First day of Fall 2009 - Northern Hemisphere For the Northern Hemisphere, as in the United States, Canada and most of Europe, Fall begins on September 22, 2009 at 5:18 pm EDT. Fall is also known as autumn - and lasts from the autumnal equinox (September) to the winter solstice (December).In checking my calendar for this coming last full week of September, I noticed a free webinar about H1N1 preparedness. This month our local schools have reported 55 cases of H1N1. I was surprised at this number of cases. What really got my attention what that the first week of September, the schools reported 16 cases. Seven days later–39 cases. Are we taking enough precautions?
Tuesday, September 22, 2009 1:30 pmEastern Daylight Time (GMT -04:00, New York) Change time zone
Duration:
1 hour
Description:
In partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Ad Council, Discovery Education invites teachers and their students to join representatives from FEMA, the Centers for Disease Control, and the Department of Education in a free H1N1 webinar to learn how they can be prepared this flu season.
Virtual Conference: Saturday, October 24, 2009, 9 AM to 4 PM ETI know this is not until the end of October, but I was able to register online and saved the day on my busy calendar. Join thousands of educators online and in-person as the DEN team goes house to house to explore the many digital treats available to educators today. During this unique professional development event you have the flexibility to attend online or in-person at one of many regional events hosted by the DEN Leadership Councils.The day will feature special presentations from Justin Karkow and Steve Dembo along with a host of other great sessions guaranteed to satisfy your digital sweet tooth. To register for the virtual sessions visit: http://LINKS.discoveryeducation.com/virtualconLast but not least, I have to share a photo of my first grandchild and me: Proud grandparent? Naw…not much.
Well, it’s back to school time, and you know what that means… It’s time to share the 2009-2010 webinar schedule! Nearly 100 webinars have been scheduled already and are ready for your registrations.
You can register for any or all of our webinars through the end of the year right now! Just click here to register, and you’ll receive reminders as the events get closer.
HOT OFF THE PRESSES…
(from Justin Karkow, NC DEN Account Manager)!!
Wake County Public Schools and Discovery Education are pleased to present a Day of Discovery at Panther Creek High School on September 19, 2009.
This Day of Discovery will provide North Carolina educators and welcomed guests with an exciting and enriching day of professional development focused on creative ways to engage your students using digital media from the Discovery Education streaming library (formerly known as unitedstreaming).During the day, participants will learn how they can use images, audio clips and videos to create engaging multimedia presentations, digital stories, and virtual field trips!Lunch will be provided and the day will conclude with fun and prizes!
When: Saturday, September 19, 2009 Where: Panther Creek High School, 6770 McCrimmon Parkway, Cary, North Carolina Time: 9:00am – 3:30pm (registration will begin at 8:30) Cost: Free!
Space is limited, so register today!WCPSS Educators: Register via eSchools SRN: 296440601Educators outside of WCPSS: Visit http://tinyurl.com/wakedodto register.
Contact Justin Karkow at Justin_Karkow@discovery.com for more details.
On May 30, 2009, North Carolina educators participated in the 1st DEN Geocaching Day at two locations: Etowah and Kinston
Etowah, NC
Twelve geocachers began the day at the newly opened Etowah Public Library where they learned about how GPS satellites work, GPS devices and Geocaching.They then spent some time looking for some small caches around the library as they learned to use their GPS devices.They were given many examples of how to tie geocaching to any curricular area as well as time to collaborate and connect with each other.Their adventure then took them to the Etowah Park where they found two geocaches.The first one was found very quickly; but, the second one proved to be a bit more of an adventure.After using the clue given to them on the geocaching.com website, the cache was found covered with ants. Their geocaching experience ended with Julie’s Sub and Sandwich Shop providing a wonderful lunch and lots of prizes from Discovery.
Kinston, NCTwenty three cachers started the day at Golden Corral for breakfast and some general geocaching hints. Our adventure was the First Battle of Kinston Tour, which consisted of 12 new caches and a history lesson at each stop.Included in each cache was information needed to complete a puzzle that would reveal the location of the last cache.The travel bug was launched at the 3rd stop on the tour. Cachers met at the Kinston Visitor’s Center and received a button proclaiming they finished The First Battle Tour of Kinston. Our reward for a long morning of caching was the delicious lunch awaiting us at Subway. Everyone was pleasantly surprised at the nice prizes and lunch.
On June 27th, there will be a second event: The Battle of Wyse Fork, which will also consist of 12 new caches. Join us if you can.
Well, 10 days into May and teachers are counting down the days until the buses leave campus for a well deserved summer hiatus of sorts. At the beginning of the school year, students walked patiently in straight lines are now trying to run, shout, scream, giggle, and jump like they are wild. Some blame it on the rising sap, I think they are also ready for a change.
Folks, we must focus some of this raw energy on preparing for those wonderful end of grade tests. Trying to be politically correct, these tests are an opportunity to show how well our students have mastered the curriculum.
For my fellow teachers that are overwhelmed by all the end of year events, and celebrations and such, here is a wonderful gem that folks at Discovery have shared, at no cost, with educators, students, and parents. Homework Helper has resources to help students master the basics of mathematics of numbers and number operations. Videos and tutorials explain basic operations and help with the mastery of math skills in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division–essential building blocks for success in mathematics. I like this site too- Webmath.com Then for science review earth, physical, and life science resources are excellent for viewing at home or in the classroom. For English, they have video chapters and web resources to assist students with their written and verbal communication skills. Content areas included are grammar, composition, and mechanics from Kindergarten to Grade 1 - high school. Hold on, there are social studies recources too! The section keys in on chapters and web resources will assist students with understanding the election process, as well as the powers of and people behind the U.S. presidency.
Marvelous? Yeah right.
Please, don’t let your middle schoolers run over you on their way out the door. All I can say is that I am bad of backing into my parking space everyday this time of the year.
Mediashare
This is an entertaining for schools using Discovery Streaming. The reporters show how to use Mediashare. I wish we had this tool to use with our One to One learning program. We try to use the teacher wiki and we have iWeb, but this is really slick. I read in the Den Spring Training 2009 post that DEN members have a contest running through May 22nd. Lance and Steve do a great job explaining how to upload. So, with this in mind, why not share? I need to dig through my videos and see if I can earn some “Resources Shared” points. If I can get around to it.
The Discovery Educator Network is seeking feedback from educators who have participated in the DEN and/or attended DEN-sponsored events. This survey should take you about 5 minutes to complete. We really appreciate your feedback.
If you are a blogger and would like to embed this survey on your blog, click here to copy the iFrame embeddable code.
[Note: If you do not see the form embedded below, click here to open it in a new window.]
Do you love to blog, plan events, or simply LOVE the DEN?!?! Well then, come join the North Carolina DEN Leadership Council!
The DEN has doubled in size since last year and this amazing growth has a lot to do with our incredible DEN Leadership Councils. We are in awe of the work they have volunteered to do to make the DEN community what it is today. Wouldn’t you love to be part of these incredible groups of STAR DEs? Now’s your chance.
In order to provide the necessary support to ever-growing state-level DEN communities, give new STAR Discovery Educators the opportunity to take an active leadership role with the DEN, and allow current LC members a break (if they choose) we are starting an annual LC election process.
From now until Friday, May 15, 2009 you have the opportunity to express interestin staying active as an LC member, joining an existing LC or helping to launch a new LC.
Every STAR Discovery Educator is encouraged to formally express his/her interest by completing the self-nomination form. You will select which leadership role(s) you are interested in as well as provide a brief statement of interest that will serve as your “campaign speech” should someone else wish to be considered for the same leadership role.
In order to be considered for the Chair, Blog Coordinator or Events Coordinator roles you must serve on the DEN LC for at least one year as part of the Events Team or Blog Team. For new LCs this does not apply.
For more details about the DEN Leadership Councils including the roles, responsibilities, benefits and the election process please read the DEN LC Overview.
DEN Spring Training is here! We’ve had a lot of new recruits in the past year and we expect big things from the community this spring. Last year the stat we focused on the most was ESA (Earned STAR Average). This year we are looking for STARs who put up solid numbers in the RS category. Runs scored? Nope. Resources Shared. We’re looking for STARs who will take the time to share their presentations, projects, videos, lesson plans, etc. by uploading them to the Educator Resources section of the DEN website. Any STAR who uploads at least TWO resources between April 6 and May 22 will receive a limited edition DEN Spring Training 2009 t-shirt featuring the design above. So, what are you waiting for? Upload those resources because “If you share it, they will learn!” Note: At the end of spring training (May 22) we will send an email to all STARs who uploaded at least two resources asking for your address and t-shirt size. Shirts will ship in early June.
Spring Into Action at the Discovery Educator Network (DEN) Virtual Conference on Saturday, April 25th (9 AM to 3 PM EDT). Join thousands of educators who are passionate about integrating media into their instruction and collaborating with each other to improve student achievement.
During this unique (and free) professional development event attendees have the flexibility to attend online or in-person at one of many regional events hosted by the DEN Leadership Councils.
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