Look at ALL that is available in Mayfrom 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
http://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)
Little Bella Comes to BRIT (PreK-1st) This interactive presentation opens students’ eyes to the various facets of water, from raindrops to aquifers. Students will be challenged to think about where water comes from, how it got there, where it ends up, and how it is being used. Students will have the opportunity to take part in a hands-on, comparative demonstration along with the presenter, to help them better understand water usage. WANT MORE?
Check out our "More Than a Drop" trunk! It's available to educators on a 2-week loan, TEKS aligned, and AT NO CHARGE!
Bella Comes to BRIT (2nd-4th) Bella and Nonnie are begonias living in the rain forest of Peru until one day a research botanist collects them and thus begins Bella's journey to become a valued specimen in BRIT's Herbarium. The new Bella video features a delightful puppet show starring BRIT botanists. The video, interactive Q's and A's, and a game make up this charming broadcast. Broadcast fee includes a Teacher Packet with pre and post activities and a class set(30) of "Bella Comes to BRIT" coloring books.
Little King Quigley's Allergies (PreK-1st grades) This program is specifically designed for PK thru first graders only. The king can't stop sneezing and no one quite knows why. The royal doctor decides perhaps he is allergic to plants. ""Out with all plants,"" commands King Quigley,""and everything made from plants!"" This delightful story reinforces the concept of how plants and the many plant byproducts impact our lives. The broadcast package includes a class set (30) of the "Thank You Plants" activity books that feature King Quigley and a class set (30) of cotton bolls for an investigation activity.
King Quigley's Allergies (2nd-4th grades) The king can't stop sneezing and no one quite knows why. The royal doctor decides perhaps he is allergic to plants. "Out with all plants," commands King Quigley,"and everything made from plants!" This delightful story reinforces the concept of how plants and the many plant byproducts impact our lives. The broadcast package includes a class set (30) of the "Thank You Plants" activity books that feature King Quigley and 30 cotton bolls for an investigation activity.
Little Green Monsters (PreK-1st grades) Create a "Plantzilla" or a special green monster of your very own. Clean out your craft closet and get ready for a videoconference that combines art and botany. Plantzilla, a fictitious plant is allowed to go home with Mortimer Henryson for the summer in Jerdine Nolan's delightful book, "Plantzilla", with amusing and inspirational illustrations by David Catrow. The program includes a reading of the book, a discussion of plant anatomy, and a conversation with a "Plantzilla puppet" to reinforce the student's understanding of plant anatomy. The program fee includes a paper back copy of the book, "Plantzilla" and post activities designed for fun (and learning!).”
Green Monsters (2nd-4th grades) Create a “Plantzilla” or a special “green monster” of your very own. Clean out your craft closet and get ready for a videoconference that combines art and botany. Plantzilla, a fictitious plant is allowed to go home with Mortimer Henryson for the summer in Jerdine Nolan’s delightful book, “Plantzilla”, with amusing and inspirational illustrations by David Catrow. The program includes a reading of the book, a discussion of plant anatomy and adaptations, and a demonstration of techniques to create a “plant creature puppet” especially designed to adapt to a unique habitat. The program fee includes a paper back copy of the book, “Plantzilla” and post activities designed for fun (and learning!).
Cook Children's Medical Center
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
NEW PROGRAM - Snail Study (1st-5th grades) Life science comes alive as your students spend time investigating snails with our Museum staff. You will receive a class set of snails and all the materials you’ll need for an initial investigation of these amazing creatures. We’ll use a written thinking tool to help uncover careful observations and questions. These questions become a springboard for investigations in your classroom after the program. Due to USDA regulations, we can only ship snails to Texas schools.
Science in the News: Nanotechnology (9th-12th grades) 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.
Spring Skies Tonight (3rd-8th grades) Ever wonder what wondrous objects you can see in the night time sky in the spring? Join Linda Krouse as she shares star stories for some of the constellations visible right now. She will teach your students how to use a simple tool of science, a star chart, to make their night time sky viewing even more exciting.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge
The Importance of Being a Bee (3rd-12th grades) The very mention of their name makes us think of warm summer days, sweet honey and oh yes stings! Bees are much more and very important. Without bees there might not be fruits, vegetables or even beef and poultry. Learn how these small bundles of energy help keep the food web going. Learn all about the interesting life style of the honeybee and how people have learned to work with this insect.
Submerged Inhabitants (3rd-9th grades) Delve into the thriving community found in our local freshwaters. From invertebrates to vertebrates, join us in learning about their morphology, life history and niche. Become a Limnologist and explore the amazing world of our submerged inhabitants.
Unwanted Invaders: We Need A Different Kind Of Homeland Security (5th-12th grades) Some are green, many have lots of legs and they are found everywhere. They are not monsters invading us from outer space they are the unwanted plants and animals from other parts of the world that are pushing out our native plants and animals. Learn how they got here and what if anything we can do to live with them. Learn also how to avoid making the same mistakes in the future.
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.
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.
F-16's of the Summer Skies (5th-12th grades) They may zoom around like fighter jets but they are really a bird called the Purple Martin. They belong to the swallow family and eat flying insects. They spend each winter in Brazil returning north to nest each spring. Learn about the long association these birds have with people during this class.
Gator Talk (1st-8th grades) Many perceptions exist regarding the American Alligator. To some, it is feared. To others, it is revered. Regardless of where you fall, join us and we will discuss the life history of the American Alligator, what lead it to become endangered, how it has bounced back, and see some live specimens. Join us as we discuss this amazing reptile.
Nature’s Pollinators (1st-6th grades) Explore the lives of North America's pollinators. From bees to hummingbirds, to those that are often never seen and often forgotten. Learn of their equal importance to the reproduction of many fruits and vegetables, as well as to the biodiversity of plants. Get a closer look at their daily lives and their job as nature’s pollinators.
McDonald Observatory
NEW PROGRAM - Astronomy Day 2009! International Year of Astronomy (4th-8th grades) Connect2Texas and the Frank N. Bash Visitors Center at McDonald Observatory invite students and their teachers across Texas to celebrate Astronomy Day and the International Year of Astronomy 2009 during this special interactive videoconference program. This year, Astronomy Day from McDonald Observatory means more than ever. 2009 has been declared the International Year of Astronomy. Worldwide, IYA celebrates 400 years of scientific inquiry and astronomical research from the rudimentary telescope Galileo used, to space based telescopes of our day. We hope that our Astronomy Day videoconference will excite your students about science and technology. We've designed our videoconference sessions to align with TEKS for grades 4-8. This videoconference session lasts 50-minutes and is planned for a morning class. In our morning videoconferences, students make live daytime telescopic observations of the crescent Moon (weather permitting), explore lunar craters in a brief activity, and have a Q/A period.
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
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.
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.
Thanks to Molly Goodnight, the Buffalo Do Still Roam (4th & 7th grades) Join us as we celebrate the life of Molly Goodnight and the contribution she made to saving the buffalo from extinction. Our discussion will include the importance of the buffalo to the Plains Indians, reasons for the slaughter of these magnificent animals, and the steps that the Goodnights made to insure that the buffalo not become extinct.
Home on the Range: Charles Goodnight and the Invention of the Chuck Wagon (4th & 7th grades) Charles Goodnight wanted to drive 2000 cattle from the panhandle of Texas to Denver. This was going to take men who would need to be fed. He came up with the idea of a mobile kitchen which became the center of life for the cowboys on the trail. Learn more about the life of Charles Goodnight, his invention of the chuck wagon, and the lives of cowboys on a cattle drive.
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.
Writing through the Museum - Recommended for 3rd & 4th Grade National Cowgirl Museum has many honorees in the literary world. Learn about the poets, novelists, journalists and playwrights who shared their experiences and journeys.
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.
10 Important Women (2nd-10th grades) Celebrate women’s history with the National Cowgirl Museum as we highlight those from the past and the present - pioneers and trailblazers who endured challenges and unknown obstacles that helped to set the tone and spirit of the West.
Texas Wildlife Association
NEW PROGRAM - Scales and Trails: Basic (2nd-4th grades) This presentation introduces students to SNAKES. We will discuss where they live, what they eat, how they survive in a busy world, and why they are important. Students will have the chance to see live snakes, up close and personal. Teachers will have the chance to provide questions and concepts for the instructor to discuss prior to the class. Don't miss this one!
NEW PROGRAM - Scales and Trails: Advanced (4th-6th grades) This program is a continuation to Scales and Trails: "Basic". We will discuss the similarities and differences between species, behavior characteristics, identification techniques, anatomy, and genes. Again, teachers will have the chance to provide questions and concepts for the instructor to discuss prior to the class. Don't miss this one!
NEW PROGRAM - BATS: LIVE on the BIG screen! (2nd - 6th grades) This interactive presentation allows students the opportunity to investigate the relationship between the anatomy and the ecology, including the dietary habits, of different species of bats. LIVE bats will be used during the program!
To register go to
http://www.connect2texas.net/ .
Laurie Hogle
lhogle@esc11.net or Lori Hamm
lhamm@esc11.net . Connect2Texas is a service offered by Education Service Center Region XI3001 North FreewayFort Worth, TX 76106(817) 740-3625
