Hello teachers! Welcome back from a well-deserved summer break! IPTV K-12 Connections ICN sessions begin September 3. That leaves little time to get registered for events like Pedestrian Safety, Monarch Tagging; Reading with a Police Officer; Lewis and Clark (featuring Captain William Clark in person); Touching Our Lives Harvest; Kids Talk with an Archaeologist; Five a Day Nutrition and MUCH, MUCH MORE! We've added tons of cool new sessions in cooperation with presenters from Blank Park Zoo; Warren County Conservation; Science Center of Iowa; NASA and many others. Don't miss the deadlines to register! Remember, many of the sessions include complimentary books for your classroom library. The best part of all is these opportunities are provided by IPTV and the ICN at NO COST to K-12 schools in Iowa.
To find more information and to register for any of the ICN programs available from Iowa Public Television, go to the Iowa Distance Learning Database at <http://www.iptv.org/iowa_database/> Click on the K-12 Calendar for a complete listing. Then click on a title to see a full description and register. Two other things to remember: We cannot tape these programs and you cannot register for a session once the deadline has passed. If you have any further questions, please send them to [EMAIL PROTECTED] <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> . Has your email address changed? You may be missing important updates regarding new ICN sessions. Click on the K-12 Connections e-News link at www.k12connections.iptv.org <http://www.k12connections.iptv.org/> to join our electronic mailing list. Web site tip! Search for events by grade level or subject area. Go to the Iowa Distance Learning Database at <http://www.iptv.org/iowa_database/> Click on the K-12 Calendar and then on List by Grade or List by Subject on the left side of the page. Select your grade level or subject area to see a full list of events. Monarch Tagging Grades K-5 September 3, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM & September 3, 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM & September 3, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Registration Deadline: 08/28/03 Students learn about the monarch butterfly as an international traveler and participate in the MonarchWatch tagging program. A naturalist from the Polk County Conservation Board demonstrates how they tag monarch butterflies and discusses the importance of keeping track of this migratory insect. This interactive program allows time for student questions, so come prepared. Registrants receive the complimentary book, Waiting for Wings or alternate title by mail. Reading with a Police Officer Grades K-4 September 4, 9:00 AM - 9:45 AM & September 4, 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM Registration Deadline: 08/29/03 Do your students like watching READING RAINBOW? If so, join an interactive session with some of the same elements. This session features a police officer from Perry, Iowa. Students enjoy learning about safety rules as he reads an age appropriate book titled Officer Buckle and Gloria. He also shares his career as a police officer with students by using a feature videotape, produced by IPTV especially for elementary students. It explains how he uses math, science and communications skills at work. There is time for questions, so teachers and students are asked to come to the session prepared. Registered teachers receive Officer Buckle and Gloria. Lewis and Clark *New Event Grades 5-8 September 8, 9:00 AM - 9:50 AM & September 8, 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM Registration Deadline: 09/03/03 Don't miss the opportunity for your students to meet and interview Captain William Clark. Join Wayne Kobberdahl, a.k.a. Captain William Clark, as he remembers his historic journey through the uncharted West. Captain Clark explains the roles of Lewis, Clark, and President Jefferson in the expedition. He also describes what the United States looked like at that time. He shows students a map of the US including the Louisiana Purchase and where Iowa fits into the adventure. Students witness how Lewis and Clark took the trip by river and view a video clip portraying men using the same boat and tools. Finally, Captain Clark explains the three main reasons for the expedition. 1. Find a water route to the Pacific Ocean 2. Make a written record of all they saw and did 3. Meet and make friends with the people who lived in the new area Registrants receive a US history resource pack, including Sacagawea: Golden Dollar Rehab the Lab Educators September 9, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM & September 26, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM & October 2, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM October 20, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Event sponsored by Metro Waste Authority and EMC Insurance Companies. A comprehensive program helping schools with the proper and safe identification and control of hazardous chemicals. See Web site for more information. Touching Our Lives: Harvest *New Event Grades 4-6 September 10, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM & September 10, 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM & September 10, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Registration Deadline: 09/02/03 Agriculture touches our lives in a million ways. In this session members of the Iowa Agriculture Awareness Coalition lead students through activities that celebrate the fall harvest Where We Live, (ISU Extension 4-H curriculum). Following the session students are able to identify at least 10 ways the agriculture harvest touches their daily lives. Material packets including supplies and activities to incorporate into existing curriculum are mailed to participating schools. Kids Talk with an Archaeologist Grades K-4 September 11, 10:30 AM - 11:20 AM & September 11, 1:00 PM - 1:50 PM Registration Deadline: 09/03/03 Hey kids, do you know what an archaeologist does? We know an archaeologist who would love to show and tell you all about his job. This guy really knows a lot about the plants and animals that roamed Iowa throughout history. He works for the Office of the State Archaeologist in Iowa and conducts research for the Highway Archaeology Program. His presentation will include a feature career videotape, produced by IPTV especially for elementary students, that includes examples of the tools he uses and artifacts he has found. He will also share with students how he uses math, science and communications skills at work. This interactive program allows time for student questions, so come prepared. Registered teachers receive a Neanderthal Kit and booklet by mail. 5 A Day Nutrition Program Grades 2-4 September 12, 9:00 AM - 9:50 AM & September 12, 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM & September 12, 1:00 PM - 1:50 PM Registration Deadline: 09/04/03 Are your students eating 5 a day? Nikki Davenport, Registered Dietician for Hy-Vee, invites students to explore the national recommendation to eat 5 servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Students complete several lessons during the ICN session. Each lesson offers active involvement as it integrates reading, writing, nutrition and math skills in a fun and challenging way. By the end of this ICN session students will: * know that eating 5 servings of fruits and vegetables is recommended for the best of health. * be able to identify fruits and vegetables high in Vitamins A and C and know why it's important to eat one serving of each every day. * be able to identify fruits and vegetables high in fiber and know why fiber is important. Arthur's Sleepover Grades K-4 September 16, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM & September 16, 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM September 17, 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM & September 17, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Registration Deadline: 09/08/03 Everyone loves a sleepover! Join us for this exciting ICN session where we read the book Arthur's Sleepover by Marc Brown and engage students in interdisciplinary activities designed to foster learning while having fun at Arthur's sleepover. Teachers who register receive a complimentary Arthur book (not necessarily Arthur's Sleepover) and other educational materials by mail. Credit Cards: The Perks and Pitfalls September 16, 9:00 AM - 9:45 AM & September 16, 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM Registration Deadline: 09/10/03 Would the offer of a free T-shirt or a water bottle be enough to get your students to sign up for a credit card? For many students it is and credit card companies are taking advantage of this strategy on college campuses every day. Unfortunately, many students haven't received instruction on financial management. They often don't understand the pitfalls of using credit cards and how quickly this can lead to too much debt. According to a study conducted by the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG), students who obtain credit cards from on-campus tables have a higher unpaid balance than those who do not. Excessive debt for a college student can be the beginning of a downward spiral that can impact grades and their credit history...and ultimately a student's ability to stay in school. Join staff from the College Planning Center to learn the pitfalls and perks of owning a credit card. Learn how credit cards are billed and how easy it is to get into trouble fast. Students will also hear about appropriate credit card use and how cre dit cards can provide security in emergency situations. Friendship, Frolic and Frogs *New Event Grades 1-3 September 16, 1:00 PM - 1:50 PM Registration Deadline: 09/10/03 September 23, 1:00 PM - 1:50 PM Registration Deadline: 09/15/03 Enjoy this fabulously fun-filled session where we learn about Arnold Lobel, explore friendships with 'Frog and Toad', create a friendly story and poem and learn fantastic publishing ideas to use with other friendly books! See you there...r-r-r-ribbitt! Registrants receive the book Frog and Toad are Friends or alternate title by mail. Pedestrian Safety *New Event Educators September 17, 7:45 AM - 8:45 AM & September 17, 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM Registration Deadline: 09/12/03 Do your students know enough about pedestrian safety? Join educators from Blank Children's Hospital to learn how to keep kids safe and organize activities to coincide with International Walk to School Day on October 8, 2003. Presenters share resources as well as classroom connections to math, art, and science. October: Health Literacy Month, October 8, 2003: International Walk to School Day Participants receive curriculum materials as well as 'give-away' items for their students. Hands On Herps *New event from the Blank Park Zoo Grades 3-5 September 18, 9:00 AM - 9:50 AM & September 18, 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM & September 18, 12:30 PM - 1:20 PM Registration Deadline: 09/10/03 Turtles, snakes, frogs, and salamanders are all herps. In fact, if it is a reptile or amphibian, it's a herp. Discover the characteristics of herps, learn fun herp facts, and meet some herps. Program includes a slide show, a short interactive component, and a close up look at live amphibians and reptiles. This program also allows time for student questions, so come prepared. Illustrate with Author Gary Harbo *New Event Grades 6-8 September 18, 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM Registration Deadline: 09/12/03 Do your students need motivation to draw? This step-by-step art lesson with author/illustrator Gary Harbo shows even the most skeptical of talents that drawing can be easy and fun. By breaking the illustration down into simple steps, students successfully follow along and create a wonderful 3-dimensional drawing. The activity builds self-confidence and allows students to explore talents that may have been hidden under a blanket of frustration. This presentation is high energy and interactive. It includes the step-by-step process involved in creating a cartoon character. Students participate in the art lesson and create their own unique characters. Illustrate with Author Gary Harbo Grades K-2 September 19, 9:30 AM - 10:25 AM & September 19, 12:30 PM - 1:25 PM & Grades 2-5 September 19, 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM & September 19, 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM Registration Deadline: 09/12/03 Do your students need motivation to draw? This step-by-step art lesson with author/illustrator Gary Harbo shows even the most skeptical of talents that drawing can be easy and fun. By breaking the illustration down into simple steps, students successfully follow along and create a wonderful 2-dimensional drawing. The activity builds self-confidence and allows students to explore talents that may have been hidden under a blanket of frustration. This presentation is high energy and interactive. It includes the step-by-step process involved in creating a cartoon character. Students participate in the art lesson and create their own unique characters. Iowa State Capitol Tours Grades 4-6 September 22, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM & September 22, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM & September 23, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM & September 29, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM & September 29, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM & September 30, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM & October 6, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM & October 6, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM & October 7, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM & October 13, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM & October 13, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM & October 14, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM & October 20, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM & October 20, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM & October 21, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Registration Deadline: 8-10 days prior to event date Event sponsored by the Iowa State Capitol Tour Guides. Take an interactive virtual tour of the Iowa State Capitol via the ICN. In the session students explore the 118-year-old building from the rough-cut stone sub-basement to the golden dome. They are also exposed to the following: * A brief introduction to the functions of the three branches of Iowa's government and a view of where each branch does its work * A short lesson on the history of Iowa and its Statehouse * A chance to experience the classical architecture and original ornamentation of the Iowa State Capitol Sessions are designed to be highly interactive so please work with students to prepare thoughtful, appropriate questions. Confirmed registrants receive a teacher guide including a curriculum based on the Iowa State Capitol, as well as interactive worksheets, games and puzzles. In addition, a This Old Statehouse DVD produced by Iowa Public Television is included. Music, Movement and Manners with Silly Sally the Clown Grades 1-3 September 22, 9:00 AM - 9:50 AM & September 22, 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM & September 22, 12:30 PM - 1:20 PM Registration Deadline: 09/14/03 Silly Sally the clown presents activities that compliment the CHARACTER COUNTS - Six Pillars of Character. Students are engaged in songs, movement activities, storytelling, and puppetry. This is a must-see ICN session for teachers with restless students! Silly Sally is really Sally Shaver from Ames, Iowa. Sally has been clowning around since 1997. She has B.S. and M.A. degrees in physical education and is a part-time elementary physical education teacher for North Polk Community Schools. Sally is also a professionally trained musician and has played and sung in numerous groups since she was in elementary school. She is at her best while playing the drums or singing her favorite songs, and she especially enjoys jazz and contemporary Christian music. Sally released her first children's CD in August of 2002, 'Silly Sally on the Go'. This CD combines Sally's many interests of music, animals, puppetry, movement and children. Registrants receive the complimentary book, Sounds All Around or alternate title by mail. Tree Identification Grades 4-8 September 23, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM & September 23, 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM Registration Deadline: 09/15/03 Learning how to identify trees is an educational and fun way to introduce students and teachers to understanding trees and forests. Often plant identification (ID) keys are used, but are often time consuming and burdensome for students to use. Professional foresters gain tree ID skills through repetitive visual skills and unique tips that jog the memory. During the program, foresters from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources discuss and demonstrate their secrets for identifying trees. They also share ways to collect and preserve leaves. In addition, they offer student resource information. This interactive program also allows time for student questions, so come prepared. Orphan Train in Iowa *New Event Grades 4-9 September 24, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM & September 24, 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM Registration Deadline: 09/16/03 The story of The Orphan Train began in the 1850s as an effort to rescue poor and homeless children from the streets of New York. At the time, thousands of children roamed the streets in search of money, food and shelter--prey to disease and crime. In 1853, a young minister, Charles Loring Brace, became obsessed by the plight of these children. A member of a prominent Connecticut family, Brace had come to New York to complete his seminary training. Horrified by the conditions he saw on the street, Brace was persuaded there was only one way to help these children. In 1853, Brace founded the Children's Aid Society to arrange the trips, raise the money, and obtain the legal permissions needed for relocation. Between 1854 and 1929, more than 100,000 children were sent, via orphan trains, to new homes in rural America. Recognizing the need for labor in the expanding farm country, Brace believed that farmers would welcome homeless children, take them into their homes and treat them as their own. His program would turn out to be a forerunn er of modern foster care. Join historian, Mary McLain as she recalls the journey her mother took on the Orphan Train. McClain's mother traveled from New York to Clear Lake in 1912. It is estimated that about 20,000 Orphan Train children ended up in Iowa. Participating teachers receive an Orphan Train storybook. Indian Heritage Grades 3-6 September 25, 9:00 AM - 9:50 AM & September 25, 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM Registration Deadline: 09/17/03 Ralph Moisa, Yaqui Nation descendant and children's author, talks to students about the aspects of Indian culture and how it relates to them today. For many years, Mr. Moisa has given Iowa students a first hand look at Indian culture in America and the historical significance of their existence. His presentation includes a video demonstration of tipi building, dancing, singing and tribal artifacts. Mr. Moisa has authored Great Eagle and Small One and Little Fish. Students should come prepared with questions for Mr. Moisa. Teachers receive a complimentary copy of Eagle Song and Sacagawea: Golden Dollar. Legislative Process in Iowa: Keeping Pace with State Government Grades 9-12 Schools can choose from the following dates: September 25, 2003 (9:00-11:00 AND 12:50-2:50) Or October 10, 2003 (9:00-11:00 AND 12:50-2:50) Or October 24, 2003 (9:00-11:00 AND 12:50-2:50) Or November 7, 2003 (9:00-11:00 AND 12:50-2:50) Registration Deadline: 8-10 days prior to session date This ICN presentation, sponsored by the Iowa General Assembly and Iowa Public Television (IPTV), is an in-depth look at and allows classes to participate in the legislative process. Each session is limited to two classes. On the morning of the presentation, an Iowa Capitol Tour Guide will travel to each school and conduct a classroom orientation. Each class will function as the House of Representatives or the Senate and will be assigned a topic to debate. They will elect presiding officers, appoint committee members, and experience the legislative process. During the afternoon, the schools convene together in their ICN classrooms and spend time finalizing and debating their bill. One of the schools' principals will act as the governor and either sign the bill into law or perhaps vetoing it. Legislators from each school's legislative district will be contacted and perhaps participate in the classroom, as well. Participation in this activity will further enhance student awareness and participation in Iowa state government. Recycling: What Does It Really Mean? Grades 3-6 September 29, 9:00 AM - 9:50 AM & September 29, 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM & September 29, 1:00 PM - 1:50 PM Registration Deadline: 09/21/03 Do you need help teaching students about recycling? Bring them to this ICN session with the Metro Waste Authority to learn how paper, glass, plastic and metal can be recycled. Students learn WHY we recycle, HOW to recycle, and why it is important to buy items made from recycled materials. Students also learn about 'precycling' and how it can impact the environment. Please discuss the theme with students before attending the session. Students should come prepared with questions about recycling. Registered teachers receive a packet of related activities from the Metro Waste Authority. Spiders Grades K-5 September 30, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM & September 30, 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM & September 30, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Registration Deadline: 09/22/03 Do you have students who love spiders? In this session, a naturalist from the Polk County Conservation Board discusses different types of spiders, such as web weavers and hunters. Students make a spider web and learn how spiders catch their food. This interactive program also allows time for students to ask questions, so come prepared. Registrants receive the complimentary book, Charlott's Web or alternate title by mail. Wildfire Prevention with Smokey the Bear *New Event Grades 3-6 October 6, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM & October 6, 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM Registration Deadline: 09/28/03 Each year wildfires burn hundreds of thousands of acres of forest and rangeland destroying millions of dollars of property and threatening people's lives. Why is wildfire such an issue? Is wildfire an issue in Iowa? What can be done to minimize the dangers of wildfire? Join Gail Kantak, Fire Forester, and John Walkowiak, Forestry Bureau Chief, from the Department of Natural Resources Forestry Bureau to learn about wildfire prevention in Iowa. A special guest Bear will also there to reinforce the message "Only you can prevent forest fires." Reading with a Firefighter Grades K-4 October 7, 9:00 AM - 9:50 AM & October 7, 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM Registration Deadline: 09/29/03 Do your students like watching READING RAINBOW? If so, join an interactive session with some of the same elements (e.g., reading a story and learning about a career). This session features a firefighter reading aloud an age appropriate book. He also shares his career with students using a short feature videotape and showing some of the tools used on the job. He is able to address fire prevention, safety issues and tips with students during the session. There is time for questions, so teachers and students are asked to come to the session prepared. Registered teachers receive a complimentary copy of Firefighters or alternate title by mail. October 5-11, 2003: National Fire Prevention Week Touching Our Lives: Food Web *New Event Grades 4-6 October 8, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM & October 8, 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM & October 8, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Registration Deadline: 09/28/03 What are a million things a spider and agriculture have in common? Build an Iowa agricultural food web and find out! Material packets including a Food Web video and activities to use in the classroom are mailed to participating classes. Gadgets and Gizmos: Simple Machines Grades 3-6 October 9, 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM & October 9, 11:00 AM - 11:50 AM Registration Deadline: 10/01/03 Levers, wedges, pulleys, incline planes, wheels and axles, screws and more are yours to explore when "Gizmo Glen" is around! In cooperation with the Bettendorf Family Museum, Glen Boyles helps students discover the principles of simple machines and how they make our work easier every day. After Glen demonstrates how simple machines work, it is the students' turn! Students, while in the ICN rooms, utilize learned principals to create a new contraption that pushes pulls or rolls. Students create a "gizmo" of their own after Glen demonstrates the 6 simple machines. Each teacher receives a complimentary science book. Iowa's Underground Railroad Grades 4-8 October 9, 12:30 PM - 1:20 PM & October 9, 1:30 PM - 2:20 PM Registration Deadline: 10/01/03 What was the Underground Railroad? The Underground Railroad was not a railroad at all. It was a network of safe houses, barns, root cellars and similar places where people who had escaped from slavery were smuggled to safety. If these places could talk, their tales would be ones of fear and hope, desperation and inspiration. The men, women, and children remained in each place only briefly, then moved on to the next stop, the next town, the next farm, until they reached 'free' territory. Discover Iowa's role in the Underground Railroad. In this session, students learn about the routes taken by runaway slaves and the people who helped them escape. Travel back in time as we take a virtual field trip via video footage of four of Iowa's known safe houses. Please work with students to prepare thoughtful, appropriate questions to pose during the ICN interaction. The questions/comments prepared by students help to make the session interactive and create a richer experience for all participants. October: Diversity Awareness Month Registered teachers receive the book Stealing South by Katherine Ayres. Fall Colors Grades 4-8 October 10, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM & October 10, 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM Registration Deadline: 10/02/03 Did you ever wonder why tree leaves change color? If so, come with a forester and learn the secrets of fall color change from the inside out. Presenters from the Department of Natural Resources take students on a tour to the center of a tree and answer the questions about fall color changes that make "leaving" in Iowa special. This interactive program also allows time for student questions, so come prepared. October 19-25, 2004: National Forest Products Week Registrants receive the complimentary hardcover book, Autumn Leaves or alternate title by mail. Greek History and Culture Grades 4-8 October 13, 1:00 PM - 1:50 PM Registration Deadline: 10/03/03 Join Father Peter Cade and Voula Bennet for a glimpse into the rich history and culture of Greek people and Greeks in Iowa. Father Cade illustrates the history of the Eastern or Greek Orthodox Church from its origin in Palestine through the Byzantine Eastern Roman Empire, the Great Schism of 1054, the suppression by the Ottoman Empire, and then Soviet suppression, concluding with the Eastern Church coming to America. Ms. Bennet is a retired schoolteacher who came to Iowa from Greece. She shares her experiences as a Greek-American. Both presenters display artifacts and visual aids during their presentations. Father Cade provides tours and educational outreach for a number of Des Moines area schools, and he enjoys teaching young people about Greek history, traditions and culture. Please work with students to prepare thoughtful, appropriate questions to pose during the ICN interaction. Student questions and comments help make sessions interactive and create a richer experience for all participants. October: Diversity Awareness Month Participating teachers receive the book, The Traveler's Guide to Ancient Greece. Inside Your Pet Grades 3-6 October 14, 9:00 AM - 9:50 AM & October 14, 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM Registration Deadline: 10/06/03 Animal Rescue League (ARL) veterinarian, Dr. Campbell, helps students explore the internal workings and structures of some common domestic animals. Comparisons between human and animal anatomy are examined to communicate the likeness of humans and animals. X-rays, diagrams and models help demonstrate the internal architecture of domestic pets. A few furry friends from the ARL are on hand to help with the presentation as well! Students also learn how to be good pet guardians as the professionals from the ARL share their mission of promoting animal welfare, the human-animal bond and to control pet overpopulation. Students should come prepared with questions for Dr. Campbell about the ARL, his job as a veterinarian, animals, etc. Each registrant receives a complimentary animal/pet book for his/her classroom library. Meet Authors Cynthia and Greg Leitich Smith *New Event Grades 4-9 October 14, 12:30 PM - 1:20 PM & October 14, 1:30 PM - 2:20 PM Registration Deadline: 10/04/03 Meet award-winning authors Cynthia and Greg Leitich Smith as they talk to students about their education, careers, heritage and most importantly their love of reading and writing. Students are encouraged to ask questions, so come prepared. Visit our Web site for more information about these authors. The first 24 registrants receive a hardcover copy of Cynthia's book, Indian Shoes or alternate title by mail. Shedding Light on Blindness Grades 2-5 October 15, 9:00 AM - 9:50 AM & October 15, 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM Registration Deadline: 10/07/03 Mike Hoenig, describes his experiences as a blind person in school, college, and present job as director of a program for persons with disabilities. He walks the students through a typical day in his life, and explains how blind persons perform such practical tasks as identifying money, crossing a street, and using the telephone. He demonstrates a wide variety of technologies, including a talking clock, a beeping softball, a Braillewriter, and more. Students participate in role-playing activities such as identifying money and using the telephone. October: Diversity Awareness Month, October 15, 2003: White Cane Safety Day Registrants receive Arthur's Communication Teacher's Guide, Arthur's Braille bookmarks and I Wonder Why I Blink or other title by mail. Forest Ecosystems Grades 4-8 October 20, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM & October 20, 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM Registration Deadline: 10/12/03 Iowa is geographically located where the tall grass prairie and eastern deciduous forests meet. The landscape in Iowa offers opportunities to understand the ecological characteristics of upland oak-hickory forests, shade tolerant sugar maple-basswood forests and flood plain forests of silver maple and cottonwood. DNR foresters take students and teachers on a biological journey into Iowa's forests, describing concepts of natural regeneration, succession and human impacts. Presenters describe hands on activities to further students' awareness and understanding of the values of Iowa's forests. This interactive program allows time for student questions, so come prepared. October 19-25, 2004: National Forest Products Week Registrants receive the complimentary book, Log Hotel or alternate title by mail. Apple Harvest Celebration *New Event Grades 2-4 October 21, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM & October 21, 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM & October 21, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Registration Deadline: 10/11/03 Join a modern distance learning version of an old-fashioned apple bee. Students engage in fun hands-on learning experiences to explore apple production, harvest, and marketing. Everyone gets into the action at an apple bee. A material packet with student supplies is sent to participating schools prior to the session. Genetic Engineering in Iowa Grades 6-12 October 22, 9:00 AM - 9:50 AM & October 22, 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM Registration Deadline: 10/08/03 Do you care if your strawberries contain a gene from a fish? Did you know that food can be engineered to have extra vitamins, provide vaccines, and even nourish the starving people of the world? From pharming to cloning to feeding the world, fascinating new advances in genetic engineering are quickly turning fiction into fact. In Iowa, these advances have special significance for farmers, researchers, our economy, and you. Join Michael Zeller, ISU Biotechnology Outreach Education Coordinator, for this presentation on how biotechnology has become part of our everyday lives (whether we know it or not), and for an overview of some of the developments in this technology that are happening in Iowa. This is a great opportunity to introduce your students to the basic science of genetic engineering, as well as issues surrounding their societal impact on Iowa and ethical consequences Iowans regularly confront. Each participating class receives a complimentary copy of IPTV's Explore More: Genetic Engineering VHS program. Reading with a Jeweler Grades K-4 October 23, 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM Registration Deadline: 10/15/03 Do your students enjoy watching READING RAINBOW? If so, join this interactive session with some of the same elements (e.g., reading a story and learning about a career). This session features a jeweler who connects the beauty of gemstones to the practical world of science and math. This presenter really knows a lot about gemstones and precious metals. He is a jewelry-store owner and also makes jewelry for custom orders and for sale on the showroom floor. His presentation includes a short career video, produced by IPTV especially for elementary students. It shows examples of the tools he uses to create the jewelry he makes and sells, and he shares how math, science and communications skills are used at work. Finally, he reads the fairy tale titled, Diamonds and Toads. There is plenty of time for questions, so come prepared. Registered teachers receive Gemstone Kits by mail. Kinds of Creatures *New Event from Blank Park Zoo Grades PK-1 October 24, 9:00 AM - 9:50 AM & October 24, 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM & October 24, 12:30 PM - 1:20 PM Registration Deadline: 10/16/03 Young students come skin to scales, fingers to fur with members of the animal kingdom. Learn how animals are divided into groups by their body coverings; mammals have fur, reptiles have scales, etc. Learn fun facts and meet live animals representing the mammal, reptile, amphibian, and bird groups. Wrap-up with a craft reinforcing the different animal coverings. The program also allows time for student questions, so come prepared. Magnet Mania Grades 2-5 October 28, 9:30 AM - 10:20 AM & October 28, 10:30 AM - 11:20 AM Registration Deadline: 10/20/03 NOTE: This is a special hands-on ICN session. In order to participate in the planned activities, teachers must supply students with the required materials. Join this session presented by the Iowa State University Program for Women in Science and Engineering for hands-on activities focusing on magnets. In the first activity, students explore magnets, finding out what they are, how they exist in nature, and which common everyday items are magnets. Students perform an experiment using magnets and everyday items. The second activity explains temporary and permanent magnets. Students explore how to make their own temporary magnets and learn how to demagnetize them too. The final activity is a compilation of all the knowledge learned in the session, plus we add a twist of electricity to make an electromagnet. See Web site for full description including materials list. -- ~PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF ADDRESS~ Nancy Movall Instructional Technology Consultant for School Improvement Prairie Lakes Area Education Agency 824 Flindt Drive Suite 105 Storm Lake, IA 50588 (712) 732-2257 (866) 503-4636 fx 712.732.7654 -- --------------------------------------------------------- Archived messages from this list can be found at: http://www.mail-archive.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ ---------------------------------------------------------
