Saturday, January 24, 2009

 

Sat., Jan. 24, 2009 - Young Artist Workshop

Young Artist Workshop - Kevin Collier - Grades 0 to 6
http://artistworkshop.blogspot.com/

Site found on TeachersFirst

With this site, you don’t need to be an art teacher to teach some very easy art and illustration techniques to your students. Kevin Collier, an acclaimed artist, demonstrates simple drawing ‘classes’ for your students via video on his blog. He also answers questions about art from his young audience. Check out his archive for more art lessons.

Entire review and suggestions for using this site “In the Classroom”:
http://www.teachersfirst.com/single.cfm?id=9705

 

Sat., Jan. 24, 2009 - Paper Critters

Paper Critters - JR Fabito - Grades 3 to 8
http://www.papercritters.com/

Site found on TeachersFirst

Paper Critters helps you create various styles of small creatures using body templates, art tools, and accessories. Paper Critters is a creative site that can be pulled into many classroom activities. Students can create people, animals or robots, to name a few. The gallery, coined The Colony, should be previewed by a teacher for appropriate content.

Entire review and suggestions for using this site “In the Classroom”:
http://www.teachersfirst.com/single.cfm?id=9725

 

Sat., Jan. 24, 2009 - 100 Exceptional Free Papeer Models and Toys / The Music Lists: DigitalDreamDoor

Sites found in:
NEAT NEW STUFF, August 1, 2008

------

100 Exceptional Free Paper Models and Toys
http://www.creativecloseup.com/100-exceptional-free-paper-models-and-toys
Shortened URL: http://tinyurl.com/2otvfm
Here's a little something to entertain the kids until school starts up again: downloadable designs for paper models of Chinese dragons, carousels, sailing ships, dinosaurs, race cars, robots, insects, etc.

-----

The Music Lists - DigitalDreamDoor
http://digitaldreamdoor.nutsie.com/pages/music0.html
Here's meat for hundreds of hours of lively discussion: lists of the greatest rock guitar riffs, rock drummers, motown songs, rock songwriters, rap/hiphop artists, doo wop ballads, metal albums - you name it.

------

Neat New Stuff I Found This Week
http://marylaine.com/neatnew.html
Copyright, Marylaine Block, 1999-2008.

 

Sat., Jan. 24, 2009 - Opera for Everyone

---------Forwarded Message--------
Hi! It's Saturday, August 16, 2008 and time for Music at ClickSchooling!

Recommended Website:
Opera For Everyone
http://opera.stanford.edu/op4all/index.html

Age Range: All (with parental guidance)

What a find! This website introduces everyone to opera by providing FREE
digital downloads of the "Opera for Everyone" series of CDs along with a
printable teaching manual! Your family can learn all about four classic
operas: Rossini's The Barber of Seville, Verdi's La Traviata, Bizet's
Carmen, and Puccini's Madama Butterfly.

The "Opera for Everyone" series of CDs is available for sale, but this
website allows educators free access to the music and manual. All you have
to do is register by providing the name, address, and email address of your
school/homeschool.

When you get to the site, you'll see a brief introduction followed by
step-by-step instructions on how to download the teachers manuals in pdf
files, and how to download the CDs for PC and Mac users. The two main
components include:

*Teaching Manual - This teaching tool consists of two documents containing
info about the operas and performers along with suggested books and videos
to use in conjunction with the CDs. It also provides the complete texts, in
English, of each opera in the series.

*Download the CDs - The MP3 files corresponding to the tracks on each "Opera
for Everyone" CD have been collected into files that can be downloaded. I
found that the instructions here may be slightly outdated, since the files
took far less time to download than predicted (maybe 3-4 minutes with a
highspeed connection). Once downloaded, you can "play" the MP3 files in a
media player such as the RealOne Player or Apple's iTunes. You can also
burn an audio CD from the MP3 files in the playlist you create for each
opera. The site gives educators permission to create audio CDs for use with
a CD player.

Then, you can use the manual to select tracks on the CDs to discuss the
various operatic elements including the vocal and orchestral music, the
visual aspects, and the libretto. Each track is written in English and the
language of the original opera. The manual also reviews "how the music
(melody, harmony, rhythm, tempo, tonality) tells the story of each opera --
how it expresses the emotions and drives the action forward." It also
explores these aspects of opera for greater understanding:

*Parts of the Opera - overtures, acts, finales.
*Voices of the Opera - soprano, mezzo-soprano, contralto, counter-tenor,
tenor, baritone, bass.
*Vocal Pieces - aria, duet, trio, quartet, tutti (entire company),
recitative, spoken dialogue.
*Roles of the Orchestra - to accompany the singers, participate as one of
the voices, and convey the fire and the feel of the music.

Whether you are a seasoned opera-goer or are brand new to opera, this series
of classic operas along with the accompanying study materials will enrich
your musical education.

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.

Friday, January 23, 2009

 

Fri., Jan. 23, 2009 - AASC Feature: Barack Obama / Free Access to entire database until 3/1/09

[NOTE: Free access to The Oxford African American Studies Center until March 1, 2009. See below for Username and Password ]

The Oxford African American Studies Center’s New 2009 Feature of the Month

Barack Obama

Dear Feature of the Month Subscriber,

The Oxford African American Studies Center’s Feature of the Month has been updated.
http://www.oxfordaasc.com/public/features/current/index.jsp

In honor of Barack Obama's inauguration as the 44th
President of the United States this month, the latest
Feature takes a look at his life from birth to his election
and will be available through the end of February.

RESPONSIBILITY
Obama was born into an era of violence, revolution, and change. When he was two, Martin Luther King Jr. declared, "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character." It was not until Obama was four years old that African Americans finally were free to vote everywhere in the United States. Forty-three years later over 66 million people cast their vote for the "skinny kid with a funny name." This month's photo essay (http://www.oxfordaasc.com/public/features/current/photo_essay.jsp?page=1 ) looks at Obama's story—one that is as mythic as any novelist could wish, one that encompasses the world as well as the heart of both black and white America.

ACCOUNTABILITY
Also made freely available are a number of related biographies, subject articles and primary sources from the Oxford African American Studies Center. Included in this set of entries are bibliographies for political trailblazers like Martin Luther King Jr., Alan Keyes, and Shirley Chisholm, as well as subject articles on topics like Blacks in American Electoral Politics and African Americans in Congress. King's "I Have A Dream" speech is also included, along with Jesse Jackson's Rainbow Coalition Speech, and Obama's speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention.

AVAILABILITY - Enjoy Free Access to the Oxford African American Studies Center!
In celebration of Barack Obama's inauguration and in commemoration of Black History Month, Oxford is making the Oxford African American Studies Center freely available to the public until March 1, 2009.
Enter this login information at www.oxfordaasc.com/ to start exploring:
USERNAME: barackobama
PASSWORD: president

Art Lowe
Online Product Specialist
Oxford University Press

 

Fri., Jan. 23, 2009 - Wild Kingdom / Wildlife Interactives / Creature Quizzes

Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom
http://animal.discovery.com/fansites/wildkingdom/wildkingdom.html
With podcasts, streaming video, puzzles, photos,
expert commentary, and more, site covers a
variety of animal species, from snakes to orcas.

---

Wildlife Interactives
http://animal.discovery.com/fansites/wildkingdom/fieldguide/interactives/interactives.html
Shortened URL: http://tinyurl.com/cq3bco

From the site:
“Learning about wildlife should be fun, which is why we've put together these exciting interactives to help you get acquainted with some of the coolest creatures in the animal kingdom.”

---

Creature Quizzes and Polls
http://animal.discovery.com/fansites/wildkingdom/fieldguide/quizzes/quizzes.html
Shortened URL: http://tinyurl.com/at5kae

From the site:
“Fascinated by wild animals? If so, you probably know more about them than you think. Why not put that knowledge to the test with one of our interactive quizzes?”

 

Fri., Jan. 23, 2009 - Butterfly Guide

Butterfly Guide
http://animal.discovery.com/guides/butterflies/butterflies.html
Site categorizes butterflies into five different
groups, featuring images and descriptions of
each as well as interactive segments on butterfly
migration habits.

 

Fri., Jan. 23, 2009 - PBS: NATURE: Is That Skunk? / AMEX: The Trials of J. Robert Oppenheimer / NOVA: The Incredible Journey of the Butterflies

Sites found in:

******************************************
PBS Teachers Newsletter: January 25 - February 1, 2009
Current PBS Teacher Previews Newsletter
http://www.pbs.org/teachers/newsletter/
******************************************

Nature
Is That Skunk?
On-Air & Online
Gr. 6-8 / 9-12
Sunday, January 25, 2009
8 - 9:00 pm
It's a familiar but mysterious creature in woods and
neighborhoods all across America. Its infamous weapon is one of
the most awful scents in all of nature. Now, intrepid
researchers and cameramen track skunks day and night across
California, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Ohio even Martha's Vineyard,
uncovering how they hunt, forage, mate and raise amazingly cute
babies. (CC, Stereo, HD, 1 year)
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/is-that-skunk/introduction/4514/
Shortened URL: http://tinyurl.com/7lbhog

-----

American Experience
The Trials of J. Robert Oppenheimer
On-Air & Online
Gr. 6-8 / 9-12
Monday, January 26
9 - 11:00 pm
This biography presents a complex and revealing portrait of one
of America's most influential scientists. Interweaving
interviews with family members, scholars and colleagues with
dramatic re-creations featuring Academy Award-nominated actor
David Strathairn ("Good Night, and Good Luck" and "The Bourne
Ultimatum"), this film follows Oppenheimer's fascinating arc
from the heady world of international physics to the top-secret
Manhattan Project and finally to the dark days of the Red Scare
and McCarthyism. Campbell Scott narrates. (CC, Stereo, HD, 1
year)
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/
[NOTE: See summary from AMEX pasted below. – Phyllis ]
------

NOVA
The Incredible Journey of the Butterflies
On-Air & Online
Gr. 6-8 / 9-12
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
8 - 9:00 pm
A visually rich and exciting new documentary about one of the
world's most beautiful and mysterious creatures: the Monarch
butterfly. This documentary, shot in high-definition video, is
a journey into the Monarch's secret and fascinating world. NOVA
visits the spectacular locations the Monarch calls home, meets
its friends and enemies (including humans in both camps) and
flies with it on one of the most inspiring migratory odysseys
imaginable. (CC, Stereo, HD, 1 year)
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/butterflies/
[NOTE: Teacher’s guide pasted below. – Phyllis ]

-------

Copyright 2008 PBS Online

*****************
--------Forwarded Message--------
[NOVA Teachers] "The Incredible Journey of the Butterflies"
Wed, Jan 21, 2009 at 3:15 PM

Hello Educators,

In next week's broadcast of "The Incredible Journey of the
Butterflies," NOVA traces the monarch butterfly's 2,000-mile
migration to Mexico from Canada and the Northeastern United States.
(Subjects covered: life science, entomology)

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

* * * * * * * *

NOVA Presents "The Incredible Journey of the Butterflies"
Broadcast: Tuesday, January 27, 2009
http://www.pbs.org/nova/butterflies
(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.)

Watch Online
http://www.pbs.org/nova/butterflies/program.html
Watch the entire program online after the broadcast date. (QuickTime
or Windows Media required.) (Grades 3-5, 6-8, 9-12)

The Director's Story
http://www.pbs.org/nova/butterflies/director.html
Learn in this interview with director Nick de Pencier what compelled
him to make a film about monarchs, how he captured the butterflies
on film, and what some of his biggest challenges and rewards were.
(Grades 6-8, 9-12)

Teacher's Guide
http://www.pbs.org/nova/teachers/programs/3601_butterfly.html
Discuss the concept of migration, explore the life cycles of
different organisms, learn how to write a field report, and more
with these viewing ideas. (Grades 6-8, 9-12)

Program Transcript
http://www.pbs.org/nova/transcripts/3601_butterflies.html
This site includes a complete narration for this program.

Plus Watch a Preview and Links & Books

* * * * * * * *
American Experience: Season Premiere
The Trials of J. Robert Oppenheimer
Tune in to PBS Monday night, January 26, 2009 at 9 pm (check local listings)

J. Robert Oppenheimer's life and legacy are inextricably linked to America's most famous top-secret initiative - the Manhattan Project. Under his leadership during World War II, the United States created the atomic bomb that brought the war to an end. Oppenheimer was brilliant, arrogant, proud, charismatic - and a national hero. But his enormous achievements were soon overshadowed by accusations of treason. Why did America turn on him, humiliate him, and cast him aside?

AMERICAN EXPERIENCE premieres THE TRIALS OF J. ROBERT OPPENHEIMER, featuring Academy Award-nominated actor David Strathairn ("Good Night and Good Luck," "The Bourne Ultimatum") as Robert Oppenheimer. This two-hour film presents a complex and revealing portrait of one of the most important and controversial scientists of the twentieth century. Return to the Web site after the premiere broadcast to watch the entire film online.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

 

Thurs., Jan. 22, 2009 - Storms Roaring Through the Night

---------Forwarded Message--------
Site of the Day for Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Storms Roaring Through the Night - Mesoscale Convective Systems
http://www.eo.ucar.edu/spotlight/bamex/index.html

Today's site, from the National Center for Atmospheric Research, presents an informative exhibit on the massive storm systems which churn through North America during the warm months of the year. Gentle Subscribers will discovering fascinating data on these mammoth and frightening thunderstorms.

"Some of the world's largest thunderstorm clusters rumble through the U.S Midwest during warm summer nights, leaving trails of destruction in their wake. Each storm complex typically develops in the late afternoon and can last all night, dumping massive amounts of rain, flattening trees and houses with hurricane-strength winds, and even spawning tornadoes. ... These nightmares are known as mesoscale convective systems (MCSs). Unlike other thunderstorms, MCSs are long-lived, and huge." - from the website

The exhibit describes the characteristics of mesoscale convective systems, with details of their enormous size and ferocity. Ranging up to almost a hundred miles in size and even producing tornados, the presentation notes that they sometimes recur over a number of successive nights in the same region. Additional sections provide data on a type of convective windstorm termed a bow echo, which may be part of a larger mesoscale convective system, with illustrative diagrams and radar images. An overview of the research on these storms, directed at improving predictability and warning times, is included, with an accompanying picture gallery of the scientist "storm chasers".

Swoop over to the site for a look at these formidable thunderstorms at:

http://www.eo.ucar.edu/spotlight/bamex/index.html

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

 

Thurs., Jan. 22, 2009 - Passport to Knowledge: Polar-Palooza

Polar-Palooza
http://passporttoknowledge.com/polar-palooza/

“…changes in the Arctic and Antarctic ice sheets impact weather and climate everywhere on Earth, and - we know - the Poles are changing faster than anywhere else on our entire world. Understanding the Poles helps us make wise decisions about building a sustainable future for our species and our civilization. At the same time, the Poles offer intriguing stories of human and animal adaption to extreme conditions, and insights into the real-world adventure which doing science in such extreme conditions inevitably offers… POLAR-PALOOZA is a multimedia initiative - supported by both NSF and NASA - involving researchers, Alaskan natives, in-person presentations at science centers and natural history museums, video and audio podcasts, and more.”

[NOTE: Other modules from Passport to Knowledge (http://passporttoknowledge.com/students.html )
previously posted. - Phyllis ]

 

Thurs., Jan. 22, 2009 - Sites from Librarians' Internet Index, NEW THIS WEEK, August 21, 2008

Sites found in:

Librarians' Internet Index
Websites you can trust!

NEW THIS WEEK, August 21, 2008
Read This Online : http://lii.org/cs/lii/print/news/162

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

State Digital Resources: Memory Projects, Online Encyclopedias, Historical & Cultural Materials Collections
This page provides a convenient set of annotated links to digital initiatives related to the history and culture of specific U.S. states. Included in the list are links to several multi-state collaborations. Compiled by Christine A. Pruzin, Digital Reference Specialist at the Library of Congress.
URL: http://www.loc.gov/rr/program/bib/statememory/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/26651

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

Digital Image Resources on the Deep Web
This article describes "some of the visual resources available on the web. The deep web. These images won't show up in search engines' image searches or on Flickr (save one exception). ... The images are a part of online collections created by institutions in the U.S. Some of the images may be a part of the public domain, but many will require permission or accreditation in order to use." From ReadWriteWeb.
URL http://blogwww.readwriteweb.com/archives/digital_image_resources_on_the_deep_web.php
Shortened URL: http://tinyurl.com/5p8go8
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/26696

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

The Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization
Frequently asked questions about the Bigfoot/Sasquatch mystery, early American legends, theories, evidence (or lack thereof), research and projects, news, and a Bigfoot sightings database are some of the highlights of this site, which explores the question: "If these creatures exist, why are they still undocumented after all this time?" Browse the sightings database by region and reports recently added. Maintained by the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization (BFRO), an "all volunteer scientific and investigative organization."
URL: http://www.bfro.net/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/18398
[NOTE: Previously posted. Site updated. - Phyllis ]

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

Forces of Change
This site explores the natural and human forces that contribute to changes in our environment and how life on earth adapts to these changes. Topics include warming and erosion in the Arctic, changes in the composition of the atmosphere throughout earth's history, El Niño, current conditions (temperatures, precipitation, earthquakes and volcanoes, and vegetation), and a 2008-2010 exhibit on soil. From the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.
URL: http://forces.si.edu/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/26540
[NOTE: Previously posted. Site updated. - Phyllis ]

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

Science, Life and Travel in the Earth's Cold Regions
Collection of resources to "give you some idea of what the polar regions are like." Includes material about Greenland's ice, and links to articles and sites on major polar science studies, graphics, details about living and working in polar regions, frequently asked questions, and related material. Note: Video clip is not available. From USA Today.
URL: http://www.usatoday.com/weather/resources/coldscience/acoldsci.htm
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/26720

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

Teachers' Domain: Polar Sciences Collection
Collection of science resources celebrating the fourth International Polar Year (2007-2008), an "international campaign to advance polar science and better understand global climate change through an interdisciplinary approach." On this site learn about Arctic and Antarctic atmosphere, ice, oceans, people, and the land. Register to download, share, and save resources.
[NOTE: Learn about ecosystems, ice sheets, global warming, earth as a system, and earth's albedo (diffusely reflected light from the sun). Find out about satellites orbiting earth, how the poles compare, Inuit observations of climate change, and tracking polar bears.] Funding provided by the National Science Foundation. Teachers' Domain is a Pathways project of the National Science Digital Library.
URL: http://www.teachersdomain.org/exhibits/ipy07-ex/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/26719
[NOTE: Previously posted. - Phyllis ]

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

U.S. Army Transportation Museum: The Cold War
Historical overviews of some of the Cold War experimental operations of the U.S. Army transportation corps, such as the Airgeep (a "flying jeep"), a cybernetic walking machine, the Rocket Belt (a low-power rocket propulsion device), an aerial tramway, and an early personal "flying platform" called the De Lackner Aerocycle. Includes many photos and diagrams. From the U.S. Army Transportation Museum.
URL: http://www.transchool.eustis.army.mil/Museum/ColdWarIndexpage.htm
Shortened URL: http://tinyurl.com/ahxryy
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/26637

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

Copyright 2008 by Librarians' Internet Index.

 

Thurs., Jan. 22, 2009 - Time Lord

Time Lord
http://timelord.waidev5.com/
An interactive multimedia history game. Questions are from Exploration, Military and War, Mysteries of History, Political and Historical Figures, Science and Technology, Society and Culture, U.S. History, and World History. Registration not required for single player.

Source: History Channel

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

 

Wed., Jan. 21, 2009 - Teaching About Slavery

Footnotes: The Newsletter of FPRI's Wachman Center

TEACHING ABOUT SLAVERY
by Michael Johnson

Vol. 13, No. 14
August 2008
http://www.fpri.org/footnotes/1314.200808.johnson.teachingaboutslavery.html
Shortened URL: http://tinyurl.com/9ou4un

Source: Foreign Policy Research Institute
http://www.fpri.org/

 

Wed., Jan. 21, 2009 - Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad

Harriet Tubman & The Underground Railroad
http://www2.lhric.org/POCANTICO/tubman/tubman.html
This site has wonderful links to an amazing amount of information about the Underground Railroad.
Links
http://www2.lhric.org/POCANTICO/tubman/links.htm

[NOTE: Previously posted. - Phyllis ]

From the site:
“Editor's Note: Harriet Tubman's life has been the subject of many children's books. Since 2003 three biographical studies have been published which call into question many of our long held beliefs about Harriet's life. The editors of this site have attempted to correct the material presented here in keeping with these recent discoveries. We are certain that there will be additional discoveries as time passes and more historians delve into the life of this amazing woman. As new information becomes available we will attempt to keep up to date with the most current views.”

 

Wed., Jan. 21, 2009 - Black (African-American) History Month, February 2009

Black (African-American) History Month: February 2009
http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/facts_for_features_special_editions/013007.html
Shortened URL: http://tinyurl.com/3kn9rd

From the site:
“To commemorate and celebrate the contributions to our nation made by people of African descent, American historian Carter G. Woodson established Black History Week. The first celebration occurred on Feb. 12, 1926. For many years, the second week of February was set aside for this celebration to coincide with the birthdays of abolitionist/editor Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. In 1976, as part of the nation’s bicentennial, the week was expanded into Black History Month. Each year, U. S. presidents proclaim February as National African-American History Month.” <<>>

Source: Facts for Features

 

Wed., Jan. 21, 2009 - Black History on the Internet

Black History on the Internet
http://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/curr056.shtml
From the site:
“…February, Black History Month -- is a time when many teachers draw special attention to the contributions of black Americans to "America's quilt." Whatever grade the students are in, teachers can find plenty of rich Black History resources on the Internet -- Web sites that can help students everywhere "stitch together" a portrait of the African-American experience.” <<>>

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

 

Tues., Jan. 20, 2009 - Watching America

Site found in:
NEAT NEW STUFF, July 25, 2008

-----------

Watching America - Discover what the world thinks about the U.S.
http://watchingamerica.com/News/

“With Translated Foreign News Available NOWHERE Else In English."…Provides links to web sites of news sources from around the world.
[NOTE: Previously posted. - Phyllis ]

-----

Neat New Stuff I Found This Week
http://marylaine.com/neatnew.html
Copyright, Marylaine Block, 1999-2008.

 

Tues., Jan. 20, 2009 - Exploring the Cartoonist's Point of View / It's No Laughing Matter: Analyzing Political Cartoons

Exploring the Cartoonist’s Point of View
http://myloc.gov/Education/LessonPlans/Pages/lessonplans/cartoons/docs/cartoonist.pdf
Shortened URL: http://tinyurl.com/7sedqw

It's No Laughing Matter: Analyzing Political Cartoons
http://memory.loc.gov/learn/features/political_cartoon/index.html
[NOTE: Previously posted. - Phyllis ]

Source: Library of Congress

 

Tues., Jan. 20, 2009 - Daryl Cagle's Professional Cartoonists Index

Daryl Cagle's Professional Cartoonists Index - MSNBC - Grades 6 to 12
http://cagle.com/
[NOTE: Previously posted. Site updated. - Phyllis ]

Site found on TeachersFirst.com

“We know that today's students are far more accustomed to learning through images than students of the past. This site is a collection of the work of dozens of political cartoonists and is constantly updated to provide fresh content tied to the news of the day. The site is surprisingly deep, however, and has cartoon galleries that go back at least five years.

“Teachers should be aware of several cautions however: Preview the cartoons collections for age-appropriateness; understand that the site does contain advertisements; and recognize that the images are copyright protected.”

Entire review and suggestions for using this site “In the Classroom”:
http://www.teachersfirst.com/single.cfm?id=9726

 

Tues., Jan. 20, 2009 - Child Welfare Informtion Gateway / Scirus / The U.S. Secret Service

Sites found in:
ResourceShelf
http://www.resourceshelf.com
August 14-21, 2008

-----

Resource of the Week: Child Welfare Information Gateway
http://www.childwelfare.gov/

Child Welfare Information Gateway promotes the safety, permanency, and well-being of children and families by connecting child welfare, adoption, and related professionals to information and resources that help them address the needs of children and families in their communities. <<>>

Full review:
http://www.resourceshelf.com/2008/08/18/resource-of-the-week-child-welfare-information-gateway/
Shortened URL: http://tinyurl.com/6s2v2h

-----

Peter's Digital Reference Shelf June 2008
http://www.gale.cengage.com/reference/peter/200806/scirus.htm
Scirus
http://www.scirus.com
“Scirus stands out among the few multidisciplinary science-oriented databases that are freely available on the Web”
[NOTE: Previously posted. - Phyllis ]

-----

The U.S. Secret Service: An Examination and Analysis of Its Evolving Missions (PDF; 248 KB)
http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/homesec/RL34603.pdf

The U.S. Secret Service has two missions — criminal investigations and protection. Criminal investigation activities, which have expanded since its inception as a small anti-counterfeiting operation at the end of the Civil War, now encompass financial crimes, identity theft, counterfeiting, computer fraud, and computer-based attacks on the nation’s financial, banking, and telecommunications infrastructure, among other areas. Protection activities, which have expanded and evolved since the 1890s, include the safety and security of the President, Vice President, their families, and other identified individuals and locations.

Updated October 14, 2008
Source: Congressional Research Service (via Federation of American Scientists)
Full Review: http://www.docuticker.com/?p=22001

----

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

Monday, January 19, 2009

 

Mon., Jan. 19, 2009 - Acceptable Use Policies

Sites found in:
The August 21, 2008 issue of EduHound's Classroom Tools & Tips, located at:
http://www.eduhound.com/cttarchives/082108ctt.cfm

Topic :: ACCEPTABLE USE POLICIES

Project Interconnect: Acceptable Use Policy - Printable Consent Forms (pdf)
These various printable pdf forms are easy to understand and cover the unacceptable uses and penalties for misuse. They state that students will be held accountable for violations of the Acceptable Use Policy and that disciplinary action may be taken.
http://projectinterconnect.org/filters/aupform.htm

Model Acceptable use Policy Information Technology Resources in the School
Provides excellent examples of the types of content that should be part of a school's information technology acceptable use policy.
http://www.cybercrime.gov/rules/acceptableUsePolicy.htm

Arp's Acceptable Use Policies
Visit this site for examples of how Arp ISD maintains the highest standards of ethical and acceptable use of all technology for educational purposes.
http://www.arp.sprnet.org/admin/movie.htm

Developing an Acceptable Use Policy
This site is intended to assist K-12 school districts and other K-12 entities in developing their own Acceptable Use Policies.
http://www.k12.wa.us/K-20/AUP.aspx

Acceptable Use Policy Indiana Department of Education
Includes Internet acceptable use policies, guidelines, and recommendations -- as well as suggested models for public schools.
http://www.doe.state.in.us/olr/aup/welcome.html

Acceptable Internet Use Policies - A Handbook, Virginia DoE
As schools may be various stages of implementation in the use of computer networks, this electronic handbook does not prescribe a single Acceptable Internet Use Policy. Instead, it provides links to various sources of information that may be helpful to administrators, teachers, etc. in the development of an AUP.
http://www.pen.k12.va.us/go/VDOE/Technology/AUP/home.shtml

 

Mon., Jan. 19, 2009 - Finding Similar Sites

Finding similar sites

similicio.us
http://similicio.us/index.html
From the site:
“…find relevant web sites based on people's tags/bookmarks on del.icio.us, using a home-brewed association engine. It answers the question "people who tagged this site also tagged what other sites".

Similar Pages
http://www.googleguide.com/similar_pages.html
From the site:
“…find results similar to another Google search result.”
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SitesLike
http://siteslike.info/
Find and Share Similar Websites
“SitesLike is a free service that allows you to find, tag, rate and share websites that are similar to each other. Sites are constantly monitored so the content is always fresh and up to date.”


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Site found in:
ResourceShelf
http://www.resourceshelf.com
August 8-14, 2008

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InSuggest
http://web.insuggest.com/
From article:
Get recommendations based on your bookmarks
http://www.pandia.com/sew/697-get-recommendations-based-on-your-bookmarks.html
Shortened URL: http://tinyurl.com/843m2h
“InSuggest has had a service for recommending web sites based on URLs you provide. They also have a similar service for suggesting images. Their new tool doesn’t require you to type in URLs to get recommendations. All you have to do is add your Delicious user name.” [NOTE: You can also type in any URL]

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

 

Mon., Jan. 19, 2009 - Finding Information on the Internet: A Tutorial

Finding Information on the Internet: A Tutorial
http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/TeachingLib/Guides/Internet/FindInfo.html
[NOTE: Previously posted. Site updated. - Phyllis ]

“This tutorial presents the substance of the web searching workshop offered by the Teaching Library at the University of California at Berkeley. The content on this site has been updated to reflect the latest trends in search engines, directories, and evaluating web pages.”
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Source: Refdesk: http://www.refdesk.com

Some of the updated pages:

Evaluating Web Pages: Techniques to Apply & Questions to Ask
http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/TeachingLib/Guides/Internet/Evaluate.html
Last update 11/24/08.

Invisible or Deep Web
http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/TeachingLib/Guides/Internet/InvisibleWeb.html
Last update 12/04/08

Recommended Search Engines
http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/TeachingLib/Guides/Internet/SearchEngines.html
Last update 01/11/09.

 

Mon., Jan. 19, 2009 - BioScope / In the First Person / Online Student Survival Guide

Sites found in:
NEAT NEW STUFF, August 15, 2008

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The BioScope
http://bioscopic.wordpress.com/
"Reporting on the world of early and silent cinema." Its archive (Feb. 2007- ) is searchable, and browsable by categories related to production, exhibition, genres, performers, groups, etc. There are also FAQs, guides to conferences and festivals, and a nice library of links to online books about early cinema.

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In the First Person
http://www.inthefirstperson.com/firp/index.shtml
"a free, high quality, professionally published, in-depth index of close to 4,000 collections of personal narratives in English from around the world" - letters, diaries, and oral histories. While this is fully searchable, sample the alphabetical list of collections to get a sense of the extraordinary range of topics covered - slave narratives, folklore, letters and diaries of immigrants, wagon train pioneers and civil war veterans, oral histories of dance, German Americans, labor history, the "Pepsi Generation," Women Air Force Service Pilots, and so much more.

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Online Student Survival Guide
http://onlinestudentsurvival.com/
We all know that online learning can be hard without the built-in social and administrative supports a campus provides. Online students will welcome this blog from Western Governors University, which offers advice on Adjusting to Online Learning, Balancing Life and School, Elements of Online Learning, Healthy Eating, and Selecting Your School.

[NOTE: Blog includes link to: Top 100 Education Blogs
http://oedb.org/library/features/top-100-education-blogs - Phyllis ]

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Neat New Stuff I Found This Week
http://marylaine.com/neatnew.html
Copyright, Marylaine Block, 1999-2008.

Sunday, January 18, 2009

 

Sun., Jan. 18, 2009 - Chinese New Year - January 26, 2009

Chinese New Year - - Grades 5 to 8
http://www.chinapage.com/newyear.html

[NOTE: Previously posted. - Phyllis ]

Site found on TeachersFirst.com
“Gear up for the Year of the ox with this informational site about the Chinese New Year. Learn about the animals in the Chinese zodiac, the significance of dragons in Chinese mythology, several "special" facts about various years, and how the date of the New Year is determined.”<<>>

Entire review and suggestions for using this site “In the Classroom”:
http://www.teachersfirst.com/single.cfm?id=5630

 

Sun., Jan. 18, 2009 - Chinese New Year Horoscope / Interactives

Chinese New Year - Hong Kong Tourism Board - Grades 4 to 12
http://www.discoverhongkong.com/chinesenewyear/eng/html/horoscopes.html
Shortened URL: http://tinyurl.com/7vt7ge

Site found on TeachersFirst.com

“This interactive Chinese New Year horoscope from the Hong Kong Tourism Board is mostly for fun, but it's a door-opener to ancient customs surrounding the lunar new year in China. Students can enter the year they were born to learn more about themselves, their fortune, and their horoscope. For 2009, it's the year of the ox. There are also links to other aspects of the celebration.” <<>>

Entire review and suggestions for using this site “In the Classroom”:
http://www.teachersfirst.com/single.cfm?id=5677

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[NOTE: Site recently updated. See also these new pages:

Chinese New Year Celebrations
http://www.discoverhongkong.com/chinesenewyear/eng/html/index.html

Interactive Fun
http://www.discoverhongkong.com/chinesenewyear/eng/html/interactive.html
Shortened URL: http://tinyurl.com/9pxh2j


Hui Chun - Chinese New Year Greetings
http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/interactive/huichun/index.jsp ]

- Phyllis ]

 

Sun., Jan. 18, 2009 - Great Wall of China (2) / Chinese History (2) / China, the Beautiful

--------Forwarded Message--------
Hi! It's Friday, August 15, 2008 and time for a Virtual Field Trip at
ClickSchooling!

Recommended Website:
Beijing Guide: Great Wall of China
http://www.homefires.com/click?tourgreatwall
http://www.thebeijingguide.com/great_wall_of_china/index.html
[NOTE: Previously posted. - Phyllis ]
Age Range: 5+ (with parental supervision)

This commercial travel website offers a free, 360-degree, panoramic virtual
tour of The Great Wall of China. When you get to the site, the panoramic
tour of The Great Wall will begin at the top of the screen. Place your
cursor on the screen as the picture moves to reveal messages that say, "Go
up this way," "Walk to the next tower," and "Look at the Great Wall in black
and white." Click on those messages and it takes you to another portion of
the virtual tour. There is some brief historical information on the site -
but not much. You'll find more about the history of the Great Wall at the
following website...

Discovery Channel: Great Wall Revealed
http://www.homefires.com/click?moregreatwall
http://dsc.discovery.com/videos/discovery-atlas-china-revealed-the-great-wall.html
Shortened URL: http://tinyurl.com/6gnyzm
The Discovery Channel offers a free, 2 1/2-minute clip of their video,
"China: The Great Wall Revealed" that provides some interesting historical
information that will appeal to students ages 10+. Of course, you can
purchase the full DVD at this site, or try to find it at a video store or
library.

Further resources about China...

Chinese History for Beginners
http://asterius.com/china/
[NOTE: Previously posted. Could not connect today.- Phyllis ]
This site offers a very simple, condensed history of China for beginners. It
provides just enough textual information to whet your appetite for further
exploration. A springboard for independent readers ages 11 and up.

Chinese History Timeline
http://www-chaos.umd.edu/history/time_line.html
This site provides a simple, interactive timeline of the various Chinese
dynasties and republics. This will be of more interest to students 10 and
up. [NOTE: Other pages from http://www-chaos.umd.edu/history/welcome.html
previously posted. - Phyllis ]

China The Beautiful
http://www.chinapage.com/china.html
[NOTE: Previously posted. - Phyllis ]
JACKPOT! This website is a goldmine of classical Chinese art, calligraphy,
stories/parables, poetry, history (Silk Road), literature, language (learn
to speak Chinese), science, music, dragons, emperors, and much, much more!
Different aspects of this site will appeal to a variety of ages. Note: I
didn't get to explore every facet of this website, so as always, parents
should preview 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.

 

Sun., Jan. 18, 2009 - Readers Advisory / A Visual Sourcebook of Chinese Civilization

Sites found in:
NEAT NEW STUFF, August 22-29, 2008

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Readers Advisory - Sarah's Reference Warehouse
http://librarianinblack.typepad.com/librarianinblack/2008/08/sarahs-referenc.html
Shortened URL: http://tinyurl.com/6hyrmh
Our favorite "librarian in black" offers a sizable annotated set of links to her favorite readers' advisory resources. Naturally I would suggest adding my own BookBytes to it, <http://marylaine.com/bookbyte/>

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A Visual Sourcebook of Chinese Civilization
http://depts.washington.edu/chinaciv/index.htm
If the Beijing Olympics whetted your interest in Chinese culture and history, this is a good place to learn more about China's geography, calligraphy, painting, homes, gardens, and more. Each entry is essentially an illustrated short course on the subject, and includes a timeline, maps, and suggested reading.
[NOTE: Previously posted. - Phyllis ]
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Neat New Stuff I Found This Week
http://marylaine.com/neatnew.html
Copyright, Marylaine Block, 1999-2008.

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