ARKANSAS STUDIES

PRAIRIE GROVE BATTLEFIELD STATE PARK WALKING TOURS
http://www.arkansasstateparks.com/events/battlefield-walking-tour-42876/

Join a guide for a walk along the Prairie Grove ridge from the visitor center to the Borden House where the heaviest local fighting occured during the Civil War.

Tours of the historic Morrow and Latta homes  (http://www.arkansasstateparks.com/events/historic-house-tour-42878/) are also available.  The Morrow House was a Confederate headquarters prior to the Civil War battles of Pea Ridge and Prairie Grove. The Latta House belonged to John and Jane Latta, who arrived in Arkansas Territory in 1834 and raised 12 children.

“FREEMASONRY IN WASHINGTON” EXHIBIT
http://www.arkansasstateparks.com/events/freemasonry-in-washington-exhibit-50297/

This exhibit is about the Mount Horeb Masonic Lodge of Washington, Arkansas. Mt. Horeb Lodge No. 4 was one the first lodges chartered in the state of Arkansas in 1838, and helped organize the Grand Lodge of the State of Arkansas in the same year. The exhibit showcases various artifacts of the lodge, including the original 1838 charter and original officer jewels that were crafted by Augustus Crouch, the local watchmaker of Washington. In conjunction with the exhibit, a Washington “National Treasure” tour will be available for visitors interested in learning more about Freemasonry in Washington.

LEARN ABOUT DIAMOND MINING WITH CRATER OF DIAMONDS STATE PARK PROGRAM
http://www.arkansasstateparks.com/events/diamond-mining-101-53342/

Learn tricks of the trade during this demonstration of the sluicing method. This program is a “must-see” for first-time visitors!

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ART AND MUSIC

“ROUND AND ROUND (AND ROUND” SINGING ROUNDS
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/fromthetop/for-teachers/season-2/212/round_and_round.php
Grades: 3-8

Learn about the canon as a compositional form and connect what you know about singing rounds to the classical canon form.

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

“DRAWING BIRDS” LESSON PLAN
http://www.pbs.org/teachers/connect/resources/7435/preview/
Grades: PreK-2

Identify the different parts of a bird after observing details about birds, including their feathers and body parts. Discuss the variety of birds that can be found locally and draw a bird that was observed, focusing on the details.

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 Previews
http://pbs.org/previews/

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COUNSELING AND GUIDANCE

EDUCATION WORLD  “PARENT INVOLVEMENT IN SCHOOLS”
http://www.educationworld.com/a_special/parent_involvement.shtml

This Web site provides links to articles, ideas, and related links connect readers with ideas that can make a difference.  The volume of materials may be a little intimidating at first, but just take them one at a time, see what you might be able to use in your classroom. 

GEORGE SHRINKS “A FRIEND IS A PRESENT YOU GIVE YOURSELF” LESSON PLAN
http://pbskids.org/georgeshrinks/caregiver/outreach.html
Grades: K-2

Explore what it means to be a friend. Brainstorm, list and role play different ways to make new friends.

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

TALKING TO KIDS ABOUT HAITI
http://www.pbs.org/parents/supersisters/archives/2010/01/how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about.html

Even children who don't watch TV news may hear about the tragedy in Haiti from friends or neighbors. Kids may want to know what happened, whether an earthquake can affect their community, or what they can do to help. Get tips for talking about Haiti.

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

CENTER FOR EFFECTIVE PARENTING PROVIDES RESOURCES FOR PARENTS
http://www.parenting-ed.org/

The Center for Effective Parenting serves as the Arkansas State Parent Information & Resource Center (PIRC) which is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education (84.310A).  This program involves a multi-target-multimethod approach to improve the developmental progress of children and to improve academic achievement.

ENCOURAGING YOUNG WOMEN INTO SCIENCE  “THE MANY SIDES OF SANGEETA BHATIA”
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sciencenow/0404/04.html
Grades: 6-12

Hear bioengineer Sangeeta Bhatia talk about her life as a scientist who uses computer chip technology to find new ways to treat human illnesses. Understand her interest in science as a way to empower young women.

SOURCE: PBS Previews
http://pbs.org/previews/

SECRET LIFE OF SCIENTISTS “ADRIENNE BLOCK” ENCOURAGES GIRLS TO EXPLORE SCIENCE
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/secretlife/scientists/adrienne-block/

Meet geologist Adrienne Block, an Earth scientist who ventures to the coldest realms of the Arctic and plays the bassoon to boot.

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EARLY CHILDHOOD

KINDERGARTEN MONEY GAME
http://www.gpb.org/countonit/games/kindergarten/money
Grades: K-2

Learn to match the money paid for an item of food and the price requested for the item by moving pennies, nickels, dimes quarters and dollars to a picture of the food item.

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

PROGRAMS BY FOCUS AREAS

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GRANTS, AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS

AETN YOUNG FILMMAKERS SHOWCASE NOW INCLUDES SCHOLARSHIPS
http://www.aetn.org/programs/studentselects
Scholarship Amounts: $2,500 – four scholarships to graduating seniors
Eligibility: K-12 students
Film Festival Dates: June 2-6, 2010
Deadline for Submission: April 9, 2010

AETN is partnering with the Thea Foundation to award four $2,500 scholarships to graduating seniors in the following categories:
  · Screenwriting
  · Directing
  · Cinematography
  · Editing
 
The main stipulation is that in all of the submissions students played key
roles in the development and production of each project.  For scholarship consideration high school seniors must guarantee that they were the sole producer of the selected category during the creation of the film.

IMPROVING LITERACY THROUGH SCHOOL LIBRARIES PROGRAM
URL: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/2010-3164.htm
Maximum Award: $100,000-$600,000
Eligibility: LEAs in which at least 20 percent of the students are from families with incomes below the poverty line
Grant Period: Up to 12 months
Deadline: April 20, 2010

The purpose of the program is to improve student reading skills and academic achievement by providing students with increased access to up-to-date school library materials; well-equipped, technologically advanced school library media centers; and well-trained, professionally certified school library media specialists.

PBS TEACHERS “INNOVATION AWARDS” OFFERS PREK-12 EDUCATORS OPPORTUNITY TO SHOWCASE THEIR INGENIUTY
Other Prizes. http://www.pbs.org/teachers/innovators/
Eligibility: PreK-12 teachers

To honor and celebrate educators that engage students at new levels, spark their curiosity and tap into students’ “natural instinct to explore,” PBS has launched the PBS Teachers Innovation Awards. PreK-12 educators can enter now for a chance to win a behind-the-scenes trip to the premier annual PBS event.

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

“SEND A MOM TO CONGRESS” CONTEST
www.parenting.com/momcongress

Celebrate the achievements of parents who have made a difference in the fight for better schools by nominating them to represent Arkansas at the first annual “Mom Congress on Education and Learning” at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. this May.

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

GLORIA BARRON PRIZE FOR YOUNG HEROES
http://www.barronprize.org/
Maximum award: $2,500
Eligibility: Youth 8-18
Deadline: April 30, 2010

The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes honors outstanding young leaders who have focused on helping their communities and fellow beings and/or on protecting the health and sustainability of the environment.

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

NEA LEARNING IN THE ARTS FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH
http://www.arts.gov/grants/apply/GAP11/LITA.html
Award Floor: $5,000
Maximum Award: $150,000
Eligibility:

• State governments
• County governments
• City or township governments
• Special district governments
• Independent school districts
• Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
• Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
• Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
• Private institutions of higher education

Deadline: June 1, 2010

Projects must provide participatory learning and engage students with skilled artists, teachers, and excellent art. Funded projects must apply national or state arts education standards.  Students and their teachers will have the chance to experience exemplary works of art -- in live form where possible.   

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

“PRESCRIPTION FOR THE ECONOMY” LESSON PLAN
http://www.pbs.org/teachers/connect/resources/7510/preview/

Healthcare is a major issue in many homes across the country and in the halls of Congress. Much of the debate centers on healthcare coverage and the costs associated with that coverage. This lesson prompts a deep exploration of healthcare, particularly its economic effect on individuals, on employers, and on the overall economy. The exploration provides students with background and context to investigate healthcare legislation.
STEM EDUCATION RESOURCE CENTER
http://www.pbs.org/teachers/stem/
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Resources for Grades PreK-12 provides a variety of materials, including: resources for science, technology, engineering and math; professional development, free webinars; and a video collection.
DRAGONFLY TV “NANOSILVER”
http://www.pbs.org/parents/dragonflytv/nano.html
Grades: 3-8

Discover how nanosilver can be used to kill bacteria. Investigate the potential environmental hazards of a widespread use of nanosilver.

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HISTORY AND SOCIAL STUDIES

AMERICAN EXPERIENCE “AMERICA AND THE HOLOCAUST”
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/holocaust/

This site includes a teacher’s guide, maps, timelines and other classroom resources.

FACES OF AMERICA WITH HENRY LOUIS GATES, JR. “BECOMING AMERICAN”
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/facesofamerica/ 

Using DNA testing and genealogical research, Henry Louis Gates Jr. offers investigations of the family stories and ancestry of 11 renowned Americans. "The Promise of America" explores the dynamic and shifting relationship America had with her new immigrants in the 20th century. Part two of four.

SOURCE: PBS Previews
http://www.pbs.org/previews/newsletter/subscribe.html

NOVA “GHOSTS OF MACHU PICCHU: DRESSED FOR BATTLE” INTERACTIVE SITE
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/machupicchu/weapons.html

In this interactive artist's rendering, compare Inca and conquistador soldiers to see how markedly their dress and weaponry differed—differences that played a decisive role in the fall of the Inca Empire.

THE SINKING OF THE ANDREA DORIA
http://video.pbs.org/video/1312687902/chapter/6/

Watch and listen as survivors retell the events before, during and after the sinking of the Andrea Doria on July 25, 1956.  What caused the collision of the Andrea Dorea and the Stockholm?   What discoveries have helped solve the mystery of this disaster?

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 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

RETELLING STORIES
http://www.colorincolorado.org/article/13282
Grades: K-5

Encourage English Language Learners to retell stories using pictures and props to help them learn to organize and describe events. Help students develop skills in storytelling sequencing plot events and characterization.

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

“KNOWING POE” ANNOTATED POE
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 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 Previews
http://pbs.org/previews/

THE ELECTRIC COMPANY “SORTING SOUNDS”
http://pbskids.org/electriccompany/#/games/sortitout/
Grades: K-5

Examine consonants that make two different sounds. Sort words based on their hard or soft consonant sounds.

SOURCE: PBS Previews
http://pbs.org/previews/ 

UPCOMING MASTERPIECE THEATRE PROGRAMS
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/schedule/

Sharpe’s Challenge March 28, 9-11 p.m.	The adventures of Colonel Richard Sharpe continue as he leads a ragtag party of civilians and soldiers on a march across India, with the murderous army of an opium lord in hot pursuit.
The Diary of Anne Frank April 11, 9-11 p.m.	The most accurate adaptation of Anne Frank's account of hiding from the Nazis stars newcomer Ellie Kendrick as the maturing teenager undergoing an extraordinary ordeal. The Diary of Anne Frank airs on Holocaust Remembrance Day,
A Small Island April 18-25, 9-10:30 p.m.	When an ambitious Jamaican woman moves to gritty post-war London, she finds that the "Mother Country" is not the land of opportunity she had imagined.

 

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MATH AND SCIENCE

STEM EDUCATION RESOURCE CENTER
http://www.pbs.org/teachers/stem/
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Resources for Grades PreK-12 provides a variety of materials, including: resources for science, technology, engineering and math; professional development, free webinars; and a video collection.
FRONTLINE "DIGITAL NATION" ONLINE RESOURCES FOR TEACHERS
http://www.pbs.org/frontline/digitalnation/resources/

FRONTLINE "Digital Nation" teacher resources are now available! This series of interactive resources will help teachers deepen their knowledge of how digital technology is transforming our society.  You can join the debate over appropriate uses of digital technology in the classroom.

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

PBS TEACHERS OFFERS NEW COLLECTION OF RESOURCES FOR TEACHING CRITICAL ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL LITERACY SKILL
http://www.pbs.org/teachers/access-analyze-act-economy/

Based on the recent global financial crisis, to help students understand complex economic concepts, PBS Teachers has developed Access, Analyze, Act: From Economic Theory to Financial Reality.   This is a special collection of educational digital media resources about the economy for use in school and home learning environments. 

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

SID THE SCIENCE KID “TEMPERATURE INVESTIGATION”
http://www.pbs.org/parents/sid/activities.html?temperatureinvestigation
Grades: PreK -2

Measure the temperatures of ice water and lukewarm water with a thermometer. Predict what will happen to the thermometer when measuring something cold and when measuring something hot.

SOURCE: PBS Previews
http://pbs.org/previews/

MATHTEK “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 Previews
http://pbs.org/previews/

CONCEPTS ACROSS THE CURRICULUM “SUMMER SPORTS”
http://www.pbs.org/teachers/thismonth/summersports/index1.html
Grades: 3-8

Research summer sports associated with the Olympics, how politics have influenced the games, poems and songs about sports and sports injuries. Use math skills to investigate exercises and the game of baseball.

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

FRONTLINE “THE WARNING”
http://video.pbs.org/video/1302794657

What might have changed if the warnings of Brooksley Born had been taken seriously ten years before the latest economic crash?  Did the CFTC (Commodities Futures Trading Commission) have the right to regulate over-the-counter derivatives as Brooksley Born contended?

NOVA PRESENTS “MEGABEASTS' SUDDEN DEATH”
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/clovis/

Fifteen thousand years ago, North America was like the Serengeti on steroids, with mega-creatures roaming a continent teeming with incredible wildlife. But then, in a blip of geologic time, between 15 and 35 magnificent large types of animals went extinct.

NOVA joins forces with prominent scientists to test a startling hypothesis that may finally explain these sudden and widespread extinctions--that a comet broke apart in the atmosphere and devastated North America 12,900 years ago.

Follow the heated, decades-long controversy over North America's Ice Age extinctions, and more on the program's companion site.

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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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