Content Programs
Library of Congress - Explore Resources through Free Videoconferences
- Library of Congress ONLINE! - #1 of a four-part series to prepare educators to access and use the Library's online primary source materials in their work. to prepare educators to access and use the Library's online primary source materials in their work.
- Treasure Hunting - #2 Feeling overwhelmed when trying to search the Library of Congress's Web site? Where do you begin? Learn the characteristics and scope of different search tools on the Library of Congress Web site and its sub-sites. Practice using various resources designed to streamline the search process. Develop search strategies that can be adapted, modified, and translated into classroom success.
- Analyzing Primary Resources #3
- Make It and Take It - #4 Primary sources should be seen, felt, examined, and heard! Transform the digital versions of Library of Congress primary sources into real objects that can be used off-line, or combine them in multi-media presentations.
- Sleuthing with Maps - Maps are windows to the cultural, political, and physical world around us. They capture a space in time set by the mapmaker for an intended audience. What did the mapmaker want to portray? Delve into an exploration of historical maps and the surprises they yield.
- General Washington's Spy Map - Using the spy's map, accompanying letter, and the official Revolutionary War battle map, learn what General Washington learned and trace his path in this very important battle of the Revolutionary War.
- Civil War Poetry with a Purpose - Poetry written during the Civil War was used as a vehicle for the individual to express opinions and attitudes. Using the Library of Congress's online collections, we will explore how poetry written by soldiers and citizenry from the North and the South helped unify citizens, inspire troops, memorialize the dead, and overcome the anger and resentment of both sides in the aftermath of the war.
- Web Site Evaluation Strategies - Join Library of Congress staff to examine web sites and create evaluation criteria that make the World Wide Web the research tool it can be.
- Congress Present: Using THOMAS - What are your members' of Congress positions on the issues? Follow debate on current issues and learn how your members voted. Explore THOMAS, the Library of Congress Web site for Congressional materials, and become an active participant in the legislative process.
- Gathering Community Stories - This workshop introduces the layperson to the process of collecting oral history and focuses on a critical phase of the process, the interview.
Lee Richardson Zoo
Videoconference programs on: animal groups & habitats; adaptations; predator-prey; endangered species.
Virtual Field Trips from the National WWII Museum
30-minute overview session of content and resource programs offered by The National World War II Museum.
NASA: Mapping the Moon with WALL-E
- NASA: Introduction to Robotics in the Classroom Discover how and why NASA uses robots. What skills do students need to learn robotics and have a future career with robotics? Gr. 4-9
- Mars Geology - History Uncovered Inquiry based, critical thinking approach of studying Mars' surface.
SMITHSONIAN National Air & Space Museum
Kites, Wings & Flying Things (gr. 3-5)
To the Moon and Possibly to Mars (gr. 8-12)
SMITHSONIAN American Art Museum
The National Archives Experience
The Constitution (gr. 5-12)
Introduction to the National Archives and Records Administration (gr. 5-12)
LADDERS - VC programs in inquiry-based science content
LADDERS (Learning & Developing Distance Education Resources for Science) is a joint venture between Michigan State University Museum and the Cranbrook Institute of Science to provide free videoconference programs in science. After clicking the link, look for "PROGRAMS" in the left menu to proceed to program details. 45-60 minute Programs offered:
- Jiminy Crickets: Exploring the Scientific Method (4-6)
- Galapagos Finches: Evolution in a Nutshell (7-10)
- Termite Behavior: Applying scientific thinking to experimental design (4-10)
- Ice Ages: rocks, landforms, fossils (5-8)
See also "MSU's Virtual Outreach Program" and "Science Field Trips"
REMEMBERING PEARL HARBOR: The USS ARIZONA MEMORIAL
Link to "Teaching with Historic Places" lesson materials sponsored by the National Park Service. Be sure to check on the "Supplementary Resources" at the bottom of the Table of Contents listing for links to maps, photos, activities, etc.