Lockerbie Bomber Has Died: Do Your Students Know About Pan Am 103?

After reading the news that Abdelbeset Ali Mohmed al Megrahi, (the only person convicted in the bombing of Pan Am flight 103) had passed away, I asked some of my students if they knew anything about the event. They shook their heads. This act of terrorism was the precursor of September 11. 2001 and took the lives of 270 people. If you teach world history, here are 11 resources on Pan Am 103 and how it affected the town of Lockerbie, Scotland and...

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Here's What You Missed at EdCamp Philly

Resources From Today's SessionsSchedule for EdCamp PhillySMACKDOWN EDCAMP PHILLY: SHARED RESOURCESA 3x3 Links Speed-Dial Page- simple start page for your resources360 Cities- panoramic photography from around the worldCAPspace- educational videoconferencingChange By Us Philly- share ideas and make your community betterClass Dojo- "realtime behavior management"with great graphics and sound effects; very funnyClassroom Organizer- manage your classroom...

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School Newspaper Advisers: 17 Websites For Student Photographers

 It's tough to find really committed student photographers. I'm talking about the ones who are always there and ready for any assignment that comes their way. They also need a good camera, preferably a DSLR which they can use to capture sports, whether it is indoors or outdoors. I was fortunate this year to have an awesome photography editor, a young lady who manages to do well in all her classes, run on the track team AND keep after her staff...

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It's Teacher Appreciation Week!

Treat yourself because you are special. Click the FREE tab at the top and see how many discounts you are entitled to because you are a teacher. Add your suggestions below and I'll put them on this LONG li...

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Author and Illustrator Maurice Sendak Has Died

Having worked as a media specialist in an elementary school, I am familiar with the books of Maurice Sendak. I was saddened today to hear that he passed away this morning at age 83. Coming home this afternoon I heard an old interview with him on NPR. (National Public Radio) I learned many new things about the man I never knew before. It was a touching tribute to the man who entertained so many children."I have nothing now but praise for my life....

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Adobe Creative Suite 6 Arrives Today: Teachers Can Save 80% !!

I admit it. I love Photoshop. And Illustrator. And Dreamweaver. If you teach graphic design or just love Adobe products like I do, you'll be happy to hear that CS6 has shipped as of today. Best part of all? Teachers (and students) can purchase packages of the software for 80% off list price. EXAMPLE: The Design Standard package sells for $1,299.00.  Cut to the educator price- $349.00.  Just prove that you are a teacher and you get the price!...

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Ideas for the End of the School Year

It's that time of the year again! Is it just me, or are the years going by faster as we get older? Right now we are involved in AP testing for juniors and seniors, with biology testing this week as well. Then the concerts, class trips, fashion show, prom.....well, you know the drill. It is crazy here as I'm sure it is at your school. If you're looking for some great ideas on how to finish the school year, look no further. These 17 links have hundreds...

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Job Resources for Teachers

It's that time of the year again, where due to budget cuts, many teachers have not had their contracts renewed. This listing has recently been updated with the addition of 38 more sites and now has its own page. Just click the tab at the top of the blog.To subscribe to this blog, click here.Follow me on Twitt...

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Google has announced the winners of the state contests for the Doodle 4 Google contest. Students from grades K-12 participated, by drawing their answer to the question: "If I could travel in time, I'd visit…".  The winner of the national contest (vote here  for your favorites in each grade category) will see their design on Google's home page as well as on a Crayola 64 crayon box! Here's a listing of all the prizes which will...

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The Power of Music Therapy

It's nap time for the kindergarten children. They are all rolling around and trying to close their eyes. Playing music to calm them down is a no-brainer. My recommendation: "Welcome to the World: A Musical Collection for the Nursey". This is my original music, and since most of my tracks are instrumental, the CD will work for 5 years olds as well as newborn babies. Give a free listen here. You can also sample or download tracks on iTunes. ...

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Geology for Kids: 44 Places to Find Information

Amethyst Galleries' Mineral Gallery- the first Internet rock shop Ask a GeologistThe Burke Museum in a Box- interactiveCavern Geology Lesson Plan Classifying Igneous Rocks- lab worksheet Classifying Sedimentary Rocks- lab worksheetThe Dynamic Earth- from the SmithsonianEarthforce Earth's Timeline Worksheet Fossils-Facts-and-Finds- everything fossilsFossils, Rocks and Time- U.S. government siteGeologic Time Geological Society of America Geology...

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If You Teach Current Events.....Try These 30 Websites for Ideas

The list below covers grades K-12. Some specify the grade and others can be adapted for your students.The Awesome Library Current Events LinksBBC News OnlineCNN- news clips, video clips; excellent siteThe CNN Challenge- take an interactive quiz to see how much you know about current eventsCurrent Events Printables- from TeacherVision; by grade levelFOX News- known to be more conservativeFrontline- PBS programGoogle Directory- with 8 categories to...

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