Saturday, January 01, 2005

 

Sat., Jan 1, 2005

Taken From:
ResourceShelf
E-Mail Reminder
Week 185
October 14, 2004
http://www.resourceshelf.com


Public Libraries--Children's Services
Source: North Suburban Library System
Know Kidding
http://www.nsls.info/resources/knowkidding/index.html
"Thanks to an LSTA grant, NSLS and a team of 40 youth services
librarians created a handbook for staff in public libraries."

Copyright
Source: Association for Library Service to Children, American Association of School Librarians, Young Adult Library Services Association
Who Owns Snow White? Copyright Issues for Youth Services Librarians
http://www.ala.org/ala/alsc/alscresources/forlibrarians/copyrightissues/CopyrightIssues.htm
[Shortened URL: http://tinyurl.com/4jxtk ]
"At the 2004 ALA Annual Conference in Orlando, the ALSC, AASL, and YALSA Legislation Committees presented the program "Who Owns Snow White? Copyright Issues for Youth Services Librarians." Copyright expert Carrie Russell, ALA Washington Office, discussed the dos and don'ts for children's and young adult librarians in public and school libraries. Click on the link below to access Carrie's PowerPoint presentation from this program."
http://www.ala.org/ala/alsc/alscresources/forlibrarians/copyrightissues/copyright_issues_Russell.ppt
[Shortened URL: http://tinyurl.com/5qt5x ]

Sports--United States
Source: National Museum of American History
New Online Exhibition: Sports: Breaking Records, Breaking Barriers
http://americanhistory2.si.edu/sports/
"Featuring artifacts from the Smithsonian's sports collection, this exhibition portrays athletes, focusing on their participation in significant events and the social contexts that influenced them. On and off the playing field, these undaunted individuals broke records for themselves and broke barriers for us all. The Web site presents material from the exhibition plus additional objects from the sports collection."

Languages--Webliography
Source: Interagency Language Roundtable
Webliography of Less Commonly Taught Languages
http://www.govtilr.org/Web_LCTL/Index.htm
"The following Webliography of Less Commonly Taught Languages (LCTLs) represents what is currently (in the year 2004) the most comprehensive compendium of online Internet materials for the majority of the languages listed. Depending on the language, available resources can include socio-historic language sketches, introductions to writing systems and phonologies, beginning and intermediate online tutorials and exercises, online dictionaries, media sites, cultural and target country materials, etc."


Displaced Persons--Map
Source: Global IDP (Internally Displaced Person) Project
Internally Displaced People Worldwide 2004 (.gif; 118 KB)
http://www.idpproject.org/images/website_maps/IDP_worldmap.gif
"Some 25 million people worldwide currently live in situations of internal displacement as a result of conflicts or human rights violations. They were forced to flee their homes because their lives were at danger, but unlike refugees they did not cross international borders (full definition). Although internally displaced people now outnumber refugees by two to one, their plight receives far less international attention." World map shows numbers of IDPs in different countries.


ResourceShelf is Compiled and Edited by
Gary D. Price, MLIS
Gary Price Library Research and Internet Consulting gary@resourceshelf.com


Contributing Editors
++++++++++++++
+ Shirl Kennedy, MLIS
+ Dan Giancaterino, MLIS
+ Steven Cohen, MLS
++++++++++++++


 

Sat., Jan 1, 2005 - Japanese Landslide / Great Moments in Science

Taken From:

9 October 2004 Earth Science Sites of the Week

*****

JAPANESE LANDSLIDE
VIDEO: Ebaumsworld, (suggested by John Nelson, Central Michigan University),
spectacular .WMV format video of a recent landslide in Japan that destroyed a road and produced a massive hillside scar.

http://media.ebaumsworld.com/index.php?e=landslide.wmv

*****

GREAT MOMENTS IN SCIENCE: Australian Broadcasting Company,(CD), looking for some short readings to motivate your science classes? "Dr. Karl," is the Julius Sumner Miller Fellow at the University of Sydney, in the Science Foundation of the Physics Department. He broadcasts an essay each week on ABC. "Karl has been creating Great Moments in Science® for many years now. They celebrate all sides of science; from sublime moments of deep thought to the most arcane and bizarre research imaginable. The universe is a strange and wonderful place and, in his Great Moments, Karl has scaled the highest peaks as well as turned over the pebbles to see what's underneath."

http://www.abc.net.au/science/k2/moments/

*****************************************
These sites are archived at
RESOURCES FOR EARTH SCIENCE AND GEOGRAPHY INSTRUCTION
at http://webs.cmich.edu/resgi



 

Sat., Jan. 1, 2005 - Psycport


Taken From:
*** NEAT NEW STUFF, OCTOBER 8, 2004

Psycport.com: Psychology in the News
http://www.psycport.com/[NOTE: Previously posted. - Phyllis ]

News stories on psychological topics, plus a searchable archive of
American Psychological Association press releases back to 1996
on mental health issues [ http://www.apa.org/releases/ ]
[NOTE: See also: Psychology In The News
http://www.psycport.com/psycport-news.html - Phyllis ]

----------------------
Neat New Stuff I Found This Week
http://marylaine.com/neatnew.html
Copyright, Marylaine Block, 1999-2004.



 

Sat., Jan. 1, 2005 - Tsunami / Trauma & Stress

--------Forwarded Message--------
From: Chris Smith (shambles.info)
Date: Sat, 1 Jan 2005 13:55:53 +0700
Subject: tsunami education trauma start of term
To: newsletter@shambles.net

I suspect there is going to be a lot of heartbreak this coming week when
schools start the new term and find that there are absences in their
community because of the Tsunami ... I had hoped I would be wrong but
have already heard of some schools that will suffer this.

To try and help in some small way I've collated some links to relevant
education resources which I've put on the front of http://www.shambles.net

Perhaps more importantly there is an area related to coping with
'Trauma/Stress' - advice and resources which can be accessed at:
http://www.shambles.net/pages/staff/Trauma/

Chris

Apologies for using the Shambles newsletter mailing list to send this
out ... but if it just helps one person then it will be well worth the
inconvenience.

=====================================================
"It's out there somewhere - the trick is finding it" www.shambles.net
The Education Project Asia : Chris Smith csmith@csmith.info
A consultancy designed to support International Schools in S.E.Asia
=====================================================


Thursday, December 30, 2004

 

Thurs., Dec. 30, 2004

Taken From:
More New This Week from LII Dec. 9, 2004
http://lii.org/mntw/

Ethnobotanical Leaflets: The Tea Plant
This overview of the tea plant (Camellia sinensis) discusses history, growing, processing, packaging, medicinal value, and tea traditions. Topics include tea leaf fermentation, processing of tea plants for tea bags and instant tea, and the Japanese tea ceremony. From Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
http://www.siu.edu/~ebl/leaflets/tea.htm
Subjects: Tea Plants, Useful More new

Exploring Earth
This collection of learning modules uses animations, simulations, interactive graphics, and other features to illustrate earth science concepts such as rocks, plate tectonics, volcanoes, earthquakes, glaciers, oceans, and the solar system. This site was meant to accompany a textbook (purchase required; site search requires textbook codes), but it can also be used as a stand-alone resource. From TERC, a nonprofit education research and development organization.
http://www.classzone.com/books/earth_science/terc/navigation/home.cfm
Subjects: Earth sciences Earth sciences -- Study and teaching
[NOTE: Home Page: http://www.classzone.com/
Other “books” include Language Arts, Social Studies, Math, World
Languages as well as other Sciences. Some previously posted - Phyllis ]

Copyright © 2004, Librarians' Index to the Internet, lii.org. All rights reserved.




 

Thurs., Dec. 30, 2004


Taken From:
======== The Scout Report ======
==== October 1, 2004 =======
===== Volume 10, Number 39 ======


PBS: The Question of God [pdf, RealPlayer]
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/questionofgod/

PBS may not have cornered the entire market on thoughtful and intelligent
television programming, but they certainly have garnered the lion’s share of
this type of material. One of the network's most recent programs (and this
website which accompanies it), The Question of God, is certainly proof
positive of this fact. The four-hour series (based on a popular Harvard
course taught by Dr. Armand Nicholi) explores some of the basic questions of
humanity, such as “What is happiness?” and “How do we find meaning and
purpose in our lives?”. The program itself does this by looking through the
lens of the eyes of two of the 20th century’s most well-known intellectuals,
Sigmund Freud, who was a strong critic of religious belief, and C.S. Lewis,
who was a strong proponent of “faith based on reason”. On the site, visitors
can learn about the lives of Freud and Lewis through excerpts from their own
writings, read synopses of the programs, and read other perspectives on the
question of God from such individuals as Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. and D.T.
Suzuki. Additionally, visitors can watch clips from the program and listen
in on roundtable conversations moderated by Dr. Nicholi. [KMG]


Teaching.com [pdf]
http://www.teaching.com/

There is much that binds fellow educators together, including a passion for
helping students learn and for creating supportive environments that both
nurture and challenge young people and their colleagues. Stepping into that
equation is the Teaching.com website, which serves as a place to support
these various activities. Here teachers can sign up to take part in online
forums such as “Teacher Talk” which allows K-12 teachers the opportunity to
discuss teaching techniques and trade lesson plan ideas. Another resource
offered on the site is the KeyPals Club. The KeyPals Club is “a place for
young people, teachers and students to locate and correspond with other
youth and students around the world.” The site also has a place where
teachers can share such ideas as “What was a piece of advice that was very
helpful to you during your first year of teaching?”. [KMG]


Avibase-The World Bird Database
http://www.bsc-eoc.org/avibase/avibase.jsp

Everyone needs one more resource about the birds of the world, and thisonline database may be the largest one available for the general public.Managed by Denis Lepage and hosted by Bird Studies Canada, Avibase containsmore than 1.4 million records about 10,000 species and 22,000 subspecies ofbirds, including distribution information, taxonomy, synonyms in severallanguages and other features. If that wasn’t enough material for the casual(or not-so casual) ornithologist, the site also has another section titled
“Bird Links to the World” that is worth taking a look at. Fashioned as anorganized omnibus of links to other relevant websites dealing with birds, itcurrently contains over 18,000 separate links. The links themselves may beviewed by geographic region, or by a number of thematic subheadings, such asconservation, humor, and images. It should also be noted that Avibase isavailable in nine languages, including Dutch, Italian, and Catalan. [KMG]
[NOTE: Previously posted. This is an updated URL. - Phyllis ]


The World War I Document Archive
http://www.lib.byu.edu/~rdh/wwi/

The ‘Great War” is sometimes overshadowed by the legacy of World War II, buthistorians and other interested parties never forget the importance of thisimportant global war that consumed the world in the second decade of the20th century. The people at the Brigham Young University Libraries haven’tforgotten either, and as such, they have created this archive of primarydocuments for interested parties. Here visitors can peruse hundreds oftranscribed documents divided into sections such as diaries, conventions,the maritime war, and the medical front. The photograph archive is quitenice, as it contains over 1800 photographs that document everything from therole of animals in warfare to various heads of state associated with thetimes. For those who are looking for specific material, there is also akeyword search engine provided here. [KMG]
[NOTE: Previously posted. - Phyllis ]


The Future of Genetically Modified Crops: Lessons from the Green
Revolution [pdf]
http://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/2004/RAND_MG161.pdf

Concern about supplying sufficient food for the Earth’s population has
concerned humankind since antiquity, and has been the focus of commentary
from such notables as Thomas Malthus and countless others. Most recently,
there has been growing concern about the so-called “Gene Revolution”, in
which “genetically modified (GM) crops are tailored to address chronic
agricultural problems in certain regions of the world.” Concern over this
question has led the RAND organization to sponsor this 116-page monograph
that “investigates the circumstances and processes that can induce and
sustain this new agricultural revolution." Authored by Felicia Wu and
William Butz, this document contains chapters on the 20th century’s “Green
Revolution” and “Lessons for the Gene Revolution from the Green Revolution".
Throughout the work, the authors also weave a insightful narrative that
assesses the agricultural, technological, sociological, and political
differences between these two different movements. [KMG]

>From The Scout Report, Copyright Internet Scout Project 1994-2003.http://scout.wisc.edu/




 

Thurs., Dec. 30, 2004

Taken From:
======== The NSDL Scout Report for the Life Sciences ===
======== October 15, 2004 ===
======== Volume 3, Number 21 ======

University of Illinois Extension-Schools Online: A Walk in the Woods
[Macromedia Flash Player]
http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/woods/
[NOTE Other adventures from Schools Online previously posted. – Phyllis ]

Are you looking for ways to get your students excited about spending time in
natural areas? From the University of Illinois Extension-Schools Online
Program, this website invites students to take a virtual walk in the woods.
This narrated cyberwalk was designed for third- to fifth-grade students, and
contains an accompanying Teachers' Guide with Illinois-based learning goals
and objectives, as well as a variety of extension activities. The site's
Nature Notes section teaches kids about acorns, chipmunks, conks,
cottontails, and more. The site utilizes great photographs, and includes a
nice collection of related links under the categories of Animals, Birds,
Trees and Flowers, and Insects and Bugs. The site even offers a preparation
section with tips for future sylvan adventures. [NL]


Owling.com
http://www.owling.com/index.html

This excellent web resource developed by owl enthusiast Dan Lockshaw "is
dedicated to the enjoyment, identification, and preservation of the North
and Central American owls." By employing a multimedia approach, Lockshaw
has created a type of super field guide for many species of owls including
the Spotted Owl, Great Gray Owl, Elf Owl, and Great Horned Owl--just to name
a few. The Biology section contains numerous owl profiles that include range
maps, and information about feeding habits, breeding, life span, habitat,
measurements, and more. The Multimedia section is full of great photos and
sound files, accompanied by brief field notes which provide visitors with
helpful information for identifying owls in the field. The site also
contains video clips; checklists for North American, Central American, and
Mexican owls; a Guestbook, a Recent Additions section; and an annotated
collection of related links. [NL]


ThinkQuest: Poisonous Plants and Animals
http://library.thinkquest.org/C007974/
[NOTE: The page on snakes was previously posted. – Phyllis ]

Did you know that platypuses are poisonous? Learn more at this award-winning
website about poisonous animals and plants which was created by a ThinkQuest
team of students (from two schools located in Bulgaria and the UK). The site
is creative and well-designed with descriptions for numerous types of plants
and animals including Hemlock, Potatoes, Poison Ivy, Jellyfish,
Rattlesnakes, Gila Monsters, and many more. The site also touches on
Toxicology, and contains a section addressing "the application of plant
poisons in medicine and pharmacy thus showing that dangerous substances can
sometimes be useful." The website is rounded out by a full page of
references, a glossary, and a collection of fun facts. [NL]

National Geographic: Coffee
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/coffee/

This artful National Geographic website serves up a virtual cup of coffee
legends and information. The website is better suited for coffee novices
than experts, as it provides mostly introductory information about this
widely loved beverage. Site features include brief descriptions of
significant moments in coffee history (beginning in Ethiopia around A.D.
800), an overview of basic roasts, and statistics for top coffee-producing
countries (with links to country maps). The site contains a National
Geographic magazine article about coffee from 1981; a list of related books
and articles; and links to related websites. Site visitors will also find a
Coffee Talk forum, which has not seen much activity in the past year, but
has the potential to be a center for coffee-related conversation on the Web.
[NL]


====== Topic In Depth ====
Nocturnal Animals
[NOTE: Sites not checked. – Phyllis ]

1. Island Discovery & Training: Nocturnal Animal Sounds
http://www.naturepark.com/sound1.htm
2. BioMedia: How do Animals See In the Dark?
http://ebiomedia.com/gall/eyes/nocturnal.html
3. Enchanted Learning: Nocturnal Animals
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/coloring/nocturnal.shtml
4. Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium: Creatures of the Night
http://www.fairbanksmuseum.org/CMS100Sample_CF/uploadedfiles/CREATURE.PDF
5. Science News Online: Deprived of Darkness
http://www.sciencenews.org/articles/20020420/bob9.asp
6. Wild Asia: Turtle Island's Nocturnal Visitors
http://wildasia.net/main/article.cfm?articleID=110
7. PBS-Nova Online: Night Creatures of the Kalahari-Zoology After Dark
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/kalahari/zoology.html
8. University of Utah-John Moran Eye Center: WebVision-Photoreceptors
http://webvision.med.utah.edu/photo1.html

Over time, human beings have blazed their way into the night with fire and
artificial light, but we are not true creatures of the night. This Topic in
Depth explores the world of nocturnal animals. From Island Discovery &
Training, the first site allows visitors to listen to the sounds of several
nocturnal animals. After guessing who made the sound, visitors can link to
information pages for all but one of the mystery animals (1). Next is an
information sheet (2) from BioMedia that answers the question: How Do
Animals See In the Dark? The third site, from Enchanted Learning, provides
coloring sheets and brief profiles for many nocturnal animals including the
Amur Tiger, Badger, Crocodile, and Kinkajou-just to name a few (3). From the
Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium in Vermont, the fourth website contains a
six-page lesson plan (for students in grades one to eight) emphasizing
different senses; and the roles and adaptations of nocturnal species (4).
The fifth site, from Science News Online, contains an article addressing
research on the ecological impact of artificial nighttime light on nocturnal
animals (5). From Wild Asia, the next site contains an article by travel
writer and environmental educator David Bowden, that describes his
experience watching a marine turtle lay her eggs on Malaysia's Turtle Island
(6). The seventh site, from PBS-Nova Online, briefly describes the work of
zoologists who study nocturnal and burrowing animals of the Kalahari (7).
>From this site visitors can also link to a section that discusses how
several different animals see at night. The final site, from the University
of Utah-John Moran Eye Center, contains information about the role of
photoreceptors in vision (8). This Photoreceptors section is part of a
comprehensive electronic tutorial regarding neural organization of the
mammalian retina. [NL]

>From The NSDL Scout Report for the Life Sciences, Copyright Internet ScoutProject 1994-2004. http://scout.wisc.edu/



 

Thurs., Dec. 30, 2004 - Good Nutrition

Taken From:
Date Sent: Wednesday, December 08, 2004 2:30 AM
Subject: [Refdesk site-of-the-day] Guidelines For Good Nutrition

Guidelines For Good Nutrition

http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?objectid=03653D0C-535A-4173-B87C8C3E1C28133B
[Shortened URL: http://tinyurl.com/6rsa7 ]
[NOTE: Other pages from www.mayoclinic.com previously posted. - Phyllis ]
The most recent recommendations come from the National Academy of Sciences' Institute of Medicine. These guidelines are significantly different from those of the past, particularly in regard to carbohydrates and fat. More fat is allowed, and carbohydrates have a lower minimum percentage — from 55 percent to 45 percent. This is due to research indicating that people with a certain body type and metabolic profile may benefit from fewer carbohydrates and more monounsaturated fat.

-----
Refdesk Home Page: http://www.refdesk.com




Wednesday, December 29, 2004

 

Wed., Dec. 29, 2004


Taken From:
======== The Scout Report =====
===== October 8, 2004 =======
===== Volume 10, Number 40 ======

From Haven to Home: 350 Years of Jewish Life in America
http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/haventohome/

There is much about the Jewish experience in America that is similar to that
of other immigrant groups, including the processes of acculturation,
discrimination, acceptance, and assimilation, to name but a few. This
special online exhibit from the Library of Congress features more than two
hundred objects of American Judaica from its extensive holdings,
supplemented by other items loaned by other cultural institutions. The
exhibit looks at the Jewish experience through such documents as the
correspondence between Newport's Hebrew Congregation in 1790 and George
Washington, where the president noted that the United States gives "to
bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance." The section titled "A
Century of Immigration, 1820-1924" is particularly rich in archival
material, as it includes images of a Jewish prayer book intended for
travelers to America and a beautiful woodcut print by Albert Potter that
documents the bustle and opportunity of New York's Lower East Side during
the turn of the 20th century. The site concludes with a list of suggested
readings and information about various public programs associated with the
on-site exhibit, such as film showings and lectures. [KMG]


Map-a-Planet
http://pdsmaps.wr.usgs.gov/

Since the explosion of online maps and related technologies onto theInternet, it has been relatively easy to find maps of any part of the Earth.Finding detailed maps of the various planets and moons that share theuniverse with us can be a bit more tricky. Stepping in to fill that gap inonline material is the Map-A-Planet site, created and maintained by theUnited States Geological Survey's Astrogeology Research Program. Visitors tothe site will be able create (and download) customizable maps of planetssuch as Mars and Venus, along with prominent moons such as Callisto (thesecond largest moon of Jupiter) and Ganymede, which is Jupiter's largestmoon. Visitors can also create various levels of maps, ranging from thosethat are quite basic all the way to those that incorporate more detaileddatasets. While the site is certain to be of general interest to mostindividuals, it may be of particular value to science educators who wish tooffer students a rather rich-textured view of these marvelous bodies. [KMG]


Orbis [pdf]
http://www.fpri.org/orbis/

Headquartered in Philadelphia, the Foreign Policy Research Institute has
provided intelligent and compelling insights into world affairs since 1955,
and their in-house journal, Orbis, has been a part of this effort beginning
with its first issue in 1957. The journal is edited by James Kurth, a
professor of political science at Swarthmore College, and is published
quarterly. The journal contains works that relate directly to American
foreign policy and national security, along with analysis of important
international developments. While the complete text of each journal issue is
not available, visitors can read selections from past issues (dating back to
2002), including pieces from recent volumes that have focused on
democratization in China and geopolitics in the 21st century. Additionally,
there is a trenchant piece from the Spring 2003 issue titled "Why Geography
Matters - ¦But is So Little Learned" that is worth taking a look at. [KMG]


Reading at Risk: A Survey of Literary Reading in America [pdf]
http://www.arts.gov/pub/ReadingAtRisk.pdf

While most people may think of the National Endowment for the Arts as an
organization that sponsors various cultural and artistic endeavors across
the United States, the organization also prepares research reports on
various topics, such as reports on the state of folk and traditional arts in
the country. Its latest report, which surveys the state of literary reading
in America, offers a rather sobering assessment of how much (or how little)
the average American does on a regular or occasional basis. Released in June
2004, this 60-page report draws on previous survey work to highlight some of
the trends in this area, including the finding that the percentage of adult
Americans reading literature has dropped dramatically during the past 20
years. The report reveals several other findings, including the fact that
literary reading continues to decline among all education levels and all age
groups. The report includes a number of useful tables, an executive summary,
and information about the study's methodology. [KMG]


Brennan Center for Justice
http://www.brennancenter.org/

The late Justice William J. Brennan, Jr. was arguably the most influential
justice of the Supreme Court in the 20th century, and weighed in with nearly
1600 opinions during his 34 years on the Court. To pay tribute to his many
accomplishments, the extended Brennan family and New York University
presented Justice Brennan with their gift of the Brennan Center in 1995. The
central mission of the Center is "to develop and implement an innovative,
nonpartisan agenda of scholarship, public education, and legal action that
promotes equality and human dignity, while safeguarding fundamental
freedoms." Along with public forums and various advocacy programs, the
Center coordinates thematic research in areas such as criminal justice,
campaign finance reform, voter choice, in addition to offering public
comment on various laws and relevant legislation. On the site's homepage,
visitors can read these recent comments briefs filed by Center staff
members, and also access some of their latest publications. One that is
worth taking a look at is "The Information Commons", which takes a critical
look at the ways in which various public interest advocates have sought "to
expand access to the wealth of resources that the Internet promises". This
and other insightful works may be found in the resources area of the
Center's website. [KMG]


BBC: Science & Nature-Birds [RealPlayer]
http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/animals/birds/

Britons are well-known around the world for their advocacy work on thepreservation on animal habitats, and for being avid bird-watchers to boot.This fine site from the BBC allows visitors to learn more about birdsthrough a series of informative articles, hands-on activities, and audiofeatures that profile various bird sounds. For an introduction to the birds"in action", visitors may want to take a look at their online "bird-cam"which features a bird feeding-station within the woodlands of NorthSomerset. The activity section features instructions on how to build a birdnestbox and how to build a bird table. The audio section is quite nice, asvisitors can listen to the dawn choruses of various birds, along with tipson how sound engineers capture the sounds of different birds while they arein the field. [KMG]


Downbeat.com
http://www.downbeat.com

Jazz lovers may already know about the magazine Downbeat, but others with a
developing interest in the current landscape of jazz music and jazz
musicians may want to take a look at this site. As might be expected, the
actual magazine is not available for free on the site, but there is enough
free content here to warrant several visits. For the neophyte who may be
looking to learn more about the history of the genre, the "Jazz 101" section
offers a brief overview of its history, ranging from the early days of
Dixieland all the way to the contemporary sound of people like Benny Green
and Marcus Printup. Other free content includes an artist guide, where
visitors can enter the names of musicians they would like to learn about,
and brief reviews of recent recordings. The archives section is quite nice,
as it contains classic articles on such topics as the hard times of Chet
Baker in the 1960s and the famous "Blindfold Tests". These "tests" featured
jazz musicians attempting to correctly identify a wide range of recordings
by fellow performers, and the ones on this site include Downbeat's efforts
to stump Elvin Jones, Charlie Mingus, Ornette Coleman, and Wes Montgomery.
[KMG]

>From The Scout Report, Copyright Internet Scout Project 1994-2004.http://scout.wisc.edu/




 

Wed., Dec. 29, 2004 - Science of Music

---------Forwarded Message--------
Site of the Day for Friday, October 8, 2004

Science of Music: Exploratorium’s Accidental Scientist
http://www.exploratorium.edu/music/
[NOTE: Other pages from Exploratorium previously posted. - Phyllis ]

Today's site from the Exploratorium's Accidental Scientist program offers a
surprisingly rollicking look at music from an unfamiliar perspective -- the
scientific. Gentle Subscribers will find the answers to a number of
queries, including that perennial question, "Why does that darn song keep
playing in my head?" The scientific answer ... Earworm.

"What is music? Is birdsong music? How about the tap-tap-tap of a hammer,
or the wail of a creaking door? Is playing a garbage can different than
playing a drum? ... Explore the science of music with us, through these
online exhibits, movies, and questions. Along the way, you can compose,
mix, dance, drum, experiment, and above all--listen." - from the website

This delightful presentation delves into some of the more knotty regions of
the science of music. Discover the science behind why some music causes
goose bumps; why singing in the shower sounds so great; why the bass from
the neighbor's stereo can be heard but not the treble. Additional features
include some thoroughly imaginative and fun interactive music experiences
such as the "Dot Mixer" and "Kitchen Sink-O-Pation" Flash modules.

Zip over to the site for a fascinating look at earworms, opera singers and
much more at:

http://www.exploratorium.edu/music/

A.M. Holm


 

Wed., Dec. 29, 2004 - Discover Classics

Taken From:
Posted: 10-01-2004 05:27 PM
Subject : [LIFE of Florida] Discover Classics

Music resource: Discover Classics

Features free, downloadable files of complete movements/works from nearly every genre of classical music. Includes biographical information on both the performers (all of whom are Russian) and compose...
http://www.discoverclassics.com/

Composers
http://www.discoverclassics.com/index.php?lt=c&do=pl

*************
LIFEofFlorida.org
Learning is For Everyone, Inc.
http://www.lifeofflorida.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=139
http://www.lifeofflorida.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=78&frmView=ShowForum&ForumID=7
[Shortened URL: http://tinyurl.com/32kvp ]




 

Wed., Dec. 29, 2004 - Nostalgia Index

Nostalgia Index – Music from the 40s, 50s, 60s & 70s
http://www.stinalisa.com/Nostalgia.html

Tuesday, December 28, 2004

 

Tues., Dec. 28, 2004

Taken From:
----------------------------------------------------------------------
LII: Librarians' Index to the Internet
NEW THIS WEEK for October 7, 2004
----------------------------------------------------------------------


Environmental Media Service: Climate Change Facts --------------
This site provides links to "notable scientific institutions and
studies that have found that industrial emissions are causing
global warming." Also includes information about the status of the
ratification of the Kyoto Protocol, briefs and resources about
selected topics (such as water and wildfires), and links to
related information. From the Environmental Media Service (EMS).

http://www.ems.org/climate/facts.html
http://lii.org?recs=023419
Subjects:
* Climatic changes
* Global warming
Created by: mcb

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Legends Online: Avedon: The Sixties --------------------------------
Excerpts from a 1999 book by photographer Richard Avedon and Doon
Arbus, his long-time creative collaborator. Features selected
images of '60s personalities such as Bob Dylan, Andy Warhol, John
Lennon, and Twiggy. Also includes an interview with Avedon and
Arbus, brief biographies of featured subjects, and a chronology of
events for 1960 through 1973.

http://pdngallery.com/legends/legends9
http://lii.org?recs=023398
Subjects:
* Avedon, Richard
* Photographers
* Portraits
* Nineteen sixties
* People
Created by: mcb

----------------------------------------------------------------------

A Reader's Companion to American History: Conscription ---------------------
An overview of the military draft in the United States from the
American Revolution through the 1980s (when compulsory draft
registration was instated). Includes a short bibliography. From
the Houghton Mifflin Company.

http://college.hmco.com/history/readerscomp/rcah/html/ah_019500_conscription.htm
[Shortened URL: http://tinyurl.com/ysf3k ]
http://lii.org?recs=023447
Subjects:
* Draft
Created by: mcb

----------------------------------------------------------------------

What Happens in a Draft --------------------------------------------------
Information from the Selective Service System about "what would
occur if the United States returned to a draft." Includes a
discussion of a draft lottery, classifications, conscientious
objection and alternative service, how the draft has changed since
Vietnam, and only sons and sole surviving sons.

http://www.sss.gov/WHHAP.HTM
http://lii.org?recs=023445
Subjects:
* Draft
* Conscientious objectors
Created by: mcb

-------------------------------------------------
Use of the annotations from this list must be accompanied by:
Copyright 2004 by Librarians' Index to the Internet, LII.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Thank you for using Librarians' Index to the Internet!

Karen G. Schneider, kgs@lii.org
LII New This Week Listowner, and Director, Librarians' Index to the Internet
Information You Can Trust!
http://lii.org/




 

Tues., Dec. 28, 2004

Taken From:

Date Sent: Monday, October 04, 2004 4:20 PM
Subject: Blue Web'n Update: Updates 1 Oct 2004

Blue Web'n Update lists the additions to SBC's Blue Web'n Library
located at http://www.kn.sbc.com/wired/bluewebn/

--------------------------
Useless Eaters: Disability as Genocidal Marker in Nazi Germany
http://www.regent.edu/admin/ctl/uselesseaters/

The methods used for mass extermination in the Nazi death camps
originated and were perfected in earlier use against people with
physical, emotional, and intellectual disabilities. Developed from the
article by Dr. Mark Mostert, this website describes the historical
context of attitudes toward people with disabilities in Germany and how
this context produced mass murder of people with disabilities prior to
and during the early years of World War II. Major sections are
Historical Underpinnings, Genocidal Markers, and Implications for
Today. Take some time to explore as there is much to be found within
each section. Sound can be turned off using menu on top left. Full text
of the article also available for download (pdf). Requires Flash. From
the Center for Teaching and Learning, Regent University Drive, Virginia
Beach, VA.

Grade Level: Elementary, Middle School, High School
Content Area: History & Social Studies (Human Rights), History & Social
Studies (World History) [Dewey #361]
Application type: Information Resources

----------------------------------

Global Warming Facts and Our Future (Koshland Science Museum)
http://www.koshlandsciencemuseum.org/exhibitgcc/index.jsp
[NOTE: Previously posted. - Phyllis ]

Climate Warming Is a Global Problem; but the impacts and potential
solutions will affect us locally and in many different ways. The
challenge for each of us and for our policy makers is to pursue
effective responses that are as fair as possible to all people and
nations. In this exhibition the National Academies provide scientific
information to help us make informed decisions and to help answer some
important questions. Sections cover The Greenhouse Effect , Carbon
Cycle, Causes of Change, Past Change, Predicted Change, Impacts of
Change, and Responses to Change. While the focus is on visiting the
Koshland Science Museum, there are additional pre- and post-activities
which adhere to the National Academies' National Science Education
Standards in the Teaching and Learning section. Requires Flash.

Grade Level: Elementary, Middle School, High School
Content Area: Education (Curriculum), Science (Environmental Studies)
[Dewey #570]
Application type: Information Resources

-------------------------

Wolf Spiders
http://www.accessexcellence.org/LC/SS/wolf_spider/
[NOTE: Other pages from accessexcellence.org previously posted. - Phyllis]

Wolf spiders, members of the family Lycosidae, are common and abundantin many different habitats and can be an excellent animal to keep alivein the classroom for studying behavior. This guide is an introduction towolf spiders and how to study them. It is designed to provide theinformation necessary for getting started on research projects, and itis a resource for finding additional information. This simple siteconsists of the following: How to Find Spiders; Housing Spiders in theClassroom; Sexing Spiders and Determining Maturity; Spider Activitiesand How to Participate; References, Resources, and Websites; and a WolfSpider Message Board. A good photo of the spider for identificationpurposes would add to the site value. Includes a project component. ByGail E. Stratton, Rhodes College.
Grade Level: Early Childhood (K-2), Elementary, Middle School, HighSchool
Content Area: Science (Life Science) [Dewey #570]
Application type: Information Resources, Tutorials, Projects

********************


 

Tues., Dec. 28, 2004


Taken From:
======== The NSDL Scout Report for the Physical Sciences =====
====== October 1, 2004 ======
===== Volume 3, Number 20 ======

Water on the Web [gif, Java]
http://waterontheweb.org/index.html
Scientists and professionals from numerous organizations have collaborated to provide college and high school students with a plethora of tutorials andmodules to help them "understand and solve real-world environmental problems." Users can find two sets of curricula: Basic Science for highschool and first-year college students; and Water Science for second-year technical students or undergraduates in water resource management, waterscience, or environmental resource management programs. The site offers links to animated data, maps, and auxiliary materials for lakes and rivers in the United States. By visiting a series of primers, visitors can learn about instrumentation, water quality, watersheds, GIS, and more. The website is equipped with a helpful glossary and a wealth of links. Frequent visitorscan check out the What's New page to discover the latest educational additions. [RME]


IN-VSEE [RealOne Player, Netscape, Macromedia Shockwave Player, pdf,MetaStream 3, Java, QuickTime, Windows Media Player, Cosmos]
http://invsee.asu.edu/Invsee/invsee.htm

"IN-VSEE is a consortium of university and industry scientists and engineers, community college and high school science faculty and museum educators with a common vision of creating an interactive World Wide Web(WWW) site to develop a new educational thrust based on remote operation of advanced microscopes and nano-fabrication tools coupled to powerful surface characterization methods." After reviewing a summary of the organization,users can view animations, lecture videos, and other images that demonstrate the interdisciplinary nature of modern science. The website offers anabundance of educational modules covering many fundamental scientific principles. Teachers can find out about upcoming workshops. Anyone interested in the incorporation of new innovations into science educations hould visit this site. [RME]


National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC): Antarctic Glaciers
Accelerating in Response to 2002 Ice Sheet Collapse
http://www.nsidc.org/news/press/20040921_glacier_acceleration.html
http://www.nsidc.org/news
[NOTE: Other pages from NSIDC previously posted. - Phyllis ]

This National Snow and Ice Data Center's (NSIDC) press release at this
website addresses the new findings of Antarctic glacial melting. Students
and educators can learn how satellite images assist scientists in studying
Earth's changes. Visitors can find a map of the study area, images of the
ice sheet, and a tutorial explaining why glacial melting has accelerated.
The website offers an abstract of the scientific journal article thoroughly
explaining the phenomenon. Individuals can find links to additional
information about this new discovery. [RME]


NOVA: What's up with the Weather? [Macromedia Flash Player, MacromediaShockwave Player]
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/warming/

At this website, "NOVA and FRONTLINE examine the truth about globalwarming." Users can read opinions of climatologists, biologists, businessmen, and atmospheric scientists about the realities and impacts of global warming. Students and educators can view a series of maps illustrating the effects the melting of the Antarctic glaciers could have on sea level. The site addresses the importance of ice cores and dating techniques. The website addresses the benefits and costs of renewable energy. By taking the Home Energy quiz, individuals can discover easy ways to save energy. Those, who have views on global warming they would like to share can submit their thoughts to NOVA. [RME]


American Meteorological Society: DataStreme Atmosphere [gif]
http://64.55.87.13/dstreme/

DataStreme Atmosphere, a major teacher enhancement initiative of the
American Meteorological Society (AMS), is dedicated to "the training of
Weather Education Resource Teachers who will promote the teaching of
science, mathematics and technology using weather as a vehicle, across the
K-12 curriculum." The website offers many radar, surface, satellite, upper
air, and forecast maps. Students can find a helpful key to weather map
symbols. In the User's Guide link, visitors can locate useful information
about equipment requirements, learning files, and numerous weather products.
Educators interested in participating in weather education can learn how to
apply to the DataStreme Project. [RME]

>From The NSDL Scout Report for the Physical Sciences, Copyright InternetScout Project 1994-2003. http://scout.wisc.edu/



 

Tues., Dec. 28, 2004

Taken From:
----------------------------------------------------------------------
LII: Librarians' Index to the Internet
NEW THIS WEEK for September 30, 2004-
---------------------------------------------------------------------

Chicago Renaissance ------------------------------------
This site provides essays on the "flowering of Afro-American
culture" in Chicago during the period from 1925 through 1950.
Includes discussions of developments in literature, journalism,
the arts, music, social science, and related institutions.
Includes images. From the Chicago Public Library.

http://www.chipublib.org/digital/chiren
http://lii.org?recs=023352
Subjects:
* African Americans
* African American arts
* Arts, Modern
* Chicago (Ill.)
* Black History Month
Created by: mcb

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Spinning the Web: The Story of the Cotton Industry ------------------------
This site brings together a "collection of some 20,000 items from
the libraries, museums and archives of North West England which
tell the story of the Lancashire Cotton Industry." Discusses the
British textile industry, cotton mills, the Lancashire cotton
famine, cotton districts and towns, living conditions of cotton
mill workers, machinery, uses of cotton, and much more. Includes
images and interactive features. Searchable.

http://www.spinningtheweb.org.uk
http://lii.org?recs=023335
Subjects:
* Cotton trade
* Cotton textile industry
* Cotton manufacture
Created by: je

----------------------------------------------------------------------

U.S. Census Bureau Question & Answer Center --------------------------------
Browse and search through hundreds of questions and answers about
population, demographics, and more. Sample topics include housing,
education, employment, and health. Users can also ask questions
and save answers; registration (free) required for these features.

http://ask.census.gov
http://lii.org?recs=023334
Subjects:
* United States
* Questions and answers
* United States. Bureau of the Census
Created by: kgs

----------------------------------------------------------------------

NOVA: Warnings From the Ice ---------------------
This site is a companion to a 1998 Public Broadcasting (PBS) NOVA
program about the possibility of global warming due to the gradual
disappearance "over the last half-century [of] the coastal ice on
the Antarctic Peninsula." The site features an ice-core timeline,
an overview of the Antarctic environment and wildlife, and images
of what the coasts might look like if the ice sheets melted. Also
includes links to resources and a teacher's guide.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/warnings
http://lii.org?recs=023346
Subjects:
* Antarctica
* Global warming
Created by: mcb
[NOTE: Previously posted. - Phyllis ]
----------------------------------------------------------------------

The World's Healthiest Foods: Black Pepper -----------------------------------
Information about this spice, including health benefits,
description, history, how to select and store, safety tips, and a
nutritional profile. Also includes links to recipes and a
bibliography. From the George Mateljan Foundation.

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=74
http://lii.org?recs=023357
Subjects:
* Spices
* Pepper (Spice)
Created by: mcb

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Use of the annotations from this list must be accompanied by:
Copyright 2004 by Librarians' Index to the Internet, LII.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you for using Librarians' Index to the Internet!

Karen G. Schneider, kgs@lii.org
LII New This Week Listowner, and Director, Librarians' Index to the Internet
Information You Can Trust!
http://lii.org/



Monday, December 27, 2004

 

Mon., Dec. 27, 2004


Taken From:
======== The NSDL Scout Report for Math, Engineering, and Technology ======
==== October 8, 2004 ======
===== Volume 3, Number 21 ======

TeacherTECH
http://teachertech.rice.edu/Lessons/

TeacherTECH is the teacher-training component of GirlTECH, a program of
Center for Excellence and Equity in Education (CEEE) at Rice University. The
project focuses on providing technology training and exploring "innovative
teaching strategies that impact equity in the classroom." TeacherTECH offers
lesson plans designed by teachers in a way that is intended to "take full
advantage of Internet resources and to teach mathematics and science
concepts in new and exciting ways." From this website, visitors can select
lessons by the year they were developed (going back to 1995) or search on a
particular topic or string of words. The lesson ideas are described along
with links to additional resources. The lesson descriptions include related
graphs, data tables, as well as suggested ways to extend the activity or
integrate technology.[K-12] [VF]


New York Times Daily Lesson Plan: Mathematics
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/mathematics.html
[NOTE: Previously posted. Other subjects also available. - Phyllis ]

These lesson ideas from the New York Times offer suggestions for ways to
draw on real world issues and statistics to develop lessons in mathematics.
For example, in one lesson "students convert statistics about gun injuries
into visual presentations, then use these as the basis for a poster campaign
to teach children about the dangers of guns in home" while another lesson
idea involves designing brochures that are intended to explain specific
mathematical concepts to a popular audience. Each lesson idea includes a
recommended grade level, subject areas covered, lesson objectives,
resources/materials needed, a description of the activities along with
handouts, further questions for discussion, assessment, key vocabulary
terms, and some ways to extend the activities and relate them to other
disciplines, such as social studies or journalism. Links to related Times
articles and related online resources provide an interactive aspect to each
of the lesson entries.[VF]


Visual Fractions [Java]
http://www.visualfractions.com/
[NOTE: Previously posted. - Phyllis ]

Visual Fractions is "a tutorial that offers instruction and practice in
identifying, renaming, and operating on fractions" and was created by
Richard E. Rand. The website reviews examples of fractions, which are
modeled with number lines or circles. Throughout the website are
instructions to follow, encouraging students to try a few activities on
their own. For a more light-hearted approach, Rand has a game that involves
using fractions to help Grammy find Grampy and to make treats for Grampy.
The software programs used to create the line and circle fractions, Fraction
Modeler and Fraction Maker, are available for purchase and described on this
website. [VF]


The Flip Site [Macromedia Flash Player]
http://www.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/mobius/flip/index.html

The Maricopa Center for Learning and Instruction, at the Maricopa Community
Colleges in Arizona, hosts this website on coin flipping. The Flip Site has
been keeping track of the coins flipped by the cyber-character, Mr. Flipper,
since midnight on January 1, 2004. They have even posted a graphic image of
Mr. Flipper, so visitors can see the flips "live." The results from the coin
flips are kept in the FlipParade section, where visitors can watch the
series of flips completed thus far. The database they are creating is
intended to provide "a number of ways to see some neat things about random
processes." To help visitors engage in some of these neat things, they
provide a query tool that will analyze the number of heads or tails that
appear in a row and suggest ways to set up experiments to look at the
frequency distribution of coin flips. A web discussion board allows
visitors to share ideas or ask questions, which Dr. FlipMiester, the
"resident expert on coin flips," will answer. [VF]


Symmetry and Tessellationshttp://ccins.camosun.bc.ca/~jbritton/jbsymteslk.htm
[NOTE: Previously posted. - Phyllis ]

This website provides 30 suggested activities in Symmetry and Tessellationsusing resources available across the World Wide Web. The author, JillBritton, has complied this collection of links to coordinate with thechapters and activities from her publication, "Investigating Patterns:Symmetry and Tessellations" (Grades 5-8). The activities begin with "What isMathematics?" and move on to cover topics such as Pythagoras´ observationsof music, patterns on Ukrainian Easter eggs, and tessellating art. Sheprovides a short comment on each of the websites and the links are arrangedby activity topic. Links at the bottom of the website will take visitors toother collections of links relating to more pattern-related activities. [VF]


Math-Kitecture
http://www.math-kitecture.com/
[NOTE: Previously posted. This is an updated URL - Phyllis ]

Math-Kitecture, designed by Charles Bender, "is about using Architecture to
do Math (and vice versa)." The author provides suggested activities that
engage students in doing real-life architecture while learning estimation,
measuring skills, proportion, and ratios. The main activity is for students
to hand-draft a floor plan of their classroom to scale and then use software
to create a computer-aided design (CAD) version, which can then be submitted
and added to the online gallery. To assist students in the process, Bender
has posted examples of floor plans, guidelines for creating scale drawings,
and instructions on how to use computer software such as AppleWorks
(ClarisWorks) or MS Powerpoint to create the computer version of the
drawing. Also posted is a large collection of links to other web resources
on architecture and mathematics. Additional Math-Kitecture "Architivities"
include finding geometric shapes in buildings and structures (both on the
computer and off), designing a dream bedroom, and exploring a 3-D model of a
Frank Lloyd Wright house to estimate volume and surface area. Also
highlighted are the performance standards for middle school mathematics and
core curriculum for grades seven and eight that are met through these
activities. Teachers are invited to send in additions to the section on
Teacher's Notes, which posts lesson plans, ideas, and reviews sent in by
teachers. [VF]


Science and Mathematics Initiative for Learning Enhancement
http://www.iit.edu/~smile/
[NOTE: Previously posted. - Phyllis ]

The Science and Mathematics Initiative for Learning Enhancement, or SMILE
program, is a project of the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) Center
and is funded by a grant from the Lucent Technologies Foundation. The
program is "designed to enhance the elementary and high school learning of
Science and Mathematics through the use of the phenomenological approach."
On this website, the project posts the lesson plans developed by teacher
participants at its summer sessions held between 1986 and 1997. The lessons,
available free online, are also available in print or CD for purchase and
include a list of the materials needed, suggested activities and expected
outcomes. The Mathematics section includes lessons on Geometry and
Measurement, Patterns and Logic, Probability and Statistics, Recreational
and Creative Math, Practical and Applied Math, Graphs and Visuals, Algebra
and Trigonometry, and Arithmetic. Submissions from participants after 1997
are less detailed, offering a brief single concept lesson or idea. More
recent additions are posted in the Contributed Lessons section, which
welcomes guest contributions from educators, parents and others interested
in contributing concept lessons which use the phenomenological approach to
learning. Visitors may also find some helpful resources in the Web-based
resources section. Also posted are class notes from courses offered through
the SMILE teacher training program. [VF]


A Modern History of Blacks in Mathematics
http://www.math.buffalo.edu/mad/madhist.html[
NOTE: Previously posted. - Phyllis ]

Dr. Scott W. Williams, a Professor of Mathematics at the State University ofNew York at Buffalo, maintains this webpage, which provides a Modern Historyof Blacks in Mathematics. In addition to a timeline highlighting key figuresin mathematics, the author also considers the greatest Black Mathematicians,The First African American Women in Mathematics, The First Africans, andOther Important Events in the past 300 years. Another section, which coversMathematics in Ancient Africa, addresses earlier periods in history, whilean article from Kenneth Manning asks, Can History Predict the Future? [VF]


Roper Center: Polling 101
http://www.ropercenter.uconn.edu/pom/polling101.html

The U.S. Presidential election season seems like a good time review the
basics on polling. The Roper Center for Public Opinion Research at the
University of Connecticut is "the largest library of public opinion data in
the world." (See also Scout Report for Social Science, December 1, 1998.)
This section of the website gives visitors a short lesson on public opinion
polling. The Polling 101 page reviews Sampling, Total Survey Error, Reading
Tables, and provides links to other pages with additional information on
polling. A final section talks about the Role of Polls in Policymaking based
on a 2001 phone survey conducted for the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation
in collaboration with Public Perspective magazine. Visitors can also browse
through the Public Opinion Matters section of the website to view recent
polls on economic issues, education, technology, and more. The full database
of polls, however, is accessible only through paid membership. [VF]


The David Sarnoff Library
http://www.davidsarnoff.org/

The David Sarnoff Library is "devoted to the study and understanding of the
innovative spirit personified in the greatest technological visionary of the
20th century and realized in the accomplishments of Radio Corporation of
America (RCA) employees at laboratories, factories, and offices in New
Jersey and around the world." From this website, visitors can examine
timelines, galleries, links, and references that relate to David Sarnoff's
life, the history of radio, television, electronics, and communications, and
the history of the Radio Corporation of America (RCA). The RCA timeline
includes links to related websites for additional information on select
innovations. Note that some pages are not complete since the website is
still under construction. [VF]

====== Topic In Depth ====

Wireless
Wireless technology can be used to connect computers to the Internet via the
airwaves, but also to connect your PDA with your computer at home, or even
your mobile phone. Wireless technology offers new flexibility, but also
raises issues for security and the government. This Topic in Depth reviews
these issues and provides some background on wireless technology.

[NOTE: Sites not checked. – Phyllis ]

Wireless Networking Mini-Tutorial (WKMN) [Macromedia Flash Player]
http://www.wkmn.com/newsite/wireless.html#what
Wi-Fi Alliance
http://www.wi-fi.org/OpenSection/index.asp
3Com: 802.11b Wireless LANs [pdf]
http://www.3com.com/other/pdfs/infra/corpinfo/en_US/50307201.pdf
Information on BlueTooth
http://www.palowireless.com/bluetooth/
e-week: WiFi Security
http://www.eweek.com/category2/0,1738,1591939,00.asp
O'Reilly Network: Wireless Surveying
http://www.oreillynet.com/pub/a/wireless/2004/05/27/wirelessonPocketPC.html
Bitpipe: Wireless LAN White Papers [pdf]
http://www.bitpipe.com/data/rlist?t=sys_10_34_4_2_np&sort_by=status&src=google

The first website from WKMN (1) identifies the major types of wireless used
today as Local Area Networks (LANs), Wide Area Networks (WANs) and Mobile
Wireless, and Personal Area Networks. The WiFi Alliance, which certifies
interoperability of IEEE 802.11 products in order "to promote them as the
global, wireless LAN standard across all market segments" also gives an
overview of WiFi, or Wireless Fidelity, on this second website (2). The IEEE
802.11 is the common standard used for LANs and is described more in this
white paper from 3Com (3). The Bluetooth infrastructure, more common in
Personal Area Networks, is described on this website (4 ). The current hot
issue in the Wi-Fi world is security, which is discussed in this article
from e-Week (5). Legal issues are also being raised, especially since the
boundaries for wireless are unclear, which means people can survey for
wireless networks without paying for access. This process is described in an
article from the O'Reilly Network website (6). Finally, this last website
(7) offers a number of white papers on wireless LAN.[VF]

************
>From The NSDL Scout Report for Math, Engineering, and Technology, Copyright
Internet Scout Project 1994-2004. http://scout.wisc.edu/




 

Mon., Dec. 27, 2004


Taken From:
October 2004 issue of The Busy Educator's Newsletter
http://www.glavac.com
******************************************************

CLASSROOMTECH (TEACHERS)
http://www.classroomtech.org
This site provides effective technology resources for teachers. Includes ways of integrating technology in the curriculum, web searching skills, evaluating websites, productivity tips and digital photography.

***********************************************************************
MARK YATES' WEB SITE (GR. 9-12)
http://www.mccallie.org/myates/
http://www.mccallie.org/myates/toppage2.htm
This site is designed primarily for students of Geometry at the High School level. It consists of a links page, interactive proofs, Geometer's Sketchpad sketches for many of the various theorems, projects completed by my students, and a site map of various kinds of geometry with supporting links and lesson plans written by Mark Yates or lesson plan links to support the given materials done by others.
***************************************************************

MR. KASH'S HISTORY PAGE (GR. 6-8)
http://home.earthlink.net/~jkash/
[NOTE: Previously posted. - Phyllis ]
Mr. Kash's History Page includes links to General History, US History, World History and Ancient History. Each month has descriptions of the celebrations, holidays, and events associated for that month. There are also assignments geared for middle school students.

*************************************************************
MAGICAL PLACES & CREATIVE SPACES (GR. PRE.K-7)
http://www.committed.to/curriculum
Go back to school with Magical Places & Creative Spaces! Over 200 pages of activity ideas to support educators and parents as they teach children aged 2-12. Updated weekly. Newsletter available with a global audience!
***************************************************************



 

Mon., Dec. 27, 2004 - Middle School Geometry

Taken From:
ENC Weekly Update for Math and Science Teachers (09/23/2004)
http://www.enc.org/features/focus/archive/midgeometry/
_______________________________________________________

Many Angles for Middle School Students

This week's ENC Focus will give you many angles for presenting geometry to a class of middle schoolers. These students with their many different learning styles will welcome the visual and hands-on instructional methods that are found in Middle School Geometry from Different Angles
( http://www.enc.org/features/focus/archive/midgeometry/?ls=eu ) . You'll find examples of such techniques through web-based animations, lesson ideas, and other classroom resources.
_______________________________________________________



 

Mon., Dec. 27, 2004 - Statistics / Calculus

Taken From:
ENC Online
Digital Dozen November 2004
http://www.enc.org/features/dd/archive/0,1577,11-2004,00.shtm

Statistics Online Computational Resources (SOCR)
http://socr.stat.ucla.edu/
Grade(s): 11 - Post-Sec. ENC#: 031020
Synopsis: If AP Statistics is your thing, or if you want some terrific online resources for demonstrating statistical concepts, this site is for you! You'll find interactive graphs for modeling, probability simulations, and statistics games such as the Monty Hall, the Wavelet, and the Error games. There are also online interactive materials to support upper-level probability and statistics courses taught with a problem-based approach.
Abstract:
This web site provides a multitude of interactive statistics resources, such as graphs of distributions, examples of experiments, and data analysis tools. The interactive distribution graphs cover several standard statistical distributions, such as Student's t and chi-squared as well as specialized ones like the Weibull and Laplace distributions. Users may modify the parameters of the equations to see the resulting change in the graph. Specific information such as the mean, median, and standard deviation are displayed below each graph. The experiments on this site are also interactive Java applets that allow the user to modify probabilities and see the outcome. Users can specify how many times to run the experiment while the applet automatically displays information about the outcomes of all the different runs. Abstracted 10/04. (Author/FAM)

Web based calculus applications
http://mathweb.mathsci.usna.edu/faculty/meyersonmd/labs/index.html
Grade(s): 11 - 12 ENC#: 031024
Synopsis: Flinging yourself off a 10M diving platform is a breathtaking way to explore the calculus involved with such a high jump. Why not save yourself the trouble and use this web-based applet instead? You can also test your knowledge with an interactive lab report. Along with the high-diving example, there are calculus modules on waves, parachutes, and radars. Each module includes a lab report, real-world applications, and an explanation of the relevant mathematics.
Abstract:
This web site provides nine different interactive laboratory activities for calculus students. Each activity centers on a Java applet that models a given situation, such as the velocity of a parachutist, the volume of an aircraft wing, or the slope of a hill in three dimensions. A lab report page gives students three questions to answer by experimenting with the applet; answers are selected from a pull-down menu and can be scored automatically by the web site. A separate math review covers the mathematical concepts behind the idea, including illustrations and descriptions of the reasoning that supports various conclusions. An applications section gives two problems in completely different physical settings that are modeled by the same mathematical processes.
For the Parachute Lab, the applet allows users to adjust the parameters controlling an exponential decay equation representing the velocity of the parachutist. Students adjust the parameters, singly and together, in order to understand how each parameter affects the resulting equation and its graph and how the parameters interact with each other. The review describes the different transformations that the graph goes through when parameters are changed, and the applications section relates exponential growth and decay to Newton's Law of Cooling and the growth of the World Wide Web. Abstracted 10/04. (Author/FAM)

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Sunday, December 26, 2004

 

Sun., Dec. 26, 2004 - Current Issues


Taken From:
Date: Tue Oct 12, 2004 10:59 am
Subject: [LIFE of Florida] Interactive sites for social/political topics for Middle School
Author's Subject: Interactive sites for social/political topics for Middle School
Date Written: Sat, 9 Oct 2004 14:38:59 -0400
*************

Speak Out
http://www.4kids.org/
This site has a weekly “Speak Out”, where students can give their views on
the topic of the week and read other views. You may want to
look at the weekly topic and begin the discussion or have some
questions you want the students to think about before you allow
the students to go explore this site.
[NOTE: See also http://www.4kids.org/coolspots/
Cool Spots is a collection of articles about Web sites that we
have reviewed in our newspaper feature
for kids. Click on a section to surf some cool Web pages. – Phyllis ]

**********************************

A social/political issue that interests many people
is "Prayer in Schools". Some sites to review this topic are
listed below:

Finding Common Ground
http://www.freedomforum.org/templates/document.asp?documentID=3979
A guide to religious liberty in public schools. A first amendment
guide to religion in public education.
[NOTE: Other pages previously posted. - Phyllis ]

Christian Science Monitor: Praying At School
http://csmweb2.emcweb.com/durable/1998/06/16/fp51s2-csm.htm
An article published in the Christian Science Monitor. Includes links
to sites with both pro and con positions.

Prayer in Public Schools
http://www.religioustolerance.org/ps_pray.htm
An overview of the constitutional requirements relating to prayer
in U.S. public schools. Includes links to related information.
From Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance.
[NOTE: Previously posted. - Phyllis ]

School Prayer: The Issue
http://www.itvs.org/schoolprayer/issue.html
This site presents the debate, pro and con perspectives and the
judicial rulings.
[NOTE: See also: Resources http://www.itvs.org/schoolprayer/resources.html
- Phyllis ]

The Case Against School Prayer
http://ffrf.org/nontracts/schoolprayer.php
The text of a brochure produced by the Freedom from Religion
Foundation.

FAQ About Prayer in School: American Atheists
http://www.atheists.org/schoolhouse/faqs.prayer.html
Fifteen questions posed and answered by the American Atheists
organization.

******************************************

Racism
One social issue we face is racism. This site promotes interactions
between youth worldwide. I would use it in my character education
lessons. http://friendshipthrougheducation.org/act.htm

Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges: Critical Discussion of Social Issues
http://www.readwritethink.org/lessons/lesson_view.asp?id=86
Overview (Taken directly from the site)
Picture books can invite students to engage in critical discussion of complex
issues of race, class, and gender. They "show how people can begin to
take action on important social issues . . . and help us question why
certain groups are positioned as 'others'" (Harste, 2000, p. 507). They challenge
students to confront the injustice of barriers that separate human beings from
one another and to examine the role of prejudice and stereotypes in sustaining
these barriers. Read aloud, they enable students to engage in dialogue as
they consider the narratives in terms of historical contexts, the nature
of the implied barriers, and how individuals can take action to promote
social justice and equity.
Author: Joy Moss
Rochester, New York
[NOTE: Other pages from ReadWriteThink previously posted. - Phyllis ]

***************************

The Democratic process
The Center on Congress at Indiana University has e-learning modules
that explain the democratic processes to students. Prior to moving through
the sections, students answer questions on the upcoming topics. Lesson
plan links are provided for teachers. This would be a great place for students
to learn how our government works, or to reinforce/ review their knowledge.

http://congress.indiana.edu/learn_about/Feature/e-learning_modules.php#

An Ordinary Day: The Impact of Congress/Government
Sponsored by the Alliance for Representative Democracy

Contrary to many Americans' opinions, the work of Congress has a
significant impact on their everyday lives. This colorful module, An Ordinary
Day: The Impact of Congress/Government, walks you through a typical day, from
the alarm clock ringing, going to school and work, and turning in at night. Pop-
ups occur letting you know the role of Congress-- as well as sometimes state
and local government-- in each event. One section compares the student
response to others responses.

[NOTE: Other modules include: Public Criticisms of Congress,
The Importance of Civic Participation, The Dynamic Legislative Proces,
Notable Members of Congress, Understanding Representative Democracy,
How a Member Decides to Vote, Congress' Spending Priorities:
The Budget Allocation Activity – Phyllis ]

*************************************
LIFEofFlorida.org
Learning is For Everyone, Inc.
http://www.lifeofflorida.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=139
http://www.lifeofflorida.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=78&frmView=ShowForum&ForumID=7
[Shortened URL: http://tinyurl.com/32kvp ]

 

Sun., Dec. 26, 2004 - Religion and Ethics

Taken From:
Date Sent: Monday, October 04, 2004 6:02 PM
Subject: Thirteen Ed Online Bulletin -- October 2004

--------OCTOBER ED ONLINE E-BULLETIN--------
THIRTEEN/WNET'S MONTHLY UPDATE FOR EDUCATORS
http://www.thirteen.org/edonline/

RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY airs on THIRTEEN Saturdays at 10:30AM and Sundays at 6PM.

Coverage of religion news has never been more important and RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY explores the top moral questions facing the country and profiles the most interesting people and groups in the world of religion and ethics. RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY will debut a special class course on its Web site at http://www.religionethics.com/teach/ that offers high school and college educators a video workshop designed to highlight the special resources that the news can offer for teaching about world religions.

For more about this program, streaming video, lesson plans and a downloadable Viewer's Guide visit the RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY Web site at http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics





 

Sun., Dec. 26, 2004 - Buddhism and the Dalai Lama


Taken From:
DiscoverySchool.com


Buddhism and the Dalai Lama
http://school.discovery.com/lessonplans/programs/buddhism/

To find out more about the Dalai Lama and his teachings refer
to the following Web sites:

http://www.gluckman.com/DalaiLama.html

http://www.dalailama.com/html/training.html
[NOTE: Home page previously posted. – Phyllis ]

http://www.beliefnet.com/story/31/story_3167_1.html

http://www.tibet.com/DL/nobelaccept.html

 

Sun., Dec. 26, 2004

Taken From:
The Cool Tricks and Trinkets Newsletter # 317 9/23/04

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Visions of Enlightenment: Understanding the Art of Buddhism

For over 2,500 years, people have been inspired by the visage and the teachings of the Buddha. Courtesy of the Pacific Asia Museum, Buddhists and interested people of all religious faiths can learn, through story and artwork, the history of the Buddha and the journey his image has taken as it evolved over the years from Nepal through India, Indonesia, China, Korea and the rest of Asia."Visions of Enlightenment: Understanding the Art of Buddhism" is a beautiful exhibition that teaches the history and beautiful philosophy of one of the world's major religious figures. Visitors can scroll through the Timeline to see the spread of Buddhism throughout Asia, read about the story of Prince Siddhartha, and view artwork of the Buddha that shows how His visage has progressed over the centuries. Don't miss the wonderful section entitled Photo Essays which contains fascinating works on a variety of Buddhist topics.
http://www.pacificasiamuseum.org/buddhism/
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Diagrammatical Information

This amazing website creates diagram maps or "Family Trees" that display the manner in which things are connected. View a series of cool "Trees" that show a variety of relationships such as "How the Countries of the World are Connected", a "Timeline of Hebrew Bible Sources" and other interesting maps from the arenas of Religion, Politics, Geography and History.
http://www.threetwoone.org/diagrams/index.htm

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The Parlor of Janet Klein

Los Angeles based performer Janet Klein is single-handedly keeping the wild spirit of the Roaring 20's alive. With her band, The Parlor Boys, Janet both records and performs live the long forgotten musical hits from the 1910's, 1920's and 1930's.Janet's website is like a time warp into the glamorous parlor culture of the 1920's. There is an extensive biography of the singer and her band, as well as a lot of fascinating features that capture the spirit of the era such as the Vaudeville Closet, The Gallery (which houses paintings and poetry from the beginning of the century), and much more.
http://www.janetklein.com

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A complete archive of previous Cool Tricks can be viewed at http://www.tricksandtrinkets.com/archives.htm
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