New York Hall of Science

Welcome back for another school year! I would like to take this opportunity to update you about our Virtual Visit videoconferencing programs here at the New York Hall of Science. We have added four programs to our offerings:

Sports Challenge!
Grades 4 - 9
Why do balls bounce? How does a surfer stay on the board? Explore the science of sports through classroom activities and demonstrations of our exhibits. This program looks at how the physical science shape the sports we play!

Mathematica
Grades 6 - 8
This program will be available as of November 2007! Gaze upon anything and you are looking at some form of mathematical principle. Math is everywhere; patterns and relationships exist all around us, all the time. Explore the connection between data and math!

Cyberchase: The Chase Is On!
Grades 1 - 4
Based on the award-winning PBS KIDS GO! math mystery cartoon CYBERCHASE, Cyberchase – The Chase Is On! invites participants to join the CyberSquad on an action-packed adventure to thwart Hacker, the TV show's nefarious villain, using their math and reasoning skills just like Matt, Jackie, Inez and Digit! The Virtual Visit presents math in an engaging, visually rich environment, allowing students to make use of their critical thinking skills an approach math with an investigative, positive attitude. Students will solve narrative based math and logic problems inspired by plots and characters of the popular PBS show Cyber Chase.
Only available until January 21st.

Professional Development Programs Overview
Teachers & Administrators
This is a free 30 minute overview of programs, technologies and philosophies of our Virtual Visits. Can be done for groups of professionals of five or more.

Ayesha Ware
mailto:aware@nyscience.og
718-699-0005 ext. 348

'07-'08 VC Prek-12 offerings from Puppetry Ctr.

Welcome back! We begin the school year with some wonderful news we would like to share with you. The Center’s videoconferencing program was honored with the 2007 Teachers’ Choice Award for Best Content Provider- Fine Arts Museum. This makes two years in a row! The Center conducted 777 videoconferences last year. We have served over 100,000 participants in 38 states and 3 countries since the programs’ inception. We couldn’t have done it without you.

We are welcoming an additional staff member this year as well—Sara Burmenko. Sara is a certified teacher and has a long history of working at the Center in the Education Department. We are excited to add her to our staff. The addition of this staff member is due to even more exciting news! We will open our second videoconferencing studio this fall! Yes! We have expanded our studio space and will be able to accommodate even more requests this year.

We have two new programs to offer as well—Anansi the Spider: A West African Folktale (Prek-2^nd) and Mexico—available SPRING 2008-- (3^rd-6^th). Anansi bookings will be accepted beginning in late September. Mexico will be ready to book by February 2008. Visit our website at www.puppet.org/edu/distance.shtml to find full program descriptions.

The 2007-2008 school year promises to provide the same quality PreK-12+ programming. All programs meet various national curriculum standards in technology, fine arts, language arts, social studies, life science, and more! Downloadable study guides provide comprehensive pre and post activities for the classroom.

Program fees and discounts remain the same. All programs are $145.00. Book 8 programs during the school year (any school in your district) and the 9^th is FREE. Teacher Demos range from $45-$90 (15-30 minutes). Hands-on Teacher Workshops are 45-60 minutes and are $145.00. Georgia schools also receive an additional discount.

Don’t forget to book early for Gingerbread Boy (Prek-2^nd). Keep in mind SPIDERS (tailored to 1^st-6^th) is a great program for October.

Below is a quick list of our other offerings, including Middle & High School: Native Americans (3^rd-6^th); Butterflies (K-2^nd); Dinosaurs (K-2^nd); Exploring Africa (1^st-3^rd); Plants (2^nd-3^rd); Tropical Rain Forest (3^rd-5^th); Africa/Mali (4^th-8^th); Discovering Puppetry in Other Cultures (4^th+ including middle/high school version); Anne Frank (7^th & up); Edgar Allan Poe (8^th & up); A Midsummer Night’s Dream (8^th & up).

Visit our website at www.puppet.org/edu/distance.shtml for the most current information on our programs. We book on demand, so just email us dates and times to distancelearning@puppet.org with your requests. We serve all time zones.

The Distance Learning Team

Patty Petrey Dees, DL Program Director

Deborah "Bo" Bowman, DL Coordinator

Iyabo Shabazz, DL Assistant

Sara Burmenko, DL Assistant

404.881.5117
distancelearning@puppet.org
Center for Puppetry Arts
1404 Spring Street, NW at 18th
Atlanta, GA 30309-2820
Facsimile: 404.873.9907
www.puppet.org/edu/distance.shtml
www.puppet.org

Grade 7-12: Two Special Programs Offered from Vanderbilt CSO

I'm glad to announce two new interactive videoconferencing programs available through our office.

Though the ongoing Virtual Scientist program is currently on hiatus, these HIV/AIDS interactions--led by the dedicated graduate students who comprise the AIDSO (Aids Outreach at Vanderbilt) volunteer group--have been scheduled by special request. See details and register at our website at http://scienceoutreach.org/vcsched.php

NOTE: The Sept 17 interaction is for Middle School only and the September 24 program is reserved for High Schoolers. Space is limited for these IP-only interactions!

Grade 1-12: Upcoming Distance Learning Opportunities - Bass PerformanceHall -

I just wanted to introduce myself and provide you all with some more information regarding our upcoming season here at the Bass Performance Hall. Our offerings are available at http://www4.esc11.net:81/retn/vf_programs/FMPro and include:

First Grade

Charlotte Blake Alston, Storyteller

February 2008

Ms. Alston is a magnificent African American Griot: a storyteller, singer and reader of poetry, who passes on truths and traditions from which we can all learn. Poetry and Anansi tales are included in her recitations. She has the power to hold students in rapt silence. Connections: language arts, music, social studies

Second Grade

Peter and the Wolf
Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and Metropolitan Classical Ballet

January 2008

One of the world’s great fairy tales, Peter and the Wolf, performed by the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and Metropolitan Classical Ballet is an enchantingly simple performance of an adventurous boy and his bravery in trapping the wolf. This presentation demonstrates the many ways that a story can be told. Prior to attending the program, students will read a simplified version of Peter and the Wolf and learn to identify instruments of the orchestra both aurally and visually. Narrated in English and Spanish. Connections: language arts and reading, music and theater

Third Grade

The Nutcracker
Texas Ballet Theater

December 2007

Texas Ballet Theater and Artistic Director Ben Stevenson’s beautiful production of this popular classic ballet is a delight. Students are thrilled to follow young Clara on a fantastic journey to a magical world where Christmas trees grow taller before their eyes, mice battle toy soldiers, and snowflakes dance. Opportunities are available to increase perception, understand historical and cultural heritage, develop new ways to evaluate artistic experiences, and look at dance and tell a story. Connections: language arts and reading, music and dance

Fifth Grade

Copland and the Common Man: Abraham Lincoln
Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra

September 2007

Aaron Copland was the quintessential American composer who captured the optimistic spirit and rhythm of his homeland in music. This homage to our 16th president, Abraham Lincoln, is without a doubt one of our most successful programs. Connections: American historical and cultural heritage, evaluation of musical elements and language arts /writing

Middle and High School

The Youth Orchestra of Greater Fort Worth

October 2007

We enthusiastically feature this young, outstanding orchestra, conducted by Maestro Germán Gutiérrez, to give many of our local students a chance to shine before their peers in a program that will feature student soloists and classics of the literature. With hope, the performance will give many students musicians they can emulate. Connections: music, social studies and world history

Romeo and Juliet
Stage West

October 2007

Shakespeare’s great tragedy, Romeo and Juliet, will be presented to high school students in a one hour, condensed version by Stage West. For more than 25 years this local professional theater company has been recognized for its excellent productions. Shakespeare’s universal tale of love and tragedy will convince another generation of the power of great theater. Connections: language arts and reading comprehension, theater

Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini by Rachmaninoff
Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra

January 2008

The Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini is one of Rachmaninoff’s most enduring favorites. Under the leadership of conductor, Miguel Harth-Bedoya, the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra has grown in breadth and artistry over the years. Maestro Harth-Bedoya has exceptional rapport with young audiences as he interactively introduces the music of great composers. Connections: music, social studies, world history, language arts and reading/writing

Clint M. Dawley
Database Manager-Education Assistant
Performing Arts Fort Worth, Inc.
330 East Fourth Street, Suite 300
Fort Worth, TX 76102
Phone: 817.212.4320
Fax: 817.336.4804
cdawley@basshall.com

Grade K-5: MVESC Fall IVDL Specials

Hello,
We are currently accepting reservations for the following distance learning sessions. If you have a classroom interested, please let us know as soon as possible to reserve a spot. All distance learning sessions are $60.00 per connection and include academic content correlations, and classroom extensions that may be used following the lesson. For a complete list of our interactive lessons, please visit our website:
MVESC Distance Learning Programming 07-08

Fall Specials:

Friendship and Respect (available upon request) Building student citizenship skills through respect is an important component of any classroom setting. Students will look at gaining and giving respect to each other through interactive literature extensions. The perfect distance learning event for building friendships at the beginning of the school year!

K-3

50 minutes



No More Bullies! (available upon request) Students will explore the challenges of growing up and getting along with others. A very important topic in society today. Don't miss this distance learning event.
K-5
50 minutes

Citizenship: It's Your Right! (available upon request) GREAT addition to “Constitution Day” activities! This distance learning event looks at many different aspects of citizenship. Students will explore the rights and responsibilities of citizens, the branches of the United States government, and patriotism.
3-6
50 minutes

Patriotism! GREAT addition to “Constitution Day” activities! (available upon request) This distance learning event looks at different aspects of citizenship traits including honesty, self-assurance, respecting the rights and responsibilities of others, persistence, patriotism, and obeying laws. An important social studies lesson for elementary age students.

Leslie Charles
Distance Learning Manager

Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center
205 North 7th Street
Zanesville, Ohio 43701
740.452.4518 ext 133
lcharles@mvesc.k12.oh.us
https://mail.avon.k12.oh.us/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.mvesc.k12.oh.us/tap/

Grade K-8: Greenbush ESC October programming

The October 2007 IDL Enrichment calendar can be viewed at our website: http://www.greenbush.org/idl/ENRICHMENTPROGRAMS.html
**Please note that all times are listed in Central Time zone. LCDLC Schools must add an hour to the start time**

To register for enrichment programs originating from the IDL Teaching Studio, please contact Jenni Diskin at jenni.diskin@greenbush.org or call 620-724-6281.

To register for enrichment programs originating from the Science Center IDL Studio, please contact Denise Richard at denise.richard@greenbush.org or call 620-724-6281.

Have a great day!

Jenni Diskin
IDL Specialist
SEK Education Service Center-Greenbush
620-724-6281 ext. 336
http://www.greenbush.org/IDL/home.html

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Grade K-12: Cleveland MetroParks Zoo Update

Happy School Year,

Just a friendly reminder that distance learning registration is now available. Please visit Cleveland Metroparks Zoo - Distance Learning Programs for program descriptions, outlines and dates. A few procedures changed, please review the FAQ’s before registering.

I look forward to our future connections.

Cathy Ryan
Education Specialist & Distance Learning Coordinator
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
(216) 661-6500 Ext. 4479 (DL Lab 3326)
cmr@clevelandmetroparks.com

Grade 5-7 UNDER PRESSURE – TO POP OR NOT TO POP

Program Description		Speeding along at 17,500 miles an hour in the vacuum of space is risky business. So, what is so special about the space suits astronauts wear? How do they protect the astronauts from the dangers of space? Students will explore Pascal’s Law with a series of vacuum chamber experiments and learn why pressurized space suits are so important. Students will then put their engineering skills to the test as they construct their own space suit to protect their balloon astronaut from the impact of micrometeorites.
Program Format		1. This program begins on the lunar landscape by two Apollo space suits. 2. We will discuss air pressure and a vacuum environment 3. We will watch a quick video about space suits 4. Following the video, we will do a series of vacuum experiments. 5. Students will test their space suit designs. 6. Discuss the results of the space suit tests. 7. Time is allowed for questions.
Objectives		1. Engage in a discussion of air pressure and Pascal's Law. 2. Explore the role of pressurized space suits. 3. Develop a space suit to protect a balloon astronaut form a micrometeorite impact.
National Standards to which this program aligns		NS.K-4.1 SCIENCE AS INQUIRY As a result of activities in grades K-4, all students should develop: Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry Understanding about scientific inquiry NS.K-4.5 SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY As a result of activities in grades K-4, all students should develop Abilities of technological design Understanding about science and technology Abilities to distinguish between natural objects and objects made by humans NS.K-4.7 HISTORY OF NATURE AND SCIENCE: As a result of activities in grades K-4, all students should develop understanding of Science as a human endeavor NS.5-8.1 SCIENCE AS INQUIRY As a result of activities in grades 5-8, all students should develop-- Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry Understandings about scientific inquiry NS.5-8.5 SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY As a result of activities in grades 5-8, all students should develop-- Abilities of technological design Understandings about science and technology NS.5-8.6 PERSONAL AND SOCIAL PERSPECTIVES As a result of activities in grades 5-8, all students should develop understanding Personal health Populations, resources, and environments Natural hazards Risks and benefits Science and technology in society NS.5-8.7 HISTORY AND NATURE OF SCIENCE As a result of activities in grades 5-8, all students should develop understanding of Science as a human endeavor Nature of science History of science
Program Length		50 minutes
By Request		This program is available by request/on demand ONLY
Connection Type(s) Available and Program Fees		Interactive Cost: $145.00 Patricia Moore distancelearning@spacecenter.org 1601 NASA Parkway Houston, TX 77058 United States Phone: (281) 244-2149 Fax: (281) 283-7724

Grade 6-9: Meet The Scientists - Botany: The Laboratory Basics

Program Description		Although Carnegie Museum of Natural History is famous for the field work its scientists perform around the globe, important research is also conducted in the Museum's laboratories. In this program Dr. Cynthia Morton, Associate Curator, Section of Botany, will discuss and demonstrate some of the molecular laboratory techniques and applications involved in the study of plants. Current plant-related research projects of the Museum's molecular lab will be described, relevant lab techniques will be explained, and potential and implications phylogenetic analysis for plant studies, and biology in general will be discussed.
Program Format		1. This program begins will a review or the Museum's Herbarium (Scientific collection of plant specimens)and current specimen collecting priorities. 2. A discussion of what DNA is will then lead into an explanation of why it is important for scientists to study plants at the (molecular)level of their DNA. 3. Laboratory techniques for the extraction and separation of plant DNA will be reviewed. 4 Time will be provide for questions and answers. Patrick McShea mcsheap@carnegiemnh.org 4400 Forbes ave Pittsburgh, PA 15213 United States Phone: (412) 622-3292 Fax: (412) 622-3419

Grade K-12: Royal Botanical Gardens Programming

It’s virtually the real thing!! Interact with our educators and scientists at Royal Botanical Gardens in Hamilton, Ontario and explore topics like biodiversity, conservation, botany, plant ecology and the environment through engaging, curriculum-linked, plant-based videoconferences.
Here are the programs currently available (with more on the way):
Creatures with Wings and Crawly Things (K to Grade 3): Is it an insect or not? Learn about the characteristics and needs of insects with the help of Pierre, the Praying Mantis puppet, through songs, poetry and live specimens. Discover their connection to plants.
Seeds on the Go (Grades 4 to 12): How do plants move around and start to grow in new areas? Did you or something else help them?
Plant Adaptations: Mediterranean Biome or Wetlands: (Grades 4 to 12): How do plants survive in extreme environments such as wetlands or the dry Mediterranean zones? We can look at the plant adaptations of either a wetland ecosystem or the Mediterranean biome or both.
Wetland Ways (Grades 4 to 12): What makes up a wetland? How do plants and wildlife depend on each other? How do we depend on wetlands and what can we do to preserve them?
Pollination Partners (Grades 3 to 12) Are insects and birds able to pollinate the same plant? What determines what a pollinator pollinates? Why is pollination mutually beneficial, and how does it affect your life?
Good Things come in Trees (Grades 4 to 12): Did you eat or use a plant today? No? Let’s find out how many plants we rely upon.
Vegetative Reproduction (Grades 7 to 12): Clones or copies—what’s the fuss? Plants have been reproducing vegetatively since they first evolved. Let’s discover how and explore the advantages.
Healing Plants (Grades 9 to 12): Ever wonder where modern medicines originated from? Did you know that over 80% of the world’s population uses plants as medicine (and you probably do too!)? Let’s look at what plants are used and how they help heal.

All programs are interactive and can be requested at a date and time that is convenient for you. Upon confirmation, you will receive a teacher’s package that contains a presentation outline, pre- and post-conference activities as well as a list of resources. I would be happy to consult with the teacher to deliver a program suited to the classes’ needs. Point to point interactions are preferred, but a multipoint with up to 3 locations is possible.

Requesting a program:
Please email your request directly to me (kdavidsontaylor@rbg.ca). These programs are also listed on http://mail.esclc.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.cilc.org/ where you can submit a program request.
Cost:
$125 USD for presentations USA or Internationally; $125 CDN for Canadian schools
Connection:
IP at a minimum of 384 kbps; Connecting sites using ISDN are responsible for their own bridging and own line charges.

Please forward this announcement to other lists or individuals who may be interested.

If you have any questions or comments, don’t hesitate to contact me.

Karin
Karin Davidson-TaylorOutreach Education CoordinatorRoyal Botanical GardensHamilton * Burlington, Ontario
905-527-1158 ext 249800-694-4769 ext 249 (Canada)
kdavidsontaylor@rbg.ca
Visit us at http://mail.esclc.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.rbg.ca/pages/evirtualfieldtrips.html