Friday, January 16, 2009

 

Fri., Jan. 16, 2009 - Presidential Food

---------Forwarded Message--------

New Science Reference Guide: Presidential Food
Library of Congress
Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 2:41 PM

New Science Reference Guide: Presidential Food
http://www.loc.gov/rr/scitech/SciRefGuides/presidentialfood.html

This 8-page guide provides references to books, magazine articles, and Internet resources chronicling the history of presidential food and entertaining of the Chief Executive and his family both in and out of the White House.

[NOTE: Internet Resources listed. – Phyllis ]

 

Fri., Jan. 16, 2009 - Presidents' Day

Site found in:
ResourceShelf
http://www.resourceshelf.com/

Federal Resources for Educational Excellence – Presidents (71 Resources)
http://www.free.ed.gov/subjects.cfm?subject_id=28
http://free.ed.gov/subjects.cfm?subject_id=28&res_feature_request=1

Presidents’ Day features papers, biographical information, and other resources for learning about George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, John Kennedy, and other Presidents.

Source: U.S. Department of Education

----

Gary Price
Editor, ResourceShelf
gary@resourceshelf.com
The ResourceShelf & DocuTicker Team
--------------------------------------------------------------------
"Post via ResourceShelf"
for even more resources visit
http://www.resourceshelf.com
http://www.docuticker.com

 

Fri., Jan. 16, 2009 - Teach Coal

Teach Coal - American Coal Foundation - Grades 0 to 12
http://www.teachcoal.org/

Site found on TeachersFirst

Energy is always a hot topic, and what better way to learn about one of America’s main resources than to visit this site? The American Coal Foundation’s site includes facts about coal mining in the U.S., and also, equips teachers with practical lesson plans (linked to National Standards) and experiment ideas. Of course this organization has its own views on coal, but the lesson ideas are solid. The lesson plans include all grade levels. Click on the tabs to find comprehensive information, such as, facts, glossary, and the latest coal news. There are also countless links to other sources about coal.

Entire review and suggestions for using this site “In the Classroom”:
http://www.teachersfirst.com/single.cfm?id=9690

 

Fri., Jan. 16, 2009 - Sites from PBS Teachers Newsletter: January 18-24, 2009 / NOVA: The Big Energy Gamble

Sites found in:
*****************
PBS Teachers Newsletter: January 18-24, 2009
Current PBS Teacher Previews Newsletter
http://www.pbs.org/teachers/newsletter/
******************************************

NEW! PBS Teachers Activity Packs

PBS Teachers has launched a growing library of theme-based widgets, each containing links to high-quality PBS resources and activities for multiple grade levels!

These innovative PBS Teachers Activity Packs contain more than 30 widgets that include links to PBS resources and a set of activities by grade level. Each widget contains links to PBS educational resources and a set of activities across grade levels. You can "grab" the widgets and easily add them to your social media or personal class pages. Click here and start browsing!
http://www.pbs.org/teachers/activitypacks/index.html

From the site:
“Explore educational resources and activities from PBS with our library of Activity Packs. Each one focuses on a curricular theme and includes links to great PBS resources and supplemental activities.”

------

Masterpiece Classic
Wuthering Heights
On-Air & Online
6-8 / 9-12
Sunday, January 18, 2009
9 - 10:30 pm
A thrilling new adaptation of Emily Bronte's haunting classic
about the passionate spiritual bond between a Gypsy boy and his
adoptive family's daughter. Starring Tom Hardy and Charlotte
Riley. Part 1 of 2. (CC, Stereo, 1 year)
Watch behind-the-scenes video and meet the main characters.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/wutheringheights/

View the first episode online starting Jan. 19
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/wutheringheights/watch.html
[NOTE: Previously posted. - Phyllis ]

-----

Nature
Arctic Bears
On-Air & Online
6-8 / 9-12
Sunday, January 18, 2009
8 - 9:00 pm
Polar bears, the descendents of grizzlies, long-ago evolved to
live and hunt on the frozen ice of the Arctic, but now are
living on borrowed time as their habitat changes and food
sources become rare. (CC, Stereo, 1 year)
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/arctic-bears/introduction/778/
Shortened URL: http://tinyurl.com/a2gmou

-----

NOVA
The Big Energy Gamble
On-Air & Online
6-8 / 9-12
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
8 - 9:00 pm
Arnold Schwarzenegger is betting on green. He wants to roll
California's greenhouse gas emissions back to their 1990
levels, and he's promising Californians that their lifestyles
-- and their pocketbooks -- won't feel the pinch. But is
Schwarzenegger gambling with his state's economy? With help
from eco-celebrities like Ed Begley, Jr. and Bill Nye "The
Science Guy," NOVA examines California's aggressive pursuit of
a sustainable energy future. (CC, Stereo, HD, 1 year)
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/energy/
[NOTE: See teaching guide pasted below. – Phyllis ]

-----

The Story of India Part 5
The Meeting of Two Oceans
On-Air & Online
6-8 / 9-12
Monday, January 19, 2009
9 - 11:00 pm
This episode tells the epic story of the coming of Islam to the
Indian subcontinent, culminating in one of the most glamorous
ages of world civilization -- the Moghul Empire.(CC, Stereo,
HD, 1 year)
http://www.pbs.org/thestoryofindia/
http://www.pbs.org/thestoryofindia/about/episode_summaries/5/

The Story of India Part 6
Freedom
On-Air & Online
6-8 / 9-12
Monday, January 19, 2009
10 - 11:00 pm
Michael Wood's "10,000-year epic" reaches the time of the
British occupation of India -- the Raj -- and India's struggle
for freedom. (CC, Stereo, HD, 1 year)
http://www.pbs.org/thestoryofindia/
http://www.pbs.org/thestoryofindia/about/episode_summaries/6/
------

Frontline
On-Air & Online
6-8 / 9-12
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
9 - 10:00 pm
On the night of Barack Obama's historic inauguration, FRONTLINE
examines the rich personal and political biography of the 44th
president of the United States. (CC, Stereo, HD, 1 year)
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/dreamsofobama/

------

Copyright 2008 PBS Online
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

--------Forwarded Message--------
[NOVA Teachers] "The Big Energy Gamble" airs January 20, 2009
Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 5:23 PM

Hello Educators,

In next week's broadcast of "The Big Energy Gamble" NOVA examines
California's bold initiative to combat global warming by slashing
carbon dioxide emissions 30 percent by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050.
(Subjects covered: Earth science, life science, social studies,
technology/engineering)

You and your students can create your own videos about the future of
transportation and the environment using NOVA's free open content
video clips shot during the production of our "Car of the Future"
program. You can download more than 230 clips in a variety of
different topic areas. Find the clips at
http://www.pbs.org/nova/car/open

We have created an online guide to help you use the open content
resources in your classroom. Find tips for video editing and
production, and ideas for activities, at
http://www.pbs.org/nova/car/open/teachers.html

Regards,
Karen Hartley
Teachers Editor
NOVA Web Site
http://www.pbs.org/nova/teachers/
E-mail: NOVA_Teachers@wgbh.org

* * * * * * * *

NOVA presents "The Big Energy Gamble"
Broadcast: Tuesday, January 20, 2009
http://www.pbs.org/nova/energy
(NOVA airs on PBS at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Check your local listings as
broadcast dates and times may vary. This program can be used up to
one year after it is recorded off the air.)

The Governator
http://www.pbs.org/nova/energy/governator.html
Hear highlights or read the full interview with California governor
Arnold Schwarzenegger as he discusses championing the California's
Global Warming Solutions Act, which aims to substantially cut the
state's greenhouse-gas emissions and promote the use of renewable
energy. (Flash plug-in require for audio highlights.) (Grades 6-8,
9-12)

The Skeptic
http://www.pbs.org/nova/energy/lewis.html
Listen to highlights or read a full interview with Marlo Lewis of
the Competitive Enterprise Institute who thinks that California's
environmental agenda is too economically risky. (Flash plug-in
require for audio highlights.) (Grades 6-8, 9-12)

The Journalist
http://www.pbs.org/nova/energy/journalist.html
Find out some of the pros and cons of California's approach to
energy issues in the audio highlights or full interview with The
Economist's Vijay Vaitheeswaran. (Flash plug-in require for audio
highlights.) (Grades 6-8, 9-12)

Powering Down
http://www.pbs.org/nova/energy/poweringdown/
Follow a NOVA staffer's efforts to reduce her energy consumption.
(Grades 6-8, 9-12)

Ask the Experts
http://www.pbs.org/nova/energy/ask.html
Send in questions about "going green" and living the carbon-neutral
life to TV "Science Guy" Bill Nye and actor Ed Begley, Jr.
(Questions due by Wednesday, January 21; selected responses will be
posted on Monday, January 26.) (Grades 3-5, 6-8, 9-12)

Energy's Future
http://www.pbs.org/nova/energy/chu.html
Listen to audio highlights or read the full interview to find out
what Steven Chu, who is slated to be the next U.S. Energy Secretary,
thinks about California's policies and the nation's options. (Grades
6-8, 9-12)

Teacher's Guide
http://www.pbs.org/nova/teachers/activities/3519_energy.html
In this classroom activity, students conduct an energy audit to
determine how much carbon dioxide their family releases into the
atmosphere and then make recommendations for minimizing their
family's carbon footprint. (Grades 6-8)

Open Content
http://www.pbs.org/nova/car/open/
Find more than 200 downloadable, one- to three-minute video clips
from the program--including interviews with leading experts and
scenic footage--that you can use make your own videos. (Grades 6-8,
9-12)

Program Transcript
http://www.pbs.org/nova/transcripts/3519_energy.html
This site includes a complete narration for this program.

Plus Watch a Preview and Links & Books

Thursday, January 15, 2009

 

Thurs., Jan. 15, 2009 - Zinger Tales: Listen to a Story

Zinger Tales
http://www.plcmc.org/bookhive/zingertales/zingertales.asp

From the site:
“Zinger Tales is a collection of stories told by great storytellers! Choose a storyteller below to hear the tale and get some book recommendations too! Stories are provided in RealPlayer format, which requires the free RealPlayer plug-in.”

[NOTE: Other pages for Babies to Gr. 6
http://www.plcmc.org/bookhive/books/category.asp?category=win
Home Page: http://www.plcmc.org/bookhive/ previously posted. - Phyllis ]

 

Thurs., Jan. 15, 2009 - Rebus Stories

Rebus Stories
http://www.surfnetkids.com/rebus_stories.htm
From the site:
“A rebus uses pictures or symbols to represent words or parts of words. Some are brainteasers,
such the rebus puzzles at http://Fun-with-Words.com/. But today's sites feature rebus stories for emergent readers, where the pictures are either substituted for certain words, or simply added along with the words.”

Page includes 9 links to sites (5 annotated, 4 Honorable Mentions)

 

Thurs., Jan. 15, 2009 - A Europe of Tales

A Europe of Tales
http://www.europeoftales.net/
From the site:
“You have arrived in a mysterious world of European tales. Introduce you to dwarfs, giants, and even death. Visit the underwater world, the snowy North of witches and the mysterious mountains of the South.”
Myths and legends from Iceland, Scotland, Finland, Brittany, and Italy.
Language choices. Must allow pop-ups for information screens.
[NOTE: Although it asks, “Do you want to hear…” the tales must be read.]

 

Thurs., Jan. 15, 2009 - Drawing Babar

Sunday Arts Profile: Drawing Babar (3:55 min. video)
http://www.thirteen.org/sundayarts/drawing-babar/212

“Meet the much loved green suited elephant named Babar on a visit to the Morgan Library. In Drawing Babar we see how a father and son created a series which has been enchanting children around the world since 1931.”

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

 

Wed., Jan. 14, 2009 - Women in the Literary Marketplace, 1800-1900

--------Forwarded Message--------
Site of the Day for Thursday, August 14, 2008

Women in the Literary Marketplace, 1800-1900
http://rmc.library.cornell.edu/womenLit/
[NOTE: Previously posted. - Phyllis ]

Today's site, from Cornell University Library's Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, offers an exhibit focused on the literary endeavors of the extraordinary women who defied social convention, stretched their talents and forged a new pen for the written word. Gentle Subscribers will discover an informative presentation devoted to illustrating the efforts of these women writers.

"The books and letters in this exhibition present a cross section of writing by English women in the nineteenth century -- a period when women entered the literary marketplace in unprecedented numbers. While many women wrote and published books before 1800, few British women planned careers as writers until the nineteenth century. ... This exhibition explores how women authors achieved such remarkable success in a profession dominated by men, operating in a culture that frowned upon female literary ambition." - from the website

The exhibit provides an overview of some of the notable women writers who emerged in the nineteenth century. Beginning with pioneers, such as Fanny Burney and the incomparable Jane Austen, the presentation takes a brief look at publications, like religious tracts and children's books, which constituted an outlet for the talents of women writers, supplying an opening to get through publishers' doors. Additional material covers the major literary figures of George Eliot, Elizabeth Barret Browning and Charlotte Bronte, as well as looking at the new directions in print media, which saw a rise in magazines and novels aimed at women.

Glide over to the site for an informative exhibit on nineteenth century women writers at:

http://rmc.library.cornell.edu/womenLit/

A.M. Holm
view the List archives on the web at:
http://www.freelists.org/archives/sotd

 

Wed., Jan. 14, 2009 - World Literature Online

World Literature Online.
http://bcs.bedfordstmartins.com/worldlit/
Although meant as a supplement to The Bedford Anthology of World Literature, this resource can be used independently.
From the site:
“Marginal references in The Bedford Anthology of World Literature describe the supporting material on this Web site for each author and text. Browse through the resources by using the drop–down menus above, the world map on the left, or the timeline below.”

Resources on this site include:

LitQuiz interactive quizzes to test your familiarity with the works in each book

Culture & Context overviews that provide additional historical background and points of departure for each geographic region

World Lit in the 21st Century discussions that trace the enduring presence of the most frequently taught world literature texts

LitLinks entries with biographies and annotated research links for individual authors
[NOTE: LitLinks previously posted. - Phyllis ]

 

Wed., Jan. 14, 2009 - PBS Masterpiece Classics

Masterpiece Classic
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/schedule/index.html
From the site:
“This winter and spring, Masterpiece classic returns”
Check back for companion websites for each of these shows.

January 4-11, 2009
Tess of the d'Urbervilles
Two 120 minute episodes; TV-14
[NOTE: If you missed either of these episodes, they can be viewed online:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/tess/watch.html
Episode One is available for online viewing January 5 - January 19, 2009
Episode Two is available for online viewing January 12 - January 18, 2009 – Phyllis ]
Site also contains a biography of Thomas Hardy
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/tess/hardy.html

January 18-25, 2009
Wuthering Heights
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/wutheringheights/index.html
Two episodes (episode one 90 minutes, episode two 60 minutes); TV-PG

February 1-8, 2009
Sense and Sensibility
Two 90-minute episodes

February 15-22, 2009
Oliver Twist
Two 90-minute episodes; TV-PG

March 15-22, 2009
David Copperfield
Two episodes (episode one 90 minutes, episode two 120 minutes)

March 29-April 26, 2009
Little Dorrit
Five episodes (episode one 120 minutes, all others 90 minutes)

May 3, 2009
The Old Curiosity Shop
One 90-minute episode

 

Wed., Jan. 14, 2009 - Sites from The Scout Report, August 15, 2008

Sites found in:

=======
The Scout Report
August 15, 2008
Volume 14, Number 32

The Scout Report on the Web:
Current issue: http://scout.wisc.edu/Reports/ScoutReport/Current/
This issue: http://scout.wisc.edu/Reports/ScoutReport/2008/scout-080815.php

-----

Math DL: Loci [Macromedia Flash Player, pdf]
http://mathdl.maa.org/mathDL/23/

Following in a long line of excellent online publications from the
Mathematical Association of America (MAA), the Loci brings together a wide
range of educational resources, interesting pieces of math history, and
other ephemera for general consumption. On the homepage, visitors will find
access to the "Convergence" site, which provides a range of teaching modules
and activities for students. Also, users can avail themselves of the Loci-
specific resources, which include such gems as "The Beauty of Parametric
Curves". The site's homepage also includes "Featured Items" culled from the
MAA's separate publications. Recent teaching materials featured here have
included "The Most Marvelous Theorem in Mathematics", "Mountains of
Fractals", and "How to Gamble If You Must". Finally, visitors can search all
of Loci's vast resources via a search engine that sits on the upper left-
hand corner of the page. [KMG]
[NOTE: Home page http://mathdl.maa.org/mathDL/ previously posted. - Phyllis

------

NSF and the Birth of the Internet [Macromedia Flash Player]
http://www.nsf.gov/news/special_reports/nsf-net/

The birth of the Internet is the subject of this utterly engaging and well-
thought out special report created by the National Science Foundation. After
a brief introduction, visitors can browse through a multimedia site that
includes video clips of early pioneers talking about their work on this
endeavor, along with maps of Internet growth from the 1960s to the 1990s and
documents such as the Lax Report. Interestingly enough the Lax Report,
issued in 1982, was influential in the creation of the National Science
Foundation's supercomputing centers. The materials are divided up by decade
(1960s through the 2000s) and visitors can click on each section to learn
about the advances and challenges faced by persons working in this field.
Along the way, a small section in the bottom right-hand corner of the site
keeps a running total of the baud rate and the Internet users in each
decade. Of course, visitors will not want to miss the section dedicated to
Mosaic, which was the browser developed at the National Center for
Supercomputing Applications in the early 1990s. [KMG]

--------

Forensic Chemistry Lab Manual [pdf]
http://www.asdlib.org/onlineArticles/elabware/thompson/Home1.html

Any aspect of forensic science can be quite tricky, and educators will be
delighted to learn about this helpful educational resource designed just for
them. Created by Professor Robert Thompson of Oberlin College this online
forensic chemistry lab manual is designed to help chemistry faculty in
developing forensic chemistry project laboratories for both undergraduate
and graduate courses. In this manual, visitors will find sample
preparations, procedural details, instructions for students, and typical
results in a variety of formats. Along the left-hand side of the homepage,
visitors can look through the forensic chemistry analyses, which include
explosives, fabric, glass, and arson. The site is rounded out by a selection
of "Stories", which are meant to provide the background for chemical
analyses of crime scene samples. [KMG]

------

EconStats
http://www.econstats.com/index.htm

For anyone looking for a vast cornucopia of economic statistics culled from
all over the world, they need look no further than the EconStats website.
The homepage is a bit visually cluttered, but one couldn't ask for better
and more complete data, as visitors can quickly access a wide range of
economic data from the United States, such as information about inflation,
unemployment levels, productivity, new factory orders, and the price of
crude oil. The homepage also contains links to economic data from Canada,
Britain, Germany, the European Union, France, Italy, Russia, and China. On
the right-hand side of the page, visitors can click through to interest
rates for dozens of countries, check in on various stock markets, and look
up commodity and futures prices. Those individuals looking for quick help
with pressing questions can post queries to the "Econ Chat" section of the
homepage. [KMG]

------

Great Social Theorists
http://www.faculty.rsu.edu/~felwell/Theorists/Four/index.html
http://www.faculty.rsu.edu/~felwell/Theorists/Tradition/index.html

It's pretty hard to argue with Professor Frank W. Elwell's list of great
social theorists, as he brings together Karl Marx, Herbert Spencer, Max
Weber, Emile Durkheim and other intellectual heavyweights on this site. The
purpose of bringing together these luminaries and their writings is "to
promote greater understanding of classical macro-social theory." A rather
laudable cause indeed, and Professor Elwell has devoted sections to each of
these authors, and several others, including Auguste Comte and W.E.B.
Dubois. In each section, visitors can read selections from their major works
and also click through to other relevant online resources. Finally, visitors
can also learn about Professor Elwell's own scholarly endeavors, including
his book "Macrosociology: Four Modern Theorists". [KMG]

-----

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle: His Life, All His Works and More
http://sirconandoyle.com/index.php

Sometimes a spiritualist, and always a writer and a true Englishman, Sir
Arthur Conan Doyle's tales of detection and fantasy have delighted readers
for well over a century. Lovers of his work will enjoy this site, and they
can feel free to browse through a number of the Sherlock Holmes tales here
along with the complete full novels. Those who are less acquainted with
Doyle's life and times may wish to start by reading the "About Sir Conan
Doyle" area. Here they will find an extended biographical essay on Doyle and
a list of his works. Then visitors will want to browse through his stories
at their leisure. Visitors who are unfamiliar with the tales of Holmes may
wish to start by reading "The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle" and "A
Scandal in Bohemia". [KMG]

-------

The Wellcome Library: Turning The Pages [Shockwave]
http://library.wellcome.ac.uk/ttp.html

Located in London, the Wellcome Library contains over 750,000 books and
journals related to medicine and medical history. For those who can't make a
trip to London to consult their collections in person, this rather
impressive online "Turning the Pages" collection serves as a compelling
introduction to their holdings. Based on the technology utilized by the
British Library's own "Turning the Pages" online offerings, this collection
contains selected pages from three visually and historically important
texts. They include excerpts from the "Wellcome Apocalypse", the "Nujum
al'Ulum"(Stars of Sciences), and Robert Willan's 1808 work "On Cutaneous
Diseases". For each selection, visitors can zoom in and out on various
sections, listen to audio narration that explains each work, and also learn
about the provenance and history of each volume. [KMG]

-----

>From The Scout Report, Copyright Internet Scout 1994-2008.
http://scout.wisc.edu/

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

 

Tues., Jan. 13, 2009 - Windows Into Wonderland

Windows Into Wonderland - National Park Service - Grades 5 to 8
http://www.windowsintowonderland.org/
[NOTE: Previously posted. Site updated. - Phyllis ]

Site found on TeachersFirst.com

“Take one of many virtual field trips to Yellowstone. Though the site suggests registration by a teacher, it is not required for the eTrips. View field trips such as "Getting Into Hot Water," "Yellowstone Exposed," "Where The Bison Roam," and "Geyser Quest." Many of the field trips have video and audio components and last approximately 50 minutes. Free registration provides more resources, including a link with lesson plans for teachers.” <<>>

Entire review and suggestions for using this site “In the Classroom”:
http://www.teachersfirst.com/single.cfm?id=9685

 

Tues., Jan. 13, 2009 - Viscosity: Laminar Reverse Flow

Viscosity: Laminar Reverse Flow
http://www.maniacworld.com/Laminar-Reverse-Flow.html
From the site: [video]
“This colored corn syrup is dropped into a mixture, stirred up, and when the direction is reversed, the drops return their original state.” <<>>

 

Tues., Jan. 13, 2009 - No Lab Coat Required: Science Resources for Engaging PreK-5 Students

From: PBS Blog: Media Infusion

No Lab Coat Required: Science Resources for Engaging PreK-5 Students

http://www.pbs.org/teachers/mediainfusion/2008/08/no_lab_coat_required_science_r.html
Shortened URL: http://tinyurl.com/6dkxjs
“Stimulating Science Supports!. Show students how fun Science can be.”
Links to resources mentioned in article are listed on the site.

 

Tues., Jan. 13, 2009 - e-Waste

Site found in: August 2008 Newsletter
My Wonderful World: National Geographic-led campaign
[Home Page: http://mywonderfulworld.org/ ]

“Technological innovation provides many things: faster communication, access to information, and…trash? Electronic waste

“Technological innovation provides many things: faster communication, access to information, and…trash? Electronic waste (known to many as e-waste) comprises only around two percent of America's trash found in landfills, but it accounts for nearly 70 percent of overall toxic waste.”

Where does all the e-waste go?
http://www.greenpeace.org/international/news/e-waste-toxic-not-in-our-backyard210208
Shortened URL: http://tinyurl.com/3xfjk2
“Do you know what happens when you throw out your old electronic gadgets?”

Monday, January 12, 2009

 

Mon., Jan. 12, 2009 - Alice Computer Programming Software (FREE)

--------Forwarded Message--------

Hi! It's Tuesday, August 12, 2008 and time for Science at ClickSchooling!

Recommended Website:
Alice Computer Programming Software
http://www.alice.org/

Age Range: 11-18 (Designed for middle school and high school students, but
students of all ages with interest and skill may enjoy this too.)

This website offers "Alice" - free educational software from Carnegie Mellon
University that teaches students computer programming in a visual, 3-D
environment. It makes it easy to create animation for interactive games and
videos and much more. The description from the website best explains it:

"Alice is a freely available teaching tool designed to be a student's first
exposure to object-oriented programming. It allows students to learn
fundamental programming concepts in the context of creating animated movies
and simple video games. In Alice, 3-D objects (e.g., people, animals, and
vehicles) populate a virtual world and students create a program to animate
the objects.

In Alice's interactive interface, students drag and drop graphic tiles to
create a program, where the instructions correspond to standard statements
in a production oriented programming language, such as Java, C++, and C#.
Alice allows students to immediately see how their animation programs run,
enabling them to easily understand the relationship between the programming
statements and the behavior of objects in their animation. By manipulating
the objects in their virtual world, students gain experience with all the
programming constructs typically taught in an introductory programming
course."

When you get to the site you can read the latest news and media coverage
about Alice software and then click on the menu items that include:

*Downloads - Get Free downloads of the software designed specifically for
middle school students and/or high school and college students that will
allow you to get started learning computer programming in a fun and engaging
way.

*All About Alice - Click on this item and a new page opens that explains how
Alice works - and provides promotional videos you can watch to better
understand how to get started.

*Teaching Materials - Alice provides instructional materials to support
teachers and students in classrooms. Resources include textbooks, lessons,
tests, and more that you can download and print out.

NOTE:
Some of you may have heard about "Alice" in the context of media coverage
about one of the developers, Randy Pausch. Pausch, a Carnegie Mellon
University professor, died of pancreatic cancer on July 25th, 2008 at the
age of 47, leaving behind his wife and three young children. He gained
world-wide attention through an inspirational "Last Lecture: Really
Achieving Your Childhood Dreams" in which he recounted how he achieved his
childhood dreams of becoming a football player, experiencing zero gravity,
and developing Disneyland attractions. There are lessons in his last lecture
for all of us. You can view it here: http://download.srv.cs.cmu.edu/~pausch/
Parents, as always, should preview the lecture to determine suitability
of content for their own children.

Diane Flynn Keith
for ClickSchooling
Copyright 2008, All Rights Reserved
http://www.Homefires.com
http://www.Carschooling.com
http://www.UniversalPreschool.com

DID YOU MISPLACE A ClickSchooling Review? Do you need to find an educational website - fast! Visit the ClickSchooling archives at:
http://www.homefires.com/clickschool/archive.asp

Note: We make every effort to recommend websites that have content that is appropriate for general audiences. Parents should ALWAYS preview the sites for suitable content.

Click Schooling (Clickschooling) is a Federally Registered Trademark.

 

Mon., Jan. 12, 2009 - Math123xyz

---------Forwarded Message--------
Hi! It's Monday, July 28, 2008 and time for Math at ClickSchooling!

Recommended Website:
Math123xyz.com
http://www.math123xyz.com

This website offers FREE, interactive, animated, multimedia math lessons,
tutorials, and enrichment exercises for K-12 students. The site provides
hands-on learning methods for better understanding of math concepts that
engage all students including those who need remedial help. This website is
sponsored by software publisher Cognitive Technologies Corporation with the
hope that if you use their free online math resources, you may purchase
other software they offer.

When you get to the site you'll see a brief introduction followed by a menu
of math lessons which you can also access by clicking on the menu at the top
of the page, or on the left side of the screen. The curriculum includes:

*Basic Skills - Includes Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication & Division,
Place Value, Rounding & Estimation, Fraction Basics, and Basic Geometry

*Pre-Algebra - Includes Factoring, Fractions, Fraction Operations, Ratios,
Proportions & Percents, and Integers

*Geometry - Includes Points, Lines, & Angles, Plane Figures, Plane Figure
Properties, and Solid Figures

*Algebra - Includes Expressions, Real Numbers, Equations, Inequalities &
Functions, Solving Linear Equations, Graphing Linear Equations, Writing
Linear Equations, System of Linear Equations, Exponents & Powers, Quadratic
Equations, and Polynomials & Factoring

*Trigonometry - Includes Introduction, Functions, and Function Graphing

Click on any topic and a new page opens to a menu of lessons. Click on any
one and another window opens with the lesson and the animated, interactive
exercises that require Adobe Shockwave (which you can download for free at
the site). You may have to wait a minute or two for the lesson to fully
download. Then, just follow the directions and arrows to explore the
resources that give the student control over the learning experience so they
can develop and improve math skills at their own pace. This website will
enhance any math curriculum that you currently use as well.

Diane Flynn Keith
for ClickSchooling
Copyright 2008, All Rights Reserved
http://www.Homefires.com
http://www.Carschooling.com
http://www.UniversalPreschool.com

DID YOU MISPLACE A ClickSchooling Review? Do you need to find an educational website - fast! Visit the ClickSchooling archives at:
http://www.homefires.com/clickschool/archive.asp

Note: We make every effort to recommend websites that have content that is appropriate for general audiences. Parents should ALWAYS preview the sites for suitable content.

Click Schooling (Clickschooling) is a Federally Registered Trademark.

 

Mon., Jan. 12, 2009 - Math Worksheet Center

Math Worksheet Center
http://www.mathworksheetscenter.com/
A fee-based site, but you can sign up to receive their free math worksheets once/week by email.

 

Mon., Jan. 12, 2009 - Sites From: Librarians' Internet Index, NEW THIS WEEK, August 14, 2008

Sites found in:
Librarians' Internet Index
Websites you can trust!
NEW THIS WEEK, August 14, 2008
Read This Online : http://lii.org/cs/lii/print/news/161

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Satirical London: 300 Years of Irreverent Images
Companion website to "an exhibition of visual satire produced in and about London over three centuries." Browse images and essays on themes such as London print shops, English and Italian caricature, loan contractors, professions and trades, the fashionable, and royalty and celebrity. From the Museum of London.
URL: http://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/English/EventsExhibitions/Virtual/SatLondon/
Shortened URL: http://tinyurl.com/59ad8p
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24359

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Facts for Features Special Edition: Model T Centennial (Oct. 1)
Collection of facts and statistics for the October 1, 2008, centennial celebration of when "on Oct. 1, 1908, Ford Motor Co. introduced the Model T, generally regarded as the first affordable automobile and the car that industry experts say 'put America on wheels.'" Features data about auto manufacturing, car sales and ownership (such as California having the most registered vehicles according to the latest figures), and related topics. From the U.S. Census Bureau.
URL: http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/facts_for_features_special_editions/012439.html
Shortened URL: http://tinyurl.com/4g3zez
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/26627

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Community Mottos and Nicknames
Use this site to discover what mottos, slogans, and nicknames are associated with cities in the U.S. Search or browse by motto or state. Includes additional information about locations. Material has been submitted by users.
URL: http://www.usacitiesonline.com/mottos.htm
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/26422

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Great Apes & Other Primates: Gorillas
Fact sheet about gorillas. Topics include species and subspecies (currently four, but "some primatologists list one additional subspecies of mountain gorilla"), physical description, geographic distribution, habitat, diet, reproduction, behavior, social structure, communication, and threats to survival. From the Smithsonian National Zoological Park.
URL: http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/Primates/Facts/FactSheets/Gorillas/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/26672
[NOTE: Other pages from http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/ previously posted. - Phyllis ]

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Timeline of Discovery
"Presented here ... is a timeline that includes important scientific discoveries from 1840 to the present related to early humans. This interactive overview is a practical tool for your own investigation of our collective past." Covers events such as gorillas being formally recognized as a separate genus from chimpanzees in 1847, the 1859 publication of "Darwin's groundbreaking and highly controversial book on evolution," and Leakey funded discoveries starting in the 1960s. From the Leakey Foundation.
URL: http://www.leakeyfoundation.org/discoveries/timeline.swf
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/26673
[NOTE: Previously posted. - Phyllis ]

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Water Recycling and Reuse: The Environmental Benefits
Fact sheet about water recycling, which is "reusing treated wastewater for beneficial purposes such as agricultural and landscape irrigation, industrial processes, toilet flushing, and replenishing a ground water basin." Discusses benefits to people and the environment, the future of water recycling, and suggested water recycling treatment and uses. Includes related links. From the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
URL: http://www.epa.gov/region09/water/recycling/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/26479

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Springfield, Illinois, Race Riot of 1908
Compilation of material about the commemoration of "the 100th anniversary of what has become known as 'the Springfield Race Riot of 1908'. The events of two sweltering days in August of 1908 shocked the nation and led to the formation of the NAACP." Includes a downloadable brochure about the event with a self-guided walking tour of Springfield, links to related websites, and an events calendar. From the Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau.
URL: http://www.visit-springfieldillinois.com/Race-Riots/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/26671

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The Springfield Race Riot of 1908
Illustrated presentation about the 1908 Springfield, Illinois, race riot, including "its connection with the creation of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)." Includes a map showing the route of the lynch mob through Springfield on August 15, 1908. A ThinkQuest site.
URL: http://library.thinkquest.org/2986/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/967
[NOTE: Previously posted. - Phyllis ]

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The Springfield Race Riot of 1908
This illustrated narrative recounts the August 1908 race riot in Springfield, Illinois, starting with the events of the later afternoon and evening of August 14, when a crowd demanded the release of two prisoners at the city's jail, and continuing with the violent events that followed. Includes curriculum materials. Part of Illinois Periodicals Online (IPO), a digital imaging project at the Northern Illinois University Libraries funded by the Illinois State Library.
URL: http://www.lib.niu.edu/1996/iht329622.html
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/26670

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Librarians' Internet Index
Websites You Can Trust!
http://lii.org/

Copyright 2008 by Librarians' Internet Index.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

 

Sun., Jan. 11, 2009 - PracticeSpot

--------Forwarded Message--------

Hi! It's Saturday, August 9, 2008 and time for Music at ClickSchooling!

Recommended Website
PracticeSpot.com
http://www.practicespot.com/home.php
[NOTE: Previously posted. - Phyllis ]

Age Range: All (Younger students and non-readers will need assistance from
mom or dad.)

ClickScholar MaryAnna Cashmore recommended this website that offers all
kinds of free music resources, lessons, and drills. When you get to the
site look under "Free Tools and Resources" in the center of the screen to
access:

*Rhythm Gym - Get interactive practice in counting rhythm and time
signatures in written music. Click on "Quarter Note Quest" or "Eighth Note
Challenge" and then follow the instructions that will take you through each
exercise until you gain proficiency. You'll see a piece of music. The idea
is to clap out the rhythm correctly. Once you do, you can listen to a midi
file and hear it played correctly. You can also print out the music and
practice on a keyboard offline. Once you've completed all of the exercises
satisfactorily, you can print out a certificate of achievement.

*Chord Wizard - This interactive guide helps you find and learn all of the
chords by displaying them on a keyboard.

*Scales Manual - Learn all 24 major and harmonic minor scales with the help
of this tool that allows you to see them presented on keyboards.

*Sightreading Genie - Get over 100 exercises to test your sightreading
ability.

*Music Crosswords - Have fun solving these puzzles that test your knowledge
of music and musicians.

There is lots of great, free content here that will help music students and
teachers alike.

Diane Flynn Keith
for ClickSchooling
Copyright 2008, All Rights Reserved
http://www.Homefires.com
http://www.Carschooling.com
http://www.UniversalPreschool.com

DID YOU MISPLACE A ClickSchooling Review? Do you need to find an educational website - fast! Visit the ClickSchooling archives at:
http://www.homefires.com/clickschool/archive.asp

Note: We make every effort to recommend websites that have content that is appropriate for general audiences. Parents should ALWAYS preview the sites for suitable content.

Click Schooling (Clickschooling) is a Federally Registered Trademark.

 

Sun., Jan. 11, 2009 - Roget's II: New Thesaurus (1995) online

Roget’s II: The New Thesaurus
http://www.bartleby.com/62/

From the site:

“Containing 35,000 synonyms and over 250,000 cross-references in an easy-to-use format, this thesaurus features succinct word definitions and an innovative hyperlinked category index. This is the 1995 edition.”

[NOTE: Previously posted. - Phyllis ]

 

Sun., Jan. 11, 2009 - This Day in History

History Channel: This Day in History
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history.do

Features daily topical stories from the Civil War, crime history, technology, the Old West, literature, and World War II.

-----

Source: Refdesk: http://www.refdesk.com

 

Sun., Jan. 11, 2009 - Some of the "Best Lists" from Larry Ferlazzo’s Website Update, Sept. 2008

Sites found in:
Larry Ferlazzo’s Website Update
September, 2008

Here are some of his lists for the month:

The Best Tools For Making Online Timelines
http://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/2008/08/06/the-best-tools-for-making-online-timelines/
Shortened URL: http://tinyurl.com/73arq7
From the site:
“Making timelines can be a useful learning activity for all students.”<<>>

The Best Online Instructional Video Sites
http://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/2008/07/24/the-best-online-instructional-video-sites/
Shortened URL: http://tinyurl.com/92adpd
From the site:
“ thought readers might find it useful to see a “The Best…” list which highlight the ones out there that seem to have very good content and appear to have adequate screening in place (at least for now) that would allow their sites to be used in schools.” <<>>

The Best Ways To Shorten URL Addresses
http://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/2008/07/22/the-best-ways-to-shorten-url-addresses/
Shortened URL: http://tinyurl.com/6m2vfu
From the site:
“…it really helps others when you are emailing links or putting them in articles” <<>>

The Best Sites To Introduce Environmental Issues Into The Classroom
http://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/2008/07/19/the-best-sites-to-introduce-environmental-issues-into-the-classroom/
Shortened URL: http://tinyurl.com/639pu9
From the site:
“These sites are good to “introduce” environmental issues in the classroom, but generally don’t provide information on systemic, political, and corporate issues related to environmental damage.” <<>>

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