Beyond the Textbook in Texas: TCEA Pre-Conference Day of Discovery

It may be snowing in the east, but the STARs are shining bright in TX today.  Discovery Education and the Texas DEN Leadership Council proudly hosted Beyond the Textbook: A TCEA Pre-Conference Day of Discovery at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum.  Educators from all over the state came together to learn new ways to engage students with the infusion of digital media into their curriculum including:

STEM-ulating Math and Science

Oh the Humanities!

Can I Help You With That?:  The Student as Creator, Collaborator, Director

On behalf of the Discovery Education team and the Texas DEN Leadership Council, thank you for joining us and for sharing your feedback with us!

Top 5 Ways to Use Streaming… with Groundhog Day

Today is Groundhog Day! While I know many of you may be lax in celebrating the historic day, this year will be different. This morning we’ll be doing Groundhog Day “DEN Style”. Right here on this blog, we’ll do a live broadcast with our very own DEN groundhog! And no, I’m not joking.Will he see his shadow? We don’t know. Will he be ’shadow-free’ and signal an early end to the cold weather? We don’t know that either. The only thing we DO know is that he’ll be sharing the Top 5 Streaming Resources About Groundhog Day!The broadcast will begin promptly at 7:30am EST, right here in this post. So keep an eye on the video box below. We’ll go live when he’s ready to come out of his hole!

Watch live streaming video from discoveryecducation at livestream.com

Are you teaching America’s next Top Young Scientist??

The Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge is now open for entries for 2010.  The challenge is the nation’s premier science competition for students in grades 5 through 8.  Ten finalists will be selected to receive an all-expense paid trip to New York City to compete in the final challenge in October. The winner will receive $50,000 in U.S. Savings Bonds ($25,000 cash value), a tour of 3M’s celebrated Innovation Center in St. Paul, Minnesota given by some of today’s top scientists, and the title of “America’s Top Young Scientist.”Check out the Science in Action blog to learn more!

FETC PreCon - Vote for your favorite video!

Yesterday, the DEN hosted a full day pre-conference event at Sea World.  The day kicked off with a phenomenal presentation by Scott Kinney about the past and future of textbooks.  Don’t worry if you missed it though, he’s going to be our featured speaker in the EdTechConnect series on May 17th.

The day continued with a workshop presented by Lodge McCammon.  Don’t know Lodge?  You need to!  He’s an incredible songwriter and you’ll be able to find his music soon within DE streaming.  He led the group in the creation of a music video based on… proportions.   Sound crazy?  Just watch the videos below.

There’s just one problem.  The group was divided in two, so we have two final projects.  We took a vote to determine which was the best one, and it might surprise you to find out that the voting was split right down the middle, 50/50 (ok, maybe that wouldn’t surprise you).

SO we need your help!  Watch both videos below, and then cast your vote.  Let us know which one was your favorite.  The winners will receive fame, fortune and everything that goes along with it.

And if you like what you see, don’t worry, you’ll have your chance to give it a try soon.

Green Group:



Red Group:




DEN SCIcon 2010

scicon

Saturday, January 9, 2010
9 AM to 4 PM ET
Drop by for an hour or stay for the whole day!
 
It’s virtual and it’s FREE!
Register for the online sessions at:
http://links.discoveryeducation.com/denscicon

or

Register for one of many in-person events hosted by our DEN Leadership Councils.  Click here to see the list of in-person events.

About DEN SCIcon

DEN SCIcon 2010 is an online conference (with a twist) focused on providing participants with some of the most effective strategies for transforming their science classes through the meaningful and effective integration of digital media content.  Join thousands of educators from around the world for an amazing day of professional development sessions, networking and sharing.

Download an informational flyer about DEN SCIcon to share with your colleagues.

Agenda (all times ET)

9 AM  
Change the Present, Change the Future
with Lance Rougeux

In our opening session we present our overarching theme for the day - change. 

Our students are leading the green revolution and sustainability is an engaging topic for every grade level and subject area.  In order to engage our students in the curriculum and prepare them to be agents of change in the future we need to constantly assess our instructional strategies and the resources we employ.  Help your students change the world every day by 3 o’clock using the digital tools they love.  Customized placemarks in Google Earth and digital posters with Glogster.  Virtual labs about alternative energy sources and digital storytelling projects with a green screen.  You’ll learn a new idea for every day of the week. 

Audience: General

9:50 AM
Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge

10 AM  
No Paper Left Behind: A New Age of Science Instruction
with Brad Fountain

Take your typical lesson and witness the power of a true multi-sensory teaching approach as we explore scienti?c concepts using a wealth of multimedia resources that engage students at the highest level.  You will never feel the same about science again, nor will you ever teach it the same way.

Audience: DE Science and DE streaming

10:50 AM
Discovery Education Wilkes University Master of Science Degree in Instructional Media

11 AM  
Hands-On Digital
with Patti Duncan

Science class is just not science class without hands on activities.  Getting “down and dirty” in the pursuit of knowledge can bring even the most reluctant student to the table.  Using digital media in conjunction with these activities can really make your lessons punch.  Computer simulations bring experiences not otherwise available to your students.  This session will show you the power of using simulations and interactives  to either introduce or reinforce the hands-on experience.  Tying it all together in a nice, neat package that all students will want to unwrap!

Audience: DE Science

11:50 AM
Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge

12 PM 
Polar Bears in a Changing Climate
featuring STAR Discovery Educator Julene Reed

Polar bears and their habitat are affected by climate change, as are many other species and environments around the world. Through Challenge Based Learning, students can become actively involved in authentic, scientific studies, creatively design solutions, and take action to make a difference both locally and globally. Join Julene Reed during this session to learn how the polar bears in the Hudson Bay area are being affected by climate change, how Challenge Based Learning can engage students in related activities that are based on 21st century education skills, and how the”Tundra Connections” program from Polar Bears International is providing educators and students with live videoconferencing and webcast opportunities with scientists on the tundra as well as curriculum resources to inspire action and make a difference.

About Julene
Julene Reed is the Director of Academic Technology at St. George’s Independent School in Collierville, TN.  Julene is a STAR Discovery Educator and Apple Distinguished Educator.  She also serves on the Advisory Councils for Dr. Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots and Polar Bears International. Her work with those organizations has taken her to Tanzania, to the subarctic in Canada, and to several European countries. Julene is the director of “Tundra Connections,” the educational initiatives for Polar Bears International which include online curriculum for the Apple Learning Interchange as well as live webcasts and videoconferences from the shores of the Hudson Bay where polar bear research is conducted in Manitoba.

Julene is actively involved with both global education and educational technology. She conducts keynote addresses, workshops, webinars, videoconferences, and other professional development training to educators, administrators, and service leaders internationally. Julene has authored educational content for Apple that is published on the Apple Learning Interchange as well as other educational publications. Julene received her Masters of Education in the area of Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Memphis and her Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Kansas.

Audience: General

12:50 PM
3M Young Scientist Challenge

1 PM
Where Do Old Sneakers Go to Die?  Real-World Science
with Mike Bryant

Have your students ever asked you this question: “When am I going to use this in real life?”  In this session, we’ll provide the answer as we use digital resources to investigate the science of everyday life.

Audience: DE Science and DE streaming

1:50 PM
Fuel Our Future Now

2 PM 
Teaching Process Skills with the Mythbusters
with Patti Duncan

Does a goldfish’s memory last longer than three seconds?  Would a helium-filled football have more “hang time” than an air-filled ball?  Bring the Mythbusters into your classroom to find out.  In this session we’ll explore a variety of ways to teach process skills using video segments from the Mythbusters.

Audience: General

2:30 PM
Discovery Education’s STEM Connect and introducing the Siemen’s STEM Academy

3 PM  
Do Try This at Home: Fun, Easy and Effective Experiments for Your Students
with Mike Bryant and Brad Fountain

In our closing session we’ll stream out live to watch science in action as our DEN managers demonstrate several fun experiments that you can do with your students.

Audience: General

Register today at:
http://links.discoveryeducation.com/denscicon.

Brace for Impact Screening in NYC

impact

We have 8 tickets to give away to STAR Discovery Educators for the world premiere screening of Brace for Impact: The story behind the miraculous landing of U.S. Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson.

Tuesday, January 5 at 6:30 pm
The Walter Reade Theater
70 Lincoln Center Plaza (165 West 65th Street)
New York, New York 10023

If you are a STAR Discovery Educator and are interested, post a comment to this blog post by noon ET on Tuesday, December 29  letting us know if you would like one or two tickets (you can bring a guest) and don’t forget to include your email address.

DEN SCIcon 2010: Attend online or in person

Saturday, January 9, 2010
9 AM to 4 PM ET
Drop by for an hour or stay for the whole day!
 
It’s virtual and it’s FREE!
Register for the online sessions at:
http://links.discoveryeducation.com/denscicon

or

Register for one of many in-person events hosted by our DEN Leadership Councils.

Terramar School
7000 W. Happy Valley Road
Peoria, AZ 85383
7 AM to 2 PM

Cartwright Elementary School District 
3401 N. 67th Avenue 
Phoenix, AZ 85033
8:30 AM to 1 PM 

Snowflake High School
190 W. 2nd Street South 
Snowflake, AZ 85937
8 AM to 2 PM

Esperero Canyon Middle School
Sabino Canyon Road 
Tucson, AZ 85750
7:30 AM to 2 PM

Corner Bakery at Irvine Spectrum 
91 Fortune Drive 
Irvine, CA 92618
9 AM to 1 PM 

Connecticut Science Center
250 Columbus Blvd. 
Hartford, CT 06103
8:30 AM to 4 PM

Electa A Lee Magnet Middle School  
4000 53rd Ave West 
Bradenton, FL 34210
9 AM to 4 PM

All Saints Catholic Academy  
1155 Aurora Ave. 
Naperville, IL 60540
8 AM to 3 PM

Dedham Middle School 
70 Whiting Avenue 
Dedham, MA 02026
8:30 AM to 4 PM 

Holy Redeemer School 
9715 Summit Ave 
Kensington, MD 20895
8:30 AM to 1 PM 

St. Therese School  
7277 NW Highway 9 
Kansas City, MO 64152
7:30 AM to 12:30 PM

Townsend School  
201 N. Spruce St. 
Townsend, MT 59644
9 AM to 1 PM

Discovery Times Square Expo 
226 West 44th Street (between 7th & 8th avenues)
New York City, NY
9 AM to 1 PM 
Registration limited to 25 participants.

Propel Montour
340 Bilmar Drive 
Pittsburgh, PA 15205
9 AM to 4 PM 

Finch Elementary 
1205 South Tennessee 
McKinney, TX 75069
8 AM to 4 PM 

Verona Area High School 
300 Richard Street 
Verona, WI 53593
9 AM to 3 PM 

Download an informational flyer about DEN SCIcon to share with your colleagues.

Join us for DEN SCIcon 2010

scicon

Saturday, January 9, 2010
9 AM to 4 PM ET
Drop by for an hour or stay for the whole day!
 
It’s virtual and it’s FREE!
Register at:
http://links.discoveryeducation.com/denscicon.

About DEN SCIcon

DEN SCIcon 2010 is an online conference (with a twist) focused on providing participants with some of the most effective strategies for transforming their science classes through the meaningful and effective integration of digital media content.  Join thousands of educators from around the world for an amazing day of professional development sessions, networking and sharing.

Agenda

9 AM  
Change the Present, Change the Future

10 AM  
No Paper Left Behind: A New Age of Science Instruction

11 AM  
Hands-On Digital

12 PM 
Polar Bears in a Changing Climate
featuring STAR Discovery Educator Julene Reed

1 PM
Where Do Old Sneakers Go to Die?  Real-World Science

2 PM 
Teaching Process Skills with the Mythbusters

3 PM  
Do Try This at Home: Fun, Easy and Effective Experiments for Your Students

Register today at:
http://links.discoveryeducation.com/denscicon.

The DEN Can Change the World

wecan

We have a lot of programs that teachers and their students can participate in for free.  One of my personal favorites is the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge

The Challenge is designed to help your students work together to solve an environmental problem in their…

  • Classroom (K-2)
  • School (3-5)
  • Community (6-8)

Participating is easy.  You can take a month to work on the Challenge or you could complete it in a week.  The projects truly cut across the curriculum so you can teach Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies as part of the Challenge. All the resources you need (lesson plans, sample projects, virtual labs, eBooks, videos, parent resources, etc.) are on the website at: http://wecanchange.com.

Since the Challenge is open to K-8 (and next year it will be K-12), we thought this would be a perfect opportunity to truly engage the entire DEN since the majority of our community members can participate. 

So, here’s our two-part DEN Challenge as part of the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge.

  1. Any STAR Discovery Educator who enters the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge by January 31, 2010 will have his/her name put into a drawing to win a trip to the NSTA National Conference in Philadelphia, PA (March 18-21, 2010).  Airfare, hotel and conference registration will be covered by the DEN. You must be a STAR Discovery Educator and you must let us know that you and your students have entered the We Can Change the World Challenge by completing this form.
  2. The state (where there is a DEN Leadership Council) with the highest number of entries to the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge will earn a Day of Discovery in conunction with the DEN’s Spring Virtual Conference.  The day will be planned, managed and executed by the DEN team giving the state LC a break.  Hall Davidson, Steve Dembo and other members of the DEN team will be there in person to present.

So, ready to learn more and get started?  We have a whole series of webinars to help you.  Just visit: http://links.discoveryeducation.com/wecanchange.

Good luck, have fun, and change the world with your students!

Costume contest winners!

The voting was fierce, as the ranks shifted several times over the last few days.  But when the dust settled, three winners emerged!  Congrats to all the winners, a brand new HD Flip Cam is going to be in the mail to you.  And many thanks to everybody who participated, it truly put the ‘treat’ in Tech or Treat!

Best Discovery themed costume:

Christie Berrier, as the MythBusters!

Bekka Stasny as The Deadliest Catch!

Vasantha Rayman as the DEN STAR!

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