Friday, April 16, 2010
Fri., April 16, 2010 - Phyllis's Favorites from the CJRLC Blog – April 2010
Phyllis's Favorites from the CJRLC Blog – April 2010
All About Jazz
Baseball Almanac
Bookwink
Clichesite.com
Earth & Sky
Godchecker: Your Guide to the Gods
ILearnMusic.com
LookLex Encyclopaedia
Napoleon.org
The Poetry Archive
TeachingAmericanHistory.org
10 x 10
WebRangers
- Phyllis Anker
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Thurs., April 15, 2010 - Musicals 101
---------Forwarded Message--------
Site of the Day for Thursday, February 5, 2009
Musicals 101
[NOTE: Previously posted. Site updated. - Phyllis ]
Today's site, from author and educator John Kenrick, presents a "Cyber Encyclopedia
of Musical Theatre, TV and Film". Gentle Subscribers will find a noteworthy
resource for virtually every aspect of the American musical.
"The musical, in all its various forms, is very much a living art form. ... Book
musicals have gone by many names: comic operas, operettas, opera bouffe, burlesque,
burletta, extravaganza, musical comedy, etc. Revues have their roots in variety,
vaudeville, music halls and minstrel shows. In the spirit of Shakespeare's 'a rose
by any other name would smell as sweet,' this site discusses all these forms. ...
Musicals101.com features separate histories for musical theatre, film, television
and cabaret, with a bibliography and a collection of dates and figures called 'The
Musicals Index.'" - from the website
The site explores the development of the musical, from French and Viennese operetta
to Gilbert and Sullivan, and provides stage & film chronologies from 1800 to 2004,
along with a who's who of musicals with star biographies. Additional sections
include reviews of hundreds of musicals and a helpful guide to mounting amateur
musical productions, while the galleries highlight the author's collection of
photos of stage and New York City
famous figures, such as Noel Coward and Ethel Merman and outstanding productions
such as "A Chorus Line".
Glide over to the site for a comprehensive reference on the musical at:
A.M. Holm
view the List archives on the web at:
Thurs., April 15, 2010 - Making Music Fun
---------Forwarded Message--------
Hi! It's Saturday, January 31, 2009 and time for Music at
ClickSchooling!
Recommended Website:
Making Music Fun
ClickScholar MaryAnna recommended this website that provides
FREE music resources for those who want to enrich children's
lives with an appreciation for music.
When you get to the site you'll see three menu choices that
include:
*Oliver Octopus Arcade - Play two music theory arcade games
and learn to identify 6 basic rhythms including the whole
note, the half note, the eighth note, the dotted half note,
and the dotted quarter note. Learn note names for the treble
or bass clef. Set the note range that you would like to
practice, and play!
*Print It! - Get free printable sheet music that you can
preview and listen to online. From beginner to intermediate
players - you'll find sheet music for the piano, violin,
flute, recorder, trumpet and trombone. Print out an entire
music songbook with music, lyrics, and guitar chords.
Preview, listen to and print Off music orchestrations for
classroom or homeschool coop class use. You'll also find
practice charts, worksheets, and even printable award
certificates.
*Music Library - THIS IS AN AMAZING RESOURCE! Access an
archive of FREE music lessons on video for piano, recorder,
flute, clarinet, trumpet, guitar, percussion, and bagpipe.
There are even video flashcards for learning music theory!
You'll also find biographies of great composers in the
baroque, classic, romantic, and modern music eras. Learn the
instruments of the orchestra (woodwind, brass, string,
percussion, and keyboard) with highlights about their history,
how they are played, how they are made, and other fun facts.
Get an "Index" of suggested music activities created just for
homeschool parents. Print out music lessons that help children
learn about tempo, rhythm, pitch, musical symbols, form, and
much more. There's even a "Jazz Index" with lessons and
resources for learning about jazz music and great jazz
musicians.
This site is a CSAW. What's CSAW? That acronym is pronounced
(see-saw) and stands
for "ClickSchooling Award Winner." It indicates (in my
opinion) the very best utilization of educational technology.
Bookmark this site - it's a winner!
for ClickSchooling
Copyright 2009, All Rights Reserved
DID YOU MISPLACE A ClickSchooling Review? Do you need to find an educational website - fast! Visit the ClickSchooling archives at:
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.
Thurs., April 15, 2010 - PBS: Earth Day Activity Pack / April is Poetry Month / Patti Smith
Sites found in:
PBS Teachers Newsletter
April 15, 2010
------
PBS Teachers offers an Earth Day Activity Pack
http://www.pbs.org/teachers/activitypacks/science/earthday/ for educators to use in the classroom or to post on their classroom, school or favorite social networking Web sites. The Activity Pack is designed for multiple grade levels and contains links to Earth Day-themed education resources and activities from PBS to support environmental awareness. Also check out the PBS Teachers STEM Education Resource Center http://www.pbs.org/teachers/stem/, which contains science, technology, engineering and math educator resources including an online video collection that explores some of our iconic STEM related content for preK-12 educators.
------
April Is National Poetry Month - Celebrate with PBS Teachers Poetry Activity Pack
The PBS Teachers Poetry Activity Pack is a free Web-based widgets that contain links to high-quality PBS education resources and activities focused on poetry for multiple grade levels. Venture into the world of poetry with students as they learn about famous poets and find opportunities to share their own works. Visit: http://www.pbs.org/teachers/activitypacks/reading/poetry/
-----
P.O.V.: Patti Smith: Historical Influences on Art and Artists
Lesson Plan
Become familiar with the music of rocker, poet and artist Patti Smith and the work of Smith's associates, such as Allen Ginsberg and Philip Glass. Determine the influences these artists had on Smith's music and discuss how these influences reflected the time period.
[NOTE: Site includes multimedia timeline, biography, links and more.
http://www.pbs.org/pov/pattismith/ - Phyllis ]
-----
PBS Online. Copyright 2010
Thurs., April 15, 2010 - LIVESTRONG at School
Site found in:
From: Education World Associate Newsletter
Date: Thu, Apr 15, 2010 at 11:38 AM
Subject: LIVESTRONG at School
Volume 10, Issue 12
April 15, 2010
The LIVESTRONG at School curriculum allows students to discuss cancer in a way that is age-appropriate, hopeful, inspiring and empowering. The lessons also provide suggestions for ways students can get involved in the fight against cancer their own communities.
* Each lesson features: a summary of the lesson
* student learning objectives
* academic standards met by the lesson (These standards were developed by the Mid-continent Regional Educational Laboratory, McREL, after consulting 116 national and state level documents that address standards in various domains.)
* resources needed to teach the lesson
* quick and easy links to teacher sheets, worksheets and videos
* a check for understanding to help assess what students have learned
* extension activities that allow additional learning on each topic
* facts about incidence, prevention and treatment of cancer and ideas for how to support people with cancer
One in three people in the U.S.
LIVESTRONG at School can help you fundamentally change the way your students think about cancer. Learn more about the free curriculum at http://LIVESTRONG.org/school.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Wed., April 14, 2010 - Worst Tech Predictions: 10 Crystal Ball Clangers
---------Forwarded Message--------
Site of the Day for Friday, April 9, 2010
Worst Tech Predictions: 10 Crystal Ball Clangers
Today's site, from T3 Magazine -- The Gadget Website, offers an article with the
irresistible goal of showcasing the predictions of tech mavens who were decidedly
off their game when they made these pronouncements. Gentle Subscribers may be
mildly amused to discover which technologies were considered too off-the-wall or
abstruse to be successful.
"Infamous gadget claims that spectacularly fired back ... Trying to forecast
developments in the tech world is a fool's errand. ... T3 named the brave souls who
.. [got it wrong]" - from the website
The article features a gallery of the most notable tech items which were predicted
to be abject failures. Each entry in the gallery notes the position and status of
the naysayer, along with a photo of the gadget and why it was predicted to be a
dismal flop. This bijou collection ranges not only over the tech revolution of the
current period but harkens back to some of the outstanding inventions of the past
century, which were considered by some prestigious authorities of the time to be
doomed to failure.
Wing over to the site to check out the duds which turned into stars at:
A.M. Holm
view the List archives on the web at:
Wed., April 14, 2010 - Sites to See: The Heart
Sites to See: The Heart
Whether your students are preschoolers or high-schoolers, you're sure to find a site here that will unlock for them a mystery of the heart.
Did you know that:
The human heart beats about 100,000 times a day, 35 million times a year, and two and a half billion times in an average lifetime.
The average heart pumps more that a gallon of blood a minute.
A kid's heart is about the size of a fist. An adult's heart is the size of two fists.
In the United States
You'll find those facts and many others at one of the heart-related Web sites below.
Last Updated 01/25/2010
Wed., April 14, 2010 - Science Pirates / The Food Detectives Fight BAC!
Science Pirates: The Curse of Brownbeard
Science Pirates: The Curse of Brownbeard is a 3D educational computer game that communicates food safety knowledge in an environment of scientific exploration.
Science Pirates takes approximately two hours to play. Ideal for middle school students.
-----
The Food Detectives Fight BAC! (3rd — 5th grades)
Kids,
We need your help to fight an enemy... bacteria
Bacteria lives on the food you eat if it isn't cooked and handled properly. It also lives on dirty hands. Eeeww! Come with us, and we'll show you how to fight this disgusting enemy.
Wed., April 14, 2010 - Siemens Science Day: Learn by Doing
Siemens Science Day: Learn By Doing
JUST ADD ED FOR SPRING! NEW ACTIVITIES TO ENGAGE AND AMAZE YOUR STUDENTS!
Teachers, engage and amaze your students. Here you'll find videos, tools and revealing hands-on activities for students in grades 4 through 6 to help reinvent your science class. New, original experiments with intuitive directions, materials lists and home extensions.
[NOTE: Registration (free) is required to view videos and/or download lessons. – Phyllis ]
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Tues., April 13, 2010 - Homophones
Homophones
A homophone is a group of words that sound the same, but are spelled differently and have different meanings, such as "to, too, and two." Homophones are a special kind of a homonym, which in addition to words that are spelled differently, includes words that are spelled the same but still have different meanings, such as the stalk of a plant (a noun) and to stalk a person (a verb.)
Page includes links to 9 sites (5 annotated, 4 Honorable Mentions)
Tues., April 13, 2010 - Words of Thunder: Abolitionists, Activists, Americans
Words of Thunder: Abolitionists, Activists, Americans
Teacher's Guide
This 24-page teacher's guide explores the heroic contributions of women and men, black and white, as they fought against the injustice of slavery. Whether you are just beginning a unit on the abolitionist movement, or would like to add depth to what you already teach, this guide is a dynamic tool to help middle and high school teachers explore the abolitionist movement in Boston
Tues., April 13, 2010 - FDIC: Bank Data & Statistics
FDIC: Bank Data & Statistics
From the site:
Use searchable databases from this Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) web site, to find information on specific banks, their branches, and the industry.
[NOTE: Other pages from http://www.fdic.gov/ previously posted. - Phyllis ]
Tues., April 13, 2010 - Jewelry / Neckware / Presidents of the U.S. / Cowboys and Presidents / U.S. Marine Protected Areas
Sites found in:
Librarians' Internet Index
Websites you can trust!
NEW THIS WEEK, February 5, 2009
-----
Jewelry at Historic New England
Online exhibition of jewelry held by a regional preservation organization. View illustrated essays covering style and design by time period (such as Colonial simplicity, classical style in the Federal period, Victorian opulence, international influence between World War I and World War II, and American design in 1940-1970). Also view selected jewelry by themes (marriage, childhood, mourning, souvenirs, societies, and male and female adornment), and find a checklist by type of jewelry, glossary, and links.
[NOTE: Home page http://www.historicnewengland.org/ previously posted. - Phyllis ]
-----
Ruffs, Ribbons, Collars, and Cravats: A Brief History of Neckwear as Illustrated by the Rosenbach Collection of Portrait Miniatures
Using portrait miniatures, this presentation recounts the history of neckwear from the 16th to early 19th centuries. It notes that, for Western culture, neckwear seems to have originated with "the phenomenon of layering garment over garment. ... [An] undergarment, or chemise, had a drawstring around the neckline. When pulled tightly ... the neckline of the chemise would gather and form a shallow ruffle with a knotted or bow-tied string." From the Rosenbach Museum
-----
Presidents of the United States
These presidential resource guides "compile digital materials that are available throughout the Library [of Congress]'s Web site. In addition, each resource guide provides links to external Web sites and a bibliography containing selected works for both a general audience and younger readers. This site will be updated on a regular basis." As of early 2009, guides are available for 20 presidents, the most recent being Franklin D. Roosevelt. From the Library of Congress.
[NOTE: Updated through John F. Kennedy, March 22, 2010. – Some individual presidents previously posted. – Phyllis ]
------
Cowboys and Presidents
Companion to a "national traveling show [that] will explore the fascinating and ongoing intersection of cowboy culture and presidential politics from Theodore Roosevelt to George W. Bush." Features images and commentary on topics such as "Black Hat/White Hat" (cowboys with unsavory and noble reputations), cowboy presidents, cowboys in movies, and cowboy talk (video clips). Also includes a dress-the-president game and a presidential geography activity. From the Autry National Center
------
Marine Protected Areas of the United States
Background about U.S. U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S.
URL: http://www.mpa.gov/
[NOTE: The List is current as of April 22, 2009. Previously posted. Site updated.- Phyllis ]
--------
Copyright 2009 by Librarians' Internet Index
Monday, April 12, 2010
Mon., April 12, 2010 - Dimensions (Math)
--------Forwarded Message--------
Hi! It's Monday, February 2nd, 2009 and time for Math at ClickSchooling!
CLICKSCHOOLING REVIEW:
Recommended Website:
Dimensions
aspects with younger children/students.)
My thanks to MaryAnna for recommending this terrific website
that will open even the most math-reluctant minds to the
beauty and dimensions of mathematics. Created by three math
enthusiasts (with terrific credentials) this site offers a
free film on mathematics that references the work of renown
mathematicians, scientists, artists, and others in a
multi-media presentation that is sure to amaze and (hopefully)
make the subject matter understandable. The film is divided
into 9 chapters as follows:
*Chapter 1, Dimension Two - Learn or review what meridians and
parallels are, and "enjoy the spectacle of the Earth rolling
like a ball!"
*Chapter 2, Dimension Three - Mixes "elementary" math with
imagination and philosophical elements and provides some
exercises to make sure you've understood the material.
*Chapters 3 and 4, Fourth Dimension - Contains more difficult
mathematical concepts. However, the viewer is encouraged to
pause the film and consult a reference page for additional
information. As the creators explain, "you can always sit back
and enjoy the pictures!"
*Chapters 5 and 6 - Contains an introduction to complex
numbers that could also be used as a refresher course. As the
designers explain, "If you know nothing about complex numbers,
you should push the pause button as often as you like, and try
to understand using the references that we propose. These
chapters are the most "school-like" of the film. To thank you
for your efforts, chapter 6 ends with an amazing deep zoom
scene."
*Chapters 7 and 8 - Get an introduction to the Hopf fibration.
Again the film creators explain that even though it's not
beginner's stuff, "it is quite pretty and deserves to be
understood."
*Chapter 9 - Shows the proof of a theorem of geometry that is
relatively "elementary." As the designers explain, "Without
proofs for theorems mathematics would not exist, and we wanted
to make this very clear at the end of a film that is
essentially about mathematical objects."
Each lesson or "chapter" of the film is 13 minutes long. Watch
it in segments or sit down and watch the whole 117 minutes in
one sitting. You are encouraged to use it in a way that works
for you "based on your interest, your prior knowledge on the
subject, or simply on your mood of the moment!"
for ClickSchooling
Copyright 2009, All Rights Reserved
DID YOU MISPLACE A ClickSchooling Review? Do you need to find an educational website - fast! Visit the ClickSchooling archives at:
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., April 12, 2010 - AIMS: Puzzle Corner
----------Forwarded Message--------
Hi! It's Monday, January 26, 2009 and time for Math at
ClickSchooling!
Recommended Website:
AIMS: Puzzle Corner
[NOTE: Previously posted. - Phyllis ]
been assigned a grade level appropriateness because we have
discovered that the ability to do a puzzle varies by
individual not grade level.")
The AIMS (Activities In Math and Science) Foundation sponsors
this website with a variety of math and science resources -
but I was especially intrigued with the Math Puzzle Corner
with over 100 free math puzzles in a variety of categories and
levels of difficulty.
When you get to the website you'll see a brief introduction
and a menu of math puzzle activities that include:
*Arrangement Puzzles
*Dissection Puzzles
*Divergent Thinking Puzzles
*Number Puzzles
*Logic Puzzles
*Toothpick Puzzles
*Topological Puzzles
*Visual Puzzles
Click on any category and a new page opens with a menu of math
puzzles and a difficulty rating for each. Click on the puzzle
you want to solve and a new page opens that provides:
*A description of the puzzle
*The history of the puzzle
*Instructions for working/solving the puzzle
*Printable worksheets (if needed/required)
The idea here is to print out any worksheets required and do
the puzzle offline.
When you are through exploring the puzzles, be sure to click
on "Free Resources" on the menu bar at the top of the screen
to access some activities and lesson plans for grades K-9 that
you can download in pdf format. They provide examples of the
AIMS approach to teaching math and science - and if you like
it, you can purchase additional activities and lessons at the
website. No purchase is necessary to access the free
materials.
for ClickSchooling
Copyright 2009, All Rights Reserved
Editor, http://www.Homefires.com
Author, http://www.Carschooling.com
Founder, http://www.UniversalPreschool.com
DID YOU MISPLACE A ClickSchooling Review? Do you need to find an educational website - fast! Visit the ClickSchooling archives at:
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., April 12, 2010 - Why are Word Problems So Important in Your Life Anyway?
Why are Word Problems So Important in your Life Anyway?
From the site:
Article Summary: "Word problems teach children to become creative thinkers. In history we have many men and woman who fall into that category, like Shakespeare for instance. This will also teach children to become independent thinkers and they will come up with concepts and designs that are new and exciting."
[NOTE: some ads. – Phyllis ]
Mon., April 12, 2010 - What is Algebra? What Do We Use It For?
What is Algebra? What do we use it for?
From the site:
This is always a big question when a student begins to take their first algebra course.<<>>
[NOTE: some ads. – Phyllis ]
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Sun., April 11, 2010 - BonzoBox
BonzoBox
“We believe BonzoBox is a great tool for teachers to assemble groups of websites for their students.”
From the site:
“BonzoBox is an interactive web tool that allows people to build their own customized “BonzoBox” home page with links to their favorite websites. BonzoBox operates on a very simple Drag and Drop function. Just grab a Website from one of the specially tailored tabs and drag the site into your BonzoBox! If you wish, set BonzoBox as your homepage so that the next time you open the internet, all your favorite sites and email accounts are saved for you ready to be clicked on.”
Sun., April 11, 2010 - Top 100 Web 2.0 Tools for Young Learners (annotated)
Top 10 Web 2.0 Tools for Young Learners (annotated)
Shortened URL: http://tinyurl.com/ndpxsx
From the site:
"The important thing to remember here," she said, "is that this isn't about simply providing you with 10 links. It's much more important to ask, 'What are you going to do with these things? How are you going to use these tools?' That's why we're here," she said. "So I can show you not only what's out there but also how other educators are using these resources to teach their students right now."
Sun., April 11, 2010 - 100 Years Ago: "Play Ball"
---------Forwarded Message--------
From: Library of Congress
Date: Fri, Apr 9, 2010 at 6:44 PM
Subject: 100 Years Ago: "Play Ball! is Slogan; President on Slab," The Washington Times, April 14, 1910
100 Years Ago: "Play Ball! is Slogan; President on Slab," The Washington Times, April 14, 1910
In 1910, the Washington Times (Washington , DC ) reported with enthusiasm on President William H. Taft's baseball interest and attendance at the American League's opening game of the season in Washington , DC
Sun., April 11, 2010 - PBS: AMEX: Earth Days
From: American Experience on PBS
Date: Fri, Apr 9, 2010 at 4:46 PM
Subject: News From American Experience
Earth Days
April 19, 2010
9:00 – 11:00 pm
From the site:
The inspiring story of the modern environmental movement.
Earth Days traces the origins of the modern environmental movement through the eyes of nine Americans who propelled the movement from its beginnings in the 1950s to its moment of triumph in 1970 with the original Earth Day and to its status as a major political force in America
Introduction: Earth Days
Shortened URL: http://tinyurl.com/y2xqd6v
Timeline: The Modern Environmental Movement
Sat., April 10, 2010 - Is a Coconut a fruit, a nut or a seed?
From: Library of Congress
New Everyday Mystery: Is a coconut a fruit, nut or seed?
This mystery explains how botanists classify the coconut.
[NOTE: Other Everyday Mysteries previously posted. – Phyllis ]
