Maine Social Studies Newsletter
September - October 2011
Professional Development Opportunities
Maine Council for the Social Studies Conference
Registration is now open for the 2011 Maine Council for the Social Studies Conference.
“Think Globally, Teach Locally: Methods and Strategies to Make Your Teaching More Effective”
To accommodate teachers from southern and northern Maine, the conference will be held in two locations on different dates.
Friday, November 4th at USM, Wishcamper Center, Portland
Monday, November 7th at Morgan Hill Event Center, Hermon
The conference fee is $50 ($25 for pre-service teachers). Six contact hours will be awarded.
Due to space limitations, attendance will be capped at 100 for Portland and 125 for Hermon.
Here are the conference breakout session titles and intended grade levels:
Using Maine Memory with a Focus on Elementary-age Students (K-5)
The Virtual Field Trip: Making Use of Historic Resources Beyond the Classroom (K-12)
Using Biography in the K-12 Classroom (K-12)
It’s Not about Time: Teaching Social Studies as Current Events - and Vice Versa (3-12)
Sharing History Outside the Classroom: How to Get Started with a Community History Project (3-12)
Reexamining Primary Sources (7-12)
A Story is Told in a Hundred Different Ways (7-12)
Habits of Mind: Teaching Social Studies Methods by Participating in National History Day (7-12)
To access the conference session descriptions and on-line registration form, please go to www.memun.org/mcss and click on the respective links.
For payment purposes, please note that the MCSS address has changed to: P.O. Box 2211, South Portland, ME 04116
Center for Civic Education
We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution: A resource for addressing LD 1211: An Act To Include Civics in the Social Studies and History Courses Required for a High School Diploma
Maine’s newly enacted LD 1211 requires secondary students to satisfactorily complete at least one course in civics and government to receive a high school diploma.
The Center for Civic Education’s We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution program is a resource that addresses LD 1211. Information about this program and the cost of texts in either hard copy or as e-books can be obtained by going to the following link:
Fulbright Teacher Exchange Program
Ever thought of teaching abroad for a year? The October 15th deadline for the Fulbright Teacher Programs is approaching! This is an international professional development opportunity for K-12 educators.
The Fulbright Teacher Exchange Program http://www.fulbrightteacherexchange.org/cte.cfm provides opportunities for teachers to participate in direct exchanges of positions with colleagues from other countries for a semester or a year. By living and working abroad, exchange teachers gain an understanding and appreciation of different educational systems and cultures, and enrich their schools and communities by providing students with new perspectives about the world in which they live
The Distinguished Fulbright Awards in Teaching Program is designed to recognize and encourage excellence in teaching in the U.S. and abroad. Twenty-four highly talented U.S. and international teachers are selected to receive a grant to study at a university, conduct research, teach classes and workshops, and develop a project pertaining to their field of educational inquiry during their semester overseas.
- See http://www.fulbrightteacherexchange.org/ for application information.
Holocaust & Human Rights Center of Maine
Educator Study Tours
Winter Study Tour: A Holocaust Study Trip for Maine Educators
February 20-24, 2012
In order to make history relevant for your students, it needs to be relevant to you. Join the HHRC on a study tour of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Washington D.C. Engage with scholars and eyewitnesses in a manner that will help you promote ethical literacy so you can teach your students to teach themselves.
The trip is limited to 10. Contact hours (36) will be given.
Trip costs will be at least $800, but not more than $1,000 per person/ double-occupancy. Scholarships are available for educators teaching north of Bangor, ME. Trip cost includes: air transportation to & from DC, ground transportation, double-occupancy accommodations (includes breakfast), and presenter and admission fees. Does not include meals and tips. Space is limited so apply soon.
Legacy of the Nazi Holocaust Study Tour
July 2012
This ten-day study tour will introduce Maine educators and graduate students of all disciplines, as well as religious and civic leaders, to a cross-cultural dialogue on the legacy of the Nazi past in Germany today. While traveling through Braunschweig, Dessau, and Berlin, participants will engage in intense discussion with their German educational, religious, and civic leadership counterparts on ways the Nazi past continues to impact the present, and how it may influence the future. There will also be time to experience the rich cultural life these cities have to offer.
In turn, German educational, religious, and civic leaders will visit Maine 2013 to continue the dialogue, but focus on ways that Maine’s past impacts its present and future. In between, participants will establish and maintain electronic and social media connections, including an on-line symposium sharing best practices and lessons and insights from the study tour.
Graduate credit will be available from the University of Maine at Augusta. The tour will depart Boston in early July 2012. Costs have yet to be determined, but will include roundtrip airfare, double occupancy accommodations, ground transportation, and admission fees. Pre-trip discussion and planning sessions will be announced. Limit 15 participants.
Maine Historical Society
Maine Historical Society to present three sessions at MCSS conference.
Teachers at the upcoming MCSS conference in November will have several opportunities to learn about Maine Historical Society (MHS) and the many ways they can take advantage of the organization's historical resources and programs. Sessions include:
- Bringing History Closer to Home with Maine Memory Network. Maine's statewide digital museum is a treasure trove of primary sources, online exhibits, community history websites, comprehensive essays about Maine history, lesson plans, and much, much more. This plenary session, led by MHS's Community Partnership Coordinator, will provide an in-depth overview of the content, show you how to use multiple search tools, and invite you to imagine the ways you can bring local history into the classroom.
- Using Maine Memory with Elementary Age Students. This breakout session, led by the MHS Education Coordinator, will focus in on creative ways to use primary sources generally, and the Maine-based historic items on Maine Memory specifically, in the elementary school curricula. Case studies of particularly sucessful lesson plans will be shared.
- How to Get Started with a Community History Project. Have you wanted to reach outside your classroom to conduct a community-based history project, but not known where to start? Are you unsure who to approach, how to pick topics, and how to organize a workplan? Using examples from the Maine Community Heritage Project, the MHS Community Partnership Coordinator will lead a session that covers brainstorming about classroom goals and interests, the tenets of good project planning, and how to plot your next steps.
For more information on these sessions--and other ways teachers can use Maine Memory--please contact Larissa Vigue Picard, Community Partnership Coordinator, lvoicard@mainehistory.org or Bridget McCormick, Education Coordinator, bmccormick@mainehistory.org They can also be reached at 774-1822.
Maine Humanities Council
What Do Borders Mean?
Free and Open to the Public
The term "border" has so many interpretations - personal, professional, political. Living on a political border influences people¹s lifestyles and perspectives, and arguably contributes to a very special experience. Join us for a short lecture by Scott See, Libra Professor of History at University of Maine, followed by an opportunity for reading and reflective discussion with Professor See and Professor Kathryn Olmstead on the history and contemporary issues of the border. We hope to see you at this free program...bring your friends!
A similar program will take place in both locations; please register for one.
September 16, 2011 September 17, 2011
5 -8 pm 9 am – 12 pm
Cary Library St. John Valley Technology Center
Houlton Frenchville
The program will include:
* A lecture and small group discussion
* Light refreshments
For more information or to register, click here:
CEUs will be available for K-12 teachers and Adult Education instructors.
The Politics of Conscience: Margaret Chase Smith and Today’s Political Climate
Friday, September 30, 2011
8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Good Will-Hinckley, Hinckley, Maine
Today’s divisive political atmosphere has prompted much handwringing and analysis in the popular media. The United States also experienced extreme politics during the Cold War, and one of the few Senators to protest the lack of civility was Margaret Chase Smith. The first woman to be elected to both houses of Congress (and more often than not the only woman in the Senate), Smith’s “Declaration of Conscience” speech, given in response to Senator Joseph McCarthy’s interrogations of suspected Communists, represents the power of an individual holding firm to her own moral compass.
In this one-day program, we will explore the influence of Margaret Chase Smith’s approach to politics, focusing on the culture in Congress (both then and now) and the women who have followed in her footsteps.
CEUs will be available. For more information and to register, visit http://mainehumanities.org/special-programs/MargaretChaseSmith
Picturing America
Friday, October 28, 2011
8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Bangor
8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Bangor
Picturing America, an initiative of the National Endowment for the Humanities, is a great tool for all teachers! These high-quality reproductions of American art can be used in a variety of ways in any classroom or child-care setting. This one-day program for teachers of children ages 0 - 18 will offer innovative ways to use visual images from Picturing America and Maine’s local art collections to teach critical thinking skills, visual and verbal literacy and American culture. If you are new to Picturing America, or are already familiar with it, this program will help you expand your knowledge.
The program will be held on October 28, 2011 at the Bangor campus of the University of Maine, Augusta, and at the University of Maine Museum in downtown Bangor.
For more information on Picturing America go to http://picturingamerica.neh.gov/for grades K-12 or to http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/resources/cinema/Vid/PicingAmeric.htm for early childhood educators.
CEUs will be available for early childhood educators, K-12 teachers and Adult Education instructors. Please bring a check made out to USM. The cost is $13 for early childhood educators and $20 for K-12 teachers and Adult Education instructors.
- Lectures and small group discussions
- Morning Refreshments & Lunch
Penobscot Nation Cultural and Historic Preservation Department
“Teach the Teachers” Workshop
Has is been 5 years already? The Penobscot Nation Cultural and Historic Preservation Department is once again hosting a “Teach the Teachers” workshop. These specialized workshops are designed to orient teachers to Maine Native American History and Culture.
Come join us at Indian Island, the home of the Penobscot Nation for a full day of learning and sharing.
Save the Date: We offer the workshops on different days of the week to accommodate your teaching schedules.
Who should attend? Teachers from all disciplines interested in teaching about Maine Native Americans
When? 9am to 3pm
- Monday October 3rd, 2011
- Tuesday October 11th, 2011
- Wednesday October 19th, 2011
- Thursday October 27th, 2011
Where? Penobscot Indian Reservation, Indian Island, Maine
Registration Fee is $35.00- Includes some curriculum resources and lunch.
Facilitated by the Penobscot Nation Cultural and Historic Preservation Department.
Register on-line at www.penobscotculture.com or contact James Eric Francis Sr. at (207) 817-7472 or james.francis@penobscotnation.org
Primary Source
Global Education Resources, Webinars, and Online Courses
Global Read: Girl in Translation by Jean Kwok
Engage with this coming-of-age story and join readers around the world for a live, web-based discussion with author Jean Kwok. Contact Maggie Kaiser (maggie@primarysource.org) to register.
Remembering 9/11: Webinar with Beyond Belief Filmmaker
Wednesday, September 14 * 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Register online: www.primarysource.kintera.org/beyondbeliefwebinar
We invite you to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and the start of the war in Afghanistan by participating in a worldwide viewing and discussion of Beyond Belief, a documentary film that tells the story of Susan Retik and Patti Quigley. Widowed on 9/11, these two extraordinary women demonstrate the power of global understanding as they travel to Afghanistan and discover an unlikely kinship with widows halfway around the world.
We are pleased to welcome Beth Murphy, the filmmaker, for a special one-hour webinar for teachers and high school students. View the film free online at http://vimeo.com/27726386 (Password: BB42) and then join other viewers on the 14th to discuss your reactions and ask questions.
Primary Source World – online clusters of teacher-created, classroom-ready activities designed around key primary sources
- Featuring: “Political and Cultural Identity in Postwar Japan” (http://resources.primarysource.org/postwarjapan/)
- Visit http://www.primarysource.org/primarysourceworld for more curriculum guides on other world regions.
Resource Guides – online bibliographies of materials (books, periodicals, audiovisual, lesson activities, and more) on various subjects
Online Courses and Webinars for K-12 Educators
Primary Source now offers online courses and webinars – a fantastic way to learn about world history and culture on your own schedule, connect with educators from across the country, and explore resources for your classroom on a variety of topics. View website for registration information, or contact registration@primarysource.org.
The Enduring Legacy of Ancient China (Oct. 5 – Dec. 14 OR Jan. 18 – March. 28)
- 10-Week Online Course * Open to All K-12 Educators * 2 graduate credits available
- Participants qualify for a study tour to China
Changing China: History and Culture Since 1644 (Oct. 5 – Dec. 14 OR Jan. 18 – March. 28) http://www.primarysource.org/modern-china-online-course
- 10-Week Online Course * Recommended for educators in grades 6-12
- 2 graduate credits available * Participants qualify for a study tour to China
Thinking Like a Historian: Immigration History Through Primary Sources
- 4-Week Online Course * October 12 - November 8, 2011
- 1 graduate credit available * Recommended for K-8 educators
Webinar Series: An Introduction to Afghan Politics, Religion, and Culture
Oct. 12, Nov. 2, Nov. 30 * 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. EST * Open to all K-12 educators
Taking Students to China: Building Opportunities for Deep Learning
- Webinar * Oct. 24 * 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. EST
- Especially for educators in grades 6-12 * Fee: $15
The Common Core: Getting There Globally
- Webinar Series * Dec. 6, 2011; Jan. 31, Feb. 28, 2012 * 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. EST
- Open to all K-12 educators * Fee: $15 each
World Affairs Council of Maine
Located on the Portland Campus of the University of New England
MAINE INTERNATIONAL RESOURCE DIRECTORY. Revised this year, the web-based Directory provides descriptions and contact information for 215 Maine organizations which are involved in international activity. This unique collection of non-profit and for-profit organizations provides a valuable learning resource about Maine’s involvement with the international community. www.wacmaine.org.
TEN YEARS AFTER 9/11: MAINE AND THE WORLD. Teachers and students are welcome at no charge to this program on Monday, September 12, beginning at 5:15 p.m. at the University of Maine School of Law, 246 Deering Street, in Portland. For more information: www.wacmaine.org.
WILL YOUR SCHOOL REPRESENT MAINE in the national Academic WorldQuest competition? In January or February, the World Affairs Council of Maine will hold its annual WorldQuest international trivia competition. High schools are invited to enter teams of 4-8 students, and the winning team will represent Maine at the national Academic WorldQuest competition in Washington, D.C., in April or May.
Information will be posted on the World Affairs Council website as it become available. www.wacmaine.org.
WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL MEMBERSHIPS are available for schools, educators and students. For more information, visit www.wacmaine.org or call 221-4386.
Resources
Camden Conference Curriculum Enrichment Project
An Update on the Teaching Fellows Program
In an effort to engage teachers and students more deeply in the content of the Camden Conference, the Conference hosted a Teaching Fellows workshop on June 21 as a part of the Curriculum Enrichment Project. The Camden Conference is a nonprofit, non-partisan educational organization headquartered in Camden, Maine, whose mission is to foster informed discourse on world affairs through year-round community events, public and student engagement and an annual weekend conference featuring eight or nine distinguished speakers focusing on a central theme.
In June the Teaching Fellows indexed the 2011 Conference, “The Challenges of Asia”, according to the themes of Policy Assessment, Conflict Analysis, Cultural Considerations, and the Impact of Globalization. The resulting video clips, together with study guide questions, have been posted to the Educator’s Guide on the Camden Conference website. Each teacher received a $250 stipend for this collaborative project.
The second part of the Teaching Fellows program focuses on curriculum development at the secondary level. Each participating teacher will develop and use at least one classroom lesson that incorporates the indexed clips of the Camden Conference. These lessons will then be shared among Teaching Fellows and posted to the Camden Conference Educator’s Guide website. Upon completion of the Fellows program, teachers will receive a second $250 stipend.
We hope that this project will not only increase the level of understanding among teachers and students, but will also increase the level of interest and participation from year to year in the Conference itself. Furthermore, a collection of curriculum resources and lesson plans will be developed and made available to all on the website.
For more information, please go to the Educators’ Guide link on the home page of www.camdenconference.org for more information. You may also reach us by phone at (207) 236-034, or by email at info@camdenconference.org.
Choices for the 21st Century
New Curriculum Units and Free Webinar
FREE Teaching with the News Lesson
Oral History and September 11http://www.choices.edu/resources/twtn/twtn-911-10-year.php
In addition to the thousands of individuals who lost their lives on September 11, countless people from the United States and around the world were deeply affected by the attacks. Their experiences are a part of the history of September 11. To gain a deeper understanding of September 11, students are asked to interview someone who vividly remembers this event.
New Curriculum UnitA Global Controversy: The U.S. Invasion of Iraq
http://www.choices.edu/iraq
Students recreate the national public debate surrounding the decision to go to war in March 2003 and assess the war's impact in the United States and Iraq. This curriculum is supplemented by Scholars Online videos featuring academics and policymakers such as U.S. Sen. Jack Reed.
Oral History and September 11http://www.choices.edu/resources/twtn/twtn-911-10-year.php
In addition to the thousands of individuals who lost their lives on September 11, countless people from the United States and around the world were deeply affected by the attacks. Their experiences are a part of the history of September 11. To gain a deeper understanding of September 11, students are asked to interview someone who vividly remembers this event.
New Curriculum UnitA Global Controversy: The U.S. Invasion of Iraq
http://www.choices.edu/iraq
Students recreate the national public debate surrounding the decision to go to war in March 2003 and assess the war's impact in the United States and Iraq. This curriculum is supplemented by Scholars Online videos featuring academics and policymakers such as U.S. Sen. Jack Reed.
New EditionResponding to Terrorism: Challenges for Democracy http://www.choices.edu/terrorism
Students consider the issues surrounding the 9.11.01 attacks and the U.S. response to terrorism in a constructive context that promotes dialogue about future policy directions.
Coming Soon - New Curriculum UnitThe United States in Afghanistan
http://www.choices.edu/afghanistan
Students analyze primary source documents, readings, and new media sources as they consider the future of U.S. policy in Afghanistan.
New Curriculum Unit Westward Expansion: A New History
http://www.choices.edu/westwardexpansion
Students use readings, primary sources, and an in-depth case study to explore U.S. westward expansion from the perspectives of Indian groups, Mexican Americans, U.S. settlers, and the federal government.
FREE Webinar
Impacts of 9/11: Teaching Global Engagement Through US Involvement in Afghanistan
September 26, 2011
7:30pm - 8:30pm
Join teachers from around the country for this webinar on Afghanistan. Focus will be on addressing the ways in which teaching the past decade of U.S. involvement in Afghanistan can be integrated with curricular topics such as World History II, current events, U.S. Foreign Policy, Middle East Studies and Conflict Resolution. Participants will gain new teaching resources and techniques for classroom application from fellow educators. Register online: http://cmes.hmdc.harvard.edu/node/2755
Students consider the issues surrounding the 9.11.01 attacks and the U.S. response to terrorism in a constructive context that promotes dialogue about future policy directions.
Coming Soon - New Curriculum UnitThe United States in Afghanistan
http://www.choices.edu/afghanistan
Students analyze primary source documents, readings, and new media sources as they consider the future of U.S. policy in Afghanistan.
New Curriculum Unit Westward Expansion: A New History
http://www.choices.edu/westwardexpansion
Students use readings, primary sources, and an in-depth case study to explore U.S. westward expansion from the perspectives of Indian groups, Mexican Americans, U.S. settlers, and the federal government.
FREE Webinar
Impacts of 9/11: Teaching Global Engagement Through US Involvement in Afghanistan
September 26, 2011
7:30pm - 8:30pm
Join teachers from around the country for this webinar on Afghanistan. Focus will be on addressing the ways in which teaching the past decade of U.S. involvement in Afghanistan can be integrated with curricular topics such as World History II, current events, U.S. Foreign Policy, Middle East Studies and Conflict Resolution. Participants will gain new teaching resources and techniques for classroom application from fellow educators. Register online: http://cmes.hmdc.harvard.edu/node/2755
Cole Land Transportation Museum
Freedom Essay Contest
For Students That Take Part In The Veteran Interview Program
On November 11th, Veterans Day, we recognize the men and women who have served in our armed forces. We should never forget that FREEDOM IS NOT FREE! We have so much for which to be thankful. We provide the opportunity for young adults to interview these icons of living history at our Museum.
Topic—”What Freedom Means to me After Interviewing a Veteran”
Categories—The Museum must receive a minimum of two (2) schools or six (6) essays in a category to be judged or the category may be dropped for that year.
Category “A” = Grades 6 - 8
Category “B” = Grades 9 - 12
Entries—After interviewing veterans at the Cole Land Transportation Museum, each participating school may submit three (3) essays only that score a four or above on the MEA scoring guide (enclosure), in the appropriate category.
All students submitting essays must be attending school in Maine or be enrolled in an accredited home school program during the current school year.
All finalists MUST BE PRESENT along with their teacher to read their essay and accept their award (barring illness) at the Museum on November 11th at 1:00pm.
Deadlines—Spring Entries (for Veteran Interviews conducted in the Spring): Must be in a 9” x 12” envelope postmarked or delivered to the Museum no later than June 20th of that year. Fall Entries (for Veteran Interviews conducted in the Fall): Must be in a 9” x 12” envelope postmarked or delivered to the Museum no later that October 31st of that year.
Mailing Address:
Cole Land Transportation Museum
405 Perry Road
Bangor, Maine 04401
Structure of Essay
- Separate cover page which includes:
· Student Name
· Category
· Name of School
· Teacher’s Name
· Veteran’s Name
2. Essay must be typed and double spaced
3. Content and pages of the essay (cover page excluded) are to have no indication of student’s name, teacher, school or town of residence.
Judging
All essays will be judged on content, impact and originality. A volunteer panel of teachers utilizes the MEA scoring rubric when judging those participating in the essay contest.
· Finalists will be contacted no later than Nov. 8th
· There will be three (3) finalists in each category:
First Place: $500 Savings Bond and Certificate of Award
Second Place: $400 Savings Bond and Certificate of Award
Third Place: $300 Savings Bond and Certificate of Award
Transportation Cost Assistance is available. For more information as well as reservations, please call the Museum at (207)990-3600 x13.
ePals
Pledge to Take Your School Global
Success for today’s students means building real understanding of the world around them. Maine Council for the Social Studies has teamed up with ePals, the world’s largest K12 social learning network, to bring you the “Take Your School Global” pledge campaign. We’re asking teachers, parents and students in our community and around the world to take action this year to bring cultural understanding to their schools.
Be a Global Leader
Pledge to take at least one action this year to bring students in your school community beyond the four walls of the classroom.
Showcase your commitment to global understanding by sharing your pledge on your Facebook profile and encouraging your friends and colleagues to follow your lead.
ICivics
Inspired by the leadership of Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, ICivics is a
- WEB BASED civics program for middle school students and is also used for ninth and tenth grade students. iCivics is designed to reinvigorate civic teaching and learning through game technology.
- ENGAGING: Through the Games provided, students step into the roles of lawmakers, judges, lawyers and many others.
- FLEXIBLE: Useful as one lesson or as a semester course.
- FREE: Just download iCivics.org and find premier lesson plans and worksheets to reinforce game experiences. Set up class accounts on iCivics to assign content and track students’ progress.
THE ROAD TO THE U.S. CONSTITUTION
THE CONSTITUTION
THE SEPARATION OF POWERS
CITIZENSHIP AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
THE LEGLISLATIVE BRANCH
THE JUDICIAL BRANCH
STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
INDIVIDUAL AND CIVIL RIGHTS
PERSUASIVE WRITING
POLITICS AND PUBLIC POLICY
KIDS Consortium
(Kids Involved Doing Service-Learning)
207.784.0956 kap@kidsconsortium.org
Service-Learning Books and Resources: http://www.kidsconsortium.org/resources.php
- KIDS is announcing the 3rd edition of their well-known, widely used KIDS As Planners: A Guide to Strengthening Students, Schools and Communities Through Service-Learning Guidebook.
This popular guide, provides K-12 Educators, School Administrators, Pre-Service Faculty and Students, After-School and Summer Program Educators with a road map for integrating service-learning into their classes and curriculum. By engaging students in real-world problem-solving, service-learning helps expand content knowledge, engage students and teachers, foster good citizenship, and meet the needs of diverse learners.
PRICE: $34.95 with a 10% discount on 10 or more.
- The “What is it?” game! This interactive activity is designed to create a shared vocabulary at your school or community organization for community based learning, community service, and service-learning!
After being introduced to the core principles of service-learning, participants read short description cards of classroom activities and decide whether they are service-learning, community based learning, or community service experiences.
PRICE: $35.00 - A great value that includes 5 sets of games boards to play with 5 groups of participants.
Customized Services and Consulting Packages:http://www.kidsconsortium.org/services.php
All of our professional development services are customized to meet your needs
- KIDS Consortium provides consulting services to meet the service-learning needs of K-12 Educators, School Administrators, Pre-Service Faculty and Students, After-School and Summer Program Educators and Community Partners. We offer many different steps along your service-learning path. Let us help you get started!
http://www.kidsconsortium.org/siproject_citizen.php
- We’re gearing up for the upcoming school year and planning professional development workshops for educators interested in involving their students, or members of youth or community organizations, in Project Citizen: a structured learning experience that helps students become responsible and involved citizens. Some will find Project Citizen an effective strategy for meeting the new emphasis on Civics. Please contact KIDS Education Consultant, Matt Robinson, if you’re interested in hosting a workshop at your school. mrobinson@kidsconsortium.org
Social Networking and E-Newsletter
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KIDSConsortium
Keep informed by joining us on Facebook. We are here to help offer you resources for your class, mini-grant opportunities, upcoming trainings and service-learning news in general, such as a new post this week:
Another fast and quick resource to follow us and keep informed!
- E-News:
Sign up off our website to receive our bi-monthly electronic newsletter. Another great resource to keep you informed of all that we have to offer - right here in your “neck of the woods!”
If you’re still wondering just what it is that KIDS does for educators…link to the 5 states where we have had the privilege to facilitate 4-day service-learning institutes. Read what participants have had to say: http://www.kidsconsortium.org/institute_for_educators.php
Library of Congress’ Teaching With Primary Sources
The Library of Congress' Teaching with Primary Sources (TPS) Eastern Region Coordinator (http://tps.waynesburg.edu/eregion) is currently accepting applications for the development of local TPS projects on a rolling deadline. You are invited to submit a grant proposal to initiate and implement a TPS program for pre- or in-service K-12 educators and/or librarians. Grants between $5,000 and $20,000 will be awarded. The application is available online: http://tps.waynesburg.edu/eregion. Descriptions of successful TPS Eastern Region projects are available: http://tps.waynesburg.edu/eregion/participants.
Teaching with Primary Sources (TPS) (http://www.loc.gov/teachers/tps/) develops the skills of K-16 educators in using the digitized primary source documents available through the Library of Congress (http://www.loc.gov) in order to deepen students' understanding of American history and develop higher level thinking skills through the analysis and interpretation of primary source materials. The TPS program was launched in October 2007 and the Library plans to eventually reach educators in all 50 states. Proposed projects must be completed by December 2013 for this TPS Eastern Region Grant Program.
Address proposals (http://tps.waynesburg.edu/eregion/) or inquiries to: Barbara Kirby at bkirby@waynesburg.edu Phone: 724-852-3388
** Institutions and consortiums within the TPS Eastern Region are eligible to apply. Those outside this region are encouraged to contact the Regional TPS Partnership in their area (http://www.loc.gov/teachers/tps/about/consortium.html). Preference will be given to proposals that include existing or new partnerships between institutions and/or agencies across educational levels and that target audiences not currently served by ongoing TPS projects.
Maine Geographic Alliance
The MGA is happy to offer to Maine schools a floor map of the United States for a free two-week loan period. This 11ft x 14ft vinyl map with foam-like puzzle pieces of the 50 states. It comes with two teacher guides with many activities for students in grades pre-K to 8. To request use of the map, please contact Sue Lahti and put US map in the subject line. susan_lahti@beeline-online.net. The map is currently booked through the fall of 2011. It will be available again beginning in January 2012.
Geography Awareness Week will be November 13-19, 2011. This year’s theme is Geography: The Adventure in Your Community. Posters and workshop opportunities are available by contacting: Marsha Newick Marsha_Newick@yarmouthschools.org or Joanne Alex at joannedalex@gmail.com. If your school would like multiple posters, please contact Sue Lahti at the above email address. For additional activities please visit www.geographyawarenessweek.org. This is co-sponsored by National Geographic Education and the Geo-Literacy coalition.
Maine State Museum
Tours and Gallery Programs
Teachers, fall is a great time to take advantage of the great variety of educational programs and tours offered by the Maine State Museum. Take a look at our website www.mainestatemuseum.org/learn/ for easy online reservations and detailed descriptions of all our educator-led gallery programs and tours. Don’t forget we can also help you schedule Maine State House Tours and Blaine House Tours. Museum admission and all of our tours and gallery programs are free for schools!
Reservations are recommended for all Group Visits.
For reservations and more information: 207-287-2301 www.mainestatemuseum.org/learn/
Opportunity Education's Sister School Program: Linking Schools Around the World
Opportunity Education is an international charitable foundation that provides curriculum tools teachers in developing countries need to create quality educational experiences for their students! We currently provide educational support to nearly 1,200 schools in developing countries throughout Africa and Asia. Our mission is to make quality education accessible to all children so they can improve their standard of living and work toward a brighter future.
To further support our mission, Opportunity Education facilitates a Sister School Program by linking schools in our program with schools all around the world so that students and teachers can exchange letters and learn more about one other's country and culture. We have several schools from our program that are on a waiting list to find a sister school, and their students are very excited to exchange communications with an international school. To learn more about Opportunity Education and our Sister School Program, please visit our website at www.opportunityeducation.org. If your school is interested in becoming a sister school with an international school, please contact me by email at anastase@opportunityeducation.org!
