Advance excellent teaching with Annenberg Media.
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*** In the Spotlight for March ***
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- Linking to Current Events
- This Month on the Channel
- Connect Learning with Special Days
o Pi Day
o Birthday of Albert Einstein
o World Meteorological Day
o International Brain Awareness Week
o National Women's History Month
o National Ethics Awareness Month
o Music in Our Schools Month
- Timely environmental telecourse available for Fall, 2008
- Attending NSTA? We'll see you there!
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*** LINKING TO CURRENT EVENTS ***
Presidential Election Campaign Generates Interest, Offers Lessons
The current presidential campaign is generating more interest and active participation than any in recent history, as citizens turn out in record numbers at caucuses around the country. Take advantage of the heightened interest in the electoral process and other basic concepts of democracy.
> The third program in the series "The Constitution: That Delicate Balance" <http://www.learner.org/resources/series72.html> is devoted to the nomination, selection, and succession of the president, including the role of political parties and the electoral college.
> "Making Civics Real," <http://www.learner.org/channel/workshops/civics/> a professional development workshop for high school teachers, illustrates an activist approach to the teaching of civics. Eight multi-part lessons are included, one dedicated to electoral politics.
> The first program of "Democracy in America" <http://www.learner.org/channel/courses/democracyinamerica/dia_1/> introduces basic concepts of government, politics, and citizenship, including the essential role of politics in addressing the will of the people, and the need for citizens to participate in order to make democracy work. Program 7 explores "The Modern Presidency: Tools of Power." <http://www.learner.org/channel/courses/democracyinamerica/dia_7/>
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*** Avoiding Recession ***
Economists are debating about whether the country is headed toward recession. Learn about this basic economic concept with several resources.
> "The Economics Classroom: A Workshop for Grade 9-12 Teachers," <http://www.learner.org/channel/workshops/economics/workshop6.html> delves into the building blocks of macroeconomics in Workshop 6. This program looks at the economy as a whole, explaining the major forces of inflation, recession, unemployment, economic growth, and gross domestic product (GDP), and how they fluctuate.
> "Economics U$A" <http://www.learner.org/resources/series79.html> also offers in-depth information about the fundamentals of economic theory and practice, and "Inside the Global Economy" <http://www.learner.org/resources/series86.html> presents a multinational perspective on how the global economy and market affect individuals, businesses, and industry.
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*** We'll Be Write Back ***
Although teachers and parents may have enjoyed the respite, most Americans look forward to the return of their favorite TV programs following the end of the writers' strike. Perhaps one benefit may be an increased awareness of the value of being able to write creatively--or just communicate effectively.
> Annenberg Media offers professional development workshops for teachers of writing at elementary, middle school and high school levels. Choose the one that's right for you: "Inside Writing Communitites, Grades 3-5," <http://www.learner.org/channel/workshops/writing35/> "Write in the Middle: A Workshop for Middle School Teachers," <http://www.learner.org/channel/workshops/middlewriting/> and "Developing Writers: A Workshop for High School Teachers." <http://www.learner.org/channel/workshops/hswriting/>
> "English Composition: Writing for an Audience" <http://www.learner.org/resources/series128.html> introduces basic principles for communicating in writing to a variety of audiences. Throughout the series, students meet an array of professionals whose work involves writing, including writers working in television--but also nurses, engineers, athletes, and others for whom the importance of writing may not be as obvious.
> "News Writing" <http://www.learner.org/resources/series44.html> provides insights into writing, reporting, and editing information for the public. More than 100 well-known journalists reveal the secrets of their trade, including some working in television.
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*** THIS MONTH ON THE CHANNEL ***
The following series begin this month on the Annenberg Channel. Don't miss one of the last opportunities to record these series in full. Be sure to scroll down on the linked pages for specific broadcast dates and times. Consult the full broadcast schedule at <http://www.learner.org/channel/chnnl_schedule.html> for many more programs and partial series airing in March.
ARTS
> "Art of the Western World" (college/high school)
<http://www.learner.org/resources/series1.html>
> "Arts in Every Classroom: A Video Library, K-5" (K-5) <http://www.learner.org/channel/libraries/artsineveryclassroom/>
LITERATURE & LANGUAGE ARTS
> "Artifacts & Fiction: Workshop in American Literature" (high school) <http://www.learner.org/channel/workshops/artifacts/>
> "Conversations in Literature" (middle and high school)
<http://www.learner.org/channel/workshops/conversations/>
> "The Expanding Canon: Teaching Multicultural Literature in High School (high school) <http://www.learner.org/channel/workshops/hslit/>
> "Inside Writing Communities, Grades 3-5" (grades 3-5)
<http://www.learner.org/channel/workshops/writing35/>
> "Teaching Multicultural Literature: A Workshop for the Middle Grades" (middle school) <http://www.learner.org/channel/workshops/tml/>
> "Teaching Reading 3-5 Workshop" (grades 3-5)
<http://www.learner.org/channel/workshops/teachreading35/>
> "Voices & Visions" (college/high school)
<http://www.learner.org/resources/series57.html>
> "Write in the Middle: A Workshop for Middle School Teachers (middle school) <http://www.learner.org/channel/workshops/middlewriting/>
MATHEMATICS
> "Against All Odds" (college/high school)
<http://www.learner.org/resources/series65.html>
> "Insights Into Algebra 1: Teaching for Learning" (middle and high school)
<http://www.learner.org/resources/series196.html>
> "Learning Math: Measurement" (K-8)
<http://www.learner.org/channel/courses/learningmath/measurement/index.html>
> "Learning Math: Number and Operations" (K-8)
<http://www.learner.org/channel/courses/learningmath/number/>
SCIENCE
> "Essential Science for Teachers: Life Science" (K-6)
<http://www.learner.org/channel/courses/essential/life/>
> "Science in Focus: Force and Motion" (K-8)
<http://www.learner.org/channel/workshops/force/>
> "Unseen Life on Earth: An Introduction to Microbiology" (college/high school)
<http://www.learner.org/resources/series121.html>
SOCIAL STUDIES & HISTORY
> "Bridging World History" (college/high school)
<http://www.learner.org/channel/courses/worldhistory/>
> "Democracy in America" (high school)
<http://www.learner.org/channel/courses/democracyinamerica/>
> "The Economics Classroom: A Workshop for Grade 9-12 Teachers" (grades 9-12)
<http://www.learner.org/channel/workshops/economics/>
> "Growing Old in a New Age" (college/high school)
<http://www.learner.org/resources/series84.html>
> "Human Geography: People, Places, and Change"
<http://www.learner.org/resources/series85.html>
> "Making Civics Real: A Workshop for Teachers" (high school)
<http://www.learner.org/channel/workshops/civics/>
> "Social Studies in Action: A Workshop for K-5 Teachers" (K-5)
<http://www.learner.org/channel/workshops/socialstudies/>
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With a broadband Internet connection, watch the Channel simulcast
<http://www.learner.org/channel/broadband/video.html> also closed captioned
<http://www.learner.org/channel/broadband/video-cc.html>.
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*** CONNECT LEARNING WITH SPECIAL DAYS ***
Pi Day (March 14)
Pi Day is observed in the U.S. on March 14 (3/14) in recognition of the value of pi. Celebrations can begin at approximately 1:59 p.m. as a further reminder of pi's approximate value, 3.14159.
> With "Learning Math: Measurement," Session 7, "Circles and Pi," investigate the irrational number pi and its relationship to the circumference and area of a circle. <http://www.learner.org/channel/courses/learningmath/measurement/session7/index.html>
> Watch number 20 of "The Brain: Teaching Modules." "A Super-Memorist Advises on Study Strategies," features Rajan Mahadevan, who has memorized the first 99,000 decimal places of pi--and, amazingly, can jump in and continue from any point within that set of digits! <http://www.learner.org/resources/series142.html>
> Our interactive "Math in Daily Life" shows how important the number pi can be in home decorating. <http://www.learner.org/interactives/dailymath/decorating.html> Scroll down on this page for the lesson "Round About Pi" for elementary students. <http://www.learner.org/interactives/dailymath/pi.html>
Birthday of Albert Einstein (March 14, 1879)
Appreciate the scope of Einstein's impact on physics and related fields with "The Mechanical Universe...and Beyond" In particular, watch Program 25, "Kepler to Einstein," and Program 43, "Velocity and Time." <http://www.learner.org/resources/series42.html>
> Elementary and middle school teachers can explore central ideas in physics with "Science in Focus: Force and Motion" <http://www.learner.org/channel/workshops/force/> and "Science in Focus: Energy" <http://www.learner.org/resources/series160.html>.
> "Essential Science for Teachers: Physical Science" equips teachers with ways of dealing with children's preconceived ideas about matter. <http://www.learner.org/channel/courses/essential/physicalsci/>
> See Einstein's theories in the timeline of our scientific understanding of the nature and behavior of light in "Shedding Light on Science" at <http://www.learner.org/channel/workshops/sheddinglight/>.
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (March 21)
This day, established by the United Nations and observed around the world, reminds us of the importance of understanding the nature and scope of racial discrimination. Make it the focus of classroom discussions with resources from Annenberg Media.
> "America's History in the Making," Program 3, "Colonial Designs," shows how legal distinctions between the races were developed in response to economic and social changes, facilitating the development of slavery as an institution. <http://www.learner.org/channel/courses/amerhistory/units/3/>
> Our series "Teaching 'The Children of Willesden Lane'" illustrates the use of biographical literature to examine what happens when a racist logic is carried to its extreme conclusion--and helps teachers guide their students through ethical questions related to prejudice. <http://www.learner.org/series/cowl/>
> In "Political History," Workshop 2 of "Artifacts & Fiction: Workshop in American Literature," mining camp laws enacted in California in 1853, along with a novel and artifacts from the same era, provide means of understanding the history of legalized racism in the U.S. Visit the series Web site at <http://www.learner.org/channel/workshops/artifacts/> for coordinated materials.
> See how one high school teacher approached the subject of racial profiling with her students in "Making Civics Real: A Workshop for Teachers." <http://www.learner.org/channel/workshops/civics/>
> On the Web site for "Teaching Multicultural Literature: A Workshop for the Middle Grades," read about author Shirley Sterling and her celebrated novel."My Name Is Seepeetza," which addresses issues of identity, institutional racism, and assimilation. <http://www.learner.org/channel/workshops/tml/workshop3/authors.html>
> Helping children learn to respect cultural differences in others must start early. See how to address this area with pre-school children in "The Whole Child" program 10: "Respecting Diversity." <http://www.learner.org/resources/series59.html>
> Why does discrimination happen, and how is it perpetuated? An informal experiment in 1968 by a teacher in her own 3rd grade classroom in Riceville, Iowa provides insight in "Discovering Psychology: Updated Edition," Program 20, "Constructing Social Reality." <http://www.learner.org/discoveringpsychology/20/e20expand.html>
> See what statistical measures were used to prove discrimination against Hispanic government officers in "Against All Odds: Inside Statistics," Program 20, "Significance Tests." <http://www.learner.org/resources/series65.html>
World Meteorological Day (March 24)
Everyone talks about the weather, but do we really understand how it works? Learn about the complex functions of Earth's systems that shape our climate and weather and how human actions affect those systems. "The Habitable Planet: A Systems Approach to Environmental Science" serves as a current, in-depth primer. Program 2: "Atmosphere", program 3: "Oceans", and program 12: "Our Changing Climate" explore hurricanes, el Niņo and global warming. <http://www.learner.org/channel/courses/envsci/index.html>
> What is the role of light in weather? Find out with "Science in Focus: Shedding Light on Science." Workshop 8, "Wind and Weather," explains how storms, fronts, and other atmospheric phenomena derive energy from sunlight striking the Earth's surface and investigates the mechanisms that set the air in motion and cause weather. <http://www.learner.org/channel/workshops/sheddinglight/>
> "Planet Earth" also offers pieces to help solve the "Climate Puzzle," the title of Episode 3. <http://www.learner.org/resources/series49.html>
> Explore weather forecasting and the forces behind local weather and climate in our Weather Interactive for grades 9-12. <http://www.learner.org/interactives/weather/index.html>
International Brain Awareness Week (March 10 -16)
Looking for a teaching resource that has exactly the content you wish to cover and is just the right length? Take a look at "The Brain: Teaching Modules." Available via VOD and on DVD, these 32 video teaching modules for secondary classrooms and adult learners vary from 5 to 20 minutes in length and offer extensive footage and research into the inner workings of this amazing human organ. <http://www.learner.org/resources/series142.html>
> "The Mind: Teaching Modules" <http://www.learner.org/resources/series150.html> is an extension of "The Brain: Teaching Modules" and explores cognition and human behavior.
> Learn about the structure and composition of the brain in "The Behaving Brain" and how behavior and environment influence the brain's structure and functioning with "The Responsive Brain." Both are episodes of "Discovering Psychology: Updated Edition." <http://www.learner.org/discoveringpsychology/index.html>
> Also deconstruct major areas of the human brain in an interactive activity at the series web site:
<http://www.learner.org/discoveringpsychology/brain/index.html>
> Brain research has led to the development of a wide range of drugs that affect brain function. Explore the ethics involved with "Ethics in America II." Program 5 is entitled "A Better Brain: The Ethics of Neuro-Enchancement." <http://www.learner.org/series/ethics2/better_brain/index.html>
National Women's History Month
This year's theme for National Women's History Month is "Women's Art: Women's Vision."
> "A World of Art: Works in Progress" devotes half-hour programs to Lorna Simpson, Beverly Buchanan, June Wayne, Hung Liu, Judy Baca, and Mierle Ukeles as they take one or more works of art from start to finish--providing insight into the art and the artist. <http://www.learner.org/resources/series64.html>
> On the Web site for our new series "America's History in the Making," learn from correspondence between Abigail Adams and her husband, John Adams, from 1776 and from speeches by Sojourner Truth addressing women's rights. Follow these links: <http://www.learner.org/redirect/march/adams.html> <http://www.learner.org/redirect/march/truth.html>
> Get an overview of the struggle for women's voting rights, with historic film and photos, in the third segment of "The Constitution: "Fixed or Flexible." This is the second program of "Democracy in America," a video course for high school teachers. <http://www.learner.org/channel/courses/democracyinamerica/dia_2/>.
> For an example of how women have been used in the past to advance the agenda of the industrialists, watch "The Lowell System: Women in a New Industrial Society," the third program of "Primary Sources: Workshops in American History." < http://www.learner.org/channel/workshops/primarysources/lowell/introduction.html>
> Take the "Biography of America" interactive survey: "Did the feminist movement improve American women's lives?" Find out what other people think, too! <http://www.learner.org/biographyofamerica/prog24/index.html>
> Search the "American Passages" archive using "feminism" as a key word to find over a hundred interesting and diverse images and artifacts related to women's history in America. <http://www.learner.org/amerpass/slideshow/archive_search.php>
> "Literature," our online interactive, is based on the short story "A Jury of Her Peers" by Susan Glaspell. The early 20th century story addresses women's roles in society. <http://www.learner.org/interactives/literature/index.html>
National Ethics Awareness Month
> "Ethics in America II" deals with some of the biggest conundrums in American society today, using the Socratic method to query leaders in the political, medical, business, media, academic, and religious spheres. <http://www.learner.org/series/ethics2/>
> "Ethics in America" is the original acclaimed series in which distinguished figures in various fields debate ethical dilemmas. <http://www.learner.org/resources/series81.html>
> What factors can affect a person's ethics in everyday situations, for better or for worse? Find out with "Discovering Psychology: Updated Edition," Program 19, "The Power of the Situation." This program also covers research ethics and the protection of study subjects. <http://www.learner.org/discoveringpsychology/index.html>
> For a look at journalistic ethics, see "News Writing," particularly Program 14, "The Ethics of Journalism." Be sure to also read the News Writing interviews, in which several journalists like Helen Thomas offer their personal thoughts on ethical matters. <http://www.learner.org/resources/series44.html>
> Key personalities discuss key ethical issues related to constitutional rights in "The Constitution: That Delicate Balance." <http://www.learner.org/resources/series72.html>
> For an illustration of the role ethical concerns play in how animal research is carried out, see "Against All Odds: Inside Statistics," Program 19, "Confidence Intervals." <http://www.learner.org/resources/series65.html>
Music in Our Schools Month
"Exploring the World of Music" looks at the elements of musical forms throughout the world, as well as the connection between music and culture. <http://www.learner.org/resources/series105.html>
> "Teaching 'The Children of Willesden Lane'" features author and classical pianist Mona Golabek. For musical selections, go to <http://www.learner.org/series/cowl/>.
> Learn ways to strengthen your teaching and assessment of performance and musical technique with "The Art of Teaching the Arts: A Workshop for High School Teachers." <http://www.learner.org/channel/workshops/hsarts/>
> "Bridging World History," Unit 25, "Global Popular Culture" considers contradictions inherent in the globalization of traditional musical forms. The program traces the history and popularization of reggae music as an example. <http://www.learner.org/channel/courses/worldhistory/unit_main_25.html>
> For examples of excellent music instruction at the elementary level, see "The Arts in Every Classroom: A Video Library, K-5" Program 4, "Teaching Music." <http://www.learner.org/channel/libraries/artsineveryclassroom/video4.html> Also consider the related workshop <http://www.learner.org/channel/workshops/artsineveryclassroom/>.
> At the American Passages archive at <http://www.learner.org/amerpass/slideshow/archive_search.php>, use the search term "music" to find historic songs and instrumental pieces, readable sheet music, and images related to historic musicians and forms of musical expression.
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***Timely environmental telecourse available for Fall, 2008***
If you are in charge of licensing telecourse material for fall 2008, you will be delighted to know that licensing is now available for our new environmental science course "The Habitable Planet." In 13 half-hour segments, this timely series explores the Earth's natural systems: geophysical, atmospheric, oceanic and ecosystems. Each program features two documentary case studies describing current environmental science research and is coordinated with an extensive Web site providing content, activities and resources to help students and educators deepen and extend their understanding of environmental science. Contact Nancy Williams at telecourses@learner.org or call 1-800-LEARNER (532-7637) for
licensing information.
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***Attending NSTA March 27-29? We've got something special for you!***
Annenberg will exhibit at the National Science Teachers Association conference in Boston, March 27 through 29. Please stop by. In addition, we will be hosting a session on the 20th anniversary of "The Private Universe" documentary on Thursday, March 27, at 3:30 p.m. Featured speakers will be Heather Mars, who was featured in the program as a middle schooler, and a handful of science education experts who were advisors on the program. Educators who have used the program are welcome to submit comments in advance at pup@learner.org Not familiar with this classic exploration of why even the brightest students don't truly grasp basic science concepts? Watch the video at <http://www.learner.org/resources/series28.html> .
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