Grades 4-7: Are you a History Detective?

The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum is proud to offer our first distance learning module throughout the end of the school year.

What do history detectives do? How do they use to carry out their investigations? In this introduction to historical inquiry skills, students will be asked to solve two intriguing challenges by analyzing artifacts, using historical concepts such as time and place, and interpreting information from a variety of sources to draw inferences about what happened in the past. Dr. Source, Primary Investigator, will guide students through these challenges and, at the end, invite them to join her team of historians.

The cost for this program is $80 per site and it's 50 - 60 minutes in length.

Schedules are posted on http://www.connect2texas.net/. We also take special requests so don't be shy about sending me an email: bisola.falola@thestoryoftexa.com

Grade 3: Scoundrels of the Sea

Texas State Aquarium
Contact Information

Stephen Jack

sjack@txstateaq.org

2710 North Shoreline Blvd.

Corpus Christi, TX 78402

United States

Phone: (361) 654-1450

Fax: (361) 881-1226

This program has not yet been evaluated.
Target Audience
Education: Grade(s): 3, Public Library: Library Patrons

Primary Disciplines
Sciences, Social Studies/History, Ocean Literacy

Program Description
Students discover the unique creatures that live inthe Gulf of Mexico and in the deep hidden places in the sea. Students "virtually" visit the Islands of Steel exhibit, learn about the benefits of the ocean's top predators, and create their own sea monsters.
Program Format

1. This program begins with an interactive PowerPoint presentation.

2. Video of deep sea creatures.

3. Viewing of real time cameras throughout the Texas State Aquariums 8 cameras.

4. Students create their own sea monsters.

5. Question and answer session.

Objectives
Learn about historical misconceptions about sea monstersLearn about the importance of top predatorsLearn how top predators are beneficial to their environmentIdentify Gulf of Mexico and Deep Sea animalsIdentify adaptations of top predators and deep sea animals

National Standards to which this program aligns
NS.K-4.3 LIFE SCIENCE As a result of activities in grades K-4, all students should develop understanding of The characteristics of organisms Organisms and environmentsNS.K-4.5 SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY As a result of activities in grades K-4, all students should develop Understanding about science and technology Abilities to distinguish between natural objects and objects made by humansNS.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

State Standards to which this program aligns
TexasRelated TEKS:Science: 3.3 (A,D,E); 3.8 (A,D); 3.9 (A,B)Social Studies: 3.3 (A); 3.15(B)

Program Length
60 minutes for 3rd grade

By Request
This program is available by request/on demand ONLY

Connection Type(s) Available and Program Fees
By Request/On Demand Cost: $150.00
Premium Members enjoy many additional benefits. Learn more!Receiving Site is responsible for own line charge

There are two program packages available. The pricing is based on number of students and shipping supplies.For more information please contact Stephen Jack at (361) 654-1450 .

Cancellation Policy
The full fee will be charged to sites which cancel with less than 48 hours notice.The Texas State Aquarium reserves the right to cancel programs at anytime. If the Aquarium cancels a program then a full refund will be supplied.

Is video taping allowed?
No

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

A test call is required.The Texas State Aquarium bridges through our Education Service Center to connecting schools.The tech contact at the Service Center is Tina Cooper (361) 561-8457 .
How to Request this Program:-->Request this Program Now

Grades 1-5: Great Trees, Great Kinds, Great Stories **FREE**

MOST SITES WILL BE VIEW ONLY.

Do you or your school have a "Great Tree"? Tell us what makes it great. Is it the oldest tree in your community or campus? Does it have historical importance to your community or family? Tell us about it! Third grade students of the Fort Worth ISD participated in a Great Tree Story Essay contest and want to share their winning stories with you. Connect to The Botanical Research Institute of Texas on Thursday, May 8th, at 10:30 am to meet the winning student authors, their classmates and teachers. Joining them will be Leslie Gordon, the author of the charming Children's book, 'The Homeless Christmas Tree'. Read more...
Click here to register!









May 8 from 10:30 - 11:10

Grades 6-8: Ecosystems:The Scientific Method Explored

Cranbrook Institute of Science
Contact Information

Cameron Wood

cwood@cranbrook.edu

39221 Woodward Ave.

Bloomfield Hills, MI 48303-0801

United States

Phone: (248) 645-3241 Fax: (248) 645-3050

Education: Grade(s): 6, 7, 8
Primary Disciplines

Sciences
Program Description
Using materials that the requesting organization provides, the students will explore the concept of an "ecosystem", and how scientists use the scientific method to explore the natural world. The program is meant to be open and inquiry based.
Program Format

1. The program begins with an exploration of the concept of an "ecosytem". Students brainstorm what elements might ba a part of one.

2. The scientific method is outlined.3. Students form groups and come up with a hypothesis to test with the activity to follow.

3. Students work in small groups to assemble "ecosystems in a cup" to creatively explore how the different elements of an ecosystem work together.

4. Student groups share their approach with their classmates and presentor.

5. Students are encouraged to keep journals of their experiment and write up their results.

Objectives
Objectives and Outcomes of the Program for Students:1. Understand the steps of the scientific method, and why scientists use it.2, Explore the concept of an ecosystem, and what one is composed of.3. The participants will put the scientific method into action over time to develop a real world understanding of the method and the topic.
National Standards to which this program aligns

Content Standards: 5-8, Science as Inquiry

Content Standards: 5-8 Life Science
State Standards to which this program aligns

Michigan Science Curriculum Standards:MCF:ScienceI.1.MS.1: Generate scientific questions about the world based on observation.I.1.MS.2: Design and conduct scientific investigations.II.1.MS.5: Develop an awareness of and sensitivity to the natural world.III.5.MS.2: Describe how all organisms acquire energy directly or indirectly from sunlight.II.5.MS.6: Describe ways in which humans alter the environment.

Program Length
45 minutes

By Request
This program is available by request/on demand ONLY
Date/Time Notes
This program is available for a limited time under the LADDERS program free of charge. Please visit the LaDDERS website www.laddersprogram.org for more information.
Connection Type(s) Available and Program Fees

Interactive Cost: $125.00By Request/On Demand Cost: $125.00
Premium Members enjoy many additional benefits. Learn more!Receiving Site is responsible for own line charge

Program Fee Notes
This program is currently available to middel school classes free of charge under the LADDERS program. (See www.laddersprogram.org). Fee for other grades is $125 per program.
Cancellation Policy

Please provide 48 hour cancellation notice.
Is video taping allowed?

No

The Provider broadcasts over
ISDN Minimum Broadcast Speed: 128 K Maximum Broadcast Speed: 384 KIP
Minimum Technology Specifications for sites connecting to this provider

Schools are responsible for calling in to the Cranbrook network via ISDN-type phone lines at 384 kbs.
How to Request this Program:-->Request this Program Now

Grades 6-10: Galapagos Finches **FREE**

The Michigan State University Museum is offering Galapagos Finches program for 6-10 grade. It's a highly inquiry-driven program!

More information on all our programs, including teacher packages, as well as our overall project, can be found on our website: http://www.laddersprogram.org/.

Michigan State University Museum
www.msw.edu/~trouillo
trouillo@msu.edu

This program is free of charge for April & May, 2008

Grades 2-4: Jiminy Cricket **FREE**

The Michigan State University Museum is offering Jiminy Cricket program for 2-4 grade on the scientific method; it's a highly inquiry-driven program.

More information on all our programs, including teacher packages, as well as our overall project, can be found on our website: http://www.laddersprogram.org/.

Michigan State University Museum
www.msw.edu/~trouillo
trouillo@msu.edu

This program is free of charge for April & May, 2008

Grades 4-8: Termite Behavior **FREE**

The Michigan State University Museum is offering Termite Behavior program for 4-8 grade on designing scientific experiments and on termite behavior; it's a highly inquiry-driven program.

More information on all our programs, including teacher packages, as well as our overall project, can be found on our website: http://www.laddersprogram.org/.

Michigan State University Museum
www.msw.edu/~trouillo
trouillo@msu.edu

This program is free of charge for April & May, 2008

Grades 1-4: Animal Adaptations **FREE**

The Michigan State University Museum is offering Sense of Adaptations program for 1-4 grade on animal adaptations.

More information on all our programs, including teacher packages, as well as our overall project, can be found on our website: http://www.laddersprogram.org/.

Michigan State University Museum

www.msw.edu/~trouillo

trouillo@msu.edu

This program is free of charge for April & May, 2008

Grades 9-12: Issues Facing Presidential Candidates

ISSUES FACING PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES: A New Exchange Program from the National Constitution Center!

Date: May 20, 2008
Time: 1-3 p.m. EDT

Target Audience: High School Students
How to Participate:
Interactive Videoconference Site: In order to be an interactive videoconference site for this event, your site must have H.323 videoconferencing capabilities. Your site must also be connected to your national high speed research and education network (i.e. Internet2 in the United States).
Description

The National Constitution Center is excited to invite your school to participate in the latest installment of its national student program, The Exchange: A Marketplace of Student Ideas. This event will take place on Tuesday May 20, 2008 from 1pm-3pm EDT. This installment of The Exchange, Setting the Agenda for 2008, asks students to consider the issues facing the presidential candidates in 2008 and work together to create a student agenda for the upcoming election. The discussion will be hosted by SuChin Pak from MTV news as well as a leading expert.

The Exchange allows students all over the country to converse with one another about current constitutional issues using Internet-2 videoconferencing. It is an exciting way for students to explore issues with their classmates and peers in other parts of the nation.

Schools that participate in The Exchange will be asked to use the provided curriculum to prepare their students to be part of the conversation. Students will also have the opportunity to create and post their own media in The Exchange online community. Some student created media may be selected to be displayed during the video conference. If your students decide to create any video or audio clips, we ask them to not exceed 2 minuets in length.

If your school chooses to participate in The Exchange, you will be asked to select one student in grades 11 or 12 to be part of the project. During the videoconference round table, students will have an opportunity to interact with each other and share their thoughts on numerous issues facing the country. Students will use this deliberation to assess each issue, and create a student agenda for the upcoming presidential election. Additionally, students who are not taking part in the discussion will be able to send questions and comments to SuChin and the participating students via a simultaneous online chat.

Participating schools must have connectivity to the INTERNET2 network and the ability to do H.323 videoconferencing.

While there is no cost to participate in this event, we do will ask schools to work to make sure this event is a success. Schools will be responsible for the following:
Selection of student representative
Preparation of students through the use of the provided Exchange curriculum
Support student created materials and submit them to our new social networking site being developed for this project
Participation and successful completion of videoconference testing prior to the event with the National Constitution Center

I hope you are able to participate in this remarkable opportunity. If interested, please contact Andrew McGinley (amcginley@constitutioncenter.org or (215) 409-6628) by April 23, 2008 for registration and information.

Grades 1-3: Dig This! Dinosaurs in Texas **FREE**

Middle school students describe their experiences in collecting, documenting, and identifying fossilized dinosaur bones from a dig in the Big Bend Country in Texas. They will show video clips and photos of the actual dig as well as closeup shots of the actual bones as they discuss how they fossilized. Students at the receiving site will have access to pre- and post-activities posted on the web and be given a chance to ask questions of the presenters.
Grades: 1st - 3rd
Cost: Free
Dates: May 13th, 14th, 20th, and 21st
Registration: Click here to see the upcoming offerings and register.

Connect2Texas is a service offered by Education Service Center Region XI
3001 North Freeway
Fort Worth, TX 76106
(817) 740-3607

Grades 2-5: Welcome to the Green House: Earth Day Extravaganza!

In honor of Earth Day, the MVESC is offering a new interactive student session titled:
“Welcome to the Green House: Earth Day Extravaganza!” (grades 2-5)

This session is available upon request beginning now - through the end of the year. Session description follows:

How do our actions effect the Earth? Students will explore how we depend on plants and animals around us for food, oxygen, medicine, as well as many other needs. We also depend on other ecosystems, such as the rainforests. Unfortunately, people are destroying the rainforests at alarming rates. Throughout the session, students will investigate the problem, and discover ways that they can help.
Topics include:
· Earth Day History
· Rainforest Importance and Destruction
· Literature Sharing
· Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
· Review…Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader?

Cost: $60.00 per site
Connectivity: IP
Please call, email, or register online (http://www.mvesc.k12.oh.us/tap/register.htm)

Registration items needed include:
1. Session Title:
2. Grade Level(Special Needs):
3. School Name/Phone Number:
4. District Name And County:
5. Technical Contact Name/Phone:
6. Teacher Name/Email:
7. Billing Address/Contact:
8. IP#:
9. PO#:

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
www.mvesc.k12.oh.us/tap/

Grades 7-12: The Role of Media in Elections

"The SPIN ZONE: The Role of Media in Elections"
Date: Wednesday, April 30, 2008Time: 10:00 and 11:00 AM EST Target Audience: students in grades 7-12Cost: $75 per site
Format: 45-minutes] a 30-minute presentation followed by 15-20 minute interactive Question and Answer session with studentsRegistration online at: http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001elBSWcyXj_JJ4mUIFo9FRnDzpTE-8F4BNcDH_q9a4AX_CO_vHFiwQ-dp9dAhCrEZx9Omty7HCPTDcU9i1lShYAlkiPGMYpecUuDEDtlnzwq4Q7o012rC0DEZoVaeUNjdYY3-TbHmecpCx7F0HNdCFbiFFCZWGUPjQuestions: Call administrative assistant, Chandra Allison, at (615) 322-6511 or email Chandra at chandra.allison@vanderbilt.edu.

RACE FOR THE PRESIDENCY 2008

Meet Carol Swain, whose mission is to restore the hope of the American dream: that individuals can rise above the circumstances of their birth; that opposing groups can listen to each other and benefit from civil dialogue; and that ordinary people can have voice. For too many citizens, politics is a spectator sport rather than a participant game. The challenge for both the candidates and the news media is to find ways to stimulate more interest and deeper involvement in more voters. This videoconference will explore the front lines of the ongoing saga of the candidates who would be president and the media who cover their campaigns.This videoconference will discuss: 1. What is the most effective source of media for candidates (in convincing voters to vote for or against a candidate)? 2. What is the most useful source of media for voters?3. What are the key messages communicated in the current media? 4. Does media provide factual information or evoke an emotional response?5. What are the limitations of a 30 second commercial? 6.How important is a candidate's look in media? What type of image are candidates trying to create? 7.How can voters separate rhetoric from reality?8.How do negative "mudslinging" ads work? Why do candidates use them? To whom is a candidate trying to appeal with ?mudslinging? ads? 9.What elements does a bias include?10. What is the role of media in making sure that documents that are presented are not fraudulent?
SOITA Bob Stricker bob@soita.org