Connecting To See What’s Happening in Education

via ytCropper

The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. “#Hashtag.” Online video clip. YouTube. YouTube, 24 Sept. 2013. Web. 6 June 2018.

Summer is a time for relaxing, spending time with friends and family, and rejuvenating. However, it’s also a time for finding new inspiration and ideas for the upcoming school year. Twitter provides a quick and easy way to get inspiration from innovative, educational minds right at your fingertips!

I signed up for Twitter years ago and it sat as an empty account until this past year when at every conference I went to, the presenters continued to bug me about following them on Twitter.  On top of the constant reminders from presenters, I was missing out on the Tweeting prizes! (and you know I want to win Gold Nearpod Subscription) Finally, I made the leap– professional Twitter here I come! At every presentation, I immediately followed the facilitator and was amazed by the creativity I saw in classrooms around the world!

Stay connected with those within your building, across the district, throughout the IU, and even across the world by creating an account and getting started!

Here are some great people you can follow to get you started:

  1. Township Tech

  2. The MTWP Tech Integrators (Megan, Melissa, Brandi)

  3. IU13IMS

  4. Jennifer Gonzalez

  5. George Couros 

  6. Alice Keeler 

  7. Rich Kiker

  8. Tom Murray

  9. Joe Sanfelippo

  10. Edutopia

  11. NEA Today

In addition to following great educational leaders, following specific tech tools (accounts or hashtags) can lead to great inspiration! Accounts like Discovery Education, Seesaw, BrainPOP, Nearpod, Class Dojo or Flipgrid can lead to great inspiration.

 

#edtech #digcit #edchat #AppleEDUchat #ISTEchat #haveagreatsummer #NoMoreBlogPostsThisSchoolYear #GetConnected #HashtagsCanBeAnnoyingButUseful

No commentsAdd a comment

Using Video to Demonstrate Learning

Our classrooms are full of a diverse range of learners, which often causes us to adjust our instruction to meet the needs of our students. However, the end of the unit usually results in a traditional paper-pencil assessment. While it’s much easier to grade a multiple choice assessment, is it really showing us what our students know?

Providing a different form of evaluation provides the opportunity for continued differentiation and addressing various learning styles. The creation process will help them to really dig into the content, which will result in true learning and a much better chance that they’ll not only understand but retain the information beyond the week of the test. Plus, it’s way more fun (for both you and the students) than a traditional assessment!

Having students demonstrate their learning through video provides a more authentic learning experience – honing more than just content skills, but also focusing on 21st-century skills.

    • Students use their public speaking skills to appropriately communicate their learning to an authentic audience.

    • Students collaborate to create scripts and storyboards, in addition to the artistic elements of their filming and editing.

    • Students will use their critical thinking skills to determine the most important information to include from their research.

    • Gives an opportunity for students to express their talents and demonstrate their creativity, rather than being stifled by a formulaic assessment. Students can show their creativity by developing a script, creating images, using different sound effects, combining creations from multiple apps, etc.

Here are some examples of video creation projects in the district.

Students in AP U.S. History 3D printed an object to represent the 1920’s and were tasked to create a video with it. This student was using the green screen to put herself into the Model T car. They also used the green screen to make it appear the car was driving down the road in the 1920’s.

Eighth graders practiced their Spanish accents and demonstrated their knowledge of vocabulary through iMovie.

Fourth graders showed their knowledge of homophones through Clips.


Some helpful tips:

  • Make a video for yourself! This can help you identify the tool that will best fit your needs.

  • Allow time for planning — you may even want to consider students creating a rough draft “storyboard” to ensure they have all their research ready and a plan in place. Students may also want to consider writing scripts prior to filming to reduce the number of takes.

  • Consider the audience – student work is generally of better quality when there is a more authentic audience. What fun is creating a video if the teacher is the only one to see it?

  • If the project is going to be used as a graded assessment, provide a grading rubric in advance so students know exactly what’s expected of them.

  • Don’t be afraid to “app smash” (using multiple apps to create one video). It’s rare that one tool has every option you’re looking for. Encourage your students to create material in other apps, screenshot or download their work, and pull it into their movie tool of choice.

    –    Ex: Record in Chatterpix and insert into iMovie, Record in front of the green screen using TouchCast
    and pull it into iMovie, Take a picture in Photos and pull it into Clips, etc.

  • For more helpful tips, click here.

 

Are you excited to try it out? Check out some of the tools that are available to you and your students by clicking the links below.

No commentsAdd a comment

BreakoutEDU- It’s Time for Something Different

If you’ve ever been to an Escape Room, you have a good idea of what a BreakoutEDU activity looks like.  It’s a game that brings the 4 C’s alive and will have your students thinking critically, thinking creatively, communicating their ideas, working collaboratively,  and having so much fun they won’t even realize how much they’re digging into the content (which could make it the perfect activity for testing days)! The major differences between an Escape room and BreakoutEDU activity are that you’re locked out of a box, rather than locked in a room, and the puzzles are related to the content that the students are learning in class.

Here in Manheim Township, teachers across the district are using breakout activities to creatively engage their students in the learning process.

Students in Laurie Fellenbaum’s 2nd-grade class used the physical Breakout boxes after reading The Mitten to find the mitten and practice reading comprehension!

Mr. Leaman's class using breakout boxes.

Ben Leaman’s 6th-grade math class used the boxes in groups of 3 to review order of operations along with multiplying and dividing fractions.

 

 

 

Students in Lisa Poliski’s Honors Ancient World History classes explored Ancient China using a Digital Breakout!

Ms. Porter's class

At the middle school, Robyn Porter created her own Breakout Boxes for her math classes to learn about slopes and y-intercepts of linear equations.

To see how other teachers throughout the district are using Breakouts to enhance their content (as well as many other topics), be sure to follow @TownshipTech (on Twitter and Instagram) and the Tech Integrators on Twitter: Megan (@MeganSmithTeach), Melissa (@hambyteaches), and Brandi (@SwavelyTWPTech).

 

Physical Game vs. Digital Game

Each elementary school, as well as Landis Run, have Breakout boxes housed in the STEM lab/materials area. However, if you don’t have access to a box or want to try a different format, you can also run a digital game. Digital games involve putting all the clues and a scenario on one website (usually a Google site) in which the locks are embedded on a Google Form. Both types of activities are meant to be collaborative learning opportunities for students.

 

Where do I start?

No matter which type of activity you choose to facilitate, your starting point will be the BreakoutEDU website. The site houses more information about getting started, how to purchase a kit, as well as a searchable platform of games.

 

In order to access the free activities, follow the steps listed below.

  1. Go to http://breakoutedu.com and log in.

  2. Log in with your Google account (this prevents students from accessing the games platform and learning the answers to the clues).

  3. This is where things can get tricky. Breakout EDU offers a subject pack of games that can be purchased for an annual fee. However, to access the FREE activities, click on Browse the Platform.

If you can’t quite find what you’re looking for and would like to create your own Digital Breakout using your own materials, Tom Mullaney, a Digital Learning Integration Designer for the San Francisco Schools created this easy to follow YouTube video – he invites you to his website where you can download a Google Form template!

As always, your Tech Integrators are here for support and would love to work with you to put together a physical or digital Breakout! If you are in a building without the physical breakout boxes but want to try it, reach out to Melissa or Brandi and we might be able to find you some boxes to borrow!

 

No commentsAdd a comment

Discovery Education

Did you know that the Discovery Education site includes MUCH more than video streaming? Teachers and students can access content from every subject area, access a variety of instructional strategies, assign content for students and more! Now, Discovery Education is accessible by going to  google.discoveryeducation.com (NO longer go to discoveryeducation.com) and logging in with your Google login information, making it even easier to access! If you were already using Discovery Education, all your materials will be synced with the new Google Account.

What is on Discovery Education?

Discovery Education has always been known for science content, but in the past few years the content has expanded to every subject area. If you’re new to Discovery Education, or just haven’t used it for a while, make sure to check out the Getting Started guides.

Streaming Plus

On Streaming Plus you can Browse by Topic or Standard. Depending on the content you can find lessons, videos, boards, images, audio, text, and interactives. Make a class and you can even assign activities to students and then track progress! Learn more about Streaming by clicking here.

My Content

My Content allows you to organize the materials so you don’t have to hunt next year. Collaborate with others by sharing content with the rest of the school or district.

Builder

Build assessments, boards, assignments, and writing prompts using Discovery Education materials.

Spotlight on Strategies

Tech is not the answer all the time. Students explore the content on Discovery Education: they watch a video or analyze a picture, but how do you know who understood? And at what level? These creative and research based strategies are ways for teachers to incorporate digital content in a meaningful and effective way.

Future PD

There is so much to learn about Discovery Education and all the features! Keep your ear out for upcoming PD, but in the meantime, Discovery Ed has an extensive Professional Learning Center. The Discovery Educator Network (DEN) is a great place to connect with other educators who are using Discovery Education’s content!

No commentsAdd a comment

BrainPOP and BrainPOP Jr.

BrainPOP, BrainPOP Jr., BrainPOP Espanol, and BrainPOP Francais are now available for grades K-8! BrainPOP creates cross-curricular content digital content that engages students and supports teachers including animated movies, student creation and reflection tools, learning games, interactive quizzes, and customizable assessments. For more ideas on how BrainPOP can be used in the classroom, click here.  


How do I access BrainPOP?
You can access BrainPOP through your Google waffle (click More at the bottom). On an iPad, go to brainpop.com. In the upper right corner, tap login. Then you can login with G Suite for Education.

How do I set up a class in BrainPOP?
If you use Google Classroom, you can import your entire class. If not, follow the directions listed below to create a class.

Teacher:
1. Log in to BrainPOP or BrainPOP Jr.
2. Click on My Classes (top left)
  • If you use Google Classroom, select Import New Classes. Select the class(es) that you want to import and Import Selected Classes.
  • To create a class, select New Class. Type your class name and create a class code.


How do students access BrainPOP?
Students should go to the BrainPOP website (brainpop.com or jr.brainpop.com). If accessing BrainPOP for the first time, students should follow the steps below to login using Google.

  1. Select LOG IN (top right).
  2. Click the G Suite for Education login option.
  3. Students should enter their Google login info if they have not already done so.
  4. At the next log in screen, DO NOT LOG IN! Instead, click Make a new account.
  5.  Click the I have a code button and enter the class code provided by the teacher.

Students can add BrainPOP to the home screen of their iPad by logging in to either BrainPOP or BrainPOP Jr., tapping the share button, and selecting Add to Home Screen. This will create a  shortcut to the website that looks like an app on the iPad’s home screen.

Explore!
You can search topics or click on a subject area. Everything you find can be assigned to students. Get a quick introduction to all the different activities by clicking on the slides presentations for BrainPOP and BrainPOP Jr. The slides give a quick preview and then the speaker notes expand on each feature.

There is so much on BrainPOP! BrainPOP Educators will help you get started and learn more ways to enhance student learning. If you need help navigating, getting your students set up, or ideas on integrating BrainPOP into your classroom please contact your tech integrator.

No commentsAdd a comment

Reinforcing Vocabulary with a Digital Twist

Picture: When you find a vocabulary word in the novel we're reading

From Memes.com

Every subject area contains vocabulary that is essential to student success. As students move from grade to grade, content vocabulary becomes all the more important. How can we help students not only retain definitions, but be able to apply the words?

For Unit Lists:

Digital Vocabulary Menus

Amp up the traditional paper menu by going digital. A digital option opens up a world of possibilities while continuing to offer student choice and individual learning. I have seen digital menus in Google Slides: the teacher has the menu on the first slide complete with hyperlinks, and then the student adds slides to complete the menu. I have also seen menus in Google Docs: the teacher creates the menu complete with hyperlinks and then the students can add more hyperlinks to turn in their work. What could be included in a Digital Vocabulary Menu?

Digital Menu Example

Quizlet

Traditionally students make flashcards and work to memorize the definition. Quizlet begins with that traditional approach, but then takes learning to the next level as students can add pictures and play games with the words. You can create the vocabulary list and share it with students, or students can create it themselves.

Quizlet Options

Quizizz or Kahoot!

Both of these apps feature a more gamified approach to vocabulary. There are searchable databases of teacher created and teacher shared games that you can use and deploy to your students, or you have the option to create your own games. These can be played at a student’s pace and assigned for extra study or practice, or could be used during class in real time. Both have features to track the most missed questions. Warning: students may get academically competitive!

Kahootquizizz

Adobe Spark Post/Canva

Have students make a visual representation of the words using either of Adobe Spark Post or Canva. Both apps are very similar as they resemble a poster that students can either start with a blank slate or template. From there students can add text, photos, and change the background.

Google Slides Template

Slides already has a flashcards template that students can personalize with unit vocabulary. To get to Slides Templates, go into the Slides app, tap the pencil to create a new presentation, and tap “Choose from template”. Remember with Slides students can collaborate – each student in class could research and define one term from the Google Slides presentation (a digital jigsaw!).

Slides Template

iBrainstorm or POPPLET

Both of these apps can be used to create graphic organizers. Students could complete word maps to further explore the unit vocabulary.

For Continued Study:

IXL

In the real world our students will not be given a list of words to study; instead they will suddenly come across a word and will have to figure out what it means. IXL starts vocabulary skills in first grade with word meanings and then continues increasing in intensity each grade level to build not only in rigor but also in content. By third grade students are exploring Greek and Latin roots, context clues, and prefixes and suffixes. English Language Arts teachers have teacher login access and student classes.

IXL Greek and Latin Roots

Does all this sound good, but you don’t know where to start? Ask your Tech Integrator for help! Together we can discuss what would work best for your students with you class structure and curricular demands.

No commentsAdd a comment

Digital Interactive Notebooks

A classic interactive notebook has students cutting and pasting graphic organizers, flip books, and pictures. Students use markers and highlighters to color code information. After class, the interactive notebook has built in study features which students can refer back to throughout the year. Although classic interactive notebooks are great, they can be a hassle within the classroom as students juggle scissors, markers, glue, and leave tiny scraps of paper scattered around your room.

Benefits of Digital Interactive Notebooks

Try a DIGITAL Interactive Notebook with Google Slides (For more information about Google Slides, click here). Create a template to share with students where each slide functions as another page in a student’s notebook. Digital Interactive Notebooks allow:

  • Students to insert pictures or shapes

  • Links to continue learning

  • Students to record and insert videos

  • Colorful designs

  • Highlighting important information

  • Drag and drop matching activities

  • Animations to hide and reveal information for studying

Science

As students conduct an experiment, each slide could be used to document the process. As the experiment continues, students can record their observations and thinking by taking pictures and inserting them directly on a slide. On the same slide, students can describe the picture, pointing out important details. Here’s an example of what an interactive Science notebook could look like for lesson from the 2nd grade Changes unit.

Example of science notebook

Social Studies

Most social studies classes are heavily note weighted. With so many notes it can be difficult for students to make sense and organize the information. With a digital interactive notebook, you can set students up for success as slides transition from a graphic organizer, to a map where students have to match the label with the area, to a student written reflection on the importance of the event. Check out this blog: Two Boys and A Dad.

Math

With PA Common Core, we are having students represent their work in a variety of ways– the “math” way, visual representations, and written explanations. Some students are strong in the math way, but struggle with written explanations. In a digital interactive notebook, students can use screen recording to complete and explain an example verbally. Or students can insert shapes to demonstrate a visual representation of a solution. Take a look at a 6th grade example on comparing and ordering numbers.

Compare & Order Numbers examples

Language Arts

Options, options, options! There is so much that goes into language arts that opens the world for digital interactive notebooks. Students can explore root words as they break up a word, analyze a character, or learn and practice grammar.

Picture of vocabulary tree in slides. Grammar Interactive Notebook

Interactive notebooks can be tailored to your students and content area. These are just a few examples of what’s possible. The Tech Integrator Specialists are happy to help If you’d like to create your own or need support with implementing it in your classroom.  

 

No commentsAdd a comment

New Year, New Calendar

Google updated its Calendar with a modern interface. The features are currently the same, but this new design provides room for new features in the future. In late February, everyone in the world will be migrated to the new interface, but you have the opportunity to begin using it now! If you aren’t familiar with Google Calendar yet, it’s a great way to keep organized! As a grade level, team, or content area calendars can be shared to keep everyone on the same page. Send out invitations to an event (even a video chat), attach an agenda, and if something changes everyone will know with an easy email notification.

To give you an idea of what the new calendar will look like, see below for pictures of the classic (current) calendar in comparison to the new calendar.

Classic (current) calendar

New calendar

You can switch between the old and new interface with just a couple clicks:

  • On your computer using Chrome or your favorite browser, open Google Calendar (http://calendar.google.com).

  • On the top right of your screen click Use new Calendar.

  • To go back to the old Calendar at any time, click Settings (gear icon) and then Back to classic Calendar.

 

Google provides several short (one page!) guides to let you dive into the new Calendar:

No commentsAdd a comment

Google Expeditions – Virtual Reality

Field trips can be challenging and hectic to plan – transportation, permission slips, and chaperone’s… oh my!

Google Expeditions has opened up the world for field trips and does not require any of those fine details of field trip planning.  With over 200 expeditions created, we can take our students almost anywhere on Earth.From a wastewater treatment facility to the settings of Shakespeare’s plays, Google Expeditions can be used to enhance any curriculum.

Virtual Reality (VR) has been all the rage lately in both entertainment and in education. Visit any store where video games are sold or attend any education conference and you’re likely to see VR headsets.

The official Google Expeditions VR headsets are available through the Instructional Media Services of IU13. These are available to be checked out on a first come, first served basis to any individual who attended the training at the IU. Megan, Melissa, and myself all attended this training and are able to sign out the viewers for you and work with you. 

If you would like to sign out the viewers and use them in your classroom, please contact your Tech Integrator Specialist and have a flexible schedule in mind. We are able to sign the set of 30 viewers out for a week, but depending on availability, you may have to choose a different time frame. 

Side note: Steve Mellinger from the Middle School library and Matt Davis from the High School Social Studies department have been trained as well, but are limited in their schedule to bring these viewers to your classroom; they can, however, be an excellent resource for ideas in integration.

BUT – you DO NOT HAVE to use the viewers.

We can connect to Google Expeditions using the iPads we already have! Connecting through our iPads, the lesson will be readily available without sign ups or additional equipment.

No matter which way you choose to connect to Expeditions, you as a teacher Guide, will be provided with a pre-written script in the app describing the location you choose, along with questions to pose to students.

Some Tips:

  • Check out the research on using VR in classrooms. Common Sense Education has some great resources including a Virtual Reality 101 video as well as an article that includes research-based ways to use VR for learning purposes.
    – Abridged version: Small increments of time are best, be aware of possible motion sickness (students should take the googles off and take a break if this occurs), only provide experiences that you would want your students to experience in real life
  • The teacher script is written for secondary classrooms, but since the teacher is the only person viewing the script, it can be adapted for younger students.
  • When planning your Expedition, you’ll want to budget time for students to “ooh” and “ahh”.
  • Unless you have a large and open classroom space, encourage your students to stay in their seat and move around in their chairs. I’ve seen Explorers wander about and unknowingly walk into a chair or desk.
  • Allow time for reflection. At the training, Adam Geiman (Elementary Technology Coach at ELANCO School District) shared his template of the See, Think, Wonder activity he created for his students as a reflection of their travels. It is particularly interesting to hear the students’ Wonder section after an Expedition.
  • Talk with us! We are happy to help you explore, plan, and implement Google Expeditions in your classroom.
No commentsAdd a comment

Video Conference Opportunities

 Are you looking for a way to show your students a real-world application of what you’re teaching? Virtual field trips and video conferences are a great way to interact with professionals across the world and gain a deeper understanding of the content. Check out one of the FREE programs that are being offered in the near future.

  •  Science Rocks!
    Date: May 23rd  at 1:00 pm
    Target Audience: Grades K-8
    Description: What is sound? Why do things make different sounds? Or why you beat a drum but pluck a guitar? Join us for Science Rocks to learn all that and more. 

    Video conferences that can be scheduled at the requester’s convenience 

Skype in the Classroom 

  • Search for virtual field trips, virtual guest speakers, skype collaborations, and more! You can search by subject, age group, and location.

Skype a Scientist 

  • Connect with a scientist for a 30-60 minute Q and A sessions that can cover the scientist’s expertise or what it’s like to be a scientist

Discovery Ed Interdisciplinary Programs

  • Programs offered through Discovery ED include: The Science Behind Turf Management, Dig into Mining The Story of Copper, Decoding Cancer, etc.

Weather in the Desert
Date: Dependent on the requester
Target Audience: Kindergarten and 1st Grade
Description: Students are introduced to Zion National Park through pictures and videos, and get to learn about the desert from rangers located in Zion. The program introduces the desert with a singalong song and short story and then discusses the various animals that live there. Students are invited to sing with rangers as they meet various animals around Zion, and then get to “create a rainstorm” and discuss the monsoon season in the southwest.

Native American Life
Date: Dependent on the requester
Target Audience: Grades K-5
Description: Explore the life of the Plains Indians tribes. Enter the Durham Museum tepee and earth lodge to interact with Native American artifacts and meet Scout, our resident buffalo. Learn how the Native Americans used the resources around them throughout the centuries, before showing off your own buffalo artifact creation!

Pro Football Hall of Fame
Date: Dependent on the requester
Target Audience: Grades K-12
Description: Enjoy topics such as “Movement and Motion”, “The History of the NFL Scoring System”, “African American Trailblazers”, and more!

Longwood Gardens Virtual Field Trips
Date: Programs are offered Tuesday through Friday at a time selected by the school from September through June.
Target Audience: K-12
Description: Our Educators deliver lessons directly into your classroom, during which they engage your students in discussion and problem-solving activities as they explore a variety of topics through video, images, and hands-on activities.

A School Day in 1872
Date: Dependent on the requester
Target Audience: Grades K-5
Description: In this lesson Park Rangers will examine the requirements to claim land under the Homestead Act of 1862 and the differences in a school day today and in 1872.

Midwest Archeological Center: Excavation and Tools
Date: Must be requested at least one week in advance
Target Audience: Grades 1-5
Description: This is a five-part series (Intro to Archeology, Archeological Sites, Excavation and Tools, Mapping, Analysis, and Curation) – however, all five programs can stand as individual programs. You may request all five parts or any individual program.

Midwest Archeological Center: Exploring History with Artifacts
Date: Must be requested at least one week in advance
Target Audience: Grades 1-12
Description: The Midwest Archeological Center takes care of archeological collections from National Parks. Take a tour of these collections to see how artifacts tell the human story throughout the past! Available for all ages!

George Washington Carver: Struggle for Education
Date: Dependent on the requester
Target Audience: Grades 2-4
Description: This lesson focuses on numerous obstacles George Washington Carver faced and
overcame in order to earn his education and how he became a role model of
perseverance and success.

Homestead Act of 1862
Date: Dependent on the requester
Target Audience: Grades 3-5
Description: The Homestead Act had a huge impact on the United States. In this lesson, Park Rangers will examine how the United States acquired all this land, how the Civil War impacted this significant piece of legislation, and what the requirements were to claim land under the Homestead Act of 1862.

 

Smithsonian American Art Museum- Found Object Artworks
Date: Dependent on the requester
Target Audience: Grades 3-12
Description: From beads to bottle caps, tinfoil to toys, artists have used many non-traditional materials to express themselves and create art. This videoconference covers how artists use everyday materials, vision and imagination, storytelling, and a sense of place.

Smithsonian American Art Museum- Contemporary Craft Works
Date: Dependent on the requester
Target Audience: Grades 3-12
Description: Craft artists push beyond traditions by testing the limits of materials and techniques. Whether using clay, metal, glass, or fiber, these artists create works that blur the lines between art and craft and encourage us to see everyday objects in new ways.

George Washington and the French and Indian War
Date: Dependent on requester
Target Audience: Grades 4-8
Description: The Fort Necessity park ranger will interact with the students and use George Washington’s writings to show them how Washington’s ambition, hard work, and experiences in the French and Indian War helped him mature into the famous man we all know today. Students will have an opportunity to ask the park ranger questions.

Smithsonian American Art Museum- Young America
Date: You must register at least 4 weeks prior to your selected date
Target Audience: Grades 4-12
Description: The transition from colonial rule to national independence was a pivotal time in American history. Students will explore colonial and early federal art that tells the story of growing national ambitions, territorial expansion, and the beginning of the industry.

African American Artists
Date: Must be requested at least four weeks in advance
Target Audience: Grades 4-12
Description: The lives of African American artists lend insight into the context of their works. Learn about the diverse body of artwork created by African American artists and the historical, social, and cultural events, as well as the life experiences, that inspired their work.

Lure of the West
Date: Must be requested at least four weeks in advance
Target Audience: Grades 4-12
Description: Part geography and part mythology, the American West retains a powerful allure in popular culture. Explore depictions of the people, lifestyles, and landscapes of the 19th century West to better understand this dynamic period of history.

Kenai Fjords National Park- Listening to the Ice
 Date: Available Monday- Friday between 10:30am-3pm EST
Target Audience: Grades 5-8
Description: What are global warming and climate change? How are they caused, and how they are impacting our planet? A National Park Ranger will use Kenai Fjords National Park as a looking glass through which to observe our planet’s health. The ranger will engage students with questioning, video content, and other techniques in order to broaden their local and global understanding of climate change and leave them with a hopeful attitude about the future of our natural environment.

A House Divided: Civil War
Date: Dependent on the requester
Target Audience: Grades 5-12
Description: The Civil War tested and consumed the country for more than four years. Explore how this great conflict and subsequent Reconstruction period are depicted through the traditional mediums of painting and sculpture, as well as the then-new medium of photography. Hosted by the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

Careers in an Art Museum
Date: First Friday of Every Month
Target Audience: Grades 6-12
Description: Travel behind the scenes to hear from Head of Registration and Collections Marci Driggers and Curator Maggie Adler to learn about their exciting jobs, and discover how these museum professionals work together to accomplish goals within the museum.

The Bill of Rights in Real Life
Date: Programs are available by request Tuesday-Thursday and must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance
Target Audience: Grades 6-8
Description: During this interactive program, students will focus on the rights and limitations within the Bill of Rights and discuss why they, as middle school students, should care about the Bill of Rights. Students will examine historical documents from the holdings of the National Archives and practice primary source analysis skills as they decide which of the first ten amendments connects to the image or document on display. 

 

Looking for something else? Check out the list of FREE programs that are offered through the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration (CILC). Contact the Tech Integrator Specialists to sign up for a program!

No commentsAdd a comment