Saturday, October 24, 2009

 

Sat., Oct. 24, 2009 - 100 Incredibly Useful and Interesting Web Sites

“100 Incredibly Useful and Interesting Web Sites”

http://www.pcworld.com/article/150897/article.html?tk=nl_wbxnws

From the site:

“I've organized the sites in the list by the type of task they help you with. It is not a ranking; in each category I recommend sites that specialize in a different area than the others. I've also mixed in a smattering of sites that you might not use every day.”

 

Sat., Oct. 24, 2009 - Wisc-Online (Wisconsin Online Resource Center)

Wisc-Online (Wisconsin Online Resource Center)
http://www.wisc-online.com/

From the site:
“Wisc-Online is a digital library containing 2,300 interactive learning objects.”

NOTE: Site requires free registration. “The learning objects are available to be used at no cost for teachers and students worldwide via the Internet.” (Fee to download for use offline.)

After registering, interactives are accessed via menu on left:
ABE/ESL, Business, General Education, Health, Service, Technical, others

Some of the interactives in the Library are in the General Education category:
Anatomy and Physiology, Biology, Economics, General Chemistry, Psychology, Microbiology, Math, Sociology, Contemporary American Society, Written Communication, and others.

In the ABE/ESL category:
English, Math, Science, Social Studies, ESL

Lots to see on this site.

 

Sat., Oct. 24, 2009 - Stossel in the Classroom (FREE 2010 DVD)

--------Forwarded Message--------
Hi! It's Wednesday, October 21, 2009 and time for Language
Arts at ClickSchooling!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A Note From Diane...
Today's review offers a resource that I think every teacher
and home educator should know about. So, this is written
permission to distribute this particular copyrighted issue of
ClickSchooling. Please forward it to your friends and support
groups or post it on your blogs and websites - as long as you
include THE ENTIRE REVIEW BELOW including my signature with
the link to ClickSchooling.com, and my copyright notice.

Thanks for your help in getting this information out there! :)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CLICKSCHOOLING REVIEW:
Recommended Website:
Stossel In The Classroom
http://stosselintheclassroom.org/

Age Range: 11 and up (middle school, high school, and college
level)

A big THANK YOU to ClickScholar Nancy Hogan for recommending
this website "Stossel in the Classroom." Sponsored by the
Center for Independent Thought (a non-profit educational
foundation) it offers a free DVD each school year that is a
compilation of John Stossel's television programs and
specials, along with a teacher guide with lesson plans and
ideas for complementary activities. A new DVD is produced each
year and, along with the associated resources, is free to
teachers (including home educators).

When you get to the site you'll see John Stossel's smiling
face and learn how to register (free) to get the new "2010
Edition" DVD, as well as an accompanying downloadable
"Teacher's Guide" containing lesson plans, activity
suggestions, handouts, and vocabulary. Not only that, but past
titles from previous years are available for free as well.

In addition to getting the free DVD and resources, you can use
the menu at the top of the home page to watch a "Streaming
Video" from Stossel on a thought-provoking topic. A new video
is posted to the website each month and teacher resources are
available too. Past videos are archived at the site covering a
variety of categories including business, college, consumer
issues, healthcare, law, privacy, and more. You can also
search the videos by subject including:

*Agriculture
*Biology
*Business
*Chemistry
*Civics
*Drama
*Economics
*Engineering
*English Language Arts
*Government
*Health
*Journalism
*Marketing
*Parenting
*Political Science
*Science
*Sociology
*US History
*World History
~and much more!

Again, all of this is provided for FREE - they simply request
that you send them your feedback on the website and products
to share with fellow teachers/educators.

When you register at the site, you will automatically receive
the quarterly e-newsletter with convenient links to order the
latest free DVD, play the free monthly streaming video clips,
and access the featured teacher resources.

Diane Flynn Keith
for ClickSchooling
http://www.clickschooling.com/

Copyright 2009, Diane Flynn Keith, All Rights Reserved.

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.

 

Sat., Oct. 24, 2009 - Sporcle

Sporcle - Sporcle, Inc. Grades 2 to 12
http://www.sporcle.com/

Site found on TeachersFirst.

“Try these interactives, available in a variety of subjects: Geography, History, Language, Literature, Movies, Music, Religion, Science, and others. Sporcle tests memorized knowledge against a timer. Accessing the comments below can lead to spoilers that reveal answers. Become stumped during a game? Click on "Give up" to end the game and reveal the rest of the answers. Teachers should preview and provide the DIRECT link to the games or section (such as geography) they wish students to use. The “popular” listings and some advertising on this site may include questionable content for classrooms.”

Entire review and suggestions for using this site “In the Classroom”:
http://www.teachersfirst.com/single.cfm?id=10339

Friday, October 23, 2009

 

Fri., Oct. 23, 2009 - Learning to Read? Try Talking to a Dog

Learning to read? Try talking to a dog
http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/10/22/dogs.irpt/index.html

By Rachel Rodriguez
CNN
updated 10:34 a.m. EDT, Thu October 22, 2009

“Therapy dogs in libraries can help kids become more comfortable with reading.”

“According to the researchers at the Center for the Human-Animal Bond at Purdue University, blood pressure drops and the heart rate slows when a person is petting a dog. The National Institutes of Health confirms what any dog owner knows: Dogs have been found to reduce stress.”

Article includes link to Video: Meet Bailey and Wilmoth

 

Fri., Oct. 23, 2009 - 2009 Native American Indian Heritage Month: U.S. National Park Service

2009 Native American Indian Heritage Month: U.S. National Park Service

http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/feature/indian

This site showcases American Indian properties featured in Teaching with Historic Places Lesson Plans, and American Indian Heritage in the National Parks.

From the site:
“The National Register of Historic Places is pleased to promote awareness of and appreciation for the history and culture of American Indians and Alaska Natives during National American Indian Heritage Month.”

 

Fri., Oct. 23, 2009 - AMEX: Chicago: City of the Century

From: American Experience on PBS
Date: Fri, Oct 16, 2009 at 10:32 AM
Subject: News From American Experience

AMEX: Chicago: City of the Century
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/chicago/

“Although it didn't capture the 2016 Summer Olympics, Chicago still boasts an amazing story, from anarchists to gangsters, to railroad and meatpacking tycoons and the great fire that spawned the Second City so loved today. Discover the people and events that shaped one of the great American cities on the Chicago: City of the Century website. Take the "Do You Know Chicago" quiz, or discover the stories behind some of Chicago’s world-changing innovations.” Follow the path of the great Chicago fire with an interactive map and eyewitness accounts, meet Chicago luminaries throughout history, and learn about the unique history of the people, industry and culture of the "city of broad shoulders."

[NOTE: Previously posted. – Phyllis ]

 

Fri., Oct. 23, 2009 - PBS: Masterpiece Contemporary: Endgame / NATURE: Cloud: Challenge of the Stallions / AMEX: The Crash of 1929, The 1930s, Herbert Hoover

Sites found in:
******************************************
PBS Teachers Newsletter: October 25-31, 2009
******************************************

Masterpiece Contemporary
"Endgame"
On-Air & Online
Gr. 6-8 / 9-12
Sunday, October 25, 2009
9 - 11:00 pm
From the site:

“A nation teeters on the brink of civil war in this real-life political thriller about the negotiations that led to the end of apartheid in South Africa and the release of Nelson Mandela. Michael Young, a British businessman working in South Africa, has the audacious hope of bringing both sides of the apartheid conflict together — the entrenched government and the rebel African National Congress (ANC). But when his dream of secret talks is realized on an estate in England, it quickly becomes clear that common ground will be elusive as explosive tensions boil just below the surface. Against a backdrop of danger, terrorism and escalating unrest, a high-stakes chess match plays out, ultimately proving that peace is possible.”


Learn more about Endgame by visiting this program's companion website:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/endgame/index.html

This Week at Masterpiece Online:

* Endgame Characters
Find out about the historical figures in the film and the actors who
portray them.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/endgame/characters.html

* Watch Online
Beginning October 26th, watch Endgame online for a limited time only.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/endgame/watch.html

* Michael Young Interview
Meet the real-life Michael Young, the unlikely peace broker at the
center of Endgame.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/endgame/young.html

* A Journalist's Perspective
Journalist Charlayne Hunter-Gault gives her perspective on covering
and living in South Africa.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/endgame/journalist.html

* Apartheid Timeline
Learn about the key events that strengthened and weakened apartheid.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/endgame/timeline.html

* Curriculum Connections
Find innovative teaching ideas for using Endgame in the classroom.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/learn/guides.html

-----

Nature
Cloud: Challenge of the Stallions
On-Air & Online
Gr. 3-5 / 6-8 / 9-12
Sunday, October 25, 2009
8 - 9:00 pm

The continuing saga of Cloud, the wild, white stallion now in
his prime, returns viewers to the Arrowhead Mountains of
Montana. (CC, Stereo, HD, 1 year)

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/cloud-challenge-of-the-stallions/introduction/936/

Shortened URL: http://tinyurl.com/yzd8pda

-----

The Crash of 1929
On-Air & Online
Gr. 6-8 / 9-12
Monday, October 26, 2009
9 - 10:00 pm

Eighty years ago, on October 24th, 1929, the American stock market began to show signs of faltering. The biggest bankers of era raced to shore up the market and reassure investors that business on Wall Street was just as it had been for the last decade: booming.

But over the next week, the market plunged into freefall, taking with it the finances of Wall Street titans and everyday investors alike. As panic set in, so did the realization that the party was over and the bubble had burst. The crash would lead Americans through sixteen years of economic depression, which remains to this day the biggest financial crisis in American history.

See companion website for Teacher’s Resources and Timeline
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/crash/

The 1930s Collection
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/collection/1930s/

From the site:
“The 1930s collection examines America’s response to the unprecedented economic crisis that threatened the nation during one of history’s most tumultuous decades — a decade that is increasingly a touchstone for our own. In a series of five films, this AMERICAN EXPERIENCE explores politics and culture during the Great Depression through eyewitness accounts and rare archival footage.

“The 1930s touches on themes straight from the 2009 news headlines — beginning with the problems with banking security, stock market manipulation, and speculation that led to the Crash of 1929 and the subsequent Great Depression.”

Includes videos on:
The Crash of 1929
The Civilian Conservation Corps
Hoover Dam
Surviving the Dust Bowl
Seabiscuit

“Explore the 1930s” Section includes pages on:
About the 1930s
The 30s Today
Voices from the 30s
Photo Gallery
My American Experience
Teacher's Resources

(Created August 2009)

------

Herbert Hoover
Gr. 6-8 / 9-12
The story of the nation's 31st president and his remarkable
life before, during and after his time in the White House. (CC,
Stereo, 1 year)
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/presidents/31_hoover/

-----

Copyright 2008 PBS Online

Thursday, October 22, 2009

 

Thurs., Oct. 22, 2009 - The Oxford African American Studies Center's Focus On:

The Oxford African American Studies Center's Focus On:
[NOTE: Some Focus On articles previously posted. – Phyllis]

The latest Focus On article looks at the contributions of African Americans to the fields of science and technology.
http://www.oxfordaasc.com/public/features/current/index.jsp

Scroll down for Photo Essay
http://www.oxfordaasc.com/public/features/current/photo_essay.jsp?page=1

Scroll down for Featured Articles
http://www.oxfordaasc.com/public/features/current/index.jsp
Includes subject essays, biographies and primary documents.

NOTE: Access to articles and documents is available only while this feature is current.
When it is no longer current, access to articles and documents will be available only to subscribers. Only Photo Essays are available to non-subscribers for all archived features.

------

From the list of previous Features that I have not posted:

Slave Narratives
http://www.oxfordaasc.com/public/features/archive/0609/index.jsp

Photo Essay
http://www.oxfordaasc.com/public/features/archive/0609/photo_essay.jsp?page=1
Shortened URL: http://tinyurl.com/ygdrxgf

NOTE: Access to articles is available only to subscribers

-----

Harlem Renaissance
http://www.oxfordaasc.com/public/features/archive/0509/index.jsp

Photo Essay
http://www.oxfordaasc.com/public/features/archive/0509/photo_essay.jsp?page=1
Shortened URL: http://tinyurl.com/yjrnn6l

NOTE: Access to articles is available only to subscribers

-----

Dred Scott v. Sandford
http://www.oxfordaasc.com/public/features/archive/0809/index.jsp

Photo Esssay
http://www.oxfordaasc.com/public/features/archive/0809/photo_essay.jsp?page=1
Shortened URL: http://tinyurl.com/yzr7j4c

NOTE: Access to articles is available only to subscribers

-----

Influential Black Women
http://www.oxfordaasc.com/public/features/archive/0409/index.jsp

Photo Essay
http://www.oxfordaasc.com/public/features/archive/0409/photo_essay.jsp?page=1
Shortened URL: http://tinyurl.com/d427zb

NOTE: Access to articles is available only to subscribers

 

Thurs., Oct. 22, 2009 - A Class Divided

"A CLASS DIVIDED"

Flashback: Class Divided
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/story/2008/11/a-mile-in-your-shoes.html

Shortened URL: http://tinyurl.com/774uz6

Original airdate Mar. 26, 1985
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/divided/
[NOTE: Previously posted. - Phyllis ]

This is one of the most requested programs in FRONTLINE's history. It is about
an Iowa schoolteacher who, the day after Martin Luther King Jr. was murdered in
1968, gave her third-grade students a first-hand experience in the meaning of
discrimination. This is the story of what she taught the children, and the
impact that lesson had on their lives.

Watch this 46:00 program here in five consecutive chapters. You'll need Windows
Media or RealPlayer to watch.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/divided/etc/view.html


Teacher's Guide
"A Class Divided" has a featured lesson that recounts Jane Elliot's classic
"brown eyes/blue eyes" exercise in discrimination. Students will also explore
the historical role of racism in the United States, as well as prejudice and
stereotypes in their own lives. Now Available at:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/teach/divided/

 

Thurs., Oct. 22, 2009 - Sojourner Truth

Sojourner Truth
http://www.surfnetkids.com/sojourner_truth.htm

“Sojourner Truth (born Isabella Baumfree) was one of the best-known abolitionists of the nineteenth century. Born a slave in New York in approximately 1797, she was freed in 1828. She took the name Sojourner Truth in 1843 when she began lecturing on the abolition of slavery and for women's rights.”

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

 

Thurs., Oct. 22, 2009 - Calisphere

Calisphere
http://www.calisphere.universityofcalifornia.edu/
[NOTE: Previously posted – Phyllis ]

From the site:

"Calisphere is the University of California's free public gateway to a world of primary sources. More than 150,000 digitized items — including photographs, documents, newspaper pages, political cartoons, works of art, diaries, transcribed oral histories, advertising, and other unique cultural artifacts — reveal the diverse history and culture of California and its role in national and world history. Calisphere's content has been selected from the libraries and museums of the UC campuses, and from a variety of cultural heritage organizations across California. See the list of contributing institutions.

"Calisphere is a public service project of the California Digital Library (CDL). Through the use of technology and innovation, the CDL supports the assembly and creative use of scholarship for the UC libraries and the communities they serve. Learn more about the CDL."

Designed for Classroom Use
"A variety of primary sources have been collected into sets that support the California Content Standards in History-Social Sciences, English-Language Arts, and Visual Arts for use in K-12 classrooms. These collections of primary sources make it easy for teachers to find the materials they need quickly:

* Themed Collections: Primary sources organized into historical eras with brief overviews that provide historical context.
* California Cultures: Images of four ethnic groups — African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanics Americans, and Native Americans.
* Japanese American Relocation Digital Archive: Personal and official documents, transcribed oral histories, and works of art bring viewers inside the Japanese-American internment experience during World War II.
* Browse A-Z: This alphabetical list of terms selected from the California Content Standards makes it easy to locate primary sources for classroom use.

Especially for Teachers: Information and links about teaching and learning with primary sources, including sample lesson plans, primary source analysis sheets, and more."

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

 

Wed., Oct. 21, 2009 - The Cell Visualization Project Homepage

The Cell Visualization Project Homepage - BioGraphix - Grades 9 to 12
http://www.kenneth-eward.com/cvp/cvpindex.html

Site found on TeachersFirst.

“A guided animation of cell structure can be found on this website. The five main links include Anatomy of a Cell, Walkabout, A Cell With a View, The Heart of the Matter, and Inside the Nucleus. Students can both read about the organelle and view them in the introductory cell animation. The "walkabout" link shows a three dimensional, rotating human white blood cell. The animations will greatly help students visualize the 3D nature of cells. The graphics are SMALL, however, so if your projector does not permit you to zoom in, you will want students to view the animations on individual computers so they can see.”

Entire review and suggestions for using this site “In the Classroom”:
http://www.teachersfirst.com/single.cfm?id=10321

 

Wed., Oct. 21, 2009 - Working on the Food Chain

Working on the Food Chain - Math Science Nucleus - Grades 0 to 5

http://www.msnucleus.org/membership/storybooks/foodchain.html

Site found on TeachersFirst.

“Follow this animated story to learn about the different food chain roles and the animals of the Savannah that fill these roles. Read the words and watch the organisms move across the screen (and even listen to the sounds of a few -- so turn up the speakers). Follow the story to the end and be sure to click on the joke. Not only is there more information but a knee-slapper pun of a joke as well.”
[NOTE: Other pages http://msnucleus.org/membership/ - previously posted. - Phyllis ]

Entire review and suggestions for using this site “In the Classroom”:
http://www.teachersfirst.com/single.cfm?id=10276

 

Wed., Oct. 21, 2009 - The Great Idea Finder

The Great Idea Finder - Vaunt Design Group - Grades 5 to 12

http://www.ideafinder.com/

Site found on TeachersFirst.

“TGIF! The Great Idea Finder, that is. Inventive ideas and history abound here. Some helpful highlights are Facts and Myths, Inventor Biography, Innovation Time line, and Games and trivia. Within the features section, there is a "Did You Ever Wonder About?" which provides interesting history about common and popular items such as the American flag, the piggy bank, and the origins of holidays like Mother's Day.”
[NOTE: Previously posted. – Phyllis]

Entire review and suggestions for using this site “In the Classroom”:
http://www.teachersfirst.com/single.cfm?id=10282

 

Wed., Oct. 21, 2009 - WaterAid Splash Out

WaterAid Splash Out - Water Aid - Grades 1 to 10
http://www.wateraid.org/splash_out/default.asp

Site found on TeachersFirst.

“Informative, Comical, and straight forward, this site (created by WaterAid), is full of water and sanitation information. The Adventures of Super Toilet have appeal for younger students and older students alike. Learn about proper hygiene, clean toilets, and safe drinking water. Some parts of the video clips such as "Splish, Splash, Flush" have some vivid images of actual people "poop." Viewing is not for the weak stomached viewer. Never the less, younger students should be fascinated by the content of the videos.

“NOTE: Because of the nature of the videos and online comics, be sure to preview, before sharing them with your class so you can decide whether your students' maturity level can handle it. This site does have some information about fundraising and the company’s missions, but there is some real educational value here!”

Entire review and suggestions for using this site “In the Classroom”:
http://www.teachersfirst.com/single.cfm?id=10245

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

 

Tues., Oct. 20, 2009 - Math A Tube

Math A Tube - GreatEye.com - Grades 1 to 10
http://www.mathatube.com/

Site found on TeachersFirst.

“This site offers a ton of links to math videos with supplementary support problems. There are many topics, and most include subtopics: everything from rounding to exponents to decimals to pre-algebra! It is a very cool place to find homework help or an alternative teaching approach for various math concepts from things as simple as adding whole numbers to more advanced topics such as geometry. The site is divided by click-able math topics. The site does have some advertisements, but they are fairly easy to overlook. *Be sure to test out this site ahead of time and make sure your school will allow access to the specific videos you wish to use. The videos themselves may be “hosted” on YouTube or other “blocked” sites.”

Entire review and suggestions for using this site “In the Classroom”:
http://www.teachersfirst.com/single.cfm?id=10327

 

Tues., Oct. 20, 2009 - Dan's Math

Dan's Math - Dan Bach - Grades 5 to 12
http://www.dansmath.com/

Site found on TeachersFirst.

“This math website is a resource for basic information on math concepts. Although it is rather “plain vanilla” in design, it provides some valuable information. Concepts include: Basic Math Skills, Pre-calculus, Calculus, Beyond Calculus, and Other Stuff. Dan also provides links to neat math extras like paradoxes and riddles.”

Entire review and suggestions for using this site “In the Classroom”:
http://www.teachersfirst.com/single.cfm?id=10323

 

Tues., Oct. 20, 2009 - Me and My Math

Me and My Math - KidsOLR - Grades 0 to 6
http://www.kidsolr.com/math/math.html

Site found on TeachersFirst.

“Find help with Fractions, Number Lines, Arithmetic, and other math topics with this resource. Click the next pencil to follow the screens through examples and explanations of math concepts. There is another pencil (help button) available also. Be aware: this site does include some minor advertisements.”

[NOTE: Home page http://www.kidsolr.com/ previously posted. – Phyllis ]

Entire review and suggestions for using this site “In the Classroom”:
http://www.teachersfirst.com/single.cfm?id=10315

 

Tues., Oct. 20, 2009 - Math Apprentice

Math Apprentice - mathapprentice.com - Grades 4 to 12
http://www.mathapprentice.com/Activity/explore.html

Site found on TeachersFirst.

"When will we ever use this?" Answer this question using Math Apprentice. Users choose a character and then begin their journey. Walk (or skateboard) to different work sites, buildings, or businesses. Learn how many is used every day in these work places: architecture, bike and toy makers, cafes, and more! Listen to a brief introduction of the concept. Solve problems or free play to identify math concepts in real life. No account or login is required. Some concepts are advanced but it can take the teaching of standards one step further and create better understanding. This site is a terrific example of STEM integrated learning."

Entire review and suggestions for using this site “In the Classroom”:
http://www.teachersfirst.com/single.cfm?id=10298

Monday, October 19, 2009

 

Mon., Oct. 19, 2009 - A Book and A Hug

A Book and A Hug - Barb Langridge - Grades 0 to 12

http://www.abookandahug.com/

Site found on TeachersFirst.

This well-designed website has books for 8 levels of readers from picture books to adult-level subjects in 17 general categories. Search using the advanced search function or browse through the favorites. Look for fiction or non-fiction, parts of series, and best of all books for reluctant readers. All books feature a summary and also an illustration taken from the book. The descriptions of the books are very enticing and often include quotes from the text.

Entire review and suggestions for using this site “In the Classroom”:
http://www.teachersfirst.com/single.cfm?id=10297

 

Mon., Oct. 19, 2009 - The Brainstormer

The Brainstormer - Andrew Bosley - Grades 6 to 12
http://www.distractionbeast.com/brainstormer.swf

Site found on TeachersFirst.

“Stumped for different ways to get students to write a unique story or think about plot development? Spin the wheel on Brainstormer: a free word generator that can offer unique ways to develop prompts. Click the center button to let the wheel spin. Three words will be chosen that can be used to develop a story or to get over writer's block.”

Entire review and suggestions for using this site “In the Classroom”:
http://www.teachersfirst.com/single.cfm?id=10325

 

Mon., Oct. 19, 2009 - Letters About Literature

Letters About Literature - Center for the Book: Library of Congress - Grades 4 to 12
http://www.lettersaboutliterature.org/

Site found on TeachersFirst.

“This site accepts students' letters to their favorite authors, describing why they liked their book(s). Each student may write only one letter. Students can write to any author, living or dead. Each year, judging of the letters takes place in December. So this is a great site during the fall months! On the site, there are links to a teacher's guide for helping the students write the letter and lesson plans about the letter writing.”

From the site:
“LAL is a national reading promotion program of the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress. Deadline for submitting entries is December 12, 2009.”

Entire review and suggestions for using this site “In the Classroom”:
http://www.teachersfirst.com/single.cfm?id=10301

NOTE: See Also: In 2009, New Jersey had a national winner in Gr. 9-12!
Read his essay: http://www.read.gov/contests/

Read all the 2009 NJ State winning essays: http://www.njcenterforthebook.org/content/view/121/ – Phyllis

 

Mon., Oct. 19, 2009 - Holocaust / Jon Scieszka / Creating Storyboards for Graphic Novels About Adolescence

Sites found in:

ConnectEng
The newsletter of Web English Teacher
December 7, 2008

----

Holocaust
http://www.webenglishteacher.com/holocaust.html

“Ideas for teaching Anne Frank, Night, Number the Stars, and other works.
Scroll down on the page for WebQuests and other resources for teaching
historical background. I had the historical material spread out over several
pages; it just made sense to put them all together.”

-----

Jon Scieszka
http://www.webenglishteacher.com/scieszka.html

Lesson plans for The True Story of the Three Little Pigs, Stinky Cheese Man,
and other books.

----

That's the Story of My Life: Creating Storyboards for Graphic Novels About
Adolescence
http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/11/13/thats-the-story-of-my-life/

Students consider stories about adolescence and adolescents, and then fictionalize a scene from their lives in storyboards for graphic novels.


----

Carla Beard
Web English Teacher
http://www.webenglishteacher.com/
This newsletter is copyright 2008, Web English Teacher.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

 

Sun., Oct. 18, 2009 - Census Comparisons

Census - andrew trice - Grades 3 to 12
http://www.cynergysystems.com/blogs/blogs/andrew.trice/census/

Site found on TeachersFirst.

“Powered by Google Maps, this site allows you to look at comparisons of various census data across the US. Simply enter a zip code, click Go and choose among the following data sets: Age Distribution, Ethnic Distribution, Population Statistics, Household Statistics, Housing Units, Vacancy Rates, and others. The location is shown on a Google Map for viewing of surrounding areas and the data is shown in a bar graph. Additionally, the weather is shown for the area selected. Create a snapshot of the graph using the print screen function (pc) or using apple - shift - 4 (mac.)”

Entire review and suggestions for using this site “In the Classroom”:
http://www.teachersfirst.com/single.cfm?id=10220

 

Sun., Oct. 18, 2009 - Data.gov (Data Sets)


Data.gov - USA.gov - Grades 9 to 12
http://www.data.gov/

Site found on TeachersFirst.

“View data sets to determine trends in data. Enhance critical thinking skills and analysis by choosing "Raw data." See the "Tool Catalog" for access to widgets and data mining tools, or "GeoData" to determine trends, ask questions about these trends, and search for answers. As you teach about data manipulation in math class, use "real world" examples that students will find interesting. A tutorial on using the data is provided. Search the database by search term, file type, or category as well as the state and local level. Either view data or download for later analysis. Be sure to check the Data Policy on the site for citing and using data set information and the other sections including an FAQ section that is very helpful. Looking for data sets that you can't find? Suggest them to Data.gov for consideration.”

Entire review and suggestions for using this site “In the Classroom”:
http://www.teachersfirst.com/single.cfm?id=1017




 

Sun., Oct. 18, 2009 - Job Voyager

Job Voyager - ipums.org - Grades 8 to 12
http://flare.prefuse.org/launch/apps/job_voyager

Site found on TeachersFirst.

“This interactive graph (created with information from the U.S. Census) shows all jobs and the percentages of people who worked them from 1850-2000. Students can scroll up over any given year to see any job and the percentage of Americans working that job during that year (gender indicated). A few do have “missing data,” but most are complete. By clicking on the job, a new screen appears which shows the percentage of workers but divides the workers into male and female (pink and blue traditional colors help to differentiate between the genders). The site reflects the growing number of female workers, the loss of agrarian occupations, and the changing fields of importance, to name a few trends. Besides viewing the breakdown of male and female employees, you can also select one field and analyze its place in society today and during any given year. Occupations range from teachers to salesman to farmer to clerical worker and countless others. You can also search by letter and all the occupations beginning with that letter will come up graphed by percentages across the span of years.”

Entire review and suggestions for using this site “In the Classroom”:
http://www.teachersfirst.com/single.cfm?id=10343

 

Sun., Oct. 18, 2009 - CareerZone Pennsylvania

CareerZone Pennsylvania - Pennsylvania Department of Education - Grades 7 to 12

http://www.pacareerzone.org/assessment/ip/home.jsf?conversationId=185944

Site found on TeachersFirst.

“This website offers a fairly comprehensive like/dislike work personality profile. (There are other quizzes and occupation information available at the homepage). It is a very long survey (180 questions at the time of this review), but it can be saved in process which is a very helpful feature. Students answer simply “like,” “dislike,” or “not sure.” Once the profile is completed, an interest profile is developed and the meanings of the interests can be referenced in the first type of assessment. Jobs that are highly related to the individuals’ interest profile are linked here. The specific occupations are linked to information on the career including descriptions, education requirements, experience and skills needed to perform the job. Also, basic career information is also available by search without doing the interest assessment.”

Entire review and suggestions for using this site “In the Classroom”:
http://www.teachersfirst.com/single.cfm?id=10340

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