Look at ALL that is available in April from various Connect2Texas providers!
The programs listed below are only the "scheduled" sessions already on the Connect2Texas calendar. Keep in mind that not only more but other programs are available. Most Connect2Texas providers can schedule on a "as needed" basis. Please contact the provider directly to make those arrangements.
If you see a program listed below that you would like to find out more information about or register go to www.Connect2Texas.net and click on the "Calendar of Programs and Register" button.
Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
Exploring The French Shipwreck La Belle (4th & 7th graders) La Salle's last expedition included the small frigate La Belle. She sank in 1684 and was recovered from Matagorda Bay, Texas in 1996. Through the skillful observations of Dr. Source, Primary Investigator, students will explore recovered artifacts, discovered skeletal remains, and learn about 17th Century French exploration in Texas.
Gone to Texas! Part of the Nation's Immigration Story (4th-10th grades)
Why did people move to Texas from other countries? Were they always welcomed when they arrived? Dr. source, primary investigator, will discuss the four primary waves of immigration to the United States through Texas, the history behind the movement of people to Texas then and now, interesting stories from immigrants, and look at artifacts that people brought with them on the journey. Pre and post lessons are included.
Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT)
Carry the Light (5th-7th grades)
It is argued that photosynthesis is the most important chemical process on Earth. It is the cornerstone of life as we know it. This program offers your students a deeper understanding of the amazing chemical process of photosynthesis and the two main byproducts that support life on our planet. The framework of this broadcast is a combination of an interactive power point presentation and motivational games designed to reinforce the concepts of photosynthesis and the energy flow within a simple food chain. We will also provide a soft bound copy of the wonderful book by Barbara Shaw McKinney, "Pass the Energy, Please." This program with its emphasis on the chemical process of photosynthesis best suits 6-8 grades. It also features a highly interactive game that is much easier to facilitate with one class at a time; therefore, BRIT is willing to stay connected to your middle school site to deliver this program up to 3 times on the same day* (see details in the materials information)
Talk About a Dirty Job: Be a Research Scientist! (5th-12 grades)
Come face to face with Dr. John Janovec, botanist, teacher, and co-director of the Andes to Amazon Biodiversity Program, an in-depth research program currently being conducted in southeastern Peru. Dr. Janovec will share his mission and the purpose of this program along with anecdotes from the field that share the “dirt” from this dirty job. From hunting and collecting elegant and beautiful orchids to dissecting tapir poop. Dr. Janovec’s team contributes invaluable support to the efforts of conserving one of our planet’s most pristine and diverse ecosystems, the Amazon rainforest.
Cook Children's Medical Center
Professional Development for School Nurses: Asthma Update
Asthma is the most common chronic disorder in childhood, currently affecting an estimated 6.8 million children under the age of 18. It is one of the leading causes of school absenteeism and the third leading cause of hospitalization among children under the age of 15.* This 1.5 hour Asthma Update is designed to give school nurses a detailed understanding of the causes and symptoms of asthma, as well as the most current treatments. It will provide school nurses with tools to assist in the care of students afflicted with this disease. In part one of this program, Linda Jacobs, BS, RRT-NPS, AE-C, will outline the epidemiology of asthma among the difference ages and review the latest medications and administration techniques. In part two, Liz Barriteau, BS, RRT, AE-C, will explain some prevention strategies, parent and student teaching tips, and tools & tricks for school nurses to use when helping students with asthma. Cook Children’s Medical
Luke Visits the Operating Room (K-5th grades)
When you’re a child, having surgery can be scary. This program helps students understand what happens when they or someone they know has surgery. Students follow Luke throughout the process: checking in at the hospital with his parents, preparing for surgery, looking at the equipment in the operating room and resting in the recovery room. The program does not show an actual operation, but students have the opportunity to see everything as if they are really there. We will send classroom materials to your group ahead of time, and the presenter will provide ample time for interactive questions.
A Visit to the Emergency Room (K-5th grades)
Follow 3 children as they come to the Emergency room for different reasons. See what happens as they arrive by car, by ambulance, and even by helicopter. Students will see the children experience procedures such as, x-rays, and receiving stitches. Students will get to ask a lot of questions to help them better understand what might happen if they ever need to visit the emergency room.
I SPY... Outdoor Safety (PreK-3rd grades)
Do you like to play I Spy? This fun interactive program will teach your students important outdoor safety tips while playing I Spy using pictures and video clips. They will learn how to have fun and stay safe while pursuing outdoor activities. Health care professionals will discuss and demonstrate many important safety issues including: bike safety, the correct way to wear helmets and other protective gear when riding wheeled equipment, the importance of seatbelts and booster seats, playground safety tips, water safety and the best type of personal flotation devices. Students can ask questions and participate in fun quiz questions throughout the program.
Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
Science in the News: Nanotechnology (9th-12th grades)
Join our annual nationwide celebration of nanotechnology education and outreach on Friday April 3. Nanotechnology……………..what is it and what does it mean for us? We invite you to join Aaron Pan, the Museum’s Science Curator and other classrooms across the state to learn more about this growing field in science. A nanometer is one billionth of a meter-almost too small to fully comprehend-and objects on this scale are being considered in the medical, technology and consumer markets. We’ll provide some cool web resources to share with your students before the program and ask you send us one or two questions from your group that we’ll answer during the program .
Armadillo Round-up! (K-2nd grades)
Round up your students for a fun-filled program with the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History to learn all about one of Texas’ most unusual creatures—the Armadillo. Using Armadillo Rodeo by Jan Brett as a starting point, your students follow the trail of an adventurous armadillo named Beau as he spends the day at the rodeo with his new friend. Leishawn Spotted Bear, assistant science curator, uses materials and specimens from the Museum’s collection to enable your students understand animal body parts and their functions, life cycles and adaptations. A kit will be mailed to your classroom with specimens that will be used during the program. The kit will need to be returned after program's completion.
All About Matter (K-8th grades)
Combine bubbles, eyedroppers, air in different states and you have an incredibly interactive program with staff from the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. We will focus on the unusual characteristics of water, use process skills to observe and ask questions using bubbles, and play with components of air in solid, liquid and gaseous states. Your students actively participate with staff throughout the program as they learn more about the interaction between different states of matter. Kit will be mailed which includes supplies needed for student experiment, along with other goodies for your classroom.
Eggs Everywhere (K-5th grades)
Join Leishawn Spotted Bear for a totally immersive program that will have your students observing, predicting, writing, drawing and interacting, all around eggs. Eggs are one of nature's most perfect designs and are an incredible way to learn about life cycles, adaptations and survival. We'll use simple materials like chicken eggs to bring out your student's observation skills and specimens from our teaching collection to hone their ability to predict. Throughout the session, the purpose of eggs and the different animals that lay eggs will be emphasized. Program includes a kit with materials needed for chicken egg dissection, along with other goodies for your classroom.
Adaptation Exploration: Owls (3rd-5th grades)
Owls are remarkable birds and serve as an incredible model for your students learn about form, function, and adaptations! Leishawn Spotted Bear will make these concepts come alive using interactive activities and the Museum’s outstanding bird collection. Young students (K-2nd) will focus on the function of different body parts and bird characteristics, while older students (3rd-5th) will use body parts and systems to discuss adaptations and to compare/contrast birds with other types of animals. Both programs integrate language arts techniques (so have your students bring a journal or pencil and paper) and feature an owl pellet dissection. Kit will include 11 owl pellets.
Icy Science (1st-8th grades)
Looking for a "chilling" experience using one of the world's most unusual substances that will support your student’s process skill development? Then freeze some water, grab some salt and get ready for hands-on explorations that emphasize observation and questioning skills. During this highly interactive program, your students learn more about the skills they use in science every day and how you can strengthen these skills. While ice seems like a simple phenomenon, investigating ice will uncover important properties of matter concepts— changes of states, freezing point, and molecular structures. A kit with all the material needed (except a freezer) will be mailed to you prior to your program.
Geometric Transformations (3rd-8th grades)
Ready for a mind-bending, shape-shifting approach to learning the connection between two dimensions and three dimensions? Join Museum staff Anne Herndon in this hands-on geometry session. Using simple materials-scissors, tape and strips of paper-your students will create three dimensional loops, then transform them into unusual two dimensional shapes. We'll even create and explore mobius loops. What a hands-on experience to introduce or reinforce topology. Kit will be mailed which includes supplies needed for student explorations, along with other goodies for your classroom.
Ask the Expert: Forensic Science (9th-12th grades)
Students are fascinated with forensic science! Now they can meet the expert! Ron Singer, Crime Lab Director for the Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office, will delve into the life of a crime lab director and the daily forensic science challenges he encounters. Ron will reveal the science, the tools and some of the secrets of a Crime Lab. A portion of the session will be devoted to answering your students’ questions about forensic science.
Pluto Revisited (3rd-8th grades)
Just what is a small round thing beyond Neptune that orbits the sun and has lots of rocky neighbors? Well as of June 11, 2008, they have a new name: a "Plutoid". So much has happened to Pluto over the past few years! Learn more about the decision to name Pluto a dwarf planet and from Linda Krouse, Director of the Noble Planetarium at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. During this presentation your students will learn about other dwarf planets in our solar system and what may happen to Pluto in the future.
Dollars and Sense: Making Wise Choices With Your Money (4th-5th grades)
What do your students know about money? Dollars and Sense: Making Wise Choices With Your Money presented by the Wachovia Foundation is a fantastic way to introduce financial literacy concepts to your students. Museum staff will use your students’ personal experiences with money to help them begin to think about important financial concepts like earning, budgeting and saving. Working in small teams, your students brainstorm, discuss, and solve real-world challenges relating making wise choices with their money. This program is offered free of charge to 4th and 5th grade classes through a generous grant from the Wachovia Foundation. Please plan for 30 minutes before the program to prepare for your videoconference experience. Specific instructions will be emailed to participating teacher.
Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge
A Monarch's Journey (1st-12th grades)
They are colorful, small, and travel thousands of miles each fall and spring. Delve into a Monarch butterfly life’s journey by exploring their life cycles, adaptations, and migration. In addition, find out ways to help them through their life’s journey.
Bison: Back from the Brink (3rd-12th grades)
Bison were the largest plant eating animals on the North American prairie. Why did they almost disappear and what is being done to preserve them? Almost gone, today they are making a great comeback. Learn how we manage our bison herd.
The Dirt on Worms (1st-7th grades)
Unseen but not forgotten are the remarkable segmented creatures that lie hidden under the surface of the earth. Dig up the facts about earthworm’s physical characteristics, habitats, behaviors, and life cycles. Join us as we get the real dirt on these legless creatures and the great work they do underneath our feet.
They are Rough and Tough and Texans Through and Through (3rd-12th grades)
What does it take for native plants and animals to survive the harsh conditions of the Lone Star State? Whether it is hot,dry,cold or wet Texas can be a difficult place to live if you are a plant or animal. We will learn what it takes to make it in the various habitats found in Texas. From tarantulas to turtles, to bison and prairie dogs they all have unique ways of surviving.
Dragons in the Skies (3rd-12th grades)
When people discuss dragons, they think of large scaly creatures flying around and throwing out flames of fire. Little did we know we have a type of dragon that flies over our skies locally and not as scary as dragons are perceived. I am talking about Dragonflies. All across the state, especially Fort Worth, we see many species of Dragonflies. This class will discuss their taxonomy, the life cycle of a Dragonfly, and go over some of the local “Dragons” in the skies of Fort Worth.
Turtles are Terrific (3rd-12th grades)
Turtles are one of the most recognized groups of animals living on this planet. Why has this ancient group of animals been so successful? During this program we will learn about where they live, what they eat and how they are surviving in the modern world.
Weather 101: 100% Chance of Learning (1st-8th grades)
Spring time brings many shades of weather. It brings clear days with hints of thin clouds. It also brings days full of big puffy ominous clouds that bring danger. Join us as we discuss different facets of weather such as cloud types, rain, lightning, and storms; including tornadoes.
Jewels of the Prairie (6th-12th grades)
The prairie can be a very harsh place to live. Hot, dry and windy in the summer and cold and difficult in the winter. If you visit at just the right time of year the wildflowers are fantastic. Learn how warm spring temperatures and gentle rains bring out the prairie wildflowers.
National Archives and Administration (NARA) Southwest Region
Animals in Space and Other Cool NASA Stuff! (3rd-6th grades) Do you think NASA wanted to send a pig into space? What did the original space suits look like? What did all of the Mercury 7 astronauts have in common? Find the answers to these questions and more by exploring historical NASA documents held at the National Archives-Southwest Region. Learn about the development of the space program through records that were created for the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo missions.
National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame
Fact or Fiction in History (9th-12th grades)
Many stories of the past are handed down from generation to generation. Learn some little known facts that helped keep the Western lifestyle alive.
The Arts (K-12th grades)
Many women of the West shared their experience and knowledge in pictures and art. Discover the world of these women as they see it, through photography, pottery and paintings.
Community Planners (K-4th grades)
Join us in learning about how the contributions of Clara Brown, Henrietta King and others helped shape the West.
A Walk Through Time - A Walking Tour of the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame
(Prek-12th grades)
Discover fascinating information about the National Cowgirl Museum to use in your classroom as a learning tool.
Life on the Prairie with Sarah Plain and Tall (1st-7th grades)
What are some clues that let us know that Sarah Plain and Tall takes place in Kansas in the early 1900’s? This video conference can easily be used as an extension to a literary study of this popular children’s book. Learn about what life on the prairie was like for those families who were the original homesteaders.
How To Measure a Horse (3rd-5th grades)
What does a horse's height have to do with hands? During this program students will learn how to measure a horse using tools that horsemen and women use. Then they will learn how to convert their measurement into "hands." At the end of the program, students will use "hands" as a form of measurement.
Texas Wildlife Association
Texas Critters! (2nd-6th grades)
From the raccoon they see in their neighborhood, the nine-banded armadillo, the official Small Mammal of Texas, to the red-eared slider they see in their local river or pond; your students will be intrigued while learning fun facts about these and other Texas critters. Students will learn the differences between mammals and reptiles, carnivores and herbivores, habitats and adaptations, all the while looking at interactive visuals. We will also discuss the human effect on animals; why and how we should maintain the animals’ environment. WANT MORE? Check out our "Texas Critters" trunk! It's available to educators on a 2-week loan, TEKS aligned, and AT NO CHARGE!
Let's Talk Turkey! (3rd-6th grades)
We will discuss turkey anatomy and habitat as well as the various "calls" or vocalizations that turkeys make to communicate. Students will listen to an assortment of calls and will have the opportunity to make their very own turkey calls after the program. WANT MORE? Check out our "Let's Talk Turkey" trunk! It's available to educators on a 2-week loan, TEKS aligned, and AT NO CHARGE!
ASI: Animal Skull Investigation! (3rd-6th grades)
This interactive presentation allows students the opportunity to investigate skulls of native Texas animals. Unique adaptative traits will be discussed and students will be asked to look for clues to determine the identity and feeding habits of our mystery specimens. WANT MORE? Check out our "Animal Adaptations" trunk, full of skulls, scat and tracks! It's available to educators on a 2-week loan, TEKS aligned, and AT NO CHARGE!
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To register go to www.Connect2Texas.net .
Laurie Hogle lhogle@esc11.net or Lori Hamm lhamm@esc11.net .
Connect2Texas is a service offered by
Education Service Center Region XI
3001 North Freeway
Fort Worth, TX 76106
(817) 740-3625