Monday, October 27, 2008

Siemens "We Can Change the World" Challenge

Discovery Education teamed with Siemens in the development and support of the "We Can Change the World" Challenge. The current round is open to middle school students. In 2009, the Challenge will open to K-5 applicants and in 2010, it will open to high school students.

More information on the Challenge is available at http://siemens.discoveryeducation.com/

"The Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge gives students the opportunity, tools and inspiration to become those agents of change. Beginning in fall 2008 through March 15, 2009, middle school student teams from across the country will be challenged to create sustainable, reproducible environmental improvements in their local communities.

Top prizes will include a chance to appear on Discovery Network's Planet Green, a share in thousands of dollars in cash prizes, a one-in-a-lifetime Discovery Adventure trip and more."

Friday, October 10, 2008

Google RISE Awards—Due December 1, 2008

The Google RISE (Roots in Science and Engineering) Awards are designed to fund, promote and support science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and computer science education in the United States. Non-profit organizations, and university computer science faculty, staff, and student organizations are encouraged to apply. Special consideration will be given to programs that impact students from communities with longstanding underrepresentation in computing and technology (women, African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, people with disabilities) and economically disadvantaged students

Programs ranging from formative ideas that explore learning concepts to fully tested models that are ready to be adopted and disseminated will be consider. Awarded funds may include a combination of monetary awards, volunteer resources, and in-kind donations with award amounts ranging from $500 - $15,000

Applications for 2009 funding are due December 1, 2008. Awards will be announced mid-January 2009

For more information, contact google-rise@google.com

PCMall's Green Light Contest

WIN A "GREEN COMPUTER LAB" FOR YOUR SCHOOL!

INSPIRE your middle and high school students to be leaders in the Green Schools movement and your school could win a state-of-the-art computer lab! The "Green Light Contest" essay competition, sponsored by PC Mall Gov, in partnership with HP, InFocus, and T.H.E. Journal is seeking entries from students in two categories: grades 5 - 8 and 9 - 12. In essays of 1,000 words or less students are asked to describe how they and their teachers can utilize technology to protect the environment. The grand-prize-winning composition will receive a 30-seat "green" computer lab for the author's school. Two additional first place
winners (one from each grade-level category) will each receive a "green" laptop and all winning essays will be published in T.H.E. Journal. Recognition of winners
will occur at FETC, January 21 - 24, in Orlando, FL.

Application Deadline: December 1, 2008
Essay and submission criteria are available online at: http://www.1105info.com/t.do?id=1685344:7097764

Holocaust in Nevada—October Training

From the Holocaust in Nevada webpage:

"If you have just a day or two to teach about the Holocaust, what would be critical for your students to know about the Holocaust and what are the best instructional strategies for teaching that content? This conference will provide teachers with specific content, lessons, and instructional strategies for teaching students about the Holocaust. The training and materials are free. Free recertification credits available. Food will be provided!


Location: Sig Rogich Middle School
Dates: Friday, October 24 from 4pm - 8pm
and Saturday, October 25 from 8am - 6pm


The deadline to register for the Southern Nevada teacher training is October 17, 2008. "

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Petco's Aquademics Program

Local Petco stores offer fish tanks for free to fourth and fifth grade teachers. They will bring the tank to your classroom along with lesson plans. The below information is available at http://www.petco.com/Content/Content.aspx?PC=aquademics&Nav=538:

"Aquademics® is a hands-on, minds-on enrichment opportunity that brings learning to life for children, whether they are sitting in the classroom or gathered with family members around the aquarium in the living room.

Now it's easy to incorporate the fun of an aquarium into your 4th or 5th grade students' learning experience.

Aquademics can help meet state learning standards in Science, Math, Language Arts, Social Studies, Ecology, Writing and more.

Lesson Plans
Use the aquarium to create interest in a range of subjects from biology to creative writing, from math to social studies and more.

Resource Materials
Use materials such as worksheets to give each student the opportunity for a hands-on, minds-on learning experience.

Cash for College
One of your students could win $1,000 to save for college!

Special Offers
Money-saving offers are available for Aquademics teachers.

Bring your class in to your local participating PETCO store for an unforgettable learning experience. Signups for the upcoming school year begin in August. For more information, visit your nearest PETCO store. "

Each store has a limited number of tanks so teachers are encouraged to contact their local store as early as possible.

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Picturing America — An Initiative of the National Endowment for the Humanities

From the National Endowment for the Humanities:

"Picturing America, an exciting new initiative from the National Endowment for the Humanities, brings masterpieces of American art into classrooms and libraries nationwide. Through this innovative program, students and citizens will gain a deeper appreciation of our country’s history and character through the study and understanding of its art.

Collectively, the masterpieces of American art featured in Picturing America, when used in conjunction with the Teachers Resource Book and program Website, help students experience the humanity of history and enhance the teaching and understanding of America’s past.

What You Receive
40 high-quality, laminated reproductions (approximately 24” x 36”), an illustrated Teachers Resource Book, with activities organized by elementary, middle and high school levels. The resource book will help K-12 teachers use the images to teach core curriculum subjects such as: American history, social studies, civics, language arts, literature, science, math, geography, and music.

Other Resources
The Picturing America website, is a rich source of additional information and resources, including innovative lesson plans.

Who May Apply
Public, private, parochial, and charter and home school consortia (K-12), as well as public libraries in the United States and its territories.

How to Apply
Go to the Picturing America website
From the Picturing America home page you may browse the gallery of images or go directly to the application by clicking on Apply Now and follow the simple directions.

Application Deadline: October 31, 2008"

Southern Nevada Council for the Social Studies: Fall Social — October 16, 2008

The Southern Nevada Council for the Social Studies will celebrate Social Studies their Fall Social and Membership Drive on October 16, 2008. Food, fun and festivities will occur at McMullan's Irish Pub (4650 West Tropicana, 702-247-7000) from 4:00-6:00 PM.

There will be a raffle for all new members, as well as a raffle for all current members who bring a new member. RSVP to Karlye Mull by Monday, October 13, 2008.