Celebrate Earth Day with Brain Jam

Today is Earth Day! Celebrate with the special edition of Brain Jam in Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia. Here you will find a wide range of articles and activities that provide fresh insights into environmental issues. Not only is this edition of Brain Jam an exciting way to observe Earth Day, but it is also a timely Common Core resource with 27 informational articles, 10 web links, and 13 different Teaching Resources including activities, discussion questions, essay topics, and a quiz.

The Environment and Climate Change Lesson Plans for Earth Day (April 22)

Students will participate in a debate on saving endangered species, explore the pros and cons of the Keystone Pipeline and analyze news articles dealing with environmental issues.

View the video Thousands Gather for DC Climate Rally from NBC News

Discussion Guide

Lesson Plan 1- Endangered Species

Objective:  Students will participate in a debate on the cost of efforts to save endangered species

Lesson Plan 2- The Keystone Pipeline

Objective:  Students will explore the pros and cons of the controversial Keystone Pipeline

Lesson Plan 3- Environmental News

Objective:  Students will work in groups to create a collection of news articles dealing with environmental issues

 21^st Century Core Content
Government and Civics
Geography

21^st Century Themes
Global Awareness

21^st Century Skills
Think Creatively
Work Creatively With Others
Reason Effectively
Make Judgments and Decisions
Solve Problems
Communicate Clearly
Collaborate with Others
Access and Evaluate Information
Analyze Media
Be Flexible
Work Independently
Be Self-directed Learners
Interact Effectively with Others
Work Effectively in Diverse Teams
Produce Results
Guide and Lead Others
Be Responsible to Others

Additional Resources:
Climate Change by the US EPA
Endangered Species Program; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Natural Resources Defense Council
Earth Times.org
Peace Corps.gov

Additional Library Resources :
Climate Change – Science in Context
Endangered Species and Wildlife Conservation – Science in Context
Environmental Issues Protests – Opposing Viewpoints
Sea Level Rise – Science in Context
Weather and Climate – Always Available eBook
Grzimek’s Student Animal Life Resource – Always Available eBook
Climate Change – Always Available ebook
Encyclopedia of Environmental Ethics and Philosophy – Always Available eBook
Environmental Issues: Essential Primary Sources – Always Available eBook

 

STEM – What is it?

STEM is a really fun program for children of all ages. The Library has geared up and we are offering a great selection of programs starting in March and running through May. To get involved in the fun, select the program and location you want to attend from the list of STEM Events for March – May 2013.

Don’t forget to checkout our Hot Topic – STEM for more great activities to do at home, on your own or in school.

March 5 – 39 Clues Reading Club – Decoding History

In just a few days, your students will take a behind the scenes tour of The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History with bestselling The 39 Clues author David Baldacci.
Prepare students with the Building Background pre-virtual field trip handout

Review the technical tips for broadcasting the field trip

Tune in at scholastic.com/decodinghistory

Common Core aligned post-virtual field trip classroom materials will be available on
March 5th.

*Have scheduling difficulties? The virtual field trip will be available for full replay any time starting March 5, 1:00 pm ET/ 10 am PT.

The 39 Clues books can be found in our Library Catalog.

Black History Month

Need information for African-American History Month? Need lesson plans? Looking for a timeline, primary sources & more? See our new Hot Topic – African-American Heritage for everything you need.