Advance excellent teaching with Annenberg
Media.
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*** In the Spotlight for January ***
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- Linking to Current Events
- Two Brand New Series
- 2008: Year of...
- This Month on the Channel
- Connect Learning with Special Days
o Earth at Perihelion
o National Bird Day
o Religious Freedom Day
o Martin Luther King Day
o Holocaust Memorial Day
- Looking Ahead to National History Day
- Channel Reminder
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*** LINKING TO CURRENT EVENTS ***
Primary Sources
With the campaigns already in full swing, the primary elections are the next
step toward the Presidential elections of November 2008. While January will see
some important state primaries including those of Iowa, New Hampshire, Ohio, and
Michigan, more than 20 other state primaries are set for "Super Tuesday" --
February 5 -- including those of California and New York. Additional primaries
are scheduled throughout February.
> As sources of information in discussing the U.S. electoral system including
primary elections with your students, see "Elections: The Maintenance of
Democracy" and "Political Parties: Mobilizing Agents", the 12th and 13th units
of "Democracy in America"
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/dia1.html>. Primary elections and
the functions of political parties are discussed, and Web-based materials
include a video program, readings, and a critical thinking activity.
> Get ideas for connecting U.S. elections with elections in other countries by
watching "Performing With Confidence"
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/tfll2.html> from our "Teaching
Foreign Languages K-12" video library.
> Watch a discussion of complex constitutional issues involved in presidential
elections in "Nomination, Election, and Succession of the President," the third
program of "The Constitution: That Delicate Balance"
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/const3.html>. The program features
former Supreme Court justice Potter Stewart, former Secretary of State Edmund
Muskie, and other distinguished panelists.
> Find lesson plans, Video on Demand, and more in "Electoral Politics"
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/civic4.html>, the second unit of
"Making Civics Real: A Workshop for Teachers."
---
To use our free Video on Demand feature, go to
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/vod5.html>. For more information,
see our FAQ
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/faq6.html>.
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*** TWO BRAND NEW SERIES ***
"Mathematics Illuminated"
"Mathematics Illuminated" is a brand new series for teacher professional
development and college level instruction that explores major themes in
mathematics, with an emphasis on deep questions and their relevance to everyday
life. Concepts covered include symmetry, prime numbers, infinity, topology,
dimension, game theory, and chaos. A series Web site, which will become
available by the series broadcast premiere in April, features an online text,
downloadable guides, links to Video on Demand, video transcripts, a
bibliography, and several interactive activities.
Check our Web site
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/math7.html> for program
descriptions and a link to the broadcast schedule.
"America's History in the Making, Part II"
Picking up the story of America after the Reconstruction period, "America's
History in the Making, Part II" premieres on the Channel and online in January.
This professional development course for American History teachers includes
eight half-hour programs featuring themes and movements, individuals who shaped
history, and people whose work involves aspects of historical study and
preservation. Additional units help teachers to find and use digital resources
and to apply the thematic strands in their teaching.
Check the Web site for these and other online resources at
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/ahist8.html>.
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*** 2008: YEAR OF... ***
The year 2008 has been given several designations for recognition of special
causes and issues. Below are a few of these designations for which our video
series and other Web-based resources may be used for learning enhancement. 2008
is...
International Year of Planet Earth -- See:
o "The Habitable Planet: A Systems Approach to Environmental Science"
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/hab9.html>
o "Earth Revealed"
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/earth10.html>
o "Planet Earth"
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/pe11.html>
o "Essential Science for Teachers: Earth and Space Science"
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/space12.html>
International Year of the Reef -- See:
o "The Habitable Planet"
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/hab13.html>
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/hab14.html>
Year of the Frog -- See:
o "The Habitable Planet"
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/hab15.html>
o "Rediscovering Biology: Molecular to Global Perspectives
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/rbio16.html>
o "Connecting With the Arts: A Teaching Practices Library, 6-8" Unit 11, "Can
Frogs Dance?"
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/cwal17.html>
International Year of Sanitation -- See:
o "The Habitable Planet" Unit 8, "Water Resources"
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/hab18.html>
o "A World of Art: Works in Progress" Program 10, featuring Mierle Ukeles
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/works19.html>
o "Primary Sources: Workshops in American History" Workshop 7, "Disease and
History"
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/prim20.html>
o Garbage Interactive
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/garb21.html>
Search our Web site using the open search tool or grade level/discipline
drop-down menus
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/srch22.html> to find additional
resources that may be of interest.
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*** THIS MONTH ON THE CHANNEL ***
The following series begin this month on the Annenberg Channel. Be sure to
scroll down on the pages linked below for the broadcast dates and times of
specific programs. Consult the full broadcast schedule
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/sch23.html> for many more programs
and partial series airing in January.
ARTS
> "American Cinema" (college/high school)
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/cine24.html>
> "The Art of Teaching the Arts: A Workshop for High School Teachers"
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/arts25.html>
> "A World of Art: Works in Progress" (college/high school)
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/works26.html>
EDUCATION THEORY & ISSUES
> "The Learning Classroom: Theory Into Practice" (K-12)
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/theor27.html>
> "The Whole Child: A Caregiver's Guide to the First Five Years"
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/child28.html>
FOREIGN LANGUAGE & ESL
> "Connect With English" (college/high school)
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/cwe29.html>
> "Teaching Foreign Languages K-12 Workshop"
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/tflw30.html>
LITERATURE & LANGUAGE ARTS
> "American Passages: A Literary Survey" (college level)
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/apass31.html>
> "Developing Writers: A Workshop for High School Teachers"
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/dwrit32.html>
> "Engaging With Literature: A Workshop for Teachers, Grades 3-5"
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/ewlw33.html>
> "In Search of the Novel" (middle/high school)
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/novel34.html>
> "Teaching Reading K-2 Workshop"
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/trk2w35.html>
MATHEMATICS
> "Learning Math: Data Analysis, Statistics, and Probability" (K-8)
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/data36.html>
> "Learning Math: Patterns, Functions, and Algebra" (K-8)
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/pat37.html>
> "Mathematics Assessment: A Video Library, K-12"
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/mass38.html>
> "The Missing Link: Essential Concepts for Middle School Math Teachers"
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/link39.html>
SCIENCE
> "The Habitable Planet: A Systems Approach to Environmental Science" (high
school/college)
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/hab40.html>
> "Learning Science Through Inquiry" (K-8)
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/scinq41.html>
> "The Mechanical Universe...and Beyond" (college/high school)
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/mech42.html>
> "Science in Focus: Energy" (K-6)
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/ener43.html>
> "Science in Focus: Shedding Light on Science" (K-5)
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/light44.html>
> "The World of Chemistry" (college/high school)
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/chem45.html>
SOCIAL STUDIES & HISTORY
> "America's History in the Making" (middle/high school)
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/ahist46.html>
> "The Constitution: That Delicate Balance" (college/high school)
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/const47.html>
> "Ethics in America" (college/high school)
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/ethic48.html>
> "Ethics in America II" (college/high school)
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/ethii49.html>
> "Primary Sources: Workshops in American History"
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/prim50.html>
> "Teaching Geography" (grades 7-12)
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/tgeo51.html>
> "The World of Abnormal Psychology" (college/high school)
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/abnor52.html>
---
Watch the Channel simulcast online
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/cc53.html>, closed captioned.
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*** CONNECT LEARNING WITH SPECIAL DAYS ***
Earth at Perihelion (January 3)
While the solstice is famous as the shortest day of the year -- and the official
start of the winter season -- the less-known perihelion marks the point in
Earth's orbit at which it is closest to the sun. This year, perihelion occurs on
January 3 at 00:00 Universal Time.
> With "Science in Focus: Shedding Light on Science" Workshop 7, "Sun and
Seasons"
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/light54.html>, elementary teachers
will learn more about Earth's movements in relation to the sun and their impact
on climate and the seasons.
> "A Private Universe"
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/apu55.html> considers why even the
brightest students -- Harvard and MIT graduates -- often lack an understanding
of basic science facts, including what causes the seasons. Be sure to visit the
related Teacher's Lab
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/lab56.html> featuring a survey
about common astronomy misconceptions and other related activities.
> "Planet Earth"
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/pe57.html> Program 3, "The Climate
Puzzle," looks at the relationship between Earth's cyclical movements and
periodic climate change.
> Explore the physics of Earth's rotation and its (slightly) elliptical orbit,
and learn the relevant formulas with "The Mechanical Universe...and Beyond"
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/mech58.html>.
National Bird Day (January 5)
> Follow bird migrations and learn about the habits and habitats of whooping
cranes, bald eagles, hummingbirds, robins, and other birds with our seasonal
nature program, "Journey North"
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/jn59.html>. On the series Web site
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/jn60.html> find information,
photographs, and more.
> Connect a concern for birds with elementary math concepts through the lesson
presented in "Woodpecker Habitat," Program 29 of "Teaching Math: A Video
Library, K-4"
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/tmk4l61.html>.
> Appreciate the long history of birds with an image of archaeopteryx
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/hab62.html> -- considered an
ancient forerunner of modern birds -- and John James Audubon's illustrations of
the extinct passenger pigeon and Ivory-billed Woodpeckers
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/hab63.html> on the Habitable Planet
Web site.
> Find links to illustrations of the now extinct Black Mamo, Greater Koa Finch,
and passenger pigeon on the Rediscovering Biology Web site
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/rbio64.html>.
> In the American Passages archive, find artwork illustrating the historical
significance of bird images -- Five Egrets
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/apass65.html> and Muybridge photos
of a bird in flight
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/apass66.html>.
Religious Freedom Day (January 16)
> For high school lesson ideas, watch "Making Civics Real: A Workshop for
Teachers" Workshop 1, "Freedom of Religion"
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/civic67.html>.
> Read a petition issued in 1657 by the inhabitants of Flushing, Long Island
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/ahist68.html> in response to a
policy enacted by the Governor of New Netherland that banned all religions
besides the Dutch Reformed Church. The petition specifically mentions Quakers,
Jews, Turks, and Egyptians in affirming religious freedom for all.
> Consider the importance of religious freedom in early American life --
particularly for Puritans, Quakers, and Native Americans -- through the
literature and articles featured in "American Passages" Unit 3, Utopian Promise
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/apass69.html>.
> Take a look farther back through history with "The Western Tradition"
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/west70.html> Program 30, "The Rise
of the Trading Cities," which examines the importance of religious tolerance in
fostering prosperity.
> "The Constitution: That Delicate Balance"
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/const71.html> discusses
constitutional issues in religious freedom in Program 9, "School Prayer, Gun
Control, and the Right To Assemble."
Martin Luther King Day (January 21)
> "Teaching Multicultural Literature: A Workshop for the Middle Grades"
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/tml72.html> Workshop 5, "Historical
and Cultural Context" offers ideas for effective teaching about the Civil Rights
era through a lesson based on the book, "The Watsons Go to Birmingham -- 1963"
by Christopher Paul Curtis.
> Get a sense for the times in which the Civil Rights Movement took place by
exploring "The Sixties"
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/boa73.html>, Program 24 of "A
Biography of America." The Web site links to Video on Demand, a full video
transcript, and a Sixties timeline covering major events of the Civil Rights era
including Martin Luther King's massive march on Washington in August 1963.
> "Democracy in America" Unit 5, "Civil Rights: Demanding Equality"
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/dia74.html> looks at racial
segregation in the 1950s and the how the "separate but equal" standard was
challenged.
> For background on the Civil Rights Movement, read the article "With Justice
for All: From World War II to the Civil Rights Movement"
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/apass75.html>. Then search the
archive to find relevant artifacts.
> Observe a literature lesson related to the work of Martin Luther King, Jr. for
fourth and fifth grade students in "Building Community"
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/ewll76.html>, the sixth program of
"Engaging With Literature: A Video Library, Grades 3-5." The unit includes a
link to a discussion guide for the book "I Have a Dream: The Story of Martin
Luther King, Jr."
Holocaust Memorial Day (January 27)
> Provide your students with a close-up look at the consequences of the Nazi
Holocaust with the materials of "Teaching 'The Children of Willesden Lane'"
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/cwl77.html>. The resource includes
classroom videos, historical notes, a downloadable guide, and more.
> Get a broad overview of the historical context in "A Biography of America"
Program 22, "World War II"
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/boa78.html>.
> Through the historical narrative of Professor Eugen Weber, consider how the
genocide of World War II fits within the broader development of Western
civilization. Watch "The Western Tradition"
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/west79.html> Program 48, "The
Second World War."
> See artistic approaches to exploring themes of conflict and genocide with the
twelfth program of "Connecting With the Arts: A Teaching Practices Library, 6-8"
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/cwal80.html>.
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*** LOOKING AHEAD TO NATIONAL HISTORY DAY ***
Now is the time to start getting ready for the National History Day contest! To
participate in National History Day, students must prepare a project -- such as
a paper, performance, documentary, or exhibit -- involving historical analysis
related to a theme; this year's theme is "Conflict and Compromise in History."
State and regional competitions culminate in a national competition in June in
College Park, Maryland.
Explore our history resources for material and information your students can use
in preparing their National History Day projects. Resources that may be of
particular interest include
- "America's History in the Making"
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/ahist81.html>
- "Bridging World History"
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/bwh82.html>
- "Primary Sources: Workshops in American History"
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/prim83.html>
- "A Biography of America"
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/boa84.html>
- "American Passages: A Literary Survey"
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/apass85.html>
- "Artifacts & Fiction: Workshop in American Literature"
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/artf86.html>
For more details regarding the contest, including important deadlines and a list
of sample topics, visit the National History Day Web site
<http://www.nationalhistoryday.org/>.
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*** CHANNEL REMINDER ***
We would like to remind our Channel receivers and viewers that our satellite
broadcast of the Channel will end by October, 2008. Please check the Channel
schedule
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/sched87.html> and our "This Month
on the Channel" section above for information regarding the airing of programs
and complete runs of series that may be recorded for future use.
More information about the Channel changes is available at
<http://www.learner.org/redirect/january/chnl88.html>.
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