CENTER FOR TECHNOLOGY LITERACY
The Center for Technology Literacy announces a call for presenters for
the Technology Education Professional Development Conference to held in
Houston July 28 - 31, 2003. Presentation topics must align with one or
more of the following conference strands:
Strand I: Emerging Technologies - Robotics, Biotechnologies, GIS
Strand II: Innovative Classroom Techniques & Equipment
Strand III: Classroom Strategies: Systems Thinking
Strand IV: Professional Development
Interested participants should complete an application and submit it to
Julie Moore before May 1, 2003. Stipends may be given to qualified
presenters to help with conference expenses. Conference information and
applications may be found at www.texastechnology.com/conference
 
Julie Moore, Director
Center for Technology Literacy
College of Technology
University of Houston
 
300 Technology Building
Houston, Texas 77204-4021
713-743-4091
713-743-0445 FAX
jdmoore@uh.edu
 
Volunteers Needed for the Largest Robotics Competition at Reliant Stadium
Houston is excited to host the WORLD'S LARGEST ROBOTICS COMPETITION for
middle and high school students! The FIRST Robotics Championships and
FIRST LEGO League Invitational will be held in Houston, TX at Reliant
Stadium, the home of the 2004 Super Bowl, on April 10-12, 2003.  These
competitions require hundreds of volunteers and we need your help.
Please volunteer by signing up at
www.HoustonRobotics.org/VolunteerFRCChampionships.asp . This is a
wonderful opportunity to get involved with the Houston community, as
well as work with kids who may become future technologists, engineers,
scientist and/or mathematicians!
Houston is also hosting the fourth annual Lone Star Regional on April
3-5. We also need many volunteers for this event. Please volunteer by
signing up at www.HoustonRobotics.org/VolunteerLoneStarRegional.asp
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact
Lucien Junkin (NASA's Robotic Education Project) at
lucien.q.junkin1@jsc.nasa.gov ) or Taresa Mikle (University of Houston -
College of Technology) at tmmikle@central.uh.edu.

TEXAS TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS ASSOCIATION
Texas Technology Students Association State Conference; Waco, TX;
May 8-10, 2003 www.texastsa.org

The Technology Student Association (TSA) is pleased to introduce the
25th Anniversary Fund, a grant program to assist financially challenged
schools throughout the nation that wish to charter a TSA chapter. This
program was created to recognize twenty-five years of student
involvement in technology education through TSA (formerly the American
Industrial Arts Student Association), which was founded in 1978. How The
Program Works -For schools that wish to have a TSA chapter, prospective
advisors (teachers) will apply for a grant from National TSA. Money
awarded from the Fund will cover a new chapter's national and state
Chapter Affiliation Program (CAP) fees for one year. Applicants will
provide verification that school district funds are not available to
finance CAP fees; they also will demonstrate that as prospective
TSA-affiliated schools, they are unable to pay the affiliation fees or
raise money from within the community for this purpose. A plan for
chapter sustainability beyond the first funded year will be required.
Grant funds will be awarded to schools that aspire to have TSA chapters
and not those with existing chapters. The grant application is available
on TSA's web site at <http://www.tsaweb.org >. Involvement -Grant awards
for this program will come directly from support accrued through the
25th Anniversary Fund. Therefore, money raised during the Fund campaign
(September 14, 2002 through June 24, 2004) will be the amount available
to TSA for dissemination to prospective chapters. Proceeds from the Fund
will be used only for new chapter national and state CAP fees.
Contributions to the Fund are not state specific (nor country specific)
and may be used to help any school that meets the guidelines of the
grant. The minimum donation to the Fund is $25. For each $25
contribution, the donor will receive one 25th Anniversary Fund pin. For
example, should an established TSA chapter donate $100 to the Fund, that
chapter would receive four anniversary pins. Donors will be recognized
at the national TSA conference that occurs during the year of their
contribution (2003 or 2004). Contributions to the Fund are tax
deductible; a receipt of the donation will be provided by National TSA.
Contribution forms can be found online at
http://www.tsaweb.org/conferences_programs/25_fund.html .

INTERNATIONAL TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION
ICON Innovation Curriculum Online Network Launched in Nashville
ICON is ITEA's standards-based national digital library for
technological literacy.  ITEA has partnered with the Eisenhower National
Clearinghouse (ENC) on this National Science Foundation (NSF) supported
project.  ICON is a collection of carefully selected standards-based
resources that enhance the teaching of technology.  It is more than an
electronic card catalog - ICON takes the user directly to the digital
source.  This library can be searched by standards, grade levels, or key
words.  

This free service is available at < http://www.icontechlit.org >.  The
number of resources will continue to grow.  Please consider contributing
to the collection by recommending resources at the link provided at the
ICON home page.  
New Standards Released
Advancing Technological Literacy: Student Assessment, Professional
Development, and Program Standards (AETL) are now available free to all
current ITEA members in good standing.  The publication was distributed
to all members at the annual conference in Nashville earlier this month.
For all members who were not in attendance, a complimentary copy will be
mailed later this spring.  
The publication provides standards, benchmarks, tools, and resources for
the successful, comprehensive implementation of the Standards for
Technological Literacy, released in 2000.  Copies may be purchased from
ITEA.  Information on the new book is available online at
<http://www.iteawww.org/TAA/AETLstds.htm >.
National standards specialists have been preparing for the
implementation of the new standards by presenting at state conferences,
in-service meetings, and other sessions designed to improve the teaching
of technological literacy.  If you would like to schedule a presentation
or just talk to individuals about upcoming opportunities, call (540)
953-0203 or e-mail <standards@itea-tfaap.org >.
New ITEA Publications Catalog
The 2003 ITEA Publications catalog is now available online at
<http://www.iteawww.org>.  Browse the catalog for all the latest ITEA
gift items and publications.  In addition to the Technology for All
Americans Project AETL and the AETL Executive Summary, the Center for
the Advancement of Teaching Technology and Science (CATTS) is offering
two new standards-based curriculum publications.  There is a new
standards poster, too.  Check it out today!

IMPORTANT DATES FOR TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION

February 26, 2004    Texas TSA Board of Directors Meeting, Rudder
Tower, TAMU, College Station, TX; Contact: TSA Executive Director, Texas
TSA hotline (806) 655-1084, Texastsa@hotmail.com
    
February 26, 2004    ATTE Board of Directors Meeting, Rudder Tower,
TAMU, College Station, TX; Contact: Don Kelly, 972-279-3261(H),
972-494-8756(W), kelly_don@msn.com
    
February 26-28, 2004    Association of Texas Technology Education Annual
Conference, College Station, TX; http://www.atte.org/conference.htm
    
January 20 - February 3, 2004    TAKS Field Tests:
Grade 4 Writing; Grade 4 Spanish Writing
Grade 7 Writing
Grade 9 Reading
Grade 10 English Language Arts
Grade 11 English Language Arts
    
February 24, 2004    February TAKS Tests:
Grade 4 Writing; Grade 4 Spanish Writing
Grade 7 Writing
Grade 9 Reading
Grade 10 English Language Arts
Grade 11 English Language Arts
    
March 1, 2004    Texas TSA Deadlines
Last day to add additional members.  Deadline for: State officer
candidate nominations, scholarship applications, Board of Directors
candidate nominations, mail in entries, Proposed Texas TSA Constitution
and Amendments, Outstanding Advisor Nominations, Outstanding Chapter
Nominations, and Outstanding Student Nominations.
    
March 3, 2004    TAKS Tests:
Grade 3 Reading; Grade 3 Spanish Reading
    
March 18-20, 2004    International Technology Education Association
Annual Conference, Albuquerque, NM; http://www.iteawww.org/D.html
    
April 3-5, 2003    US FIRST Robotics Lone Star Regional, Reliant Arena,
Houston, TX; http://www.usfirst.org/robotics/2003/rgevents.htm
    
April 4-5, 2003    Texas TSA Region #20 - Alamo Area - Reagan High School,
San Antonio, TX, Contact Delton Kittrell: wk (830)249-5138,
delton.kittrell@boerne-isd.net
    
April 10-12, 2003    US FIRST Robotics Championship Event; Astrodome,
Houston, TX; http://www.usfirst.org/robotics/chevents.htm
    
April 11-12, 2003    Texas TSA Region #6 - BVTEA - Sam Houston State
University, Huntsville, TX; Contact: Chris Saulnier: wk (281) 320-7081;
hm (281)304-1794; CHRISTOPHER.SAULNIER@cfisd.net
    
April 11-12, 2003    Texas TSA Region #5 - Project display will be at
Central Mall in Port Arthur/Nederland and On-site written exams/graphic
solutions will be held at the Lamar University Beaumont campus
Technology building, Contact:  Cris Boucher, cboucher@esc5.net
    
April 20, 2003    Easter
    
April 21-25, 2003    National Technology Students Association Week;
http://www.tsawww.org/conferences_programs/day.html
    
April 24-25, 2003    Texas TSA Region #7 - East Texas - Tyler Junior
College, Tyler Texas, Contact:  Bud Worley, (903)693-2552 x 273,
bud@sat.net.
    
April 24-26, 2003    Texas TSA Region #16 - PTTA - West Texas A&M
University Activity Center; Contact: Bob Caraway,  (806) 655-3377,
caro5226@canyonisd.net
    
April 25, 2003    Texas TSA Region #4B - San Jacinto TA - Atascocita MS,
Humble, Texas, Contact:  Billy Howard, (281) 641-4637,
billy.howard@humble.k12.tx.us
    
April 25, 2003    Texas TSA Region #12 - Heart of Texas TE - Texas State
Technical College, Waco, Texas, Contact:  Blane Busby, (254)791-6366,
bbusby@temple.isd.tenet.edu  
    
April 25-26, 2003    Texas TSA Region #4A - AHTE - Delmar Stadium
Houston, Contact:  Richard Lipham, (713) 688-1361 x327, Lipham@aol.com
    
April 25-26, 2003    Texas TSA Region #4C - Sweeny high school;
Contact: Ken Setzer, wk (979)-491-8154 or wk (979)491-8165, hm (979)
548-0548, Ksetzer@mail.sweeny.isd.esc4.net
    
April 25-26, 2003    Texas TSA Region #11 - W.E. Boswell High School,
5805 W. Bailey-Boswell Road, Ft. Worth, Contact:  Jim Smith  (817)
237-3314 ext. 8304 or JSmith@emsisd.com
    
April 25-26, 2003    Texas TSA Region #17 - Project competition -
Cavazos Jr. High School, Lubbock, Contact:  Eddie Nicholson, (806)
637-4523 , EJN1953@aol.com
    
April 25-29, 2003    Texas TSA Region #10 - NCTTA - North Garland
high school cafeteria; Contact: Michael W. Smiley, Horn High School,
(972) 882 - 5200 ext. 6850, Fax: (972) 882-5291, MSmiley@mesquiteisd.org
    
April 26, 2003    Texas TSA Region #13 - HCTEA - Del Valle HS, Del Valle,
TX; Contact:  Sal Armstrong ,  sarmstrong@del-valle.k12.tx.us
    
April 26, 2003    Texas TSA Region #14 - West Central TEA - West Central
Mall (tentative) Abilene, Contact: Ronnie Miller, (W) (915)235-4371,
milltech@bigcountry.net
    
April 26, 2003    Texas TSA Region #18 - WTTEA - Odessa HS, Odessa, Texas
- Contact:  Kent Crowell, (915) 689-1322 (W),  kcrowell@apex2000.net
April 27, 2004    TAKS Tests:
Grades 3-8 Mathematics; Grades 3-6 Spanish Mathematics
Grade 10 Social Studies
Grade 11 Mathematics
April 28, 2004    TAKS Tests:
Grades 4-8 Reading; Grades 4-6 Spanish Reading
Grade 10 Mathematics
Grade 11 Science
Grade 3 Reading (retest); Grade 3 Spanish Reading (retest)
April 29, 2004    TAKS Tests:
Grade 5 Science; Grade 5 Spanish Science
Grade 8 Social Studies
Grade 9 Mathematics
Grade 10 Science
Grade 11 Social Studies
April 29-30, 2003    TAKS Tests:
TAKS Grades 3-8 and 11 Mathematics;
TAKS Grades 3-6 Spanish Mathematics
TAAS Exit Level Writing (retest)***
TAKS Grade 3 Reading (retest); TAKS Grade 3 Spanish Reading (retest)
TAKS Grades 4-8 Reading; TAKS Grades 4-6 Spanish Reading
TAKS Grade 10 Mathematics
TAAS Exit Level Mathematics (retest)***
    
May 1-2, 2003    TAKS Tests:
TAKS Grade 9 Mathematics
TAKS Grades 8, 10, and 11 Social Studies
TAKS Grade 5 Science; TAKS Grade 5 Spanish Science
TAAS Exit Level Reading (retest)***
Grades 10 and 11 Science
    
May 6, 2003    National Teacher Day
    
May 8-10, 2003    Texas Technology Students Association State Conference;
Waco, TX; www.texastsa.org
    
May 26, 2003    Memorial Day
    
June 2, 2003    Texas Legislature Adjourns
    
June 9-13, 2003    State Instructional Materials Review Teams meet, Austin,
TX; http://www.tea.state.tx.us/textbooks/adoptprocess/index.html
    
June 25-29, 2003    National Technology Student Association
Conference; Orlando, FL;
http://www.tsawww.org/conferences_programs/nat_conf.html
    
June 23 - 27, 2003    Principles of Technology I Certification
Workshop; Corpus Christi;
Contact Anita Hinojosa, (361) 698-1787, ahinoho@delmar.edu,
http://www.uttyler.edu/technology/pt03flyer.htm
    
June 9 - 13, 2003    Principles of Technology I Certification
Workshop; San Antonio;
Contact:  Ruthie Pe'Vey, (210) 370-5424, ruthie.pevey@esc20.net,
http://www.uttyler.edu/technology/pt03flyer.htm
    
June 13-14, 2003    Texas TSA Summer Board Meeting; Del Valle high
school, Del Valle; Contact: Lindy Hopper, Texas TSA hotline (806)
655-1084, holy4834@canyonisd.net
    
June 16-18, 2003    Principles of Technology II Certification
Workshop; San Antonio;
Contact:  Ruthie Pe'Vey, (210) 370-5424, ruthie.pevey@esc20.net,
http://www.uttyler.edu/technology/pt03flyer.htm
    
July 7 - 22, 2003    Principles of Technology I & II Certification
Workshop; University of Texas at Tyler; Contact: Paul Roberts, (903)
566-7334, proberts@uttyler.edu ,
http://www.uttyler.edu/technology/pt03flyer.htm
    
July 28, 2003    ATTE Board of Directors Meeting, Wyndham Greenspoint
Hotel, Houston; Contact Chris Riola, hm (512) 251-8625, wk (512)
251-2238, cvriola@aol.com
    
July 28, 2003    TATER Meeting, Wyndham Greenspoint Hotel, Houston;
Contact: David Schuler, 915-758-3519 (H), dshuler@crosswind.net
    
July 28 -  July 31, 2003    Technology Education Professional
Development Conference, Houston, TX; www.texastechnology.com
    


 

GRANTS
Basic Elements of Grant Writing
http://www.cpb.org/grants/grantwriting.html
Successful grant writing involves the coordination of several
activities, including planning, searching for data and resources,
writing and packaging a proposal, submitting a proposal to a funder, and
follow-up.  This publication is an easy guide to these basic elements of
grant writing.
The Tech Museum Awards
http://www.techawards.thetech.org
Organization: Applied Materials Inc.
Deadline: May 2, 2003
The Tech Museum Awards, presented by Applied Materials Inc., honor
innovators and visionaries from around the world who are applying
technology to profoundly improve the human condition in the categories
of education, equality, environment, health, and economic development.
Individuals, for-profit companies, and not-for-profit organizations are
eligible. At an Awards Gala in November, five Laureates in each category
are honored, and $250,000 in cash prizes are awarded.
High School InvenTeam Grants
http://web.mit.edu/invent/
Organization: Lemelson-MIT Program
Deadline: May 9, 2003
The Lemelson-MIT Program for Invention and Innovation, through the
generosity of The Lemelson Foundation, launched InvenTeam Grants in 2002
to foster inventiveness in high school students. The goal is to raise
the confidence level of young people with respect to the innovative
contributions they can make. Grants support teams - composed of
students, teachers, and mentors from industry - that are formed for the
purpose of inventing something of value for their schools or
communities. Grants of up to $10,000 each will be awarded to 10 high
school teams nationwide for the academic year 2003-2004.
Teacher Professional Continuum (TPC)
http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2003/nsf03534/nsf03534.htm
Organization: The National Science Foundation
Deadline: May 19, 2003
This program addresses critical issues and needs regarding the
recruitment, preparation, enhancement, and retention of science,
technology, and mathematics (STM) teachers for grades K-12. Its goals
are to improve the quality and coherence of the learning experiences
that prepare and enhance STM teachers; to develop innovative resources
that prepare and support STM teachers and school and district
administrators; to research and develop models and systems that support
the teacher professional continuum; to research teacher learning and its
impact on teaching practice; and to disseminate this research as well as
innovative models and resources to a national audience. An estimated $28
million will be available for fiscal year 2004. This program replaces
the Teacher Enhancement program component and STEM Teacher Preparation.
 
 "Win A Wireless Lab" Sweepstakes
http://www.school.discovery.com/cdwg
Organization: CDW-G and Discovery Channel School
Deadline: June 1, 2003
CDW-G and Discovery Channel School have partnered to give away a
Wireless Computer Lab valued at approximately $40,000. The lab is
complete with 20 Hewlett Packard Notebook Computers, Netgear Wireless
Cards, and on-site set up. Additional prizes include 10 InFocus
projectors, 10 HP Ink-Jet Printers, and 10 sets of curriculum materials
from the Discovery Channel School library. Winners will be determined by
a random drawing. Also, DW-G and Discovery will produce a set of
curriculum materials designed especially for middle and high school
students. The materials, themed "All About Computers," will be sent to
5,000 district-level technology personnel across the United States free
of charge. In addition, 50,000 posters depicting how wireless technology
works will be mailed to technology specialists at middle and high
schools.
Oracle's Help Us Help Grants
http://www.helpushelp.org/index.html
Organization: Oracle Corp.
Deadline: August 31, 2003
Oracle Corp.'s Help Us Help Foundation is a nonprofit organization that
assists K-12 public schools and youth organizations in economically
challenged communities through grants computer equipment and software.
Funding comes from Oracle Corp., as well as from other charitable
donations. Grant recipients will receive brand new Apple iMac Computers
and Kyocera Mita laser printers. Three packages are available: 30 iMacs
and 6 printers, 15 iMacs and 3 printers, or 5 iMacs and 1 printer. U.S.
K-12 public and public charter schools are eligible if a significant
number of students qualify for the subsidized lunch program. Oracle also
requires that schools send their most recent test scores.
SMARTer Kids Grants
http://www.smarterkids.org/smartproducts/appform
Organization: The SMARTer Kids Foundation of Canada
Deadline: September 30, 2003
The SMARTer Kids Foundation of Canada announces US$40 million in SMARTer
Kids Grants for SMART products for the 2002-2003 school year. Available
to approved educational institutions, museums and libraries, these
grants are worth 20 to 70 percent of the suggested list price of SMART
Board(TM) interactive whiteboards, whiteboard cameras, multimedia
furniture and software. There is no limit on the number of qualifying
products for which the school may apply. (403) 228-8565
Potential top applicants - get ready!
http://www.ntia.doc.gov/top
Program: The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), National
Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), urges
non-profit organizations, including K-12 schools, higher education
institutions, and state, local, and tribal governments to prepare now
for a 2003 grant competition under the popular Technology Opportunities
Program (TOP).  NTIA plans to issue a solicitation shortly, but because
of this year's drawn-out appropriations process, there won't be much
time to pull together a proposal once the announcement appears in the
Federal Register.  Congress provided $15.5 million for TOP for fiscal
2003, up slightly from 2002. Contact: Telephone: (202) 482-2048; e-mail:
<topinfo@osmmail.ntia.doc.gov >
 

SCHOLARSHIPS
College Opportunities On-Line
http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/cool/
IPEDS College Opportunities On-Line (COOL) is your direct link to nearly
7,000 colleges and universities in the United States.  COOL was just
updated with academic year price information for 2002-03 and if you are
thinking about a large university, a small liberal arts college, a
specialized college, a community college, a career or technical college
or a trade school, you can find information about them all here.   
National Technology Achievement Award (NTAA)
http://www.technology.org/index.cfm
You know the students who welcome the challenge of learning about and
using technology at your school. They strive to become technologically
literate in a broad range of areas, and they use their skills to benefit
their peers, faculty, and community. These students deserve to be
honored for their efforts. According to teachers and administrators the
National Technology Achievement Award (NTAA), proudly sponsored by the
National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) and the
Technology Student Association, is the answer.  The NTAA lapel pin may
be presented to each deserving elementary, middle level, or high school
student to recognize and motivate all students as they work to build
upon and share their skills in technology. The recipients may be
students who:
*    Discover how to use computers, digital cameras, robotic devices,
or other technological tools
*    Apply their creativity and knowledge of technology to solve
problems or make improvements in the classroom and the community
*    Demonstrate an ongoing commitment to increase and enhance their
technological skills
*    Display their understanding of how to use technology wisely and
ethically
*    Exhibit independence, confidence, initiative, and integrity in
using technology.
The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes
http://barronprize.org/criteria/index.html
This prize honors young people from diverse backgrounds who have shown
extraordinary leadership in making our world better.  By protecting the
environment, helping people, halting violence, or leading other
important service work, these young people are true heroes -- and an
inspiration to us all.  Winners of the Barron Prize, who may range in
age from 8 to 18 years old, each receive $2,000. Responsible adults --
teachers, librarians, civic or religious leaders, or others -- who have
solid knowledge of a young person's heroic activities, and who are not
related to the nominee can make nominations.  Nomination deadline: May
31, 2003.
FastWEB
http://www.fastweb.com/
FastWEB is the largest online scholarship search available, with 600,000
scholarships representing over one billion in scholarship dollars.  It
provides students with accurate, regularly updated information on
scholarships, grants, and fellowships suited to their goals and
qualifications, all at no cost to the student.  Students should be
advised that FastWEB collects and sells student information (such as
name, address, e-mail address, date of birth, gender, and country of
citizenship) collected through their site.
 
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Young Scholars Program
http://www.jackkentcookefoundation.org
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, established by the late Washington
Redskins football team owner, seeks to help young people of exceptional
promise reach their full potential through education.  Through its Young
Scholars Program, the foundation provides highly able high school youths
with individualized educational services enabling them to develop their
talents and ability.  During eighth grade, each Young Scholar works with
the program's counselors to develop an individualized learning plan
(ILP) in preparation for high school.  Beginning in the summer before
ninth grade, each scholar receives the benefits outlined in his or her
ILP, which may include: academic, college and career counseling; help
finding the best high school environment; financial support for high
school tuition, summer program tuition and supplemental courses; access
to mentors; internships and tutors; financial assistance to develop
musical or artistic talents or obtain computer equipment; and a network
of other bright and motivated students. Deadline: May 1, 2003. Funding:
Approximately 35 awards.  The scholarship and monetary award are
renewable each spring; and may extend scholarships for undergraduate and
graduate education.  On average, each scholar will receive $15,000 per
year in direct services and counseling support. Eligibility: Students
who will enter the eighth grade in fall 2003 and have demonstrated
superior academic ability, leadership potential, and financial need.
This program is open to all highly able students, including those who
meet the above criteria and also have learning disabilities.

COMPETITIONS
Rosie's Girls Summer Program
http://www.pnnonline.org/article.php?sid=4223
Once again this summer, middle school-aged girls will have a unique
opportunity to spend three weeks banging nails with hammers, sawing
boards with chop saws, bending and cutting metal with welding torches
and plasma cutters and getting greasy under the hood of a car. Rosie's
Girls Summer Program is a three-week long trades exploration program for
girls entering 6th through 8th grades in the fall. Designed to meet the
particular needs of young adolescent girls, Rosie's Girls Summer Program
participants have the chance to push beyond preconceived limitations and
expand their sense of what they can achieve. By the end of the program,
most participants gain a vast array of new, practical skills and use
them to make a tangible contribution through the community service
activities. Full and partial scholarships are available. For more
information about or to request an application, call 802-878-0004 x103.
NASA Ames Research Center Space Settlement Contest
http://lifesci3.arc.nasa.gov/SpaceSettlement/Contest
The NASA Ames Research Center Annual Space Settlement Contest is an
annual event for 6-12th graders (11-18 years old) from anywhere in the
world. Individuals, small teams of two to six, and large teams of seven
or more (often whole classrooms with teacher leadership) may enter.
Grades 6-9 and 10-12 are judged separately, except for the grand prize.
As part of the contest, students develop space settlement designs and
related materials. Space colonies are permanent communities in orbit, as
opposed to living on the Moon or other planets. The work of Princeton
physicist Dr. O'Neill and others have shown that such colonies are
technically feasible, although expensive. Settlers of this high frontier
are expected to live inside large air-tight, rotating structures holding
hundreds, thousands, or even millions of people along with the animals,
plants, and single celled organisms vital to comfort and survival. There
are many advantages to living in orbit: zero-g recreation, environmental
independence, plentiful solar energy, and terrific views, to name a few.

 

CLASSROOM RESOURCES

Bio-Related Technology
"Who Did It?" Builds Laboratory Skills
http://www.teachersfirst.com/lessons/forensics/
This week we introduce a new science unit for middle and high school
students. "Who Did It?" uses an introduction to forensics as a tool to
build analytical and laboratory skills in students who are still
mastering scientific method. This is a large unit: there are eight
different activities including a DNA web quest and lab session. Each
activity is based on a different "crime" and type of forensic analysis.
The culminating project is a lab practical. Complete rubrics and
printable handouts round out this unit. We hope it will prove
attractive, especially to students whose enthusiasm for lab activities
needs a little boost.
History of the Band-Aid  
http://home.nycap.rr.com/useless/bandaids/index.html

Communication Technology
How Stuff Works
http://express.howstuffworks.com
Recent partners with Lycos as a reference channel, HowStuffWorks.com is
an online encyclopedia that details how various phenomena and
technologies work. Users can read about anything, from how cell phones
work to what causes a hurricane. The site also includes an extraordinary
people link, a homework wizard, and a mysteries and misconceptions
section.
"What's Up in Technology?"
http://www.wnet.org/wnetschool/tech This is a new curriculum package
which combines video with printed materials and online resources to
showcase careers in technology. Try this website and download a free
excellent teacher's curriculum guide.

Computer Technology
AVG AntiVirus
http://www.grisoft.com/html/us_downl.htm?session66eb192f0c1c5b8bcbe41f90
21401cf9
The AVG AntiVirus program offers users a broad range of features that
will
be quite helpful in avoiding and detecting computer viruses that may
infect their system. Some of the tools included in this utility include
an email scanner, virus database updates, basic scheduled tests, and an
automatic update feature. This version of the program is free, although
no technical support is available. The AntiVirus utility is compatible
with all systems running Windows 95 and higher. [KMG]
From The Scout Report, Copyright Internet Scout Project 1994-2002.
http://scout.wisc.edu /
 
Spy 1.0
http://www.silvernetwork.net/spy /
While there are quite a few screen capture programs available, this
novel utility adds a small twist. Spy 1.0 allows users to run a server
on their Mac, that when accessed via a Web browser, lets people view a
JPEG image of their desktop. The most helpful part of this application
is that individuals can view users' desktops via a Web browser without
any extra plugins. This application will be a fun addition for Mac
users, as Spy 1.0 is only compatible with Mac computers running OS X and
higher. [KMG] From The Scout Report, Copyright Internet Scout Project
1994-2002. http://scout.wisc.edu /
EROS: The Extremely Reliable Operating System
http://www.eros-os.org /
The Extremely Reliable Operation System (EROS) "is a capability-based
operating system designed to support the security and reliability needs
of active systems." The EROS homepage has documentation about the
system's development and principles, as well as source code and links to
download the software. Developers will find tutorials, installation
instructions, and manuals on programming for EROS. John Hopkins
University and the University of Pennsylvania are the two main
contributors to the project. [CL] From The Scout Report, Copyright
Internet Scout Project 1994-2002. http://scout.wisc.edu /
Educational Technology and Society
http://ifets.ieee.org/periodical /
Educational Technology and Society is a quarterly electronic journal
that addresses "issues affecting the developers of educational systems
and educators who implement and manage such systems." Published partly
in association with the Learning Technology Task Force of the Institute
of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the journal often has special
features or focuses; for instance, the October 2002 issue has several
articles on recent advances and developments in learning technology.
Other sections provide case studies, reviews of books, software, Web
sites, and related formal discussions. Complete instructions regarding
article submission are given on the journal's homepage. [CL] From The
Scout Report, Copyright Internet Scout Project 1994-2002.
http://scout.wisc.edu /
The Journey Inside
http://www97.intel.com/scripts-tji/index.asp
The Web designers at Intel did a tremendous job when designing The
Journey Inside, a Web site on computer and Internet-related
technologies. Six sections offer interactive lessons, video
demonstrations, and interesting stories about fundamental concepts. The
first section provides a general introduction to computers. Next is an
informative overview of Circuits and Switches, followed by a discussion
of Digital Information storage and analysis. Microprocessor basics, the
Internet, and Technology and Society round out the last three sections.
Teachers can also find useful resources on this site, but they first
need to complete a free registration. [CL] From The Scout Report,
Copyright Internet Scout Project 1994-2002. http://scout.wisc.edu/

The 12 Deadly Sins of Site Design
http://www.bbctraining.co.uk/pdfs/deadlysins.pdf
BBC Training and Development released this report on poor Web site
design practices in October 2002. It documents the results of a study
conducted by the organization, which evaluated over 60 prominent UK Web
sites on their ease of use, presentation, and relevancy. While the
report was prepared mainly to help companies improve the online
experience for their customers, anyone who deals with Web development
(even for personal Web pages) can learn some valuable lessons. Some of
the most common pitfalls of site design are outlined. A frequent problem
arises from not understanding how people use the Web, and design time is
wasted on useless features while other important features are neglected.
This report identifies many problems like this, and once they are
identified, they are often easy to correct. [CL] From The Scout Report,
Copyright Internet Scout Project 1994-2002. http://scout.wisc.edu/
CYBERSMART
http://www.staysafeonline.info /
The National Cyber Security Alliance announced the availability of
cyber-security tips and posters for K-12 teachers and students. These
resources can be viewed and printed from the Alliance's website.

Construction Technology
The Rocky Mountain Institute: Home Resource Efficiency
http://www.rmi.org/sitepages/pid167.php
The Rocky Mountain Institute offers an informational Web site entitled
Home Resource Efficiency. Visitors can learn several tips and tricks on
how to keep their home as energy efficient as possible with link titles
such as Energy Efficiency: First Things First; Appliances and Lighting;
Home Cooling; Household Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Savings Measures;
Household Water Efficiency; Resource-Efficient New Home Construction;
Environmentally Friendly Building Materials; Renewable Energy: Solar,
Wind, Micro-Hydro; Indoor Air Quality; and Recycling. Each page contains
some basic information about the subject, what we can do to help with
energy efficiency, and additional helpful links. [JAB] From The Scout
Report, Copyright Internet Scout Project 1994-2002.
http://scout.wisc.edu /
Teaching Construction Websites
http://areaguides.com/ubuild/EducationProject.htm

Residential Home Design & The Affect On Energy Usage
http://areaguides.com/ubuild/0sitemap.htm

How House Construction Works
http://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/documents/strawbale.html

http://www.construction-cost.com/
This site has a link to every site on the Web that lists construction
material costs. Bookmark this page for future reference -- new sites are
added regularly.

http://www.homebuildingmanual.com/Glossary.htm
Construction Glossary from Home Building Manual This Construction
Glossary is free to everyone, courtesy of Home Building Manual **  

http://www.homebuildingmanual.com/index.html
The Professional TRADE SECRETS for MANAGING the building of a Home or
renovating an existing home are HERE! Over 250 Pages of Chronological
Checklists, Critical Path Timelines, Labor and Material Budgets,
Contractor Performance, Financing, Pre-Construction Checklists, and
MORE!  Home Building Manual

http://www.k2construction.com/building.htm
K2 Construction: Building and Construction Terms

http://www.trenton.edu/~energy/homecomm/FutureHomeConstruction.htm
In the past, homes could be made out of any material available and be
put anywhere on land. In the future, availability of space and building
materials are two main problems architects will encounter. Adequate
space for homes diminishes every day, and homes are being squeezed in
places that they never would have been put before. Abundant materials
such as straw, steel and plastic will construct the homes of the future.
In this web site, more information on future construction can be found.
Along with construction information, a working lesson plan has been
added to aid teachers in the understanding of how and where future
construction could take place.

http://www.soundhome.com/glossary.shtml
Do you ever feel as if your contractor is selling you polyisocyanurate
foam when what you really needed was a setback thermostat? Here is a
handy guide to the common (and not so common construction terms).

http://www.epsea.org/adobe.html
The oldest existing structures in the southwest are built with adobe
blocks and these include both homes and missions. The reason that early
settlers built with the earth was because this was the only plentiful
building material.

http://www.hometime.com/
Hometime.com- your online source for home improvement, remodeling, and
repair information.

http://www.everycontractor.com/
Every contractor, Inc. was incorporated in 1999 to take advantage of the
enormous opportunities in serving the Internet related needs of the
Building and Construction Industry.

http://www.b4ubuild.com /
B4UBUILD.COM is being designed for use by anyone involved with
residential construction.

http://www.selfbuildanddesign.com/begfram.htm
Index to...our comprehensive self build for beginners features (UK Site)

Energy, Power, And Transportation Technology
Southwest Airlines' Adopt-A-Pilot Program Takes Off Nationwide
www.southwest.com/adoptapilot
So commercial pilots can navigate a 72,000-pound aircraft at speeds of
250 mph through various weather conditions, but can they fold a paper
airplane as well as a 10-year old? More than 450 Southwest Pilots will
give it a try this year as they mentor fifth- grade students in
Southwest Airlines' Adopt-A-Pilot program. Through the program, more
than 15,000 students across the country will adopt Southwest Pilots.
Together, Pilots and classes will implement program curriculum that
incorporates science, math, geography, language arts, and other subjects
to discover more than just how an airplane flies -- to see how education
is critical in reaching one's personal goals.  The Adopt-A-Pilot program
is a four-week mentorship program where Pilots volunteer their time in
adoptive classrooms and correspond from the "road" via electronic mail
and postcards. Using an official United States route map, each class
charts its adopted Pilot's course. The students record the daily flying
statistics sent by their Pilots into the Adopt-A-Pilot curriculum
provided.
WebEE: The Electrical Engineering Homepage
http://www.web-ee.com/
WebEE is a great reference for electrical engineers, students, or
electronics hobbyists. A long list of schematics describes how to build
circuits for different applications, such as audio filters, waveform
generators, and battery chargers. A schematic and instructions are even
included that describe how to modify a Nintendo Game Boy to be used as
an oscilloscope. Several categories of downloadable software are given
on WebEE, as well as a plethora of tutorials about various subjects and
equipment. Most of the material is located on the WebEE site; however,
some of it links to offsite resources. A forum is also available (after
a free registration) to exchange ideas or ask questions. [CL] From The
Scout Report, Copyright Internet Scout Project 1994-2002.
http://scout.wisc.edu/
General Electric Company: Innovation Timeline
http://www.ge.com/en/commitment/innovation/media.htm
Now over 110 years old, General Electric played an important role in the
worldwide adoption of many modern technologies. The company maintains
this timeline of events and innovations that happened since its
formation. Beginning with Thomas Edison's carbon filament lamp in 1879,
the timeline briefly describes each entry and its significance. A
picture and the occasional video clip are also included. While some of
the material pertains to GE history, it mainly represents technological
progress made at the national level. [CL]
Two on Hydrogen Power
Bush Cites Need to Develop Affordable Hydrogen-Powered Fuel Cells
http://usinfo.state.gov/topical/global/energy/03013001.htm
FreedomCAR: Office of Transportation Technologies [.pdf]
http://www.ott.doe.gov/freedom_car.shtml
In his State of the Union Address on January 28, 2003, President Bush
made a case for further fuel cell development. Current efforts in this
area have not determined how to efficiently produce or extract hydrogen
for the cells. In hopes of solving this problem, Bush proposed a $1.2
billion FreedomFUEL initiative. The first site discusses the initiative
and its potential to create a nearly pollution-free method of
electricity generation. FreedomFUEL is closely related to the FreedomCAR
program, which has its homepage at the second site. News releases and
fact sheets are available, as well as overviews of fuel cells and the
technical goals of the program. [CL] From The Scout Report, Copyright
Internet Scout Project 1994-2002. http://scout.wisc.edu/
NOVA: Battle of the X-Planes [Flash]
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/xplanes/
First aired on February 4, 2003, Battle of the X-Planes looked at the
development of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). The JSF is intended to be
the next-generation military jet for the US, and Boeing and Lockheed
Martin are vying to have their respective version chosen by the
government. This is the companion site to the NOVA episode. Many
interactive features, interviews, and articles attest to the sheer
magnitude of the project. One section of the site explains the many
design decisions that need to be considered for a stealth aircraft.
Another section provides a first-hand account of visiting highly
classified military sites and the development process of the JSF. [CL]
From The Scout Report, Copyright Internet Scout Project 1994-2002.
http://scout.wisc.edu

EnergyEd
http://www.ergon.com.au/energyed/default.asp
One of Australia's largest electricity companies, Ergon Energy has a Web
site that contains a good educational area called Energy. Kids can learn
how energy is created using coal, geothermal power, hydro power,
landfills, nuclear power, solar power, sugar cane, wind power, and
wave-tidal power. Other links on the site provide quizzes and activities
categorized by age group with titles such as make a solar water heater,
make an electromagnet, school energy audit, and make an electric motor,
among others. The quizzes allow kids to input their name to personalize
their work, answer questions that come from previous readings, and then
click to see how many they've gotten right and of course find out the
correct answers. One problem encountered with the site was an
incompatibility with Netscape browsers, although Microsoft Explorer
worked fine. [JAB] From The Scout Report, Copyright Internet Scout
Project 1994-2002. http://scout.wisc.edu/

Centennial of Flight Commission
http://www.centennialofflight.gov/index.htm
The Centennial of Flight Commission was created by the U.S. Congress in
1999 to serve as a national and international source of information
about activities to commemorate the centennial of the Wright Brothers'
first powered flight on the sands at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, on
December 17, 1903. There will be much centennial excitement in 2003 in
both North Carolina and Dayton, Ohio, home place of the Wright brothers.
In addition to these celebrations, we anticipate numerous historical and
educational projects about aviation and aeronautics that will be an
important legacy of the centennial of powered flight.

The IEEE Virtual Museum
http://www.ieee.org/museum
The IEEE Virtual Museum web site is premised on the belief that
examining what was increases our understanding of what is. It explores
the global social impact of electrical and information sciences and
technologies and demonstrates the relevance of engineering and engineers
to society. Designed for educators, pre-college students, and the
general public, the virtual museum debuted with two exhibits. The first,
Socket to Me! How Electricity Came to Be examines the early history of
electricity and how it has been used in fields such as communications,
computing, laser technology, and medicine. The second, The Beat Goes On:
How Sounds are Recorded and Played explores sound recording from the
early days of the phonograph to digital recording and distribution.
Exhibits feature interactive features and animations, audio and video
clips, and images of artifacts and historical social events. Three more
exhibits are scheduled for release by third quarter 2002. These will
explore the different applications of microwaves, the works of Thomas
Edison, and contributions women have made to electrical and information
technologies. A teacher section is currently in development and will
provide educators with instructional classroom materials.

ENGINEERING
Introduce A Girl To Engineering
www.asme.org/education/precollege/gsusa .
In a broad outreach program to girls, introduced this month during
National Engineers Week, American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
President Susan H. Skemp issued a call to ASME's female members to help
raise awareness about engineering and the rewards it offers by appearing
at Girl Scouts of America venues. Program materials include a 10-minute
video, "Mothers of Invention," a hands-on activity plan for a Mystery
Mechanism that will earn credit toward the Girl Scout Patch for
"Building a Better Future," some brochures, and give-away items that can
be left with the troop leader and the girls as reminders of ASME and
Engineers Week. Over 3000 girls will learn about engineering through the
program during Engineers Week.

Mars Exploration Rovers: Home Demos
http://athena.cornell.edu/kids/home_demos.html
The Athena Project is collaborative and international effort to land a
series of rovers on Mars in 2003. The Mars Exploration Rovers Web site
chronicles these efforts, as well as offering various facts and learning
activities like those found on the Home Demos page. The seven demos
teach kids various things about Mars such as how scientists know there
used to be water on Mars; how Mars seems to orbit back and forth; how
difficult it is to land on Mars; what the soil on Mars is comprised of;
how to create a volcano similar to Mars' Olympus Moons, which is the
largest known volcano in the universe; how wind effects soil on Mars;
and if there may be life on Mars. Each activity includes an explanation
of what is needed and how to complete the experiment, as well as how it
relates to the Athena Project. [JAB] From The Scout Report, Copyright
Internet Scout Project 1994-2002. http://scout.wisc.edu/

Manufacturing Technology
Innovators 2001: The Best Minds at Work
www.usnews.com/usnews/issue/001225/intro.htm
It's more than rocket science. Innovation-the work of the scientists and
engineers profiled in this series-doesn't just change our understanding
of reality, the way pure science can; it changes lives, now or decades
down the road. You can choose to find out more about different current
innovators, such as Christain Burks.
Inventors and Innovation
www.si.edu/resource/faq/nmah/invent.htm
Have your students create their own timeline with the selections
incorporated into this exhibit from the Smithsonian Institution. Have
them create their own future invention, designing a template and writing
a presentation on how it works and why it will be important.
Invention Convention
http://edweb.sdsu.edu/courses/EDTEC596/Project1/Inventors.html
This lesson plan integrates science, social studies, and language arts,
and culminates with an Invention Fair.
The following are new Inventors and Inventions websites:
http://web.mit.edu/afs/athena.mit.edu/org/i/invent/
"The Lemelson-MIT Program celebrates those inventors who have turned
their ideas into accomplishments. We foster an enthusiasm for asking-and
answering-the questions that change lives. Learn how our acclaimed
awards and outreach programs inspire the next generation of inventors,
and explore our unique Invention Dimension."

http://school.discovery.com/lessonplans/6-8.html

http://school.discovery.com/lessonplans/k-5.html

http://school.discovery.com/lessonplans/9-12.html
 "Some lesson plans include suggestions for adaptations for older or
younger audiences"

 http://mustang.coled.umn.edu/inventing/inventing.html
 Learn about what it takes to be an Inventor?

 http://school.discovery.com/lessonplans/programs/bridges/index.html
 "resources about bridges and their construction"

 
http://school.discovery.com/lessonplans/programs/understanding-electricity/index.html
 "links dealing with the practical uses of electricity"

 
http://school.discovery.com/lessonplans/programs/understanding-magnetism/index.html
" ..sites dealing with magnetism that include tutorials, images, and
much more; (primary level #1 and primary level #2)"

 http://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/lesson240.shtml
Teaching Through Invention

 http://www.education-world.com/a_lesson/lesson120.shtml
 Internet Scavenger Hunt: Inventors and Inventions

  http://jefferson.village.virginia.edu/~meg3c/id/id_education.html
 Invention & Design: Education

 http://falcon.jmu.edu/~ramseyil/inventors.htm
 Inventors & Inventions for K-12 Education

 http://www.inventamerica.com/contest.cfm
 Enrolled members are eligible to submit entries in the annual national
INVENT AMERICA! student invention contest!

 http://www.kidsinvent.org/
 Kids Invent!(tm) develops and distributes curriculum for one week
summer camps, after school programs, and classroom learning that foster
creative thinking, inventing and entrepreneurial enterprise among
elementary and middle school children.

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/inventors /  
Zoom Inventors and Inventions    
Space Science; What's better: People or machines?
http://whyfiles.org/171manned_space/index.html
Columbia's crash raises a question that can't be ignored: Manned
spaceflight is expensive - and dangerous. How great are the real
benefits? Can space science be done cheaper and safer?
 

Integrated Curriculum
Shel Silverstein National Poetry Month Classroom Kits
http://www.harperchildrens.com/hch/fiction/features/poetry/shel/
April is national poetry month and HarperCollins has prepared a special
free Classroom Poetry Kit based on "Where the Sidewalk Ends" and other
cherished Silverstein books. These favorites help teachers and students
explore the many dimensions of poetry, making it fun and accessible to
children of all ages.  For more information and to order the free kit,
call (800) 331-3761.

GPS
http://www.aero.org/publications/GPSPRIMER/
Did you know that the first Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite
was placed into orbit in 1978? The Global Positioning System (GPS)
Primer, created by the Aerospace Corporation, gives basic information on
how a GPS works and the many ways in which it is used. The GPS Primer is
also downloadable (.pdf, 1618 KB).

History
http://www.historychannel.com/speeches/
"Hear the Words That Changed the World," from the History Channel, is a
searchable archive of 540 famous broadcasts and recordings. The speeches
span a wide variety of speakers and topics, from Martin Luther King
Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech to Neil Armstrong's walk on the moon.

Math
http://www.mathforum.org/dr.math/
Drexel University's Math Forum hosts "Ask Dr. Math," a
question-and-answer service providing help on the most common math
questions. A searchable archive is available by grade level and topic.
Students can submit questions through an online form; personal replies
are provided via email.

GoMath
http://www.gomath.com/
Grade school students will find GoMath.com a valuable online tutor for
almost any topic in mathematics. The three most useful sections of the
site are Algebra Solutions, Geometry Solutions, and Formula-To-Go. The
first two explain many common mathematical properties and offer
mini-lessons and worksheets about each topic. Formula-To-Go has
equations, tables, and calculus identities that make an excellent quick
reference. Another section that is better suited for practice is the
questions archive. Teachers can also make use of the archive, which
contains over 30,000 questions and solutions that span fourteen
categories. [CL] From The Scout Report, Copyright Internet Scout Project
1994-2002. http://scout.wisc.edu/
 
VIRTUAL MUSEUM LINKS
Below you'll find educator-reviewed links to a handful of the world's
best virtual museums.  You'll quickly discover dozens of high-quality
online exhibits related to many of your tried-and-true lesson plans.
bigchalk's List of Virtual Museums
http://i.bigchalk.com/U/TT-MARCH03BCLIST

Smithsonian
http://i.bigchalk.com/U/TT-MARCH03SMITH
With more than 100 museums boasting 29 million visitors in 2002, it's no
wonder the Smithsonian's Web site is among the most robust virtual field
trip destinations.  Here you'll find digital exhibits related to art and
design (architecture, artists, Asian art, photography), history and
culture (American history, biographies, politics, religion), plus
science and technology (animals, aviation, ecology, geology).  Be sure
to use the search box at the top of the site's home page to find online
exhibits quickly, or you may find yourself getting lost deep inside this
treasure trove of quality information.

The Franklin Institute Online
http://i.bigchalk.com/U/TT-MARCH03BENFRANK
In the spirit of inquiry and discovery embodied by Benjamin Franklin,
the Franklin Institute's mission is to inspire an understanding of and
passion for science and technology learning.  Students of all ages will
enjoy exploring the many thematic topics, which rotate frequently.
Topics such as Women's History Month (March), earthquakes, the human
heart and brain, and even El Nino are fun to explore and will challenge
young readers to perform experiments, investigate history and apply
their knowledge beyond the computer and classroom into everyday life.
Lessons plans, student activities and ideas for extending the lessons
across the curriculum are available.

Exploratorium
http://i.bigchalk.com/U/TT-MARCH03EXPLORE
The Exploratorium is a museum of science, art and human perception
located in San Francisco.  Included on its site are more than 12,000 Web
pages and many sound and video files, exploring hundreds of different
topics.  The Exploratorium's Web site is an extension of the experiences
on the museum's floor.  The site contains instructions for more than 500
simple science experiments, all of which may be viewed using any type of
Web browser, with even the slowest connection, and easily printed out.
Many of the newest offerings require free Shockwave, Flash, QuickTime VR
and other browser plug-in technologies. These exhibits are patterned
after real ones on the museum floor; many times they provide a richer
experience than their physical counterparts!

U.S.  Holocaust Memorial Museum
http://i.bigchalk.com/U/TT-MARCH03HOLO
The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is America's national
institution for the documentation, study and interpretation of Holocaust
history.  Between 1933 and 1945, Jews were the primary victims of the
Holocaust -- more than six million were murdered. Gypsies, the
handicapped and Poles were also targeted for destruction for racial,
ethnic, or national reasons.  The museum's primary mission is to advance
and disseminate knowledge about this tragedy, to preserve the memory of
those who suffered and to encourage its visitors to reflect upon the
moral and spiritual questions raised by the events of the Holocaust as
well as their own responsibilities as citizens of a democracy.  A varied
collection of information, photographs, lesson plans and other
educational materials is available.  Click the Education link to
download and print the free "Teaching About the Holocaust" curriculum
guide.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
http://i.bigchalk.com/U/TT-MARCH03THEMET
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the world's largest and finest
art museums!  Its collections include more than two million works of art
spanning 5,000 years of world culture, from prehistory to the present
and from every part of the globe.  More than a dozen mini sites are
available related to the current exhibits at the Met, along with a
must-see Timeline of Art History.  The time line places hundreds of
artifacts, paintings and other objects into context across thousands of
years of history.  Plus, the items can be viewed through a world map
interface to add geographical context to your lessons.  Don't forget to
click the Educational Resources link to retrieve the latest lessons and
activities.

Louvre Museum, Paris
http://i.bigchalk.com/U/TT-MARCH03LUVRE
Established in 1793 by French revolutionaries, the Louvre is one of the
oldest museums on the planet!  Over the years, the original royal palace
has been expanded to add even more exhibit space.  A controversial glass
pyramid was the latest addition in 1989.  The appeal of the Louvre is
really the vast art collection, including the "Mona Lisa" and the "Venus
de Milo," paintings from El Greco and Delacroix, and ancient artifacts
like an Egyptian sphinx and the Law-Codex of Hammurabi. Visiting this
site is truly the next best thing to a ticket to Paris!

TEACHER RESOURCES
From the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN)
http://www.cosn.org/initiatives/compendium/2.pdf
The second in a compendium of informative perspectives about new trends
in educational technology. "No More Flying Blind: Using Data-Driven
Decision-Making to Guide Student Learning" takes a look at how school
leaders can collect and interpret data to provide direction for
sure-fire instructional improvement. According to CoSN, data-driven
decision-making could rescue education from its long-time reliance on
high-stakes tests. This latest resource offers a list of service
providers that can help schools manage and collect data, explores
several case studies where data were used to help spur student
achievement, and lists a number of educational organizations that are
available to help schools choose and implement new services and
procedures. According to CoSN, the third installment in the compendium,
"Cutting the Cord: Wireless Computing Comes of Age," is coming soon. The
first component, "Strong Medicine: Moving to Evidence-Based Education,"
is already available.

Special Education
http://www.ldonline.org/teaching/index.html
LD Online's "Kid Zone" offers learning and advocacy resources for
children with learning disabilities. The site includes an art gallery
and magazine featuring student work.
'
No Child Left Behind'
http://nclb.ecs.org/nclb/
The Education Commission of the States has developed an extensive
"real-time" database to track states' progress on meeting the myriad
requirements of the federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. The law is
expected to affect most public schools.

Offering Guidance
http://www.teachersfirst.com/tchr-subj.cfm?subject=guidance&lower=1&amp;upper=12
From time to time, most teachers will encounter a student whose class
work takes a sudden turn for the worse due to a family or emotional
issue. There's no substitute for personalized attention in these
situations, but TeachersFirst's Guidance resources can offer specific
suggestions to help cope with a broad spectrum of family, emotional, and
other issues that can adversely affect students. These resources can
often help classroom teachers establish what types of specific referrals
might be helpful to a student.

A section of Education World devoted to articles for substitute teachers
and about issues related to substituting.
http://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/curr359.shtml .
Among the articles you will find there are the following:
* Substitute Survival: Mini Lessons for Unexpected Moments
* Substitute Survival: Tools You Can Use
* Don't Waste a Minute: Quick-Tivities for Awkward Moments
* Ten Games for Classroom Fun
* Rock or Feather: A Critical-Thinking Activity for Students

Reflective Practice
Start with What the Student Knows, or With What the Student Can Imagine?
http://www.pdkintl.org/kappan/k0302ega.htm
From Phi Delta Kappan, February 2003. Professor of education Kieran Egan
questions the commonly accepted practice of connecting new material to
what students already know. A more rewarding starting point, he argues,
might be students' imaginations.
At The Turning Point: The Young Adolescent Learner
http://www.turningpts.org/
Young adolescents -- children between the ages of ten and fourteen --
are at a critical stage of intellectual development. Research suggests
that during these years, students either commit to lifelong learning or
lose interest in school altogether. Turning Points believes that middle
schools are the critical bridge between childhood and a successful
adulthood, and challenges middle schools to meet the unique needs of
young adolescents in order to prepare students for future success. Yet
most middle-level educators are not well prepared or specially trained
to teach this age group. Most states do not require middle grades
licensure or certification and as a result, high-quality middle grade
teacher preparation has not been widely available.

*Committing the Cardinal Sin*
http://www.middleweb.com/mw/msdiaries/02-03wklydiaries/HM05.html
Heather Migdon, Washington DC Public Schools
As a new teacher, Heather has been told often that being too nice or
friendly to one's students is a cardinal sin. "However," she writes,
"I'm beginning to think that it's possible even for students to be so
distant from their teachers that the effectiveness of instruction is
minimized, if not depleted entirely."

Talking and Listening to Kids
http://www.middleweb.com/mw/msdiaries/02-03wklydiaries/AB20.html
Annie's reading the best-selling book How to Talk So Kids Will Listen
and Listen So Kids Will Talk and she's decided to put some of the
authors' ideas about effective communication into practice. The results,
she says, have not only produced positive changes in her kids, but in
their teacher. "It felt so much better than the quick brush-offs I had
been using with troubled kids in the past. It felt like I was actually
teaching and mentoring."

MASTER TEACHER TIP OF THE WEEK
www.masterteacher.com

MT Tip of the Week - February 13, 2003
Communication Skills
If you aren't sure what someone is trying to say, always ask him or her
to clarify it for you.  More often than not, other listeners are having
the same trouble.  Asking for clarification actually serves to validate
the person talking because you are showing interest in what he or she is
saying.  And it gives the speaker an opportunity to say what he or she
truly means -- and everyone else a chance to understand.

MT Discipline Tip of the Week - February 13, 2003
When two students try to involve you in their argument, don't spend long
talking to either student separately.  Get them together, and let each
have equal time -- without interruption.  Then approach the problem
simply and directly.  Ask whether they want to continue quarreling or
patch things up.  Say, "We can tell war stories and dwell on who did
what -- or we can lay it aside and start again."  Don't minimize the
problem.  Just acknowledge that mistreatment has occurred or there
wouldn't be a problem.  Then proceed to develop a plan and gain a
commitment for changed behavior.  Secure promises that they will start
anew.  With this emphasis on "getting together" and "letting bygones by
bygones," students are more likely to forgive and forget.  What they
both need is a teacher to act as a mediator, not a judge or enforcer.

MT Tip of the Week - February 21, 2003
Parent Relationships
As we all know, many students have difficulty with math.  But there are
a number of games you can suggest that parents use to help their
children improve their math skills.  First, recommend checkers. Checkers
can be used for addition, subtraction, and multiplication. Simply tape
numbers on top of the checkers.  When the students are ready to jump,
have them add the numbers on the checkers they are jumping.  If they
have the right answer, they may jump.  If their answer is incorrect, no
move is made.  The winner will be the one with the most checkers, or the
players can add the numbers on top of the checkers to determine who has
the highest score.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPURTUNITIES
Now Is A Good Time To Set A New Professional Development Objective
http://teachers.net/gazette/FEB03/portner.html
Hal Portner tells teachers, "This is a good time to identify a personal,
high-priority, area for professional growth. It's a good time because
you have at least a half-year's supply of memories, reflections and data
still fresh in your mind and at your fingertips. It's also a good time
because you have a half-year ahead of you to work on addressing that
professional growth area." Then Hal explains exactly how to get started.
Online Master Of Arts In Technology Education
Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana has designed an online master
of arts program for those teaching Technology Education (formerly
Industrial Arts) or those with a bachelor's degree in Technology
Education.  Each degree can be completed at your own pace, requiring a
total of thirty credit hours of coursework, and does not require a
thesis.  In addition, you can transfer up to nine credit hours (three
courses) of graduate work from other universities.  The program has been
designed to emphasize ease of use, flexibility, and contact with your
professor and fellow students while retaining the integrity of the
on-campus offering.
The program is tailored for teachers who desire a Master's degree or
have continuing education requirements to fulfill.  You can complete
your degree or take a single course.  With so few masters programs in
Technology Education and Career & Technical Education available
throughout the country, the Master of Arts degrees offered online from
Ball State University provides place-bound teachers flexibility,
convenience, and advancement opportunity without the need to travel to
campus.  Information on the program is available online at
<http://www.bsu.edu/web/iandt />.

Project Probase Seeks Writing Team Members
The National Science Foundation's Advanced Technological Education
program has awarded funding to Illinois State University's Department of
Technology for Project Probase. The Project is developing eight major
curriculum units for the 11th and 12th grade levels. These
standards-based units will use hands-on problem-solving activities to
teach the fundamentals of technology in the fields of agriculture,
information and communications, entertainment and recreation, energy and
power, transportation, medicine, construction, and manufacturing. The
Probase curricula will focus on core concepts identified in the
Standards for Technological Literacy: Content for the Study of
Technology. This two-year program will help prepare high school students
who plan to go on to community college technician education programs or
university-level engineering programs. Application for the writing team
is a competitive process. Each selected participant will be expected to
attend a writing workshop on the campus of Illinois State University in
July 2003. Those selected will receive a $2,000 stipend, a
transportation allowance, housing, and meals during the workshop. All
materials developed as part of this project will become the property of
Illinois State University. Visit www.probase.ilstu.edu to download an
application. For more information, contact Triangle Coalition Board
Member Richard Satchwell, Curriculum Specialist, Project Probase at
resatch@ilstu.edu .

2003 Carole Fine Professional Development Internship
http://www.ncrel.org/info/cfine/
The Carole Fine Professional Development Internship is sponsored by the
North Central Regional Educational Laboratory and is a six-week summer
internship that offers an exceptional teacher the opportunity to work
side-by-side with other professionals on the forefront of educational
research and development.  All practicing pre-K-12 teachers in the
United States with at least two years of classroom experience are
invited to apply.  Application deadline: April 21, 2003.
Fulbright Scholar Program

Program: The Fulbright Scholar Program is offering lecturing/research
awards in 140 countries for the 2004-2005 academic year.  Opportunities
are available for college and university faculty and administrators, and
also for professionals from business and government, as well as
journalists, lawyers, scientists, artists, independent scholars, and
many others.  Traditional Fulbright awards are available from two months
to a full academic year or longer.  A new program, the Fulbright Senior
Specialists Program offers two- to six-week grants in a variety of
disciplines and fields.  Most Fulbright lecturing assignments are in
English.
Deadline: Application deadlines are May 1, 2003 for Fulbright
Distinguished Chair awards in Europe, Canada, and Russia; August 1, 2003
for Fulbright traditional lecturing and research grants worldwide; and a
rolling deadline for the Fulbright Senior Specialists Program.
Contact: Information and an online application are available at
<http://www.cies.org >; or contact the Council for International Exchange
of Scholars (CIES) at (202) 686-7877 or by e-mail at
<apprequest@cies.iie.org >.
 

Note:  This newsletter is provided as an information service to members
of this newsletter group, and does not necessarily reflect the opinions,
policies, or endorsements by the Texas Education Agency.
The website content and addresses were verified during development of
this newsletter.

 
Karen Batchelor, Director
and
Mary Lorenz, Program Specialist
Technology Education
Texas Education Agency
1701 North Congress Ave.
WBT 1-107
Austin, TX 78701-1494
512/463-9311
512/475-3575 Fax
 

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