Grades 5-12: Celebrate Earth Day

Celebrate EARTH DAY, 2008 with the Virtual School!
"Waste Not, Want Not: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle Begins With YOU" April 22, 2008 Register online at http://www.vanderbilt.edu/virtualschool/registration.htm
This year's Earth Day marks the 38th anniversary of the event that gave birth to the modern environmental movement. The day will be marked by events staged around the globe. Why not begin your celebration of Earth Day 2008 with a videoconference from the VANDERBILT VIRTUAL SCHOOL?
Read more about our presenter, Jennifer Hackett, at http://www.vanderbilt.edu/virtualschool/presenters/jenniferhackett.htm
To see a complete lesson plan for "Waste Not, Want Not: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle Begins With YOU", click on http://www.vanderbilt.edu/virtualschool/programs/hot-topics/wastenot.htm

Series: HOT TOPICS
Presenter: Jennifer Hackett
Topic: "Waste Not, Want Not: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle Begins With YOU"
Target Audience: Students in grades 5 -12
Date: April 22, 2008 (EARTH DAY, 2008)
Time: two sessions, 9:00 and 10:00 AM (CENTRAL time zone)
Format: 45 minutes (30-minute presentation and 15-20 minutes questions and answers)
Cost: $75 per site
Registration: Register online at http://www.vanderbilt.edu/virtualschool/registration.htm
Questions: Chandra Allison, at (615) 322-6511 or email Chandra at chandra.allison@vanderbilt.edu
For many of today's students, recycling is a way of life. But that doesn't mean students understand why we recycle. More than ever, that's important for students to know! Teaching students how to help clean up the planet and live responsibly is not just an opportunity, but a necessity.
My grandmother and mother taught me "'use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without". Living GREEN is an attitude, a lifestyle, and a choice to find and promote the best alternatives that support healthier home, school, business, and community environments.
Reduce, Reuse, and Recycling enables ALL students to get involved, regardless of their socioeconomic status or their abilities, and to have an equal opportunity to protect and feel good about the environment. Students can see the fruits of their efforts pay off in environmental protection.
Join Jennifer Hackett, Vanderbilt University Recycling Coordinator, as she challenges your students to take some specific actions that will change the way they buy, use, or dispose of their accumulations ("stuff") and that encourage society at large to be more environmentally responsible.
Register online at http://www.vanderbilt.edu/virtualschool/registration.htm
******************************************************************

Videotaping of Virtual School videoconferences is not allowed due to legal issues such as informed consent, jurisdiction, confidentiality, standards of practice, and supervision.
***********************
Patsy Partin, M.Ed
Director, Virtual School
Vanderbilt University
2007 Terrace Place
Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 322-6384

Email: patsy.partin@vanderbilt.edu
Web: http://www.vanderbilt.edu/virtualschool

Grades 5-6: Everybody has a Dream

EVERYBODY HAS A DREAM
Special Notice: This ONE HOUR videoconference is ONLY for students in 5th and 6th grades. Register online at http://www.vanderbilt.edu/virtualschool/registration.htm
Series: HOT TOPICS
Target Audience: Students in 5th and 6th grades ONLY
Time: two ONE HOUR sessions, 9:00 and 10:15 AM (CENTRAL time zone)
Format: highly interactive for the full hour
Cost: $75 per site
Registration: Register online at http://www.vanderbilt.edu/virtualschool/registration.htm
Questions: Chandra Allison, at (615) 322-6511 or email Chandra at chandra.allison@vanderbilt.edu
This videoconference will be a conduit to:
* Increase students' self-esteem and self-responsibility
* Inspire students to stay in school and develop a lifetime enthusiasm for learning
* Develop students' positive attitudes
* Develop students' critical thinking and decision-making skills
* Empower students to take charge of themselves and the future of the planet
Please register early for this videoconference so your students can ACTIVELY participate.
These are the Pre-Activities:
1) Students will make a STAR (template will be emailed to teacher) so students can write their dreams.
2) Teacher will provide a box to be a "Dream Chest" to hold the stars.
3) Teacher will provide a one-page goal sheet for each student.
4) Teacher will provide copied sheets for interactive reading by students during the videoconference. (attachment will be emailed to teacher)
5) Teacher will provide "club of dreamers" page to color (emailed to teacher)
6) Students will make a "What Is My Dream" Bookmark to remind them of their dream and goals (template will be emailed to teacher)
This videoconference is about the journey of life, with its hopes and dreams. The book, Dream, written in beautiful rhyming verse, is all about the inspiration, majesty, beauty, and incredible thoughts that can spring from dreams. From fabulous inventions, to the strength of inner beliefs, to learning how to overcome the challenges of growing up, dreams offer an important contribution to growing as a person, and Dream celebrates their role in pursuing a fulfilled life.

"Dreams grow like seeds. They need to take root, then stretch toward the sun.
They grow slowly. They must be tended to. And sometimes a gray day gives them just the rain they need."

The middle years are the best time to give students time to think about and make plans concerning their lives. This videoconference will be highly interactive and will give students motivation to achieve their personal best in life by giving students a new perspective of themselves. This videoconference will provide opportunities for students to find connections to self, to parents and grandparents, to the world, and to the circle of life.
Register online at http://www.vanderbilt.edu/virtualschool/registration.htm
***************

Videotaping of Virtual School videoconferences is not allowed due to legal issues such as informed consent, jurisdiction, confidentiality, standards of practice, and supervision.
***********************
Patsy Partin, M.Ed
Director, Virtual School
Vanderbilt University
2007 Terrace Place
Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 322-6384

Email: patsy.partin@vanderbilt.edu
Web: http://www.vanderbilt.edu/virtualschool

Grades 4-5: Let's Talk Weather!

This is a free program!

The week of March 10 to 14, 2008 has been designated as Kansas Distance Learning Week (KDLW). The purpose of the designation is to bring awareness of the power of distance learning and its impact on educational programs in Kansas. Governor Sebelius issued a Governor's Proclamation designating March 9 to 15 as Kansas Distance Learning Week.

The focus of the week's events is weather preparedness, and to that end, Tuesday, March 11 is set aside to tell the story of Greenburg, Kansas, the tornado's impact and the recovery of this Kansas town. Some of the programming is for K-12 students, but there is an evening program planned for communities. Several distance learning consortia are supporting KDLW by teaching programs. Greenbush IDL is offering a student program, "Tornados!".

Kansas Distance Learning Week is a statewide program sponsored by the Kansas Association for Interactive Distance Education (KAIDE). To register for any of the programs, please contact Carol Woolbright carol.woolbright@greenbush.org or respond to this email. We are taking registrations through March 5, 2008.

In addition, we plan to video stream the program for schools who do not have IDL. To see the streamed programs, go to http://tv.greenbush.us/ and click on "IDL Live". The live streaming will appear in the video screen, and questions may be asked in the right side of the screen.

For a complete schedule, go to http://www.kan-ed.org/Services/IDL%20Calendar/KSDLW2_28_08.pdf and keep in mind the CST time zone.

Grades 5-12: Unfinished Business: The Origins of World War II

The National WWII Museum
Contact Information

Alan Gauthreaux

alan.gauthreaux@nationalww2museum.org

The National D-Day Museum

945 Magazine St.

New Orleans, LA 70130

United States

Phone: (504) 527-6012 ext. 351

Fax: (504) 527-6088

Target Audience
Education: Grade(s): 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Primary Disciplines
Character Education, Economics/Business, Social Studies/History
Secondary Disciplines

Social Studies/History
Program Description

The National WWII Museum explores with students the origins of WWII, beginning with the end of WWI, the Treaty of Versailles, the rise of Mussolini, Hitler, and the militarists in Japan, and the failures of the international community to confront the Axis before it was too late. Students learn how the "war to end all wars" set in motion the conditions and characters that brought about the most destructive war in history just 20 years later.
Program Format

1. Students are introduced to the city of New Orleans;2. Students learn about the founder of the museum, Dr. Stephen Ambrose;3. Students learn about the political and racial issues which arose following World War I;4. Students explore the events which precipitated WWII viewing archival photographs, listening to speeches, and analyzing maps;5. Students analyze a primary source from the period;6. Students engage in Q&A with Museum educator regarding the origins of WWII
Objectives

Students will learn how the failures of the peace treaty and the international community after WWI lead to WWIIStudents will learn how to interact with history through artifacts, oral histories, and primary documentsStudents will learn to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of different types of primary sources
National Standards to which this program aligns

NSS-USH.5-12.8 ERA 8: THE GREAT DEPRESSION AND WORLD WAR II (1929-1945)

Program Length
Regularly one hour, but can run longer for block-scheduled classes
By Request

This program is available by request/on demand ONLY
Connection Type(s) Available and Program Fees

By Request/On Demand Cost: $100.00
Premium Members enjoy many additional benefits. Learn more!Receiving Site is responsible for own line charge

The Museum accepts check, major credit cards, and school P.O.s
Cancellation Policy

We will not charge for programs cancelled due to nature i.e. snow days. The full fee will be charged to sites which cancel with less than 24 hours notice.

Is video taping allowed? No

The Provider broadcasts over IP
Minimum Technology Specifications for sites connecting to this provider

Dial in at maximum of 384kbps
How to Request this Program:-->Request this Program Now

Grades 6-12: Space Cowboys: What it Takes to Put a Man in Space

Electronic Education
electroniceducation@mail.cosi.org
333 West Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43215
United States
Phone: (614) 228-2674 ext. 0
Fax: (614) 228-6363

Target Audience
Education: Grade(s): 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Primary Disciplines
Career Education, Sciences, Social Studies/History, Technology/Information Science

Program Description
In 1959, seven pilots were selected to train as America’s first astronauts, and would become known as the Mercury 7. These men, who jockeyed for the best flying jobs in the military, began competing for rides on rockets. Most would eventually vie for the ultimate ride to the moon. Join Ed Buckbee, as he describes the dreams of astronauts flying higher, faster and farther than anyone in the known universe. You are invited behind the scenes to witness the competition and the conflict between NASA engineers designing capsules and those who would pilot them. They were our first astronauts. They are The Real Space Cowboys.Ed Buckbee has been associated with the U.S. space program for five decades. He began his career as a NASA public affairs officer during the l960’s working with all of the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo astronauts and for rocket scientist Wernher von Braun. He covered Alan Shepard’s Mercury Redstone launch in 1961 and was present when the Apollo astronauts launched for the moon landings. Mr. Buckbee will discuss his experiences with the early NASA missions, as well as how it takes the combined efforts of engineers, architects, dieticians, communications specialists, and more, to achieve the daunting task of launching humans into space and returning them safely to Earth.Mr. Buckbee is director emeritus of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and the founder of Space Camp that has graduated over 500,000 students and teachers. Collaborating with Alan Shepard and Wally Schirra, they established the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, which honors America’s astronauts. An author, lecturer and advocate of space exploration, he continues to be associated with America’s space program and NASA through appearances on CNN, Late Night with David Letterman, Good Morning America, Today Show, BBC-TV and the History and Discovery channels.

Introduction of the expert- Presentation by the expert (format varies, usually about 20-30 minutes in length)- Student discussion and Q&A with the expert, in a round-robin fashion through all the schools connected

By participating in this program, students will:- be exposed to science and technology applications in the real world- face a challenge that scientists have- explore various career paths in science and technology- learn what they want to know about science and technology fields by directing questions at experts

National Standards to which this program aligns
Specifics vary according to program.Science content standards for grades 5-8:A. Understandings about scientific inquiryE. Understandings about science and technologyF. Science and technology in societyG. Science as a human endeavor, and the nature of science.Science content standards for grades 9-12:A. Understandings about scientific inquiryE. Understandings about science and technologyF. Science and technology in local, national, and global challengesG. Science as a human endeavor and the nature of scientific knowledge

Program Length 60 minutes

All times below are displayed in Eastern Daylight Time, as specified by the Content Provider. To view times in your time zone, login or create a profile.
4/28/2008
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
04/14/2008

Please visit COSI's website to make your reservation. http://www.cosi.org/educators/videoconferencing/
Connection Type(s) Available and Program Fees

Interactive Cost: $145.00
Premium Members enjoy many additional benefits. Learn more!Receiving Site is responsible for own line charge
Cancellation Policy

We ask that anyone making a reservation please check school calendars for holidays, professional development days and testing dates. We also ask that the person making the reservation please coordinate with teachers, technical coordinators, bridges and other interested parties prior to submitting the request. COSI will retain a $25 processing fee for ALL reservations and test connections: the processing fee and test connection are included in the price of the program. If you need to cancel a reservation, you must reschedule your program two weeks prior to the show. COSI will reschedule your program or test connection one time before an additional $25 rescheduling fee is added to the price. This $25 rescheduling fee applies to both program and test connections and will be added every time a schedule change is made beyond the first reschedule. COSI understands the occasional need to reschedule programs due to changing schedules, inclement weather or technical difficulties. However, COSI begins to commit time and resources to a program the moment a reservation is received. COSI strongly recommends performing a test connection at least 2 days prior to the event. The school has the right to cancel any program the day of the test if a successful connection cannot be made and COSI will refund all but the $25 processing fee. If a school declines the test connection, or reschedules the program or test connection within the two-week period, COSI reserves the right to charge the full dollar amount for the program.

Is video taping allowed? No

The Provider broadcasts over ISDN Minimum Broadcast Speed: 128 K Maximum Broadcast Speed: 512 KIP
Minimum Technology Specifications for sites connecting to this provider

We require schools connecting ISDN to dial into us. However, we can dial out to the ISDN schools and reverse line charges if special arrangements are made. We strongly recommend a connection speed of 384 or higher.

How to Request this Program:-->Request this Program Now

Grades 2-6: Spiders Live! Arachnomania?

Content Provider

COSI Columbus
Contact Information

Electronic Education

electroniceducation@mail.cosi.org

333 West Broad Street

Columbus, OH 43215

United States

Phone: (614) 228-2674 ext. 0

Fax: (614) 228-6363

Target Audience
Education: Grade(s): 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Primary Disciplines
Sciences

Program Description
Ever see a spider up close? Meet COSI's tarantulas, conduct your own creepy crawly experiment, and learn more about the life of a spider. Traci Weaver, COSI's Creepy Crawly Curator, will show you up close and personal how cool spiders really are. Learn about their homes, their lifestyles, their favorite foods, and more! You might even get to see a spider eat!
Program Format

Introduction of the expert- Presentation and hands-on experiment with the expert (format varies, usually about 20-30 minutes in length)- Student discussion and Q&A with the expert, in a round-robin fashion through all the schools connected
Objectives

By participating in this program, students will:- be exposed to science and technology applications in the real world- face a challenge that scientists have- explore various career paths in science and technology- learn what they want to know about science and technology fields by directing questions at experts

National Standards to which this program aligns
Specifics vary according to program.Science content standards for grades 5-8:A. Understandings about scientific inquiryE. Understandings about science and technologyF. Science and technology in societyG. Science as a human endeavor, and the nature of science.Science content standards for grades 9-12:A. Understandings about scientific inquiryE. Understandings about science and technologyF. Science and technology in local, national, and global challengesG. Science as a human endeavor and the nature of scientific knowledge

Program Length
60 minutes

All times below are displayed in Eastern Daylight Time, as specified by the Content Provider. To view times in your time zone, login or create a profile.
4/21/2008
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
04/07/2008

Please visit COSI's website to make your reservation. http://www.cosi.org/educators/videoconferencing/
Connection Type(s) Available and Program Fees

Interactive Cost: $145.00
Premium Members enjoy many additional benefits. Learn more!Receiving Site is responsible for own line charge

Cancellation Policy
We ask that anyone making a reservation please check school calendars for holidays, professional development days and testing dates. We also ask that the person making the reservation please coordinate with teachers, technical coordinators, bridges and other interested parties prior to submitting the request. COSI will retain a $25 processing fee for ALL reservations and test connections: the processing fee and test connection are included in the price of the program. If you need to cancel a reservation, you must reschedule your program two weeks prior to the show. COSI will reschedule your program or test connection one time before an additional $25 rescheduling fee is added to the price. This $25 rescheduling fee applies to both program and test connections and will be added every time a schedule change is made beyond the first reschedule. COSI understands the occasional need to reschedule programs due to changing schedules, inclement weather or technical difficulties. However, COSI begins to commit time and resources to a program the moment a reservation is received. COSI strongly recommends performing a test connection at least 2 days prior to the event. The school has the right to cancel any program the day of the test if a successful connection cannot be made and COSI will refund all but the $25 processing fee. If a school declines the test connection, or reschedules the program or test connection within the two-week period, COSI reserves the right to charge the full dollar amount for the program.

Is video taping allowed? No

The Provider broadcasts over ISDN Minimum Broadcast Speed: 128 K Maximum Broadcast Speed: 512 KIP
Minimum Technology Specifications for sites connecting to this provider

We require schools connecting ISDN to dial into us. However, we can dial out to the ISDN schools and reverse line charges if special arrangements are made. We strongly recommend a connection speed of 384 or higher.
How to Request this Program:-->Request this Program Now

Grades 3-8: Painting Pictures with Words

Painting Pictures with Words: Patricia MacLachlan at the Carter

Amon Carter Museum
Contact Information

Nancy Strickland
nancy.strickland@cartermuseum.org
3501 Camp Bowie Blvd.
Fort Worth, TX 76107
United States
Phone: (817) 989-5038
Fax: (817) 989-5039

Individual Program

Target Audience

Education: Grade(s): 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Primary Disciplines
Fine Arts, Language Arts/English, creativity
Program Description
Meet best selling children’s author Patricia MacLachlan. Ms MacLachlan will discuss the creative process focusing on her old favorites such as Newbery award winner Sarah, Plain and Tall, as well as her newest book Edward’s Eyes. Connections to paintings from the Carter collection will be made during the program. Most sites will be view-only. A drawing will be held and ten participating sites will win an autographed copy of one of Ms MacLachlan’s books.

The author will discuss the creative process for literature. Connections will be made to two works from the Carter collection. Students from a few interactive sites will be allowed to ask questions.

Program Length
60 minutes

All times below are displayed in Central Daylight Time, as specified by the Content Provider. To view times in your time zone, login or create a profile.
3/31/2008
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
9:45 AM - 12:15 PM
03/24/2008

This is a special event and will only be offered once.
Connection Type(s) Available and Program Fees

Interactive Cost: $45.00View Only Cost: $45.00
Premium Members enjoy many additional benefits. Learn more! Receiving Site is responsible for own line charge

Is video taping allowed? No

The Provider broadcasts over
ISDN Minimum Broadcast Speed: 384 K Maximum Broadcast Speed: 768 KIP
Minimum Technology Specifications for sites connecting to this provider

We require schools to dial our bridge, Education Service Center Region XI. We are IP to Region XI. Region XI can dial ISDN or IP. For Region XI, contact Lori Hamm at 817-740-7516 or email lhamm@esc11.net
How to Request this Program:-->Request this Program Now