSAL ADVENTURES OF WORDGIRL “AWESOME ALLITERATIONS!” LESSON PLAN
http://pbskids.org/wordgirl/parentsandteachers/pt_lessonplans.html
Grades: K-5

Extend vocabulary and think creatively by generating a list of alliterative words and use them to write an original poem.

SOURCE: PBS Teachers Newsletter
teachers@pbs.org

TEACHER RESOURCES FROM MASTERPIECE THEATRE
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/learn/index.html

Teacher’s Guides	Online teacher’s guides help you use these programs in the classroom.  Currently available: Endgame: Curriculum Connections – find innovative teaching ideas for using Endgame in a variety of classroom settings, from history to conflict resolution to media studies. (PDF — Acrobat Reader required)
Learning Links	Find general education links to support teaching Masterpiece films in the classroom.
Literary/Author Timelines	Interactive overview of important authors and their key works — in the United States, Great Britain, and around the world.
The Archive	Browse Masterpiece programs, online feature offerings, and more.
Book & Film Club	Find discussion questions, activities, and resources, plus general tips on creating and running a Masterpiece Book & Film Club.

 

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MATH AND SCIENCE

NATURE VIDEO ENHANCED LESSON PLANS BY GRADE LEVEL
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/category/for-educators/by-grade-level/

This selection of video enhanced lesson plans are ready for classroom use.  A variety of teacher resources are available.

“YOUR GUESS IS AS GOOD AS MINE” LESSON PLAN
http://www.edu-core.org/external/mathtek/resources/display.asp?id=262&subj=resources
Grades: K-5

Explore estimation as a tool that can be used in mathematics and practice making good estimates.

SOURCE: PBS Teachers Newsletter
 http://www.pbs.org/teachers/preferences/

FELLOWSHIP OF THE HUMPBACK WHALES
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/fellowship-of-the-whales/video-cooperative-feeding/5324/

What’s so special about the “bubble netting” method of hunting used only by these whales?

NOVA” “DECODING NAZI SECRETS: A SIMPLE CIPHER”
Interactive/Online Activity
Grades: 6-12

Describe the difference between "code" and "cipher" and decipher a simple encrypted message.

SOURCE: PBS Teachers Newsletter
teachers@pbs.org

“OF FUNGUS AND WITCHES” LESSON PLAN
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/secrets/previous_seasons/lessons/lp_salem.html

This middle/high school science plan includes an interesting and unusual way to introduce students to the kingdom of Fungi. Students learn about the historical impact of a particularly toxic fungus, before taking a more in-depth look at this fascinating kingdom.

CURIOUS GEORGE “SUPER BOUNCY BLAST OFF”
http://pbskids.org/curiousgeorge/games/super_bouncy/super_bouncy.html
Grades: PreK-2

Estimate how many balls are in a toy rocket ship. Catch the balls after the rocket blasts off and compare the actual number of balls to your estimation.

SOURCE” PBS Teachers Newsletter
 http://www.pbs.org/teachers/preferences/

NOVA “ASTROSPIES”
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/teachers/viewing/3503_astrospi.html
Grades: 6-12

Gain an historical perspective on the development of rockets and space flight, especially as it relates to spying. Explore what "resolution" means and how important it is to see details, and examine the dimensions of the International Space Station.

SOURCE” PBS Teachers Newsletter
 http://www.pbs.org/teachers/preferences/

“DIGGING FOR THE TRUTH” LESSON PLAN
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/secrets/previous_seasons/lessons/lp_gangland.html

In this high school science activity, students simulate digging for forensics evidence at a crime site. Each group is provided with a different medium containing evidence. Students must choose the appropriate tools to use in order to reveal the clues. Then they must be able to determine whether what they've found is relevant to the crime and how it relates.

“WHAT FLOATS YOUR BOATS” LESSON PLAN
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/secrets/previous_seasons/lessons/lp_dday.html

The problems of wartime often require creative solutions. The Battle of D-Day was no exception. This middle/high school activity has students learning about some of those historical innovations and designing their own creations, while at the same time learning about buoyancy and Archimedes' Principle.

DRAGONFLY TV “SURFACE AREA”
http://www.pbs.org/parents/dragonflytv/nano.html
Grades: 3-8

Conduct experiments that demonstrate the relationship between volume and surface area. Consider how scientists are creating more efficient solar panels by increasing their surface area at the nanoscale.

SOURCE: PBS Teachers Newsletter
http://www.pbs.org/teachers/preferences/

HOW YOUR MONEY GROWS
http://www.pbs.org/wned/more/facilitatorguide_ch4b_lesson2.php
Grades: 9-12

Explore terminology pertaining to financial investments and examine sound personal investment practices.

SOURCE: PBS Teachers Newsletter
http://www.pbs.org/teachers/preferences/

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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!

 

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