April 2014

Education Matters
What's New

 

The 8th grade textbook, Our State and Our Nation: Georgia Studies, is available for Kindle and Kindle apps and for iPad.  The iPad version is full of interactive graphics, slideshows, videos, 360-degree tours, chapter quizzes, and more.  There's a bonus virtual field trip to Andersonville, as well.  The content is aligned to Georgia Performance Standards, detailed in the teacher's edition.  Sign-up for the textbook online to get your free copies for your classroom.   

  

Online

 

New Science Resources for the Classroom:

From the Ground Up - The Science of Soil:  Make science relevant for your students with a topic that affects them every day- soil. These free interactive lesson plans, videos, and classroom tools promote a deeper understanding of core science concepts as your students discover the complex world of soil.

 

STEM for Your Classroom: Presented by the NAVY and Discovery Education,

this series of interactive lesson plans is specifically designed for 9-12 graders to explore new ideas and new worlds related to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).  They will help students understand unique concepts, practice new skills and engage in exciting, authentic learning experiences. Subject matters range from the physics of flight to the engineering of future ships. 

 

On Air

Georgia Tech students compete in this live broadcast for the Inventure Prize, awarded to the team or individual with the greatest new invention or innovation.  In the past, contestants have presented new medical devices, athletic clothing, even dog toys.  Airs Wednesday, March 26th @ 7:30PM.

 

Andrew Young Presents  

Two new episodes focusing on the History of Atlanta.  Series premiers Monday, March 31st @ 9PM and 10PM.  

  

Story of the Jews

This five part series, written and hosted by noted historian and scholar Simon Schama, offers a comprehensive history of the Jewish experience through present day. It is an epic odyssey and Schama's personal journey of discovery into a world that has been calling him throughout his working life. First two episodes air Tuesday, March 25 beginning @ 8PM. The remaining three episodes air Tuesday, April 1 @ 8PM.

  

Trailer | The Story of the Jews | PBS
Trailer | The Story of the Jews | PBS

As a bonus head over to our Passion for Learning blog for our series on the Jewish experience in Georgia which includes a guest post with primary resources from Jeremy Katz, Archivist from the William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum.  

  

In Performance at the White House "Women of Soul"

From the East Room of the White House, the President and Mrs. Obama welcome Aretha Franklin, Janelle Monae, Jill Scott and others to perform the songs made famous by generations of those remarkable women of soul that overcame adversity through the power and passion of their music; from Etta James to Diana Ross to Aretha herself.  Airs Tuesday, April 8 @ 10PM.

 

Add a description  The Address

This film by Ken Burns showcases the Greenwood School in Putney, Vermont -- where students grappling with an array of learning challenges use the Gettysburg Address as a tool for success.  The film uses the contemporary story to reveal the history, context and importance of one of the greatest speeches in US history.  
Airs Tuesday, April 15th @ 9PM.
 

Georgia Outdoors  

NEW EPISODE!

Sharon Collins tackles invasive species taking over our state. 
Airs Friday April 18 @ 8:30PM.
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PBS Learning Media 
Math_PBS_LM
PBS Learning Media has extensive resources available for free!  Check out this month's feature focus on math that includes videos, animation, infographics, and much more.  These tools can help to reach every type of learner and illustrate the fun of math.

 

*For full access to the rich resources across grade and subject areas, create your login.

 

 

Need a refresher on how PBS Teacherline works? Read this blog post on how to get your PLUs through this convenient online service. 
 
Check out these NEW courses starting March 26:   

*Use the promo code "GATLSE" when you register to get Georgia credit.*


Self-paced courses are available all year.  
Teacher Tip

Teacher Resources for the Digital Textbook

textbook_globe

We're still excited about the new digital textbook for 8th grade Georgia Studies!  We've done an online training session to highlight the book's features, which you can watch on demand at any time on our website.  If you requested teacher resources in your registration form, then you should receive a CD in the mail very soon.  We're building out the digital, iPad version of the teacher's edition right now and we'll let you know as soon as it's done so you can login and download it.

 

The 8th grade Georgia Studies textbook is available for free (just fill out this registration form).  If you have questions about the iPad or Kindle versions of the book, check out the Frequently Asked Questions for solutions.  As always, you can email us anytime at newmedia@gpb.org.    

 

You can also check out Rosemary's blog and leave feedback there.

Save the Dates!

Calendar

This partnership between the Western Union Foundation, Discovery Education and The Association of Educational Publishers, encourages students, parents and teachers to nominate a high school student by entering them in the Challenge once per day through March 27, 2014.  

Atlanta Science Festival Interactive Expo

The expo is a free event that offers non-stop, big-bang activities; out-of-this-world experiments; pop-up interactive exhibits; mind-bending games; and a full lineup of science-oriented live entertainment. Saturday March 29 from 11AM - 4PM at Centennial Olympic Park.

A Tribute to Rabbi Jacob Rothschild

In conjunction with airing of the Story of Jews with Simon Schama, GPB is paying tribute to Rabbi Jacob Rothschild, a key figure of Georgia's civil rights movement, with a panel discussion. Tuesday, April 8 at 6 p.m. at GPB headquarters. RSVP for the event.

Can't attend in person? Join the event via livestream and livechat. 
 

Transport Your Students to a Working Egg Farm

Discovery Education and the American Egg Board have joined forces to give your K-5 students a behind-the-scenes look at Pearl Valley Farms of Pearl City, Illinois.  Join us as we highlight the journey eggs take from the farm to your table and show how egg farmers are working to reduce their environmental footprint!

Livestream event April 10 at 1PM. 

 

The Story of the Jews National High School Essay Contest

As part of The Story of the Jews National Education and Outreach Initiative, WNET Education is launching an essay contest to encourage high school students across America to examine how stories shape our identities. The deadline for the contest is Friday, June 13, 2014. 

 

 
Whales: Giants of the Deep

Fernbank Museum's new exhibition Whales: Giants of the Deep is a great fit for students and covers topics in life sciences, social studies and geography. A limited number of scholarships are available for qualifying school groups. Contact Fernbank for more information on scholarships.  This exhibit runs through August 24, 2014.

 
We love hearing from you!

We know you're gearing up for standardized testing and pushing to keep your students focused and learning as excitement for Spring Break builds.  Stay fresh and focused with tips and stories from other educators with our blog, Passion for Learning!  Have an idea for a story to share on the blog?  We'd love to hear it!

If you need more content in a particular area, let us know!  We're always happy to hear from our educators at education@gpb.org.   

 

Sincerely,

 

GPB Digital and Education Team
Georgia Public Broadcasting