http://ideas.wisconsin.edu/graphics/ideas_logo_sm.gif http://ideas.wisconsin.edu http://ideas.wisconsin.edu Selected High Quality Teacher-Tested Resources for PK-16 Educators Sat, 21 Nov 2009 13:24:41 CST Sat, 21 Nov 2009 13:24:41 CST http://ideas.wisconsin.edu/imageideas_view.cfm?rid=31716 In 1955, General Electro-Motive Division built three Aerotrain locomotives. The train was introduced when U.S. passenger train revenues were declining due to airline and auto travel. Even with its streamlined design the Aerotrain did appeal to American public. The cars of the train were based on GM bus designs and were not very comfortable for passengers even with its air suspension system. The design of the locomotive section made routine maintenance extremely difficult and time-consuming. The train was retired after GM's "lightweight with a heavyweight future" was introduced at a time when U.S. passenger train revenues were steadily declining due to competition from airlines and private automobile travel. Although it featured an eye-catching, streamlined design, the Aerotrain failed to capture the imagination of the American public. The cars, based on GM bus designs and using an air cushioning system, were rough riding and not very comfortable for the passengers. The design of the locomotive section rendered even routine maintenance extremely difficult and time-consuming. The locomotive unit was underpowered. The train was retired in just a decade after its introduction. -- imageide@s http://ideas.wisconsin.edu/ideas_resource.cfm?rid=31419 This site contains earthquake pictures, facts, science fair projects, animations, the history of earthquakes and a lot more. -- Student Site http://ideas.wisconsin.edu/ideas_resource.cfm?rid=31415 Students will explore how animals are classified and the characteristics and common representatives of five major invertebrate phyla: cnidarians, annelids, arthropods, molluscs, and echinoderms. -- Lesson Plan http://ideas.wisconsin.edu/ideas_resource.cfm?rid=31417 Students will learn what basic things a mealworm needs to live, identify a mealworm's source of water, and based on observations, students will determine if mealworms prefer light areas or dark areas? -- Teacher Resource/Reference http://ideas.wisconsin.edu/ideas_resource.cfm?rid=31418 What is a volcano? What causes volcanoes to erupt? How many volcanoes are there in the world? What does the inside of a volcano look like? This site will answer all of these questions and more. It has great links to other volcano sites as well. -- Student Site http://ideas.wisconsin.edu/ideas_resource.cfm?rid=31401 This is an excellent elementary science site including great science experiments and resources. The experiment called "Blobs in a Bottle" highlights intermolecular polarity. This is when oil and water do not mix. "Blobs in a Bottle" could be used when teaching the scientific method. -- Student Site http://ideas.wisconsin.edu/ideas_resource.cfm?rid=31403 This is an excellent elementary science site including great science experiments and resources. The experiment called "Blow Up a Balloon with Yeast" highlights producing carbon dioxide by mixing yeast and sugar. This experiment would work well when teaching the scientific process. -- Student Site http://ideas.wisconsin.edu/ideas_resource.cfm?rid=31412 During this virtual dissection, bones are dropped onto the rodent skeleton with the option of having the bone labels on or off (this can be changed during the dissection, too). Interesting avian facts appear with every correctly placed bone (only a few appear now, many more with finalized version) The progress bar shows how many bones need to be placed correctly and when the fur is clicked it automatically moves to a corner of the screen and can't be moved again. This makes it easier for the user. -- Interactive Learning Object http://ideas.wisconsin.edu/ideas_resource.cfm?rid=31404 This is an excellent elementary science site that includes great science experiments and resources. The experiment called "The Exploding Lunch Bag" highlights an acid base reaction caused by mixing two chemicals to create the gas carbon dioxide. This experiment would be a great resource to teach the scientific process. -- Student Site http://ideas.wisconsin.edu/ideas_resource.cfm?rid=31410 Each of the lessons in this program is interdisciplinary, designed to introduce students to plant science and increase their understanding of how foods grow. Activities enhance student's math, science, language arts, social studies, music and art. You have many options in this program. Choose any or all of the suggested activities for your class. Many activities are for students to work independently and some are for group work. -- Student Site http://ideas.wisconsin.edu/ideas_resource.cfm?rid=31413 This site allows the learner to virtually dissect a frog. It does an excellent job of explaining the process of a frog dissection as well as identifying the frog parts and systems. -- Student Site http://ideas.wisconsin.edu/imageideas_view.cfm?rid=31333 Barrage balloons were a form of anti-aircraft defense during World War II. Heavy metal cables tethered the balloons to the ground and were designed to damage low flying planes. Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress - No known restrictions on publication. -- imageide@s http://ideas.wisconsin.edu/imageideas_view.cfm?rid=31322 The settlers officially disembarked on December 21, 1620. It is traditionally said that the Pilgrims first set foot in America at the site of Plymouth Rock, though no historical evidence can prove this claim. -- imageide@s http://ideas.wisconsin.edu/imageideas_view.cfm?rid=31340 This print depicts a young boy in Revolutionary War garb. Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress - No known restrictions on publication. -- imageide@s http://ideas.wisconsin.edu/imageideas_view.cfm?rid=31312 Times Square, the most bustling square of New York is known for its many Broadway theatres, cinemas and supersigns. It is one of those places that make New York a city that never sleeps. -- imageide@s http://ideas.wisconsin.edu/imageideas_view.cfm?rid=31056 A small tree grows in the decaying matter of a larger, older dead trunk. -- imageide@s http://ideas.wisconsin.edu/imageideas_view.cfm?rid=30967 Seedum heads hold snow in the garden for a lovely winter scultpure. -- imageide@s http://ideas.wisconsin.edu/ideas_resource.cfm?rid=27488 This is a resource to be used specifically with the En español I textbook. It has elements for teachers and students. Students are able to test themselves on specfic vocabulary and grammatical concepts. There are also links for further study. -- Teacher Resource/Reference http://ideas.wisconsin.edu/ideas_resource.cfm?rid=26993 The purpose of this site is to compare the energy content of various sweeteners by measuring yeastÕs production of carbon dioxide when using sweeteners as food. -- Teacher Resource/Reference http://ideas.wisconsin.edu/ideas_resource.cfm?rid=26991 This site's purpose is to observe microorganisms and macroorganisms that contribute to decomposition and determine factors important in decomposition. -- Teacher Resource/Reference http://ideas.wisconsin.edu/ideas_resource.cfm?rid=22756 Browse SAAM's Latino collection with the online exhibition Arte Latino: Treasures from the Smithsonian American Art Museum. The paintings, sculptures, and photographs represent many different cultural traditions developed by mostly Spanish-speaking artists who have settled in the United States. The online exhibition is in both Spanish and English. -- Student Site http://ideas.wisconsin.edu/ideas_resource.cfm?rid=22757 This bilingual exhibit guide (in Spanish and English) was created to accompany an exhibit of over 280 Colombian gold items from the Museo del Oro in Colombia at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. More than objects of incredible beauty and craftsmanship, each piece provides a rare glimpse into the lives of the people who created and used them. The collection ranges from tiny votive figures and delicate nose rings to full regalia worn by the elite. Representing thirteen metalworking societies across a span of 2000 years, The Spirit of Ancient Colombian Gold explores the complex role and meaning of gold, as well as the high level of metallurgical achievement in pre-Hispanic Colombia. Although the exhibit is no longer at the Smithsonian, you can access information and photos of the complete collection of gold at the website for the Museo del Oro of the Banco de la Republica in Bogota, Colombia. (http://www.banrep.gov.co/museo/eng/home4.htm) You will find information on the gold pieces at the museum on both the 2nd and 3rd floors under the Exhibitions tab. You can also find pictures and information of the gold pieces under the Masterpieces tab. The website is in English and Spanish. -- Lesson Plan http://ideas.wisconsin.edu/ideas_resource.cfm?rid=22746 LARC (Latin American Resource Center) through Tulane University has curriculum and a number of resources to download. You just have to create a free account to be able to access the downloads. Here is a sampling of what is available: Land of Diversity (social studies course on Latin America), Maya Culture in the Classroom, Los Tres Grandes (lecture of works by Rivera, Orozco and Siqueiros), Environmental Literacy Across the Curriculum - Costa Rica, and La Tierra Magica: una exploracion cultural de la America Latina. -- Teacher Resource/Reference http://ideas.wisconsin.edu/ideas_resource.cfm?rid=20923 Did you know that you can access "all the information in the known universe"? It's true! In libraries and on the Internet, you can find answers to almost any question you can think of. If you know how to do research, it can be much more fun... and faster too! Learn how to do research by hopping aboard the Research Rocket for a tutorial that's out of this world. Your companions for the tutorial are Spacedog and six kids who want you to know how much fun research can be. This site includes a glossary of research terms. -- Student Site http://ideas.wisconsin.edu/ideas_resource.cfm?rid=20312 If you live in Wisconsin and want to take your students on a great field trip, the Madison Memorial Planetarium would be a great destination. This site contains a variety of information about the planetarium as well as teaching materials that can be downloaded and used with your students. -- Student Site http://ideas.wisconsin.edu/ideas_resource.cfm?rid=20175 In this lesson, students learn about the flags of the Union and Confederacy, explore the symbolism of those flags, and create flags of their own. Students will demonstrate an understanding of symbolism, identify the symbolism in flags, and use a variety of art materials safely and appropriately. -- Lesson Plan http://ideas.wisconsin.edu/ideas_resource.cfm?rid=20173 In this lesson students commemorate the 9/11 anniversary by writing letters to fire, police, or emergency medical personnel in their communities or to the service men and women who fight terrorism overseas. Students write thoughtful letters, use the correct "friendly letter" form, and spell accurately and write neatly. -- Lesson Plan http://ideas.wisconsin.edu/ideas_resource.cfm?rid=20155 This is an excellent site for students who are in need of information on the United States. There is an alphabetized list of states students can choose from. There is state links, state flag, state symbols and the state's nickname. A great site to use in researching various states. -- Student Site http://ideas.wisconsin.edu/ideas_resource.cfm?rid=19103 This is a nice resource to use when educating yourself on the art work in picture books. There are many valuable links at this site. There are links to author and illustrator sites, art sites and picture book links. In addition there are book recommendations for books that have information on how a picture book is made. In addition, there is a wonderful glossary for children to learn picture book art terms. -- Teacher Resource/Reference http://ideas.wisconsin.edu/ideas_resource.cfm?rid=18653 Look closely at a piece of sandwich bread, and you can see a honeycomb texture in it where bubbles formed and burst. Pita bread has no holes. Why these differences? Aren’t all breads made of the same basic ingredients? What made those bubbles? In this activity you will make several different bread doughs and study how yeast, a fungus, changes the flour into bread. -- Lesson Plan http://ideas.wisconsin.edu/ideas_resource.cfm?rid=18641 Ever wonder exactly what mold is? And how did it get there? And why sometimes it’s green and other times black or white? Did you know this stuff is alive and growing?In this experiment, you’ll find out all about those colorful, fuzzy fungi by growing your own crop. -- Lesson Plan http://ideas.wisconsin.edu/ideas_resource.cfm?rid=18640 Creepy Critters are discovered on a new planet. Your task is to develop a classification system and compare these alien Creepy Critters to organisms here on earth. -- Lesson Plan http://ideas.wisconsin.edu/ideas_resource.cfm?rid=18635 Students practice reading and understanding information in a table; and, converting the 1899 and 1924 imigration information to graph form. -- Lesson Plan http://ideas.wisconsin.edu/ideas_resource.cfm?rid=18636 Students discuss the difference between fact and opinion, read or listen to a brief biography of Martin Luther King Jr. Then students complete the Martin Luther King Jr.: Fact or Opinion work sheet. There is a link to the worksheet in the lesson. -- Lesson Plan http://ideas.wisconsin.edu/ideas_resource.cfm?rid=18629 Teachers are often directed to modify instruction to accommodate special needs students. The following article takes the mystery out of adapting materials and strategies for curriculum areas: receptive language, expressive language, reading, writing, and spelling. All students will benefit from the following "good teaching practices." -- Teacher Resource/Reference http://ideas.wisconsin.edu/ideas_resource.cfm?rid=16128 Jazz was born in the United States. Jazz is really the best music to represent America because: It is partly planned and partly spontaneous; that is, as the musicians perform a pre-determined tune, they have the opportunity to create their own interpretations within that tune in response to the other musicians' performances and whatever else may occur "in the moment" -- this is called improvisation and is the defining element of jazz. Improvisation is the key element of jazz. There is no better example of democracy than a jazz ensemble: individual freedom but with responsibility to the group. In other words, individual musicians have the freedom to express themselves on their instrument as long as they maintain their responsibility to the other musicians by adhering to the overall framework and structure of the tune. -- Lesson Plan http://ideas.wisconsin.edu/ideas_resource.cfm?rid=15679 In an effort to educate millions of youth about jazz, America¿s indigenous musical art form, the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz presents the fifth grade version of Jazz in America: The National Jazz Curriculum. This curriculum will provide students with a fundamental understanding of and an exposure to jazz and its rich cultural history throughout the 20th century. Designed with the elementary classroom teacher in mind, the material can be taught in multiple ways from a simple one-session introduction of the music, to a week-long, month-long, or year-long thorough examination of jazz¿s history and how it has influenced and been influenced by American culture. Teachers have the autonomy to cover as much of the content as they see fit. The curriculum can also be used as supplemental material for music classes and includes student handouts and a test bank. All content is aligned with the U.S. National Standards in both American History and Arts Education (Music). -- Lesson Plan http://ideas.wisconsin.edu/ideas_resource.cfm?rid=9873 A set of 8 lesson plans for high school students, with lessons for grades 8 and 5 coming soon. Each lesson has an overview, pdf files, student handouts, test questions and answers as well as listing the national standards that are met by each lesson. The mission of the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz is to offer public school-based jazz education programs for young people around the world, helping students develop imaginative thinking, creativity, curiosity, a positive self image, and a respect for their own and others' cultural heritage. -- Lesson Plan http://ideas.wisconsin.edu/ideas_resource.cfm?rid=9037 Creating a composition is one of the most exciting and challenging aspects facing an artist. How do you use art principles like balance, contrast, movement, and proportion to compose a powerful work of art? Carl Rungius, one of America's finest wildlife artists, was fascinated with composition throughout his career. What can we learn from him as we make our own compositions? Introduce yourself to the animated principles of art, then create your own composition and submit it to the Critique Gallery for review! -- Student Site http://ideas.wisconsin.edu/ideas_resource.cfm?rid=3271 This is a great site for quickly finding weather forecasts for anywhere in the United States. Once into the forecast there are links to watches and warnings, including the ability to get a complete list of for the entire country! International forecasts are also available but are not found as quickly as the national forecasts. -- Teacher Resource/Reference