ARKANSAS STUDIES

ARKANSAS’S FIRST PEOPLE AIRS IN OCTOBER
http://www.aetn.org/education/productions/arkansasfirst/home

Arkansas’s First People is a 90-minute program featuring unique perspectives on American Indian cultural legacy, archeological data, and interviews with modern tribal representatives of those who had and still have an impact on Arkansas.  The program will air Sunday, Oct 3, at 10:30 p.m., and Monday, Oct 18, at 9:30 p.m.

NATIVE AMERICAN RESOURCES
http://anpa.ualr.edu/

The Sequoyah Research Center and Native American Press Archives at UALR “provides research materials documenting all aspects of life among American Indians, Alaska Natives, and First Nations of Canada.”  This rich and diverse assortment of resources enables visitors to the Web site the opportunity to explore the Native American experience.

13TH ANNUAL MOUNTAIN RENDEZVOUS AT PETIT JEAN STATE PARK
http://www.petitjeanstatepark.com/things_to_do/calendar-detail.aspx?id=49924
Dates: November 26-28, 2010
Contact: (501) 727-5441, petitjean@arkansas.com
Admission: Free

Experience a primitive camp, and learn some of the survival skills used by Arkansas pioneers. Watch a variety of demonstrations including muzzleloading rifles, tomahawk throwing and more! The event is co-sponsored by the Early Arkansaw Reenactor Association. You may contact the park for a schedule.

STEAMBOATS IN ARKANSAS
http://www.encyclopediaofarkansas.net/encyclopedia/entry-detail.aspx?search=1&entryID=4466#

This site of the Arkansas Encyclopedia of History and Culture takes a look at the history and importance of steamboats to Arkansas.  The site includes several vintage photos and background material to bring Arkansas history to life.

MID-AMERICA SCIENCE MUSEUM FIELD TRIP
Dates/Times: Any Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: $6 + tax per person for any group of 15 people or more with prior reservation

Bring the science curriculum frameworks to life and connect classroom concepts to real world, hands-on experiences! One free adult for every 10 students and bus drivers are also free. For more information and teacher tools such as framework correlations visit http://www.midamericamuseum.org/content.php?id=16  or contact groups@midamericamuseum.org 501-767-3461 x13

CIVIL WAR BATTLE OF PINE BLUFF, OCT. 25, 1863
http://www.nps.gov/hps/abpp/battles/ar011.htm
Pine Bluff was in a critical geographic location during the Civil War and was attacked by Rebels in 1863.  After attempting to take the court square by force and facing a barricade of cotton bales erected by African American troops, the Rebels retreated, leaving Pine Bluff to the Federals.

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.

DATE	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

Back to Top

ART AND MUSIC

AFRICAN ARTS AND MUSIC LESSON PLAN
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/africa/tools/music/goals.html

In this lesson, students will gain an overview of the art and music that represent the diverse regions of Africa. They will read picture books, listen to folktales, and research the history of Kente cloth. They will have opportunities to create original art, learn about and make African crafts, listen to selections of African music, and explore numerous Web sites that depict images of many different kinds of art forms. They will also create and act out a dramatic presentation based on what they have learned about Africa.

GREAT MUSEUMS WEB SITE OFFERS ACCESS TO SOME OF THE NATION’S MOST INTERESTING MUSEUMS
http://www.hulu.com/great-museums

This site opens the doors to an assortment of great museums of the United States.  Students can experience the world of New York firefighters, the African American experience, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and collections from the everyday to the glorious.  This is a trail of adventure worth travelling. 

Back to Top

COUNSELING AND GUIDANCE

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS AIRS OCTOBER 28, 7 P.M.

Did you know that one in every four women in Arkansas, and one in every six men, report domestic violence? The FBI says that domestic violence is the most under-reported crime. “Telling Amy’s Story” tells the story of the tragic death of Amy McGhee, a domestic violence victim and former Verizon Wireless employee.

There will be a follow-up crisis hotline for Arkansans who may need support and don't know where to go. AETN is working closely with domestic violence prevention advocates around the state including the Arkansas Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Women and Children First to reach those in need. The program and follow-up air on AETN Oct. 28, 2010, at 7 p.m.

MINDS ON THE EDGE: FACING MENTAL ILLNESS
http://www.mindsontheedge.org/

This site allows you to watch the program, examine individual stories and decide what you would do.

IT CAN BE DONE: TURNING AROUND AMERICA'S LOWEST ACHIEVING SCHOOLS
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUW6letrwYY

This program looks at the four models mandated for selected underperforming schools throughout the nation.  The four options for correction are: (1) close underperforming schools and send children to other schools; (2) turnaround; (3) close the school and re-start as a public charter school; and (4) school transformation.  Explore these options and outcomes.

Back to Top

EARLY CHILDHOOD

SHOULD PRESCHOOLERS PLAY VIDEO GAMES?
http://www.pbs.org/parents/childrenandmedia/videogames-preschool.html?utm_source=newsletter1&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20100916

Digital media is everywhere, even in the hands of the youngest children. Find out how to make sure video games are appropriate for your kids and how to help them get the most out of these games.

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

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

Back to Top

GRANTS, AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS

SIEMENS WE CAN CHANGE THE WORLD CHALLENGE FOR GRADES K-12
Registration: http://www.wecanchange.com/
Awards: Up to $50,000 in scholarships, trips and prizes

The Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge is now open for students in grades K-12.  Teachers and students are invited to become “Agents of Change”   Teachers and students work collaboratively to identify environmental concerns in their own schools, communities and beyond and come up with solutions that just might change the world.

2011 SEAWORLD & BUSCH GARDENS ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE AWARDS
http://www.seaworld.org/conservation-matters/eea/about.htm
Eligibility: All K-12 schools; non-profit community groups
Awards: $10,000 to benefit the award-winning project; all-expenses-paid trip for three (3) students and one (1) adult leader to a SeaWorld or Busch Gardens park for a special awards event
Number of Awards: 8
Deadline: December 1, 2010 

Previous award-winning projects have tackled a wide variety of environmental problems, including but not limited to: habitat restoration, school yard beautification, energy and waste reduction, environmental education and community outreach, wildlife protection, and natural resource conservation. Previous award-winners have demonstrated creative problem-solving, strong school and community partnerships, active student involvement, and significant educational and environmental impact.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) TEST FEE PROGRAM
http://www2.ed.gov/fund/landing.jhtml and
http://www2.ed.gov/news/fedregister/announce
CFDA# 84.330B, dated Sept. 1, 2010
Eligibility: SEAs (State Educational Agencies)
Estimated Range of Awards: $8,476-$4,377,999
Estimated Average Size of Awards: $438,280
Estimated Number of Awards: 42
Applications Available: September 1, 2010
Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: November 17, 2010

The AP Test Fee program awards grants to eligible State educational agencies (SEAs) to enable them to pay all or a portion of advanced placement test fees on behalf of eligible low-income students who (1) are enrolled in an advanced placement course and (2) plan to take an advanced placement exam.  The program is designed to increase the number of low-income students who take advanced placement tests and receive scores for which college academic credit is awarded.

FULBRIGHT-HAYS DOCTORAL DISSERTATION RESEARCH ABROAD (DDRA) FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
http://www2.ed.gov/legislation/FedRegister/announcements/2010-3/091710a.html
 Eligible Applicants: Institutions of higher education (IHEs).  As part of the application process, students submit individual applications to the IHE.  The IHE then officially submits all eligible individual student applications with its grant application to the Department.
Estimated Range of Fellowship Awards: $15,000--$60,000
 Estimated Average Size of Fellowship Awards: $40,000
 Estimated Number of Fellowship Awards: 150
Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: November 2, 2010

The Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad (DDRA) Fellowship Program provides opportunities to doctoral candidates to engage in full-time dissertation research abroad in modern foreign languages and area studies.  The program is designed to contribute to the development and improvement of the study of modern foreign languages and area studies in the United States.

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

Back to Top

HEALTH, SAFETY AND FITNESS

HEALTHY, FAST AND EASY BREAKFASTS
http://www.pbs.org/parents/special/article-healthybreakfast.html?utm_source=newsletter1&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20100902

Check out these six quick and easy options for a nutritional breakfast for your children.  They take just a few minutes and provide children with energy and stamina.

SOURCE: PBS Parents

FIRE SAFETY FOR KIDS
http://www.firesafety.gov/kids/flash.shtm

This site includes crossword puzzles, coloring pages, word search, Hazard House activity, as well as information about home fire safety, smoke alarms and escaping from a fire.

KEEPING KIDS HEALTHY AND FIT
http://www.pbs.org/parents/special/books-healthyeating.html?utm_source=newsletter1&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20100122

Young readers have many options for books relating to fitness and good nutrition. Many of them are lighthearted and humorous, which can go a long way in capturing a child's interest. What toddler wouldn't enjoy hearing about a dog using a hula hoop? If your kindergartner wants to learn yoga, how about getting tips from Babar the Elephant? Slightly older kids may be amazed to learn how monsters make good food choices.

SOURCE: PBS Parents     

Back to Top

HISTORY AND SOCIAL STUDIES

VISIT AETN'S 2010 ELECTIONS HEADQUARTERS
http://www.aetn.org/elections
Explore this site to learn information necessary for you to make informed decisions on Election Day, Nov. 2, 2010.
As part of its voter education services, AETN will broadcast the candidate debates. The debates will be held October 11-15, 2010 at the Donald W. Reynolds Performance Hall on the UCA campus. They are free and open to the public. View debate schedule at http://www.aetn.org/elections/debate_schedule. 

AN INTERACTIVE GAME TO TEACH  AMERICAN HISTORY TO YOUNG LEARNERS
www.mission-us.org
Grades: 5-8

Take young learners on a virtual adventure into American History with Mission US, the "revolutionary" multimedia project previewed at the 2010 Celebration of Teaching & Learning.

Mission US is a free, new interactive adventure game series designed to improve the understanding of American history by students in grades 5 through 8. 

Mission 1: "For Crown or Colony?" helps players understand the social, political and economic conflicts that led to the American Revolution by having them step into the shoes of fictional Nat Wheeler, a young printer's apprentice in colonial Boston.

Missions are standards-based and can be easily incorporated into existing history classes and curricula.  Learn more about how to incorporate the games into your classroom from the Mission US National Educator of the Year at the 2011 Celebration of Teaching and Learning.

HEIFER INTERNATIONAL LESSON PLANS
http://www.heifer.org/site/c.lwL0KlN1LvH/b.4128185/k.A461/Lesson_Plans__Resource_Kits.htm

Heifer International lesson plans and Global Education Resource Kits are complete resources for educators looking for fun activities that will help their students develop a passion for helping others. Each kit contains lesson plans, action ideas, activities, multimedia supplements and information about service learning programs. Lessons meet national learning standards, are flexible (use one or all) and help lead students on the path to active global citizenship.

CHURCHILL’S DEADLY DECISION
http://video.pbs.org/video/1492157105

Given the circumstances facing Churchill during World War II, what would your students have done?  Do students think anything less than the attack on the French fleet would have caused the United States to support Britain?  Why was FDR reluctant to trust British resolve to fight?

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.

Back to Top

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.

FREE MEDIA RESOURCES FOR THE CLASSROOM PRESENT READING ESSENTIALS

The Electric Company is designed to support young readers, particularly those who struggle, by creating engaging experiences that inspire them to find a meaningful place for literacy in their everyday lives.  The content helps teachers create and support lesson plans using TEC videos, educational activities, and interactive games for children.  To see how the program works, visit:

The Electric Company Working in Schools
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZMdpHBDL4Y

This 11-minute video takes you into classrooms in Oakland, Nashville, and New York City.  In the video, three teachers demonstrate how The Electric Company content complements their curriculum and energizes their students.

The Electric Company Primer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82JdoEXjlxc

This three-minute video summarizes The Electric Company project and offers suggestions for how an educator can utilize our creative content to support four literacy goals: phonics, vocabulary, reading strategies, and motivation to read.  The content includes lesson plans, take-home activities for parents and children, video segments, games, and full episodes of the show.

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

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.
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.

Back to Top

MATH AND SCIENCE

INTERACTIVE WEATHER TRACKER PROVIDES IMMEDIATE ACCESS
http://www.learner.org/interactives/weather/iceandsnow.html

Need a tool to help students understand the impact of snow and ice on the environment?  Look at the Weather Interactive, which focuses on ice and snow.  Of particular interest is the link to the National Snow and Ice Data Center at the University of Colorado.

OBSERVE THE MONARCH MIGRATION TO MEXICO
http://www.learner.org/jnorth/monarch/index.html

Report your monarch sightings! Report your own observations and track the monarch's trip to Mexico. Watch for weekly migration updates every Thursday, beginning August 26th.

JAPANESE SUPERSUB
http://video.pbs.org/video/1481015813

How did Japanese engineers design a supersub that overcame the challenges of an underwater aircraft carrier?

FOLLOW WHOOPING CRANES LED BY ULTRALIGHTS ON THEIR FIRST JOURNEY
http://www.learner.org/jnorth/crane/index.html

Year ten in the historic conservation project to reintroduce Whooping cranes to eastern North America is nearing takeoff. Will all the chicks make the journey safely? What highlights and lowlights wait as they migrate through seven states in their journey?

Back to Top

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

FREE AETN IDEAS PORTAL 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. Participants will earn three technology professional development hours.

For registration, please call 1-800-488-6689, or email 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