Advance excellent teaching with Annenberg
Media.
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*** In the Spotlight for November ***
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- Linking to Current Events
- National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month
- Upcoming Conferences
- This Month on the Channel
- Connect Learning with More Special Days
o National Parents as Teachers Day
o World Television Day
o Thanksgiving Day
o French Conversation Week
o National Novel Writing Month
o National Hospice Month
- Famous November Birthdays
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*** LINKING TO CURRENT EVENTS ***
2007 Nobel Prizes
On October 10, Gerhardt Ertl of Germany was awarded the 2007 Nobel Prize in
Chemistry for his pioneering work in chemical reactions on solid surfaces. Two
days later, the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to the Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change (IPCC) and to former U.S. Vice President Al Gore for their work
in calling attention to global climate change.
> Discuss the chemistry award with your students with the help of "The World of
Chemistry"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/wchem1.html> Program 20, "On the
Surface," which covers surfactants and surface chemistry.
> Since the award-winning chemistry research is relevant to environmental
issues, including how pollution eats away at the ozone layer and how fuel cells
produce energy without pollution, see our new series, "The Habitable Planet: A
Systems Approach to Environmental Science"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/hab2.html> Unit 10, "Energy
Challenges," and Unit 11, "Atmospheric Pollution."
> Have a discussion of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize award segue into a screening
of "Earth's Changing Climate"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/hab3.html> Unit 12 of "The Habitable
Planet."
> What economic forces might be contributing to environmental issues linked to
climate change? Watch "Economics U$A"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/econ4.html> Program 21, "Pollution."
> "Earth Revealed"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/er5.html> Program 26, "Living With
Earth, Part II" discusses the consequences of burning fossil fuels and possible
alternative energy sources.
> For background on climate change, watch "Planet Earth"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/plan6.html> Program 3, "The Climate
Puzzle."
--
Elections
Election Day is November 6. With memories of the 2000 and 2004 U.S. elections
still circulating and the next presidential election just one year away, this
year's general election is bringing up controversies with implications for 2008.
As states have worked to comply with guidelines set forth in the Help America
Vote Act of 2002, the unveiling of new voting machines has brought up issues of
accessibility, security, functionality, and vote verification. Ohio has selected
a firm to test its electronic voting machines; for the first time this year, all
of Connecticut will be using paper ballots with optical scan machines. Guam has
outlawed the use of electronic voting machines altogether for the time being.
Other controversial election issues include the photo identification requirement
to vote in some states, and who should be allowed access to voting records
generated in primary elections.
> In "Ethics in America II" Program 4, "Choosing Justice: Elections and Judicial
Independence"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/ethii7.html>, ethical issues in
elections and political campaigns are debated by 13 distinguished panelists
including Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, former Supreme Court Justice
Sandra Day O'Connor, Congressman Barney Frank, and former U.S. Solicitor General
Theodore Olson.
> Consider how constitutional principles can help untangle messy election issues
with "Nomination, Election, and Succession of the President," the third program
of "The Constitution: That Delicate Balance"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/const8.html>.
> Find an overview of the United States's two-stage electoral campaign system in
"Democracy in America"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/dia9.html> Program 13, "Elections: The
Maintenance of Democracy." Readings about the ideological underpinnings of the
American system of government are available on the series Web site
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/dia10.html>.
> For an example of how students can be actively engaged in local elections,
watch "Electoral Politics"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/civic11.html>, the second workshop of
"Making Civics Real: A Workshop for Teachers." The series Web site includes
lesson plans, student and teacher perspectives, readings, and more.
--
Fire and Water
Wildfires raging through Southern California have spread over hundreds of
thousands of acres, destroyed thousands of homes, and are blamed for 14 deaths
and 142 injuries. The fires underscore the urgency of water scarcity issues in
the Southwestern U.S. and around the world.
> Watch "Water Resources," Unit 8 of "The Habitable Planet"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/hab12.html>. The first case study in
the program deals with dwindling water resources in the Southwest. Unit 5,
"Human Population Dynamics" explores the issue of population growth in areas
where basic resources, such as water, are in short supply.
> "Human Geography: People, Places, and Change"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/hum13.html> Program 7, "Water Is for
Fighting Over," deals with the fight over scarce water resources along the
California-Nevada border.
> In "Global Forces/Local Impact"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/tgeo14.html> the eighth workshop of
"Teaching Geography," one of the two case studies examines the conflict over
water rights in Oregon.
--
With a broadband Internet connection, you can use our Video on Demand feature to
view programs free of charge. Visit our FAQ
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/faq15.html> for more information.
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*** NATIONAL AMERICAN INDIAN AND ALASKA NATIVE HERITAGE MONTH ***
November is National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month. Celebrate
and learn about the rich cultural heritage of the Native peoples of America
using our resources on history, geography, and literature.
> "America's History in the Making"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/ahist16.html> looks at Pre-Columbian
America and the early contacts between Europeans, Native Americans, and
Africans. On the series Web site, click on Interactives for relevant activities.
> Learn about the Mississippians and other civilizations of the Americas with
"Bridging World History"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/bwh17.html>, discover civilizations of
the Americas within the broader framework of human history. Click on Archive to
find relevant images.
> The first program of "A Biography of America"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/boa18.html> looks at the development
of civilizations from ancient times through the conquests of Columbus.
> In "Rural Communities: Legacy & Change"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/rural19.html>, learn about the losses
experienced by Indian communities – as recounted in Program 4, "Legacy" – as
well as the successes – as described in Program 5, "Act Locally...and Invest."
> "Human Geography: People, Places, and Change"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/hum20.html> Program 5, "Alaska: The
Last Frontier?" traces the history of settlement in Alaska and exploitation of
the region's natural resources, and the struggle of the people of Kenai
Peninsula to reclaim their history and preserve their language and culture.
> "American Passages: A Literary Survey"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/apass21.html>, features of the work of
Simon Ortiz, Leslie Marmon Silko, and Luci Tapahonso. Explore the series Web
site to find information on the Chippewa Songs, Ghost Dance Songs, and several
authors, plus images in the archive.
> Watch "Artifacts & Fiction: Workshop in American Literature"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/afict22.html> Workshop 8, "Ceremonial
Artifacts," for a demonstration of how the study of relevant cultural artifacts
like Native American Pomo baskets can enhance students' understanding of
literature.
> Learn from the writings and perspective of Shirley Sterling, author of "My
Name Is Seepeetza," and other authors featured in "Teaching Multicultural
Literature: A Workshop for the Middle Grades"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/tml23.html>.
> On the Web site for "The Expanding Canon: Teaching Multicultural Literature in
High School," discover the work of Native authors such as James Welch
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/canon24.html>. Click on Workshop Home
for a list of all featured authors.
> See and interview with author N. Scott Momaday about his award-winning book
"House Made of Dawn" in Program 9 of "Literary Visions"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/lit25.html>.
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*** UPCOMING CONFERENCES ***
If you plan to attend either of the following annual conferences, be sure to
look for us:
> North American Association for Environmental Education, November 15-17
Virginia Beach Convention Center, Virginia Beach, Virginia
> National Council for Social Studies, November 29 - December 2
San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, California
We look forward to seeing you and hearing your views!
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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://learner.org/redirect/november/sch26.html> for many more programs and
partial series airing in November.
ARTS
> "The Arts in Every Classroom: A Workshop for Elementary School Teachers"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/aecw27.html>
> "The Expanding Canon: Teaching Multicultural Literature in High School"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/canon28.html>
> "Exploring the World of Music" (college/high school)
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/music29.html>
FOREIGN LANGUAGE
> "Teaching Foreign Languages K-12: A Library of Classroom Practices"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/tfll30.html>
LITERATURE & LANGUAGE ARTS
> "Conversations in Literature" (grades 6-12)
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/conv31.html>
> "Developing Writers: A Workshop for High School Teachers"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/dw32.html>
> "Voices & Visions" (college/high school)
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/vv33.html>
> "Write in the Middle: A Workshop for Middle School Teachers"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/writ34.html>
MATHEMATICS
> "Learning Math: Measurement" (K-8)
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/meas35.html>
> "Teaching Math: A Video Library, 5-8"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/58tm36.html>
> "Teaching Math: A Video Library, K-4"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/k4tm37.html>
SCIENCE
> "Essential Science for Teachers: Life Science" (K-6)
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/life38.html>
> "Essential Science for Teachers: Physical Science" (K-6)
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/phys39.html>
> "Reactions in Chemistry" (high school)
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/rchem40.html>
SOCIAL STUDIES & HISTORY
> "Economics U$A" (college/high school)
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/econ41.html>
> "Human Geography: People, Places, and Change" (college/high school)
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/hum42.html>
> "Making Civics Real: A Workshop for Teachers" (high school)
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/civic43.html>
> "Seasons of Life" (college/high school)
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/sol44.html>
> "Social Studies in Action: A Methodology Workshop, K-5"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/ssw45.html>
> "Social Studies in Action: A Teaching Practices Library, K-12"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/ssl46.html>
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With a broadband Internet connection, watch the Channel simulcast online --
closed captioned -- at
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/cc47.html>.
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*** CONNECT LEARNING WITH SPECIAL DAYS ***
National Parents as Teachers Day (November 8)
> For expert opinions on how parents can help their children succeed in school
and in life, watch "The Merrow Report"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/mer48.html> Program 23, "Parents and
Children." Other programs in the series may also be of interest, including
Programs 1, "Education's Big Gamble: Charter Schools"; 3, "In Schools We Trust";
9, "Attention Deficit Disorder: A Dubious Diagnosis"; 24, "The Search for
Values"; 36, "Growing Up in the City, Part III: Family Portraits"; 52, "Promise
of Preschool"; and 54, "First to Worst."
> From the start, parents play a vital role in their children's education. To
learn ways of augmenting your child's learning and development from the earliest
beginnings, watch "The Whole Child: A Caregiver's Guide to the First Five Years"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/child49.html>.
> Policies that affect schools and education also affect parents, as parents
help their children to succeed. The hour-long program "School Testing--Behind
the Numbers"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/test50.html> covers many perspectives
on standardized tests through a discussion between parents, teachers,
administrators, policymakers, journalists, students, and parents.
> How is it that students can graduate from college and still fail to understand
basic science concepts? Find out why, and what can be done to change this, with
"Minds of Our Own"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/minds51.html>.
> Sound education takes human psychology into account. Learn about the
developing child in Program 6 of "Discovering Psychology: Updated Edition"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/psych52.html>.
> "The Mind: Teaching Modules"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/mind53.html> modules 13, 14, and 15
offer brief clips on child development.
> Look at ways that parents are helping their children to avoid developmental
and psychological roadblocks in "An Ounce of Prevention," Program 13 of "The
World of Abnormal Psychology"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/abnor54.html>.
World Television Day (November 21)
Over the past several decades, television has had a tremendous impact on
communication and culture around the globe. In 1996, the UN established World
Television Day to promote positive cultural exchange.
> "Film in the Television Age," Program 8 of "American Cinema"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/cine55.html>, looks at how filming and
audiences changed with the advent of the TV industry.
> Watch "A Biography of America" Program 25, "Contemporary History"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/boa56.html>. The end of the program
features commentary by television critic John Leonard on the impact of
television on American cultural memory and perspective on history.
> Learn about what goes into the writing of TV news with "News Writing"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/news57.html>. Be sure to read the
related interviews
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/nint58.html> with television news
personalities.
> For a look at the impact of television broadcasting within the context of
global media, see "Human Geography: People, Places, and Change"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/hum59.html> Program 2, "Reflections on
a Global Screen."
> What is the role of television and other media in the maintenance of
democratic government? See "The Media: Inside Story," Program 10 of "Democracy
in America"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/dia60.html>. Also try the Critical
Thinking Activity
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/dia61.html> on the series Web site.
Thanksgiving Day (November 22)
> The Thanksgiving holiday is all about family, tradition, and the sharing food
and values. Look at diverse historical approaches to these cultural elements
with "Bridging World History"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/bwh62.html> Unit 12, "Transmission of
Traditions," Unit 13, "Family and Household," and Unit 16, "Food, Demographics,
and Culture."
> In the American Passages archive, see "The First Thanksgiving 1621"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/arch63.html>, a 1932 painting by Jean
Leon Gerome Ferris. Go to Unit 3 for related materials.
> In Episode 37 of "Connect With English"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/cwe64.html>, observe a "typical"
American Thanksgiving dinner in the countryside, complete with a traditional
toast.
French Conversation Week (November 4-10)
> Immerse yourself in French conversation -- and learn to follow along -- with
"French in Action"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/fia65.html>.
> Our series "Teaching Foreign Languages K-12: A Library of Classroom Practices"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/tfll66.html> includes eight programs
on teaching the French language.
National Novel Writing Month
> Start by inculcating a love of novels in your middle or high school students.
Watch "In Search of the Novel"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/novel67.html> which features real
classrooms, teachers, and their strategies for approaching ten well-loved
novels. The series also features insight from authors including Daniel Keyes,
Toni Morrison, and J.K. Rowling.
> "Signature: Contemporary Writers"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/sig68.html> offers in-depth
documentaries covering the development of several successful authors of the
Southern U.S.
> Established authors and other professionals discuss their own approaches to
writing in "English Composition: Writing for an Audience"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/eng69.html>.
> "Developing Writers: A Workshop for High School Teachers"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/dw70.html> provides practical and
research-based approaches to teaching writing at the high school level, plus
activities you can use with your students.
> Let your students be inspired by the works of diverse novelists featured in
"The Expanding Canon: Teaching Multicultural Literature in High School"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/canon71.html>. The series Web site
includes author biographies, scholarly commentary, audio clips, lesson plans,
and Video on Demand.
> For material at the middle school level, browse the authors and literary works
featured in "Teaching Multicultural Literature: A Workshop for the Middle
Grades"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/tml72.html>.
> Find ways to develop strong writing skills early in "Inside Writing
Communities, Grades 3-5"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/iwc73.html>.
National Hospice Month
President Jimmy Carter signed the first National Hospice Month proclamation in
1978. The purpose is to raise awareness of the hospice option for end-of-life
care.
> Consider controversies that can arise in providing medical and palliative care
at the end of life with "Ethics in America II"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/ethii74.html> Program 1, "Three
Farewells: Medicine & the End of Life."
> Death is a part of life. Learn about many facets of the end of life with
"Death: A Personal Understanding"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/death75.html>.
> "Growing Old in a New Age"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/gold76.html> addresses issues
surrounding death in Program 11, "Dying, Death, and Bereavement."
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*** FAMOUS NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS ***
The following well-known figures of past and present have birthdays in November.
Honor their legacies with our recommended resources on topics linked with their
renown:
Maria Sklodowska-Curie, chemist and physicist (November 7, 1867)
> The Periodic Table interactive
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/pt77.html>
> "The World of Chemistry" Program 7, "The Periodic Table"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/wchem78.html>
Palmer Hayden, Modernist painter (November 9, 1890)
> American Passages archive
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/arch79.html>
> "Art of the Western World" Program 8, "Into the Twentieth Century"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/art80.html>
Martin Luther, monk and theologian (November 10, 1483)
> "The Western Tradition" Program 27, "The Reformation"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/west81.html>
Claude Monet, Impressionist painter (November 14, 1840)
> "Art of the Western World" Program 7, "A Fresh View--Impressionism and
Post-Impressionism"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/art82.html>
Marianne Moore, American poet (November 15, 1887)
> "Voices & Visions" Program 8, "Marianne Moore: In Her Own Image"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/vv83.html>
August Möbius, mathematician and astronomer (November 17, 1790)
> "Learning Math: Geometry"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/geom84.html>
Edwin Hubble (November 20, 1889)
> "Earth Revealed" Program 2, "The Restless Planet"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/er85.html>
Abigail Adams (November 22, 1744)
> "America's History in the Making" Unit 4, "Revolutionary Perspectives"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/ahist86.html>
Christian Doppler (November 29, 1803)
> Weather interactive
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/weath87.html>
> "The Mechanical Universe...and Beyond" Program 18, "Waves"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/mech88.html>
Shirley Chisholm, American politician and educator (November 30, 1924)
> "Democracy in America"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/dia89.html>
Mark Twain (November 30, 1835)
> "American Passages: A Literary Survey" Unit 8, "Regional Realism"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/apass90.html>
> "Democracy in America" Unit 15, "Global Politics: U.S.A. and the World"
<http://learner.org/redirect/november/dia91.html>
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