StationBreak
May 2010
ARKANSAS STUDIES
PARKIN STATE PARK “HINA LAWA LINOATOK: WE HAVE WALKED MANY ROADS”
http://www.arkansasstateparks.com/events/hina-lawa-linoatok-we-have-walked-many-roads-54546/
Location: Parkin Archeological State Park
Admission: $3 adults, $2 children ages 6-12, under 6 free
"We Have Walked Many Roads" depicts the history of the Chickasaw people from their creation to the contemporary life of this unconquerable people. The exhibit is on loan from the Chickasaw Council House in Ada, Oklahoma and will be shown at the visitor center through September. Call the park for more details.
CONTACT:
Parkin Archeological State Park
P.O. Box 1110
Parkin, AR 72373
Ph: (870) 755-2500
parkin@arkansas.com
Back to Top
ART AND MUSIC
“EXPERIMENTAL MUSIC” LESSON PLAN
http://www.ascd.org/programs/Outstanding_Young_Educator_Award/Outstanding_Young_Educator_Award_Program.aspx
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.
Back to Top
COUNSELING AND GUIDANCE
BUILDING BRIDGES WITH OTHER PARENTS
http://www.pbs.org/parents/supersisters/archives/2010/02/parent-to-parent-how-to-offer.html
Grades: PreK -2
Parents need allies instead of enemies as we raise our kids. But how should you handle it when you and your spouse or friend have very different ideas about how to handle a child?
SOURCE: PBS Teachers Newsletter
http://www.pbs.org/teachers/preferences/
HELPING KIDS WITH AUTISM
http://www.pbs.org/parents/inclusivecommunities/autism.html
With an estimated 1 in 110 children having an autism spectrum
disorder, chances are good that you know someone with the
diagnosis. Autism is a disability that affects the way children behave, learn and interact in everyday situations. This site will help you understand and deal with the condition.
SOURCE: PBS Previews
http://pbs.org/previews/
Back to Top
EARLY CHILDHOOD
PROMOTING INDEPENDENCE
http://www.pbs.org/parents/inclusivecommunities/determination.html
Parents want their kids to live happy lives, free from trouble and strife. But this doesn't mean we should solve our children's problems for them. Learn how to help young children develop self-determination.
SOURCE: PBS Previews
http://www.pbs.org/previews/newsletter/subscribe.html
TECHNIQUES THAT SOOTHE
http://www.pbs.org/parents/earlylearning/parenting.html?utm_source=newsletter1&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20100226
Become the best parent you can be by learning to read your little one's cues. Find out how to encourage your child’s emotional development and respond to stress.
SOURCE: PBS Teachers Newsletter
http://www.pbs.org/teachers/preferences/
WELCOME SPRING!
http://www.pbs.org/parents/supersisters/archives/2010/03/spring-has-sprung.html
It has been a long, cold winter in many parts of the country, which makes the arrival of spring that much sweeter. Help your children welcome the sunny days ahead with these simple ideas for celebrating spring.
SOURCE: PBS Teachers Newsletter
http://www.pbs.org/teachers/preferences/
TIPS FOR RAISING A READER
http://www.pbs.org/parents/readinglanguage/articles/cchoice/raising_reader.html?utm_source=newsletter1&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20100226
Teachers offer reading instruction, but parents can teach children a love of reading. Try these tips to help even the youngest children discover the joys of getting lost in a good book.
SOURCE: PBS Teachers Newsletter
http://www.pbs.org/teachers/preferences/
QUESTIONING STEREOTYPES
http://www.pbs.org/parents/childrenandmedia/article-stereotypes.html?utm_source=newsletter1&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20100326
Television shows, video games and ads often present people as overly simplified versions of familiar types. Challenge your child to question what she sees and hears. You can begin with these seven tips to fight stereotypes.
SOURCE: PBS Parents
PROGRAMS BY FOCUS AREAS
PROGRAM |
AGE |
FOCUS |
Arthur |
6-9 years |
Reading, writing, social skills |
Between The Lions |
4-7 years |
Reading |
Big Comfy Couch |
PreK |
Cognitive, social, emotional and physical development |
Caillou |
3-6 years |
Social skills |
Clifford Big Red Dog |
4-7 years |
Social skills |
Curious George |
3-5 years |
Science, engineering, math |
Cyberchase |
8-12 years |
Math |
Dragon Tales |
2-7 years |
Social skills |
Electric Company |
6-9 years |
Reading |
Fetch with Ruff Ruffman |
6-10 years |
Social skills, problem solving |
It’s A Big, Big World |
3-6 years |
Life science, geography |
Martha Speaks |
4-7 years |
Reading |
Maya & Miguel |
6-11 years |
Spanish language, social skills |
Mr. Rogers |
3-5 years |
Social skills, self-esteem |
Reading Rainbow |
4-8 years |
Reading |
Sesame Street |
2-4 years |
Reading, math, social skills |
Sid the Science Kid |
3-6 years |
Science |
Super WHY! |
6-8 years |
Reading |
Word Girl |
6-8 years |
Reading |
Word World |
6-8 years |
Reading |
Back to Top
GRANTS, AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
LEARNING IN THE ARTS FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH
http://www.arts.gov/grants/apply/GAP11/LITA.html
ELIGIBILITY: Nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3), U.S. organizations; units of state or local government; or federally recognized tribal communities or tribes may apply.
MAXIMUM AWARD: $5000-$150,000
DEADLINE: June 10, 2010
GRANT PERIOD: One year
The Learning in the Arts for Children and Youth category offers funding for projects that help children and youth acquire knowledge and understanding of and skills in the arts. Projects must provide participatory learning and engage students with skilled artists, teachers, and excellent art.
Funded projects apply national or state arts education standards. Projects may take place in school-based or community-based settings and should focus on children and youth in the general age range of 5 through 18 years.
SOURCE: GrantsAlert.com
2011 ASCD OUTSTANDING YOUNG EDUCATOR AWARD
http://www.ascd.org/programs/Outstanding_Young_Educator_Award/Outstanding_Young_Educator_Award_Program.aspx
ELIGIBILITY: A candidate may not be older than 40 years old at the time of receiving the award. A candidate must be a full-time preK–20 educator. MAXIMUM AWARD: $10,000
DEADLINE: Aug. 01, 2010
Begun in 2002, ASCD's Outstanding Young Educator Award (OYEA) Program recognizes creative and committed teachers and administrators under the age of 40 who are making a difference in the lives of children. These educators are developing and using best practices to ensure all children are healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged.
A candidate must be nominated by an eligible nominator; a candidate may not self-nominate A nominator must be a full-time preK–20 educator. Nominators may choose whether to inform candidates that they have been nominated for the OYEA program. A nominator may work with the candidate to complete the application. Nominators may access forms and submit nominations only through the ASCD Web site. .
SOURCE: GrantsAlert.com
TOSHIBA AMERICA FOUNDATION CLASSROOM INNOVATORS GRANTS
http://www.toshiba.com/tafpub/jsp/about/HowApply.jsp
ELIGIBILITY: Projects for grades 7-12 are eligible for funding
MAXIMUM AWARD: $5,000 and up
DEADLINE: Aug. 1, 2010
Toshiba America Foundation (TAF) is currently accepting applications for grants to support innovative projects designed by math and science teachers to make their own classrooms more exciting and successful for students.
SOURCE: GrantsAlert.com
Grant Sources
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
|
Back to Top
HEALTH, SAFETY AND FITNESS
PBS ACTIVITY PACK FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH
http://www.pbs.org/teachers/activitypacks/
Gauge your community's health, investigate the impact of rising health care costs and consider how your self-image is shaped by the media. Site includes links to relevant materials for your use.
SID THE SCIENCE KID “SUNBLOCK INVESTIGATION”
http://www.pbs.org/parents/sid/activities.html?sunblockinvestigation
Grades: PreK-2
Conduct an experiment to find out how sunscreen counteracts the effects of the sun and discuss why sun protection is important.
SOURCE: PBS Teachers Newsletter
http://www.pbs.org/teachers/preferences/
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/
“STEP BY STEP: KIDS TRIMMING DOWN” FITNESS & NUTRITION QUIZ
http://www.lpb.org/programs/kidstttd/education/index.htm
Grades: 3-5
Test your knowledge of children's health with this interactive quiz. Answer 20 questions about exercise, psychology, pediatrics and nutrition and then evaluate your understanding of this growing problem.
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 Teachers newsletter
http://www.pbs.org/teachers/preferences/
CYBERCHASE “CYBEROLYMPICS”
http://pbskids.org/cyberchase/math_and_sports/
Grades: K-5
Solve problems involving addition and logical reasoning in this interactive game. Compare best practice times of players to choose a team line-up that can beat Team Hacker in the Tri-additon.
SOURCE: PBS Teachers newsletter
http://www.pbs.org/teachers/preferences/
Back to Top
HISTORY AND SOCIAL STUDIES
HISTORY DETECTIVES INTERACTIVE GAME LET’S YOU SOLVE THE CASE
http://www.pbs.org/opb/historydetectives/games/onthecase/index.html
Grades: 6-12
Build critical thinking and inquiry skills by solving a mystery about an historical artifact. Select the most effective investigative steps for determining the solution to the mystery.
SOURCE: PBS Teachers Newsletter
http://www.pbs.org/teachers/preferences/
UPCOMING AMERICAN EXPERIENCE PROGRAMS
May 3 |
Traces the fateful journeys of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and James Earl Ray to their deadly collision in Memphis |
|
May 10 |
A fantastic sea adventure, a cautionary economic and environmental tale, and a mythic saga of man and nature, |
|
May 17 |
Devastating winds that can top 200 miles per hour. Storm surges capable of submerging coastal areas within minutes. Rainfall that pelts like bullets from the sky. Hurricanes are among earth's most ferocious natural forces. But how do these swirling weather patterns develop? |
|
May 24 |
At the height of the Great Depression, more than a quarter million teenagers were living on the road in America, many criss-crossing the country by illegally hopping freight trains. This film tells the story of ten of these teenage hobos -- from the reasons they left home to what they experienced -- all within the context of depression-era America. |
|
May 31 |
One of the most popular New Deal programs, the CCC put three million young men to work in camps across America during the height of the Great Depression. |
Back to Top
LIBRARY, LITERATURE AND READING
“F. SCOTT FITZGERALD: WINTER DREAMS” LESSON PLAN
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/lessons/f-scott-fitzgerald-winter-dreams/lesson-overview/1280/
Grades: 6-8
In this lesson plan, students will learn how F. Scott Fitzgerald used autobiographical elements in writing his stories, and they try a hand at writing a Fitzgerald-style story with autobiographical elements of their own.
MASTERPIECE THEATER “THE COMPLETE JANE AUSTEN” RESOURCES
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/learn/guides.html
Grades: 9-12
Examine how Austen's major works, such as Pride and Prejudiceand Northanger Abbey, explore universal themes. Consider to what extent knowing about an author's life affects appreciation of the author's work.
SOURCE: PBS Teachers Newsletter and PBS Online
teachers@pbs.org
MARTHA SPEAKS “SWITCHEROO” ONLINE ACTIVITY
http://pbskids.org/martha/games/switcheroo/index.html
Grades: PreK -2
Practice logic and matching skills as by sorting and organizing pictures so that the top and bottom halves work together to make a single picture.
SOURCE: PBS Teachers newsletter
http://www.pbs.org/teachers/preferences/
Back to Top
MATH AND SCIENCE
NOVA “HUNTING THE HIDDEN DIMENSION: DESIGN A FRACTAL”
Interactive: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/fractals/design.html
Online video: http://video.pbs.org/video/1050932219/chapter/1/
The image of the Mandelbrot set is one of the most recognizable representations of a fractal. But what's behind the entrancing picture? In this interactive, learn a bit about how PBS generated a version of the iconic image, and make and save your own versions of the set.
NATURE “THE RAVEN: CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSE?” LESSON PLAN
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/lessons/the-raven-creator-of-the-universe/overview/1505/
Grades: 3-8
Analyze the variety of ways that ravens have been perceived by different cultures and mythologies, including as images of death or ill omen. Use persuasive techniques to combat negative perceptions of the raven.
SOURCE: PBS Teachers Newsletter and PBS Online
teachers@pbs.org
NOVA PRESENTS “RAT ATTACK”
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/rats/
Once every 48 years, forests of the bamboo known as Melocanna baccifera go into exuberant flower in parts of northeast India. And then, like clockwork, the event is invariably followed by a plague of black rats that spring from nowhere to spread destruction and famine in their wake. For the first time on film, NOVA and National Geographic capture this massive rat population explosion in the kind of vivid detail not possible in 1959, when the last invasion occurred.
Read an interview with "Rat Attack" producer Jeremy Zipple, learn about the once-a-half-century mass seeding of the bamboo species Melocanna baccifera, and more on the program's companion website.
SOURCE: NOVA Presents
http://www.pbs.org/nova
CURIOUS GEORGE “BRING IT!”
http://pbskids.org/curiousgeorge/games/bring_it/bring_it.html
Grades: PreK -2
Count the correct number of squares that match the number on the spinner to move ahead on the game board. Find the solution to a math problem on a question square to move an additional square.
SECRET LIFE OF SCIENTISTS: CAROLINE MOORE
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/secretlife/scientists/caroline-moore/show/ask-caroline-your-questions/
Caroline Moore--who loves to sing, dance, and stargaze--is the youngest person ever to identify a supernova. View her video and blog page, then send in your questions.
SOURCE: NOVA Presents
http://www.pbs.org/nova
NOVA SCIENCENOW “THE SEARCH FOR ET: THE DRAKE EQUATION”
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sciencenow/0305/02.html
Grades: 6-12
Familiarize yourself with astronomer Frank Drake's equation for calculating how many intelligent civilizations might exist in the Milky Way galaxy. See what his current estimate is, then change any of seven variables to see how the number changes.
NOVA “HUBBLE’S AMAZING RESCUE”
http://video.pbs.org/video/1294298696/
Join the space team, engineers and engineers as they prepare and make repairs to the amazing Hubble space telescope on its last mission.
Back to Top
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Have you gotten your 60 hours yet? AR IDEAS provides ADE-approved online Professional Development opportunities at no charge to K-12 Arkansas Licensed Educators! Go to: www.arkansasideas.org . Look for: the "Educators Log On Here" button, the one with the big red apple on it, and double-click to register for your free account today!
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!
Back to Top














