ARKANSAS STUDIES

DAISY LEE GATSON BATES
http://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/encyclopedia/entry-detail.aspx?entryID=591

This site at the Encyclopedia of Arkansas History & Culture will provide you with information, biography, photos, and links relating to the life and time of Daisy Lee Gatson Bates.  Her birthday is observed by a February state holiday.

NEW TRENCH IN THE CRATER OF DIAMONDS SEARCH AREA HAS UNEARTHED MANY DIAMONDS
 http://www.craterofdiamondsstatepark.com/.

A new trench called the East Drain was excavated in the Crater of Diamonds’  search area to uncover new material for park visitors to search. According to the park staff, the quantity and quality of diamonds coming from this area is significant, and  it has quickly become one of the most successful trenching projects of the past six years. Recently two large brown diamonds were found there by visitors from Arkansas and North Carolina. The first was a potentially flawless 2.44-carat diamond, and the other weighed 3.65-carat!  Put on your digging gear and join the fun!  

HISTORY OF THE DWIGHT MISSION SCHOOL IN ARKANSAS
http://www.encyclopediaofarkansas.net/encyclopedia/entry-detail.aspx?entryID=2473

The Encyclopedia of Arkansas History & Culture provides students with a look at the Dwight Mission School:  “the first formal Protestant effort directed at the education and conversion of Native Americans in Arkansas and was one of the first Protestant missions established west of the Mississippi. The mission was established in 1820 and operated in Arkansas until 1829.”

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

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ART AND MUSIC

PARIS: THE LUMINOUS YEARS TOWARD THE MAKING OF THE MODERN
http://video.pbs.org/video/1690715934/

1905-1930s brought creative geniuses to Paris to revolutionize the arts.  What brought these artists together?  Was it the Bohemian lifestyle, the fellowship of similar creative minds?  What role did poets play in giving voice to the paintings of Picasso and others.  Students may want to compare the works of these artists to identify themes and feelings.  What would it be like to live this lifestyle?  Laws against gathering in groups helped create “café society” in France.

TEACHERS’ GUIDES FOR GREAT PERFORMANCES
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/gperf/category/for-educators/
Macbeth - Educator's Guide
This activity-based analysis of the play is illustrated by various lesson plans and activities to assist educators in utilizing the PBS broadcast in the classroom.
Hamlet - Teachers' Guide with Video - Media for the "Opening Scene" Activity
This is important in the staging as it is when we, the audience, and the Court first see Claudius as King. The staging of this opening court scene is instrumental in revealing the relationships between the characters in Hamlet.
Hamlet - Teachers' Guide with Video - Media for the "Polonius' Family" Activity
Edward Bennett (Laertes), and Mariah Gale (Ophelia) decided that the words of advice Polonius gives are so familiar that the children know what’s coming. Watch the scene and compare it to how you felt about the characters.
Hamlet - Teachers' Guide with Video - Media for "The Role of the Players" Activity
Watch The Player’s speech immediately followed by Hamlet’s attempt to kill Claudius. What are the similarities? How important is it to look at these two speeches together?
Hamlet - Teachers' Guide with Video - Media for "The Role of Osric" Activity
In Greg Doran's rehearsals, the actors decided that Osric is a 'political flunkie.' Ryan Gage's character is incredibly detailed - Does the audience see the this?
Hamlet - Teachers' Guide with Video - Media for "The Final Scene" Activity
How did the choices the actors made differ from the choices of the group? What movements were the most effective and why? What was more significant gesture or looks?
Hamlet - Teachers' Guide with Video - Teachers' Guide
To complement the film, WNET.ORG, in partnership with the RSC, is offering a Teachers' Guide for educators to utilize the PBS broadcast in classrooms around the country.
Peter & The Wolf - Exploring Melody - Overview
In this lesson, melodies from Peter
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COUNSELING AND GUIDANCE

SOMETHING FOR PARENTS: TEN WAYS TO RAISE A GRATEFUL CHILD
http://www.pbs.org/parents/special/article-ten-ways-raise-grateful-kid.html?utm_source=newsletter1&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20101124

Gratitude is an attitude best learned at home. Find out how to give thanks daily and set a model that will encourage your children to appreciate life's joys.

SOURCE: PBS Parents

YOUR LIFE, YOUR MONEY: TOOLS AND RESOURCES
http://www.pbs.org/wned/tools_resources.php

This PBS site provides: calculators for spending, saving and budgeting; quizzes to test your financial smarts with some helpful and informative interactive quizzes; and a comprehensive glossary of terms and vocabulary.

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EARLY CHILDHOOD

SOMETHING FOR PARENTS: TIPS FOR WRITING THANK YOU NOTES
http://www.pbs.org/parents/special/article-winter-thankyounotes.html?utm_source=newsletter1&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20101230

Now that the holiday gifts have been opened, show your children how to thank the generous friends and relatives who sent them. Teaching good manners and gratitude is a gift that will last a lifetime.

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

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GRANTS, AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS

GRANTS, AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS

YOUR SCHOOL COULD WIN ONE OF THREE WIRELESS LABS FOR THE 21ST CENTURY CLASSROOM
http://view.exacttarget.com/?j=fe5e16757363067a7417&m=ff2e16777762&ls=fddc1c7975620d747312767d&l=fe561576716d03747115&s=fdec15797165017f7c12757c&jb=ffcf14&ju=fe1d167970620378721273
Deadline: May 3, 2011
Interactive whiteboards, notebook computers, tablet PCs, a wireless cart, projector, digital cameras, and award-winning resources from Discovery Education-enhance your teaching skills with advanced technology. The possibilities are as limitless as they are wireless!  The more you enter, the better your chance to win.
Over the past decade, Discovery Education and CDW•G have given away well over $2 million in education technology-making a positive impact on thousands of students by bringing advanced technology to school districts like yours.

FORD SCHOLARSHIPS FOR FFA MEMBERS

For the 14th year, Ford Trucks will award scholarships to FFA members on behalf of participating Ford dealers.  Up to five hundred $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to FFA applicants planning to attend an accredited two-year or four-year institution in any area of study.

Full details are available on the scholarship section at www.ffa.org.  Interested applicants can view the list of participating Ford dealers to see if their chapter has been identified. If a student's FFA chapter is not listed, they can still obtain the signature of any Ford dealer to be eligible for one of five, national Built Ford Tough - FFA $1,000 scholarships.

In addition to scholarships, Ford Trucks is providing a $3,000 grant in each of the six (6) NAAE Regions.  To qualify for the grant, an FFA chapter must have a local Ford dealer participating in the scholarship program and a minimum of three (3) high school applicants for the Built Ford Tough – FFA Scholarship.   

Need information on how to involve a local dealer in the program?  Contact Lori Randle via email at lrandle@ffa.org.  Please provide chapter number, zip code and nearest Ford dealership.

Grant Sources Arkansas Department of Education grant listings http://arkansased.org/programs/grants.html 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. Technology grants: http://www.vernier.com/grants/fulllist.html FREE makes it easier to find teaching and learning resources from the federal government at  http://www.free.ed.gov/. 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

HEALTH NEWS TO SHARE WITH PARENTS – SMOKING IN CARS
http://news.opb.org/article/4721-smoking-cars-kids-around-no-no/

The Arkansas Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education and the Arkansas Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems Partnership Council are partnering with the Arkansas Department of Health to implement this survey about smoking in cars in Arkansas. Your feedback is very important and your help is needed to complete the survey. Answering these 11 survey questions will take less than five minutes of your time. The survey results will be used to plan future activities to improve the health of our children, families and communities in Arkansas.

SOURCE: Arkansas Better Beginnings Bulletin

SECRETS OF THE DEAD “KILLER FLU”
http://video.pbs.org/video/1240086878

This program examines causes and effects of the 1918 virulent flu pandemic.
What can we learn from this deadly killer where “you feel good in the morning and you’re dead by lunch.”  What role did World War I play in the worldwide spread?  What caused this virus to kill the young and healthy?

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HISTORY AND SOCIAL STUDIES

EMBRACING BLACK HISTORY
http://www.pbs.org/parents/special/blackhistory.html

February often brings visions of sweets, hearts and flowers. But February is significant for another reason, too. It’s Black History Month; a time to celebrate the extraordinary African Americans upon whose shoulders an entire people were lifted. It’s also a chance to remember the considerable hardships these pioneers endured in pursuit of equality. This month and beyond, we encourage you to spend time with your child celebrating the countless contributions of African Americans. Start with these simple ideas contained at this site.

AMERICAN EXPERIENCE “ROADS TO MEMPHIS”
http://www.cybergrants.com/JordanFundamentals/application/

What prompted the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.? Was James Earl Ray motivated by promises of a reward of up to $100,000 for killing the Civil Rights leader?  Was it his admiration for George Wallace?  Join this program to evaluate the circumstances.  

SECRETS OF THE DEAD “SLAVE SHIP MUTINY”
http://video.pbs.org/video/1637171040

How did this mutiny mark the course of freedom fighters trying to return home to freedom?  What would your students have done if they had been part of this struggle?

HISTORY DETECTIVESPROGRAM EXAMINES OUR PAST
http://video.pbs.org/video/1565249292

Does a baseball scorecard mark the integration of baseball?  What role does a basket play in the life of a heroic Native American woman during the Modoc Wars?  Does a faded radio script relate to the secretive career of J. Edgar Hoover? 

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 

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.

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LIBRARY, LITERATURE AND READING

NEWBERY AND CALDECOTT AWARDS
http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/2011medawardwin.cfm

Newbery Medal

"Moon Over Manifest," written by Clare Vanderpool, published by Delacorte Press, an imprint of Random House Children's Books, a division of Random House, Inc.

Newbery Honor Books

• "Turtle in Paradise" written by Jennifer L. Holm, published by Random House Children's Books, a division of Random House, Inc.
• "Heart of a Samurai" written by Margi Preus, published by Amulet Books, an imprint of Abrams
• "Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night" written by Joyce Sidman, illustrated by Rick Allen, published by Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
• "One Crazy Summer" written by Rita Williams-Garcia, published by Amistad, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers

 

Caldecott Medal

"A Sick Day for Amos McGee" illustrated by Erin E. Stead, written by Philip C. Stead, a Neal Porter Book, published by Roaring Brook Press, a division of Holtzbrinck Publishing

Caldecott Honor Books

• "Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave" illustrated by Bryan Collier, written by Laban Carrick Hill, published by Little, Brown and Company, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc.

 

• "Interrupting Chicken" illustrated and written by David Ezra Stein, published by Candlewick Press

 Check this site for other award winning books, authors and illustrators.

FROG’S RHYMING MACHINE
http://pbskids.org/wordworld/characters/game_frm.html

Frog (and most preschoolers!) loves words that rhyme, like frog and log. Your child can help him find more rhyming words in this clever rhyming game.

MASTERPIECE THEATRE 2011

“The Unseen Alistair Cooke” February 6, 2011	This documentary chronicles the early life and work of famed Masterpiece Theatre host Alistair Cooke.
“Any Human Heart” Feb. 13, 20 & 27	Based on William Boyd's 2002 novel, this film shows us the 20th century through the eyes of a man who witnesses much of it.
“The 39 Steps” March 27	A re-showing of this year's adaptation of John Buchan's classic. A bored young man suddenly finds himself caught up in the intrigues of SN international spy ring in the days leading up to WWI.
“Upstairs, Downstairs” April 10, 17 & 24	This is a remake of one of Masterpiece Theatre's most popular series ever. The story picks up in 1936, many years after the original story ended. The house remains the same but the families and servants are different. This will follow the lives of both portions of the household in the years leading up to WWII.

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MATH AND SCIENCE

THE POWER AND MYSTERIES OF EARTHQUAKES

Students may want to combine the discoveries in these PBS programs to develop their own earthquake theories.  Deadliest Earthquakes´ (http://video.pbs.org/video/1690329036),  “Secrets Beneath the Ice” (http://video.pbs.org/video/1690316830/) and “Sinking Atlantis” (http://video.pbs.org/video/1204753806/).  What are the keys that unlock the mysteries?

MULTIPLY MATH SKILLS IN THE KITCHEN
http://www.pbs.org/parents/kitchenexplorers/2011/01/06/math-skills-multiply-in-the-kitchen/?utm_source=newsletter1&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20110113

Boost a child’s math skills in the kitchen with recipes that teach addition, fractions and geometry.  Children won’t be able to resist homework that they can eat when it’s done.

NOVA “SECRETS BENEATH THE ICE”
http://video.pbs.org/video/1700738538

What would happen if the ice of Antarctica began a meltdown?  Has this change already started?  Has this happened in the distant past?  Join the explorers trying to unlock these mysteries as they field test the “mechanical marvel” drill rig as it digs through years of Antarctica’s history.  You will discover how far back they are able to go.  Some of your students may be challenged by the technologies involved in the process.

CAN WE MAKE IT TO MARS?
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/space/can-we-make-it-to-mars.html

Can humans survive a trip to Mars and back that could take two to three years? This episode of NOVA scienceNOW examines all of the perils of this journey, including deadly meteoroids, bone and muscle deterioration, and cosmic radiation. Host Neil deGrasse Tyson checks in with scientists who are developing new ways to keep astronauts alive on such a journey. Among the innovations covered are meteoroid-proof materials, new space foods and spacesuits, and novel modes of transport, such as plasma rockets. This episode also profiles young female scientist and daredevil Vandi Verma, part of the team that drives the Mars rovers on the surface of Mars.

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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 in the 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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