DON'T LET THIS BE
YOUR LAST ISSUE!
|
We're changing how we deliver News & Notes for
K-8 Teachers
SUBSCRIBE NOW AND
KEEP IN THE KNOW!
See ELEMENTARY TECH below for details and instructions
|
School Services Liaison
|
Susan Heist Carlton
Assistant Department Head
scarlton@skokielibrary.info
847.324.3144 voice
847.673.7797 fax
|
Teacher's Guide
on the Web
|
Links to information about
Library resources and services
especially for K-8 teachers.
Take a look!
|
Live Homework Help
|
Online tutoring for students!
Available from home and school with your library card
Try it!
|
Ask a Librarian
|
Send us an email or
IM with AskSkokieKids on
AIM, GoogleTalk, MSN, and
Yahoo! Messenger
Add us to your buddy list!
|
Computer Resources
for Students
|
Got questions about computer and Internet access for students @ your library?
Get answers here!
|
Bookmobile
|
Mobile library services
in your neighborhood!
Check the schedule
|
Library Programs
|
Visit our online calendar to view, save, share, and register for programs
Find out what's happening
@ your library before
it happens!
|
| Join the Conversation
|
Meet us on the blog for fun, facts, news, and information especially for kids and their people
The Explorer
Also on the Skokie Public Library blog network...
The Answer
research tips, news & more
The Bookshelf
books & beyond
The Radar
new technologies
The Soapbox
library announcements
The Studio
music, movies & more
|
Holiday Closings
|
The Library is closed on the following holidays:
New Year's Day
Easter
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Thanksgiving
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
The Library closes at 5:00pm
on New Year's Eve
The Library will be closed
on December 11, 2009
for Staff Day
|
|
|
Getting a Head Start: Science Fair Projects
It's never too early for students to start thinking about potential science fair projects. The Library has many excellent materials to help with planning, conducting, and presenting science fair projects. Below is a sample of the reference books, books that can be checked out, electronic databases, websites and audiovisual materials that are available for students and teachers.
|
READ...
365 More Simple Science Experiments with Everyday Materials, by E. Richard Churchill and found in both our reference and our regular
nonfiction collection. Basic scientific concepts, including everything
from nature, physics, time, chemistry, and space are brought to life
with simple hands-on experiments that children ages 7 and up can follow easily.
Experiments in Science,
a three-volume series by David Glover and published by Dorling Kindersley, features simple hands-on
activities that explain basic science concepts such as changing one
form of matter to another.
Fantastic Physical Science Experiments, a six-volume series by Robert Gardner, with step-by-step instructions for each experiment and clear explanations of what occurred. Also introduces one or two related ideas.
True Book, twenty books by Salvatore Tocci, each exploring the science behind a different concept or topic such as gravity, heat, or sound with simple experiments that use everyday objects.
LISTEN & VIEW...
Mr. Wizard's World (Vols. 1-8). More than 35 separate experiments on each disc explore a variety of science categories. DVD. Not graded.
POINT & CLICK...
Library databases
Visit us on the Web at databases.skokielibrary.info to connect with these and other online research tools...
eLibrary
General information from magazine articles, book chapters, and news transcripts. Pictures and maps are also available.
Search by category or keyword in the "Search" box. A suggested search term is "science fairs."
The New Book of Popular Science
An online encyclopedia of science, medicine, and technology designed especially for children and students.
- Click on Projects under Make a Selection on the left-hand side.
- Click on SciClopedia under Make a Selection on the left-hand side and search for a specific category such as Energy or Earth Science.
Searchasaurus
Search by keyword or browse by subject for articles from magazines, newspapers, and encyclopedias. Subjects include animals, art and music, health, history, people and places, science and math, sports, and stories. A dictionary, encyclopedia, and picture collection are also available. Designed for students in kindergarten through 8th grade.
- Search by category or keyword in the "Search" box.
- Find many pictures under "Pictures."
SIRS Discoverer
Designed for student researchers with articles and graphics from more than 1,200 U.S. and international magazines, newspapers, and U.S. government documents.
- Use "Search" box to search for "Science Projects."
- Click "Science" to find newspaper and magazine articles; references; pictures, and relevant websites.
Websites
Crystal Clear Science Fair Projects
Provides a step-by-step walkthrough from "Choosing a Science Fair Topic" to "Science Project Displays". Science projects are broken down by grade and category.
Exploratorium Museum, San Francisco
Contains science project ideas. Not graded.
Kids Homework Help: Science from Skokie Public Library
A science fair page includes links to websites with guides to creating projects and information on potential science fair topics. Not graded
Multnomah Homework Center
Leads to links for science fair experiments and projects. Click Science and then Science Experiments. Not graded.
School Science Fairs Resource Page
This Canadian site lists science fair ideas by grade levels and provides links to other websites.
Science Buddies Homepage
Provides
science fair project ideas, answers, and tools to teachers, parents,
and students. Project ideas for grades 1 through 10 are broken down by
grade and category.
|
READ...
50 Nifty Super Science Fair Projects compiled by Jill Smolinski and 50 Nifty Super More Science Fair Projects by Natalie Goldstein can be
found in our reference collection and feature classic projects with
unique kid appeal that kids will love! Each project includes
step-by-step instructions, helpful illustrations, and creative tips for
putting together a great science fair project.
Science Activities, 10 volumes published by Grolier Educational. Students are introduced to the scientific method and provided with step-by-step instructions accompanied by photos for the experiments. A detailed explanation of each topic and an analysis of what occurred during each experiment are provided.
Scientific American: More Simple Science Fair Projects ses everyday objects and readily available substances to create science fair projects for upper elementary school students. Includes step-by-step instructions that enable children to create their own experiments and understand the scientific concept underlying the experiment.
Yikes! Wow! Yuck! Fun Experiments for Your First Science Fair, a clear introduction and description of the steps in selecting and preparing a science fair project. Step-by-step instructions for each experiment with easily understood explanations of the principles underlying the experiments.
LISTEN & VIEW...
How to Prepare a Science Fair Project describes the various components of a science
fair project and how to prepare them. VHS. Grades 5-9.
Mr. Wizard's World (Vols. 1-8). More than 35 separate experiments on each disc explore a variety of science categories. DVD. Not graded.
POINT & CLICK
Library databases
Visit us on the Web at databases.skokielibrary.info to connect with these and other online research tools...
eLibrary
General information from magazine articles, book chapters, and news transcripts. Pictures and maps are also available.
Search by category or keyword in the "Search" box. A suggested search term is "science fairs."
The New Book of Knowledge
An encyclopedia of reference, current events, articles, news, special features, Web links, homework help, a world history time line, dictionary, and thesaurus for students in third grade and older.
- Find "How to" projects under "Projects and Experiments" on the left-hand side.
- Use the "Search" tool to do a keyword search. Some
suggested search terms include: experiments and other science
activities and science fairs as well as specific topics such as
electricity.
The New Book of Popular Science
An online encyclopedia of science, medicine, and technology designed especially for children and students.
- Click on Projects under Make a Selection on the left-hand side.
- Click on SciClopedia under Make a Selection on the left-hand side and search for a specific category such as Energy or Earth Science.
Searchasaurus
Search by keyword or browse by subject for articles from magazines, newspapers, and encyclopedias. Subjects include animals, art and music, health, history, people and places, science and math, sports, and stories. A dictionary, encyclopedia, and picture collection are also available. Designed for students in kindergarten through 8th grade.
- Search by category or keyword in the "Search" box.
- Find many pictures under "Pictures."
SIRS Discoverer
Designed for student researchers with articles and graphics from more than 1,200 U.S. and international magazines, newspapers, and U.S. government documents.
- Use "Search" box to search for "Science Projects."
- Click "Science" to find newspaper and magazine articles; references; pictures, and relevant websites.
Websites
Crystal Clear Science Fair Projects
Provides a step-by-step walkthrough from "Choosing a Science Fair Topic" to "Science Project Displays." Science projects are broken down by grade and category.
Exploratorium Museum, San Francisco
Contains science project ideas. Not graded.
Kids Homework Help: Science from Skokie Public Library
A science fair page includes links to websites with guides to creating projects and information on potential science fair topics. Not graded.
Multnomah Homework Center
Leads to links for science fair experiments and projects. Click Science and then Science Experiments. Not graded.
School Science Fairs Resource Page
This Canadian site lists science fair ideas by grade levels and provides links to other websites.
Science Buddies Homepage
Provides science fair project ideas, answers, and tools to teachers, parents, and students. Project ideas for grades 1 through 10 are broken down by grade and category.
Science Fair Central
Colorful graphics, easy-to-use links, and a long list of project ideas geared toward students in 4th-6th grade.
Science Fair Project Resource Guide
Introduces the parts of a science project and then provides subjects with links to other websites. 4th-8th grade.
|
READ...
Chemistry! Best Science Projects; Earth Science! Best Science Projects; and Physics! Best Science Projects. Three separate series that provide instructions for experiments using easily available materials and offer suggestions for expanding them to develop a science fair project.
The Complete Handbook of Science Fair Projects. This title from our reference collection includes 50 award-winning projects from actual science fairs plus a list of 400 workable science fair project topics suitable for grades 7 and up. Author Julianne Bochinski provides detailed guidelines for preparing a successful project-from selecting the right topic to setup, materials, recording data, oral presentation, and backboards.
Janice VanCleave's Guide to More of the Best Science Fair Projects includes 50 experiments in the areas of biology, earth science, physical science, astronomy, and engineering. Each experiment includes a list of readily available materials, step-by-step procedures, and extension activities.
Science Projects, an 18-volume series by Robert Gardner on topics ranging from plants to environment and ecology to the physics of toys and games.
LISTEN & VIEW...
How to Prepare a Science Fair Project describes the various components of a science
fair project and how to prepare them. VHS. Grades 5-9.
Mr. Wizard's World (Vols. 1-8). More than 35 separate experiments on each disc explore a variety of science categories. DVD. Not graded.
POINT & CLICK...
Library databases
Visit us on the Web at databases.skokielibrary.info to connect with these and other online research tools...
eLibrary
General information from magazine articles, book chapters, and news transcripts. Pictures and maps are also available.
Search by category or keyword in the "Search" box. A suggested search term is "science fairs."
The New Book of Knowledge
An encyclopedia of reference, current events, articles, news, special features, Web links, homework help, a world history time line, dictionary, and thesaurus for students in third grade and older.
- Find "How to" projects under "Projects and Experiments" on the left-hand side.
- Use the "Search" tool to do a keyword search. Some
suggested search terms include: experiments and other science
activities and science fairs as well as specific topics such as
electricity.
The New Book of Popular Science
An online encyclopedia of science, medicine, and technology designed especially for children and students.
- Click on Projects under Make a Selection on the left-hand side.
- Click on SciClopedia under Make a Selection on the left-hand side and search for a specific category such as Energy or Earth Science.
Searchasaurus
Search by keyword or browse by subject for articles from magazines, newspapers, and encyclopedias. Subjects include animals, art and music, health, history, people and places, science and math, sports, and stories. A dictionary, encyclopedia, and picture collection are also available. Designed for students in kindergarten through 8th grade.
- Search by category or keyword in the "Search" box.
- Find many pictures under "Pictures."
SIRS Discoverer
Designed for student researchers with articles and graphics from more than 1,200 U.S. and international magazines, newspapers, and U.S. government documents.
- Use "Search" box to search for "Science Projects."
- Click "Science" to find newspaper and magazine articles; references; pictures; and relevant websites.
Websites
Crystal Clear Science Fair Projects
Provides a step-by-step walkthrough from "Choosing a Science Fair Topic" to "Science Project Displays". Science projects are broken down by grade and category.
Exploratorium Museum, San Francisco
Contains science project ideas. Not graded.
Kids Homework Help: Science from Skokie Public Library
A science fair page includes links to websites with guides to creating projects and information on potential science fair topics. Not graded.
Multnomah Homework Center
Leads to links for science fair experiments and projects. Click Science and then Science Experiments. Not graded.
School Science Fairs Resource Page
This Canadian site lists science fair ideas by grade levels and provides links to other websites.
Science Buddies Homepage
Provides science fair project ideas, answers, and tools to teachers, parents, and students. Project ideas for grades 1 through 10 are broken down by grade and category.
Science Fair Central
Colorful graphics, easy-to-use links, and a long list of project ideas geared toward students in 4th-6th grade.
Science Fair Project Resource Guide
Introduces the parts of a science project and then provides subjects with links to other websites. Grades 4-8.
|
Summer Reading Club
 The Youth Services Department was bursting with activity this summer with more than 3,500 children joining our Summer Reading Program, "Read on the Wild Side". With 80 percent of its students who signed up successfully completing the reading program, John Middleton School won the annual competition. Skokie Mayor George Van Dusen presented Middleton principal, Dana Otto, with the traveling trophy during a back-to-school assembly on August 28. The trophy will remain on display at Middleton for one year. Congratulations!
Booktalks and Puppet Shows in Your Classroom
Beginning October 1, 2009 and continuing through April 30, 2010 Youth Services staff can provide a library program in your classroom. For kindergarten through 2nd grade classrooms we offer a puppet show performance based on two books, Seven Blind Mice by Ed Young and Dr. De Soto by William Steig. For 3rd through 8th grade classrooms, we'll booktalk the books on the 2009-2010 Voice of Youth Award (VOYA) reading lists. Schedule a classroom visit by contacting Susan Heist Carlton at 847.324.3144 or by email.
Wendy Mass to Visit Skokie Public Library
 On Wednesday, November 4, 2009 the Youth Services Department will host children's and young adult author Wendy Mass. She is the author of eight novels including Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life, which was a 2008-2009 VOYA nominee and is a 2010 Rebecca Caudill nominee, and Every Soul a Star which is a 2009-2010 VOYA nominee. Wendy will present a morning session at the Library from 9:45 to 11:15am. Teachers are encouraged to bring their 5th through 8th grade students to this presentation. Wendy will also have dinner with and conduct an evening writing workshop for 25 students from 6:00 to 7:30pm. Every Language Arts teacher in Skokie will be invited to nominate two students to attend the workshop. Students will then be selected to participate by random drawing. Registration begins October 1.
Playaways: A New Collection
Check out this new collection idea for ELL students and reluctant readers. Playaways are dedicated MP3 players that contain an entire book. Weighing only 2 ounces, they can easily be tucked in a pocket or a backpack. A bookmark function allows listeners to immediately find their place. Users must provide their own headphones which plug into a universal headphone jack. This growing collection currently contains such titles as Number the Stars by Lois Lowry, The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis, and The Underneath by Kathi Appelt.
 Teachers Can Now Download Audiobooks
This year teachers can download audiobooks from the Skokie Public Library's catalog to their computers or to MP3 players for use in the classroom. If you'd like to learn more about this exciting new resource, contact Susan Heist Carlton at 847.324.3144 or Ruth Sinker at 847.324.3104.
|
Almost 50 percent of students at John Middleton School signed up for the Summer Reading Club at the Library. That's a pretty impressive number which was, in part, made possible by the school's library card campaign. Last year the Skokie Public Library's Bookmobile began visiting the park adjacent to the school every other week. Ann Herbach, school librarian, spoke with teachers and visited each of the classrooms to talk about the Bookmobile and the importance of having a library card. Bookmobile staff supplied the school with special library card applications that allowed the school to verify each student's address. Teachers made sure the forms were sent home and they followed up with parents if forms weren't returned. Bookmobile staff processed the completed applications and brought the library cards to school. By the end of the school year 98 percent of the children at Middleton had a Skokie Public Library card.
 Congratulations to Ann Herbach, principal Dana Otto, all the teachers at Middleton, the Bookmobile staff, and the students and their families for a job well done! If you would like to conduct a library card campaign at your school, we can work with you to design one that fits your school's needs and situation. Call Susan Heist Carlton at 847.324.3144 to discuss the possibilities.
|
ELEMENTARY TECH
|
For the past several years we've been sending News & Notes via email to all Skokie Public Library registered "Teacher Card" holders. Beginning with this issue, we'll ask you to choose your preferred News & Notes delivery method.
 Teachers who wish to continue receiving News & Notes in its regular format can subscribe ("opt-in") to the News & Notes email list. Here's how:
(You may wish to print a copy of these instructions as a guide.)
1. Click here or the "Join Our Mailing List" button in the left sidebar of this eNews to get to our Mailing List Signup page.
2. On the Mailing List Signup page, enter your email address in the space provided and click Submit.
- If you have never subscribed to a Library eNewsletter, you will be directed to a list of our mailing lists. Continue with step #3 below.
- If you are currently or were previously subscribed to one of our mailing lists, you will receive an "Update Your Profile" message to advise that your profile is already on file. Your email address will be displayed in an abbreviated format (e.g., a******@yourschool.org).
- If the email address is correct, click Submit. You will receive an email containing a link to "Update your profile." Follow that link, review your mailing list profile for accuracy, and continue with step #3 below.
- If the email address is incorrect, follow the link to "Click here if this is not you" and continue with step #3 below.
3. On the Mailing List Signup page, click the selection box alongside News & Notes for K-8 Teachers 2009-2010 (and any other mailing lists of interest to you).
4. Enter your first name and ZIP code in the spaces provided.
5. Scroll to the bottom of the page and select your preferred email format.
- Select HTML if you wish to receive News & Notes in its original hyperlinked format and full-color design.
- Select TEXT if you wish to receive News & Notes as a plain text document with no links or formatting.
6. Review your information for accuracy and click Save Profile Changes. If required information is missing, you will be prompted to make corrections.
 Teachers who wish to keep up with News & Notes on
their own schedule can subscribe to The Explorer, the Library's Youth Services blog. The RSS feed will announce the
availability of a new blog entry and leave you to decide
if or when you wish to read. To subscribe to The Explorer RSS feed...
- Visit The Explorer blog on our website.
- Scroll down the page and click Entries RSS under the Meta heading in the right-hand sidebar.
- Follow the instructions to choose your preferred RSS feed reader. If you are not already using a feed reader, follow the link to "Learn more about syndication and FeedBurner..." for a getting started guide and links to some popular feed readers.
- Once you've subscribed to The Explorer RSS feed, you'll automatically receive an update when we've published a new blog post. News & Notes entries will be posted under the K-8 News & Notes category and will include a brief summary of the issue's contents and a link to the Web version in the News & Notes archive.
Whether you choose email or RSS, these new options are
designed to help you conveniently keep in the know about Library
resources and services for teachers, students, and families.
If you have any questions or need assistance setting up your email subscription or RSS feed, please contact Ruth Sinker at 847.324.3104. |
Newsletter display & forwarding tips
|
Spread the news without losing the message!Please note the following features to help subscribers resolve issues with the display and forwarding of our electronic newsletters.
- Use the "View as Web Page" link at the top of each publication to view our eNews on the Web in its original style and format.
- Follow the link to Forwarding Tips at the top of each mailing for answers to common questions about how to forward
our eNews so that it retains its proper style and formatting.
- We've removed extraneous code and hyperlinks in our TEXT version of News & Notes. This "cleaned up" version is easier to read and a URL to view the eNews on the Web in its original format.
|
|
|
