TEACHING TODAY. James Madison Students Create Parking Lot Safety Video. Soda Created by Oak Creek Students to Hit Retail Shelves

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1 Check Out These Contests! Page 7 Where in Wisconsin? Page 21 Richard Lederer s Trivia for Teachers Page 22 Student Contests and Competitions TEACHING WISCONSIN S EDUCATION CONNECTION James Madison Elementary School in Sheboygan, WI is in its first year of implementing a Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) system. One of the features of PBIS is to develop a system in which students are taught positive appropriate school behavior. The school created expectations for each school setting, including the parking lot. TODAY May 2012 James Madison Students Create Parking Lot Safety Video Back row: Destiny Prahl, Makiah Shad, Kierra Perez, Front row: Abigail Urben, School Counselor Rebecca Kindred. Written By: Jim Buss & Michael Burden, Oak Creek High School Teachers Oak Creek High School AP Chemistry teacher, Jim Buss, was looking for a research project for his students once they completed their exam in early May. Remembering his college job in beverage development at Miller Brewing Company, Mr. Buss conceptualized a food chemistry project. Mr. Buss reached out to Pete Caruso, President of locally owned Black Bear Bottling, to pitch the idea of having his students develop a new soda flavor. Mr. Caruso embraced the idea, provided all of the materials, and challenged the students to create a new cherry vanilla soda. Hundreds of variations were developed and rejected by the student research teams during the final weeks of the school year. Each class submitted their best sodas to Black Bear employees for evaluation. On the final day of the school year, the students gave a presentation to Black Bear about how their soda development experiences. At the end, Mr. Caruso announced a winner for best soda. Mr. Caruso was so pleased with the final product that he decided to issue a challenge to the Oak Creek High School marketing students to name the new product, design a label, and implement a marketing campaign. All sales would endow a scholarship fund. Continued on Page 20 Parking lot safety has been a concern of both school staff and parents. A parent representative on the PBIS committee suggested creating a video as a way to communication the parking lot expectations to parents, since they play a large part in keeping the school parking lot safe for students. The video project was spearheaded by Rebecca Kindred, the school s counselor, who is also the PBIS Internal Coach and Student Council advisor. Twenty-one student council members eagerly volunteered to participate in the video and gave up lunch recesses and after school time to practice and create the video. Jenny Engels, teacher and technology leader at James Madison filmed and produced the video, called The Top 10 Parking Lot Safety Rules for Parents. The video included tips on parking lot etiquette, where to drop off and pick up children, where to park when visiting the school, and a reminder to drive safely and attentively. The school principal, Dr. Matt Driscoll, has been working with parents for several years on making the school parking lot safe for students before and after school. Many of the rules seen in the video were actual suggestions from parents over the years. The video was shared with parents at Parent-Teacher Conferences in February. I can see an awareness of parking lot safety slowly, yet surely, becoming more important to the parents said Dr. Driscoll. Student safety is paramount to me. Without students feeling safe and being safe in the school environment, they will not learn to the best of their potential. In addition to reinforcing positive behaviors, the video also served as a learning opportunity for the students who creatively planned out the video, created props and performed in the video. Students also helped to communicate the project to parents at school. Staff members heard many positive comments on the effort from parents. Plans are underway to create more videos to continue to enforce the school s positive behavior expectations. Watch a clip from the video on the James Madison Elementary School website at www. sheboygan.k12.wi.us/madison Soda Created by Oak Creek Students to Hit Retail Shelves

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3 Teaching Today May 2012 Page Check out these full articles online at 8 ways to keep math skills sharp over the summer Robotics technology aims to help children with autism More districts shift to using digital textbooks The Classroom How to keep students motivated as summer approaches Can exercise improve academic performance? Fourth-grade students write spin-offs to published novel Schools hit a bull s-eye with archery lessons STEM Researchers make geologic map of Jupiter s moon Io Satellite tracking used for first time on manta rays When Technologies Collide: Consumer, K-12 and Higher Ed Using digital storytelling as part of writing curriculum Administration and Principals High school offers lifetime fitness alternative to PE Tips to keeping good IT talent on board and loyal Some Colo. districts turn to school-bus ads for needed funds How does isolation affect teachers? Career Exploration A Gateway to a Career Through Volunteering The Top Majors For The Class Of 2022 Virtual university helps prepare students for college Knowing Mandarin is now a sales asset for high end retailers Expanding exports requires more language skills for U.S. companies TEACHING TODAY Publisher/Editor: Renee Feight EDITORIAL: Andria Reinke PAGE COMPOSITION: Andrew Clausen WEBMASTER: Rachel Schimelman SPECIAL PROJECTS: Jarrod Feight, Miranda Browning Account Executive: Jennifer Berg Please direct articles, advertising, questions or comments to: Teaching Today PO Box 1704 Eau Claire,WI Phone/Fax Please direct all inquiries to: renee@teachingtodaywi.com Teaching Today is an independent publication for educators. The opinions expressed in Teaching Today are not necessarily the opinions of Teaching Today. We reserve the right to edit any and all materials submitted due to grammar, content and space allowances. Articles, photos and artwork submitted to Teaching Today are assumed to be released by the submitter for publication. Subscriptions Subscriptions are available to those not in our distribution area. Subscription rate is $25 per year. Subscription orders must include check or money order made out to: Teaching Today, PO Box 1704, Eau Claire,WI Include name and shipping address. Coming in September RAILROAD HIGHWAY TODAY TRANSPORTATION YOUR WISCONSIN TRANSPORTATION CONNECTION HIGHWAY RAILROAD AIR MARINE PERSONAL/RECREATIONAL Top Transportation News Stories of 2011 San enisl iure modolut aciduisi Ignim nim vendit aliquis sequisit iure exero dolore vel ut ver se eugiam ing exerciduis adigna aut la facillum dunt essismo digniatisi blam, quam augait alismodignim ad eu feu feugait, vulputpatue dolore magna cor ilit utpatis nim exerciliquat praessi. Loborperat vullaortie feuguer cipiscidunt in eu faciduis augait del incip ero Pute mod tion hent iriurero etue duismod oleniat. odit dolor si. feuisis nullaore molendr ercilla accumsan et accum vero od minim adit amet, Ure et, si ero od ea faccum num iuscilit eum ing eugait alisl in et vulluptat. quamcor peraestin utpat. Em ing er sustie Num venit nim in hent lutpat veniam dip er illa feuissim quat ut vel irilis nis iustinci ea commolor ip er ipis ad dolorpero commodit vulla aliquat ipsummy amet nummod tissis nim zzril ullaore dolore faccum acilis ea faccums andi- nullandignis nonse vendiam, vel dolore vent dolore magnibh ex exerci blan velit min ullan ullaorper sisit wisi. alit augiamet utpat amcon ulla autatetue Ulpute magnis nos nulpute tet exeros estrud molestrud tem nim am delendignit adio eugait autat, velisit at alis nis dolese commy nim iriureet, vulputat. Nis accumsandre volenim ea consenis ad ametummodiam dolore et, consecte el in moluptat lum velisisi et velenis dolore ea feum venis nummodolorer si esto dio magna facillutat vendre dolorer aessisi. etueriureet ipisci et la alisi. Dui blamet nos num quis dolobore Osto consequi blaore facing eugait ver accum irit, sent loboree tummod tin iure magna feugiamet, consectet et velisl ming eui blam, veros nos adignismod wis accum augait loreet laor iure molessi henismo dionse vel dolorero deliquipit irit vendre eugiam aute mod er sum tin ulla facidunt praestie tetuer sequis et vent vulla commodolore conse ming lorerat loborperilis eumsan utem voloborem vel in ea facil ilit lobor si. dunt lan exerit lum atum veliqui exerat, eugait, veniamcon ut at ipit auguer iure non utat. Duis nibh exer suscini ssequat eraese velisi. nonulputatem esent ut augait ut prat. Giam, consequat. Duipis num quatue Bor sectet la commy nulla faccum volore magna conum do del eraesequat, Engineering a better intersection TRANSPORTATION suscipis ercipsum ate eugait adiam, quam lummolor iusto dio doloreet dolortie dolor sed ming et, quatuer ipsummo del dignisl iriusto odit landiam dolortio odigna faciduisi er ipis ad er sustie dolore dignibh er acidunt nit in et am, quisi estrud magnibh elesto odio eugue dit lor sum zzrit ad tat nostrud magnim doluptatem irit ad tinim diam dolum euis accum dolobore ea facipis eum volorperos non utat iure te magnim dolore dion nibh et lorperiustis nos dolore magnis dit vullaore vent exer adiamet irit aliquat. volor in henim irilis ametum zzriure tat Dui eui tat lore feum zzril et, vullam wis alit vent ad tat iustrud el irillaore vel dolore minis autat. Lesectem venibh eriure delesed eraesse quiscin ciduis ex enisit irilit, sum inis alit volortie ver in eugiam volor alisit nosto et, se faccum hendrer augiat. Tue magnim ver si ero zzriusc illaore min esequissim zzrilit, eugait prat, con velestis dolor sisi. sum nosto odoloreet acinis eugue eugait, Pat. Ut praessequat la faccum commy nullandre conse dipisis nonse aliquam vullan eugiamc ommodolorem feuisci llaortin hent amcon endip enim zzril ea facidunt lobore eros accummy enis doluptat inciliqui tem et, se dolesto nullamconse velit auguerostio eu facipisi. alit volesecte do consend reetum iureri- dolorpero dolutat. Ex et veriuscil eugait Elit loboreraesse dolor ipsum urerci blam dolore dignibh enisim ipis Ugiatum quam, se magna consecte Sandit luptat nit prat. dolortie feugue velismo dolorem nim niat. Duip enis et, consequisit nismolo tatet, quisit, cor suscip eu feuis ent aut Et dolobore tie faccummy nit venibh ex ea facipsum aliquat ueraess boreetue velit wismolor in hendit lutem nisi tet praesse doloreet am, quipit augait la commoloborem ex exer iuscil dio equatum ip exer sum vendigna facidunt dipsum vel ea ad ea consed molor ipit laore modolestrud dolobor alisl ulla feum commy nostin utpat. Ut in henisim ea feu am nulla alit ad tet, quisi. am, con el doluptat nullam zzrit alit in henim quisl erciniat. faccum venit, vendre veleniam dunt lor Esto odoloreet er se enim nul- nim volenim vulputetum exeraes tionse YOUR WISCONSIN TRANSPORTATION CONNECTION TODAY Transportation Today, a special inserted newspaper, will cover each of the five modes of transportation: aviation, highway, maritime, rail and personal/recreational. You and your students will explore the variety of careers offered in each mode, projected growth, education requirements, trends, and the hows, whats and wheres of each mode of transportation. Perfect for students and educators across Wisconsin. Watch for Transportation Today making its debut in September, 2012.

4 Page Teaching Today May 2012 Resources Figment Figment is a community where you can share your writing, connect with other readers, and discover new stories and authors. Whatever you re into, from sonnets to mysteries, from sci-fi stories to cell phone novels, you can find it all here. Free! Website: figment.com/ Exploratorium Exploratorium is a free website from The Exploratorium in San Francisco, California It features over 25,000 pages of content with links to tools and experiences that help visitors become active explorers through a collection of interactive links and activities for all ages. Website: Open, Web-based resources for teaching writing Todd Blake Finley, an associate professor of English Education at East Carolina University, has compiled a list of highquality online resources for teaching writing FOR THE CLASSROOM to students. Among them, Writing What You Know offers lessons that can be easily adapted for different grades, while Writing about Literature: The Basics helps students define basic literary terms. Others, such as Writing and Inquiry in the Digital Age, offer professional-development resources for educators. Website: openlearn.open.ac.uk/mod/oucontent/view.php?id= Website: chapter/7376 Website: p2pu.org/en/groups/ writing-and-inquiry-in-the-digital-age/ content/explore-digital-is-and-discussionabout-observations-and-discovery/ Printables From The Teacher s Corner Free printable worksheets offered by The Teacher s Corner include: Sudoku Puzzles, Brain Teasers, Word Searches, Word Scrambles, Match-up Worksheets, Crossword Puzzle Maker, Time Worksheets, Money Worksheets, Coloring Pages, Printable Calendars, Printable Maps, Cloze Sentence, Fill in the Blank, Maze Maker, and Graph Worksheets! They are all free you don t have to subscribe and there is no software to download! Website: Explore icivics Resources! icivics (formerly Our Courts) is a webbased education project designed to teach students civics and inspire them to be active participants in our democracy. icivics is the vision of Justice Sandra Day O Connor, who is concerned that students are not getting the information and tools they need for civic participation, and that civics teachers need better materials and support. Check out Supreme Decision, Executive Command, Argument Wars and Immigration Nation at the following website. Website: Wide Angle Drawing upon the powerful film resources of public television s award-winning series of international documentaries, Wide Angle, this collection comprises a range of resources intended as a compelling supplement to existing curricula. Our goal is that these resources will enrich the study of Global History by using contemporary examples as jumping-off points to engage students with historical themes that were as relevant in the past as they are today. We hope these resources help students understand why the study of different countries and cultures matters to their lives and the lives of others. Website: LiveBinders LiveBinders are a free, virtual 3-ring binder, a place to collect and store (using cloud technology) documents, links, Power- Point presentations, images, videos, etc. One nice feature of LiveBinders is you can view the external link (or other source) within the LiveBinder page, so you re not constantly loading new windows, media, or pages (unless you want to, and a separate link is provided for that option.) They are a great way for students and teachers to gather together information and other resources for various educational purposes Website: search=&terms=web+2.0&type=3 A Virtual Wilderness Experience for Grades 6 12 The American Field Guide, produced by Oregon Public Broadcasting, features more than 1,400 video clips of outdoor programming from public television stations around the country. Website: pbs.org/americanfieldguide/ Beloit learning ConferenCe Don t miss out on this summer s information-packed conference, designed to arm educators with the latest strategies to help all children learn in a way that is research-based, customizable, and effective! This summer s conference features three powerful keynote presenters, several breakout sessions, and a free copy of Anthony Muhammad s book The Will to Lead, the Skill to Teach: Transforming Schools at Every Level. School District of Beloit annual Summer Conference July 12 13, 2012 Central Christian Church 2460 Milwaukee Rd., Beloit, Wis. For questions, please call Anthony Muhammad, PhD Author: The Will to Lead, the Skill to Teach: Transforming Schools at Every Level. featured Speakers Sharroky Hollie, PhD Co-Author: The Will to Lead, the Skill to Teach: Transforming Schools at Every Level. Marcia Tate Author: Worksheets Don t Grow Dendrites: 20 Instructional Strategies that Engage the Brain. Free copy of The Will to Lead, the Skill to Teach for every attendee. registration Deadline: July 2nd register online at: conta.cc/beloitconference2012

5 Teaching Today May 2012 Three Wisconsin schools win national Green Ribbon Schools award MADISON State Superintendent Tony Evers today congratulated three Wisconsin schools for winning the first ever Green Ribbon Schools award, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education. Congratulations to Middleton High School, Dimensions of Learning Academy in Kenosha, and Purdy Elementary School in Fort Atkinson for being recognized for their efforts to improve the overall health and environment of their greater school communities, said Evers. States participating in the program forwarded nominees to the U.S. Department of Education for consideration. In Wisconsin, a team of education consultants reviewed applications and chose these three schools to move forward in the process. Applicants were required to collect extensive data about the school s facility, its health and safety policies, food service program, and environmental and sustainability curriculum and assessment. Each school submitted an application that was reviewed based on the applicant s demonstrated progress toward the goals Administrators/Principals Wisconsin High Schools Ranked of each of the three Green Ribbon Schools Pillars. The criteria for the pillars are as follows: Pillar I goal: The school has a net zero environmental impact. Pillar II goal: The school has a positive impact on the health and performance of students and staff. Pillar III goal: 100 percent of the school s graduates are environmentally and sustainability literate. The Green Ribbon Schools award recognizes schools that save energy, reduce costs, feature environmentally sustainable learning spaces, protect health, foster wellness, and offer environmental education to boost student academic achievement and community engagement. Representatives from each Green Ribbon School will be invited to attend an award program from June 3-4, 2012, in Washington, DC. According to the U.S. News Best High Schools 2012 rankings, there are 2 Wisconsin schools with gold medals, 24 with silver medals, and 88 with bronze medals. The topranked school in Wisconsin is Rufus King High School, which is part of the Milwaukee Public Schools and located about 90 miles east of the state capital of Madison. Top Ranked WI Schools To be eligible for a state ranking, a school must be awarded a national gold or silver medal. #1 Rufus King High School, 1801 West Olive St, Milwaukee, WI #2 Ronald Wilson Reagan College Preparatory High School, 4965 South 20th St, Milwaukee, WI #3 Eau Claire Memorial High School, 2225 Keith St, Eau Claire, WI #4 Lancaster High, 806 East Elm St, Lancaster, WI #5 Preble High, 2222 Deckner Ave, Green Bay, WI #6 Medford High, 1015 West Broadway Ave, Medford, WI #7 Milwaukee School of Languages, 8400 West Burleigh St, Milwaukee, WI #8 West High School, 610 North Badger Ave, Appleton, WI Page #9 St Croix Falls High School, 740 Maple Dr, Saint Croix Falls, WI #10 Onalaska High, 700 Hilltopper Place, Onalaska, WI #11 Chippewa Falls High, 735 Terrill St., Chippewa Falls, WI #12 Kickapoo High, S6520 State Hwy 131, Viola, WI #13 Southwest High, 1331 Packerland Dr., Green Bay, WI #14 Southern Door High, 2073 County Trunk DK, Brussels, WI #15 Menomonie High, th St. West, Menomonie, WI #16 Rib Lake High, 1200 North St., Rib Lake, WI #17 Prentice High, 1025 Town St., Prentice, WI #18 Pulaski High, 1040 South Saint Augustine St., Pulaski, WI #19 Parker High, 3125 Mineral Point Ave., Janesville, WI #20 Westby High, 206 West Ave. South, Westby, WI To view the complete list of schools and their rankings go to: Information from US News.com

6 Page Teaching Today May 2012 Summer is a Time for Learning UW-River Falls offers a variety of programs for educators who want to refresh and rejuvenate their teaching skills over the summer or start a masters degree. Here are some of the graduate programs that you can begin this summer once you are admitted as a UWRF student. Apply online at Graduate Degrees and Certificates Alternative Education, Certificate Beginning June 11. Principal Licensure, MSE Beginning June 18. GLOBAL. INNOVATIVE. EXCELLENT. Reading Specialist or Reading Teacher Beginning with the Summer Reading Institute, June 18. Secondary Education Mathematics, MSE Beginning June 18 Graduate Courses for Continuing Education Montessori Teacher Preparation Beginning June 18. Online Courses for Educators Beginning June 11. More programs are available on our web site. Find us on Facebook! (715) or (800) outreach@uwrf.edu

7 Teaching Today May 2012 Page 7 Pilot Schools Needed: Educator Effectiveness System The DPI is seeking school districts to help pilot the statewide Educator Effectiveness System during the school year. Specifically, nominations are being accepted for the Teacher Practice, Principal Practice, and Student/School Learning Outcomes components. Pilot districts and schools will participate in evaluation activities such as interviews and surveys during and after The DPI will provide comprehensive initial training and ongoing support. An external evaluator will work Integrate Technology into your Classroom with districts throughout the pilot process, collecting information to help refine the process. Due to capacity and resource management, the department encourages districts to consider small scale pilot trials. Detailed information about district considerations is provided on the registration site, where staff can also nominate schools in their districts until May 25 at 3 p.m. (See: For more information about the Educator Effectiveness Framework view the webinar, Understanding the Wisconsin Educator Effectiveness System, hosted by Deputy State Superintendent Michael Thompson and Julie Brilli, director of Teacher Education, Professional Development & Licensing. (See: com/cnadn9s) For more information contact Kris Joannes, education consultant, Reprinted from Wisconsin DPI ConnectEd Contest! Where in Wisconsin? Each month we ll draw your attention to one of Wisconsin s many historical markers. All you have to do is Teaching Today and tell us Where in Wisconsin that marker can be found. From all correct answers, we ll draw four names. Those people will win a copy of History Just Ahead: A Guide to Wisconsin s Historical Markers, edited by Sarah Davis McBride, and published by the State Historical Society of Wisconsin. Congratulations to the winners from our April issue: Drew Baillargeon, Hudson Middle, School, Hudson; Jennifer Olson, CESA 11, Turtle Lake; Tiffany Smith, Northwest Secondary School, Milwaukee; Rhiannon Tonies, O Keeffe Middle, School, Madison all of whom identified Mineral Point as the location of the former Fort Defiance.. TeachingTodayAd_12_2012 3/12/12 10:10 AM Page 1 This Month s Question: Just over 100 years ago, John Schwister flew the state s first home-built aircraft. Schwister s biplane, constructed of wooden ribs covered with light cotton cloth, and powered by an early-model aircraft engine, flew for several hundred feet at a maximum altitude of 20 feet. Schwister began constructing his flying machine in St. Paul, but brought it back to Wisconsin to complete. He dubbed his craft the Minnesota-Badger. Though injured in a plane crash the following year, he continued to construct and fly his own airplanes. In what north-central Wisconsin village will you find a historical marker noting the flight of Wisconsin s first home-built airplane? your answers by June 7th, 2012 to: renee@teachingtodaywi.com Are you a Teacher or Administrator Exploring Online Education for your Classroom? Start Your Master of Online Teaching Certificate this Summer! Our Award Winning Program offered by the University of Illinois: Provides the skills and knowledge necessary to produce quality online educational elements Allows for first hand experience of the best online learning techniques in action Summer Classes Now Enrolling S. Wright Street, Suite 370 Champaign, IL Phone: ion-mail@uillinois.edu

8 Page Teaching Today May 2012 Items of Interest ASCD Seeks Outstanding Young Educators for Recognition and $10,000 Award For the past decade, ASCD s Outstanding Young Educator Award (OYEA) Program has recognized creative and committed teachers and administrators under the age of 40 who demonstrate excellence in educating the whole child. OYEA winners will receive A $10,000 award. Recognition at the 2013 ASCD Annual Conference in Chicago, Illinois, March 16-18, 2013, with all expenses paid for the winner and a companion. The opportunity to participate in a year-long program of professional development and networking. Does that sound like someone you know? Anyone can nominate a colleague or you can nominate yourself. Go to oyeaand complete an online application today! Nominations for 2013 close on August 1, Website: Outstanding-Young-Educator-Award/ Outstanding-Young-Educator-Award- Program.aspx Teachers Helping Teachers Award The Literacy Empowerment Foundation (LEF) would like to acknowledge the many early elementary educators who help other educators. Examples of good deeds include starting a web site that shows different and exciting ways of teaching specific subjects, presenting at conferences, mentoring new teachers, or volunteering with extracurricular activities. Individuals may nominate an educator for an award. Every week, a new award winner will be chosen. LEF will send each winner $100 worth of books for their school, along with a certificate that acknowledges their achievement. Website: TESOL Teacher of the Year Award Presented by National Geographic Learning TESOL recognizes the unique challenges faced by English language teachers and the hard work and dedication it takes to overcome those challenges. The TESOL Teacher of the Year Award, presented by National Geographic Learning, was created by TESOL and National Geographic Learning to recognize and honor exceptional English language teachers at the elementary/secondary and postsecondary/ adult education levels. The winner will receive: $1,000 Free 1-year membership $250 voucher for the TESOL Bookstore Free registration for the TESOL International Convention & English Language Expo the year of the award, plus 3 nights hotel and round-trip airfare A session as an invited speaker at the annual convention An invitation to the President s Reception and the Leadership Luncheon at the annual convention A profile and a published article in TESOL Connections Deadline for application: June 30, 2012 Website: National High School Journalism Teacher of the Year Program Sponsored by the Dow Jones Newspaper Fund, Inc., the National High School Journalism Teacher of the Year Award will be given to a teacher who has been honored as a lifetime achievement, state, or regional winner by local, state, and regional groups. The winning teacher will deliver keynote addresses to scholastic and collegiate journalism educators and win expense-paid travel to the Poynter Institute for Media Studies, a laptop computer, the Wall Street Journal Classroom Edition, a column in Adviser Update, and a substitute teacher per diem for the school district. In addition, a graduating senior from the recipient s school will receive a $1,000 college scholarship through a writing contest. Deadline: July 1, 2012 Website: Prg_HomePages.aspx?Page_ID=Prg_ TeacherOfTheYear Thomson Reuters Outstanding Information Science Teacher Award Administered by the Information Science Education Committee, the Thomson Reuters Outstanding Information Science Teacher Award recognizes the unique teaching contribution of an individual as an information science teacher. Nominees need not be associated with an educational institution, but teaching information science must represent a significant work responsibility. Winning teachers will receive $1,000 cash and $500 towards travel and other expenses to attend the ASIS&T annual meeting. Deadline: July 1, 2012 Website: Free Kony 2012 video Have your students brought up the Kony 2012 phenomena? The unprecedented attention generated by the Kony 2012 video, which has been viewed by well over 100 million people worldwide since its release on March 5, provides a unique teaching moment about a number of crucial issues, including representations of Africa, resolving international conflicts, evaluating charities and social justice organizations, and campaigns spread by social media. The Outreach Council of the African Studies Association at the University of Wisconsin Madison has provided a free teachers guide to approach the video in the classroom. Website: africa.wisc.edu/wp-content/uploads/ Kony-2012-React-Respond1.pdf Shout Program The Smithsonian Shout Program provides free online professional development opportunities, instructional resources, and an online badging program to enable educators to incorporate media-rich, engaging interdisciplinary environmental education lessons into their classrooms. The program also features opportunities for hands-on learning and online collaboration with educators, students, and experts in the field from across the globe. Website: shoutlearning.org/ Idea Book for Educators The Idea Book for Educators is a biannual teacher s magazine created by the Education Department at A&E Television Networks. The Idea Book includes Teacher s Guides for programs featured in Classroom and a printed version of the A&E Classroom Calendar, which features air dates, program descriptions, and copyright information. The Idea Book is available free of charge to K 12 teachers who request it. To receive a copy, educators must submit a request form. Website: idea-book-sign-up Free Operation FitKids Curriculum The free American Council on Exercise (ACE) Operation FitKids curriculum is designed for educators looking to integrate health and fitness into classroom learning. The 7-lesson curricula are available to grades 3 8 and teach students the extreme dangers of being overweight and the importance of a healthy and active lifestyle. The program is available in an easy-to-download PDF format. Website: tinyurl.com/7pp4juo Use of Technology Honor Last year, the Center for Digital Education recognized 50 technology innovators in the Converge Yearbook special edition. They are doing it again this year. They re looking for inspirational individuals who embrace change, and the culture of teaching and learning through the use of technology. They are looking for nominees from all areas of the public sector digital education arena from teachers and professors to presidents and superintendents. The title isn t important, it s the impact that person makes on digital education that matters most. Please nominate the person or group you believe is transforming education. A team from the Center for Digital Education will evaluate the nominees and feature those selected in this special publication. Deadline: June 30, 2012 Website: tinyurl.com/6q2fjr7 Learning Labs in Libraries and Museums Learning Labs in Libraries and Museums is a new grant opportunity from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) which will support the planning and designing of up to 30 Learning Labs in libraries and museums throughout the country. The Labs are intended to engage middle- and high-school youth in mentor-led, interest-based, youth-centered, collaborative learning using digital and traditional media. Projects are expected to provide prototypes for the field and be based on current research about digital media and youth learning. Deadline: June 15, Website: aspx?grantid=20. John H. Lounsbury Award The John H. Lounsbury Award for Distinguished Service is the highest award given by NMSA. This award is given only when an individual has demonstrated a high level of service, integrity, and leadership in middle level education. Viable candidates for this award include those who have made a global impact on middle level education, have a minimum of 10 years of distinguished service, have demonstrated scholarship of the highest level in professional writing and research, and have maintained dedicated service to middle level education beyond the local, state, or regional level. Deadline: June 1, 2012 Website: Awards/JohnHLounsburyAward/tabid/382/ Default.aspx

9 Teaching Today May 2012 Student Exchange Opens Students Eyes to the World Five exchange students from Thailand and their teacher were guests in the La Crosse Schools for two weeks in April thanks to a student exchange program organized by the Global Wisconsin Program of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. The group arrived in La Crosse on Saturday, April 14th and stayed with local host families through Wednesday, May 2nd. This was an outstanding opportunity International Education for our students to learn firsthand about another culture, to share their own culture and to develop a longstanding relationship with someone across the globe, shared the district s Supervisor of World Languages, Sandy Brauer. Many of our Hmong students can trace their roots back to Thailand, so the connection to our guests culture was very strong. While in La Crosse the students attended classes at Central or Logan High School as well as participate in or observed the cocurricular activities their host students were involved in. In addition, the guest students gave presentations at North Woods International School and to Logan Middle School s Global Village. The presentations included a slide show about their country, discussion about their culture and traditions, demonstrations of traditional dances and the sharing of common foods. The students loved learning the Thai version of duck duck goose, called morn sorn pha, shared North Woods International School teacher Sarah Kratt. They were able to make connections to games we play here in America and our traditions. The exchange teacher who traveled with the group spent her days at Logan High School observing English, Speech and World Language classes with hopes of taking back new teaching strategies and tips for teaching the English language and introducing a foreign language to her students. District teachers Danielle Fields and Maichang Vue coordinated activities and experiences for the international guests during the weekends. We wanted them to have a true and authentic experience about life here in America and in Wisconsin, Fields explained. Page Our goal was to give them as many experiences as possible. The group toured the La Crosse community, hiked and biked and even visited Chicago and Minneapolis on the weekends. They kept saying over and over how beautiful La Crosse was and how clean the area and community were, shared teacher Stephanie Beckstrom, who hosted a student. The exchange students and their teachers also provided opportunities for the host families to learn about their traditions and foods. There was a night when they all got together and cooked a traditional Thai meal for us, Beckstrom said. It was very special because they were just as interested in sharing their culture with us as we were with them. The students had planned for the group event by bringing seasoning packets and spices along with them. Fields, who traveled to Thailand last summer, believes there are benefits of the exchange programs for all involved. The exchanges are the best application of learning. When you have a real life experience with another culture and with another language, it truly ignites a spark for learning and challenges students to look beyond their own world, Fields shared. Education Across the Globe Girls school in Afghan mountains defies Taliban An effort by two literate brothers to quietly teach math, reading and writing to female relatives in the mountain village of Spina, Afghanistan, has evolved into an underground school serving dozens of girls in defiance of a Taliban edict. The school is part of a shadow education system in a country where 2 million girls don t attend school, and those that do can face threats. Website: tinyurl.com/733l4q6 New Zealand educators take stronger stance on cyberbullying In New Zealand, secondary-school principals are seeking the authority to confiscate cellphones, laptops and other digital devices from students suspected of cyberbullying. Secondary Principals Association president Patrick Walsh said principals were being forced to take a heavier hand to ensure student safety, on the back of a backlash from parents, who say soft approaches don t work. The push for greater authority comes after what are believed to have been ineffective efforts to curb such bullying. Website: tinyurl.com/77flgkg Technology helps Abu Dhabi parents access student information In Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, schools have installed smart-card readers that allow parents to access academic and attendance data for their children. Parents can access the information through the Parent Assistant System at home. A smart card reader allows parents to access a database of their children s academic history, attendance record, test scores and medical records. Once registered, they can also track their children s school assignments and check on holiday dates from home Supporters say the readers were introduced to improve communication between schools and parents Website: tinyurl.com/dyl5epn New Lesson Plans with a Global Perspective Check out two new lesson plans from the Library of Congress. The Alaska Purchase: Debating the Sale from Russian and U.S. Perspectives supports student use of primary sources from Russia and the U.S. to examine the respective Russian and American rationales for agreeing to the sale. A Russian Settlement in Alaska: A Community at the Meeting of Frontiers invites students to explore Novo-Arkhangel sk, which today is called Sitka, during the time that it was the administrative center for Russian possessions in North America. Both lesson plans use primary sources from the Meeting of Frontiers, a bilingual, multimedia English-Russian digital library that tells the story of the American exploration and settlement of the West, the parallel exploration and settlement of Siberia and the Russian Far East, and the meeting of the Russian-American frontier in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. Website: tinyurl.com/8xmwfx7 Canadian school encourages student nutrition through gardens An elementary school in Alberta, Canada, is seeking to build a school garden that will be used to help students learn about nutrition and fitness. The school recently won a statewide contest, securing grant money to build the outdoor learning space. The initiative follows the release of data showing students at the school were not eating enough fruits and vegetables. Website: tinyurl.com/7s8vs6a Reaching The Parents For success To improve education in disadvantaged countries, officials must educate parents about the benefits of education, says author Bjorn Lomborg, an adjunct professor at Copenhagen Business School. Over the past 50 years, remarkable progress has been made ensuring that children receive basic education. More than 60 percent of adults in low-income countries can read and write, whereas in 1962, just one-third were literate. Today, nearly nine in 10 children around the world complete primary school. Lomborg cites in this article research suggesting most youth worldwide are enrolled in school, but that the goal now must be to improve the quality of the schooling they are receiving. Researchers also note the importance of student nutrition in improving education. Website: tinyurl.com/7vgo3u7

10 Page 10 Special Needs Teaching Today May 2012 Liam s Book wins essay contest from Autism Society of Wisconsin Mrs. Melcarek Dousman Elementary Kettle Moraine School District Our inspiration is Liam. Fifteen years ago, I didn t even know what Autism was. In the spring I learned that I was going to have a student with ASD in my classroom. That summer I found a job that would train me to be a line therapist to work with children on the spectrum. Since that time, I have had the opportunity to have a child with autism in my classroom almost every year. Each year the new children in your classroom bring joys, challenges and rewards. Having a child with autism brings these things not only to you as the teacher, but to the students in the class as well. In February we found out that the Autism Society of Wisconsin was sponsoring an essay contest around the topic of having friends who are on the spectrum. As a class, we decided to write about our friendship with Liam and about all of the things we loved about him. We brainstormed ideas for the book, talked about some mentor authors that we liked, and began our journey. We were writing with a purpose! When the text was done and typed, each child had a page to illustrate. The children were very thoughtful about the illustrations... each one thinking about Liam and how much he meant to our classroom family. We submitted the book to the Autism Society and were excited when we heard the news about our award. We had won first place in the K 2 category. Liam, his family, and I made the trip to Green Bay for the award presentation. Liam came on the stage while his book was read. It was a perfect day. There are many things a child learns in school: lots of procedures, facts, and formulas. Some of those things are promptly forgotten. Some skills remain for a lifetime. Having Liam in our room has taught us skills that will remain throughout each of our lives... skills that are just as important as reading, writing, and math... skills that will enrich our lives forever and make us better people. Liam has taught us to be patient, kind and accepting. He has taught us to take care of one another and to value all we can out of each and every friendship we have. Liam has made us more than a roomful of children with a teacher in the front. He has made us a village. And you know... it takes a village. We are currently uploading the book to our website. You can view it at www. kmsd.edu/webpages/bmelcarek/ Wisconsin Act 125 Is your school prepared? Effective September 1, 2012, Wisconsin s new Act 125 requires that all public school employees who use physical restraint be trained in its safe use. Wisconsin-based CPI can help! CPI s Nonviolent Crisis Intervention training empowers educators with the skills and confidence to safely manage students acting-out behaviors at the earliest possible stage. Join the tens of thousands of educators who already rely on CPI s proven, practical methods, and let us help you meet the requirements of Act 125. The training is flexible and can be tailored to your unique needs. Our train-the-trainer option can save you money by certifying staff to teach others in your school or district on an ongoing basis. CPI can bring this training directly to your school as a cost-effective on-site option. We also have several programs scheduled in or near Wisconsin, including: Green Bay, WI June Duluth, MN June Milwaukee, WI July Priority Code: TG121 Minneapolis, MN July 31 Aug. 3 Antigo, WI August 7 10 Appleton, WI August According to the DPI, IDEA funds may be available. Free ebook! Visit crisisprevention.com/wisconsin to download our free ebook with strategies you can use immediately to create a safer school. For more information, visit crisisprevention.com or call today! (Deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired) info@crisisprevention.com crisisprevention.com Priority Code: TE705

11 Teaching Today May 2012 Special Needs Page 11 Green Bay Student Inspires American Sign Language Interpretation Green Bay West High School s performance of Sweeney Todd in April was a memorable one, whether or not you were able to hear the music. For the first time in West history, two American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters ushered in what organizers hope to be a long tradition of offering at least one interpreted performance in each show series. One student performer in particular has especially inspired the interpreter presence. A senior at Southwest High School in Green Bay, Lucas Baron played Jonas Fogg in the Sweeney Todd production, and was also a member of the chorus. As a hearing impaired actor and senior at Southwest, Baron translated each of his songs into ASL for the audience s benefit. A seasoned and passionate performer, Baron s role in Sweeney Todd marked his 16th production since kindergarten. Baron s love for the arts and performing began at a young age, and he recalls especially enjoying singing while growing up. Baron currently takes an acting class at West High School in Green Bay, and plans to attend college and join the drama club. After college, Baron would like to be a drama, art or Deaf & Hard of Hearing teacher, or a photographer. Although he is the only hearing impaired actor in the Sweeney Todd production, Baron feels it is important to translate at least one performance for the audience. I want to show hearing people that deaf people can do everything and anything but hear, said Baron. It might be interesting for the audience to see the performance in ASL; it could show them how deaf people communicate. Baron s acting teacher and director of Sweeney Todd Eleanor Hinz-Radue was an integral part of bringing the interpreters to West High School. Hinz-Radue spent time researching deaf culture and how deaf people perform in order to direct Baron appropriately. Although Baron had to practice his songs frequently and had never used a microphone before, he maintains that this has been his best year so far, and that he has learned so much. Both Baron and his teacher would encourage other Wisconsin schools to translate at least one of their performances, if possible, to encourage diversity and bring awareness to the way deaf people communicate. Theater is really about storytelling, and using American Sign Language is another component that helps us tell the story, said Hinz- Radue. She plans to continue the ASL interpretation in the future, calling it Lucas gift to us. Lucas passion encouraged me to learn about new playwrights, and certainly influenced my personal directing style. His ability to ask good questions and his vast acting experience really brought a lot to the table, said Hinz-Radue. As Baron finishes his senior year of high school and sets his sights on the future, it is clear that his passion for theater, enthusiasm for life and understanding of diversity will take him to new heights, long after the curtain closes. U W - W H I T E W A T E R S 1 S T A N N U A L CHALLENGING ADVANCED LEARNERS ACADEMY JUNE This three-day standards-based intensive teacher academy focuses on how to meet the needs of academically gifted and talented students, and how to develop the gifts and talents of diverse students in the context of major education initiatives such as RtI, 21st Century Skills, assessment, and the new Common Core Standards. Register Online at: Resources in Gifted Education Resources in Gifted Education and and Talent Development Web Resources: Center for Talent Development/Midwest Academic Talent Search northwestern.edu DPI on Gifted Education For parents, teachers, and gifted kids Gifted Education at UW-Whitewater National Association for Gifted Children National Research Center on Gifted & Talented Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted UWSP default.aspx Wisconsin Association for Talented and Gifted Wisconsin Center for Academically Talented Youth, UW-Madison Journals and Magazine Resources: Gifted Child Quarterly (published by National Association for Gifted Children, NAGC) Parenting for High Potential (published by NAGC) Teaching for High Potential (published by NAGC) G/C/T (Gifted/Creative/Talented) (published by Prufrock Press)

12 Page 12 Financially Speaking Teaching Today May 2012 WEA Trust Member Benefits receives national Excellence in Financial Literacy Award MADISON, WI, April 20, 2012 WEA Trust Member Benefits competed with over 100 nominees nationally to win the coveted Excellence in Financial Literacy Education (EIFLE) Award for their popular financial learning game, Don t Be Jack. The Institute of Financial Literacy presents the awards to recognize organizations that have shown exceptional innovation, dedication, and commitment to the field of financial literacy education. Winners were announced on April 18, 2012, at the Annual Conference on Financial Education in Orlando. Don t Be Jack is a board game designed to help Wisconsin public school employees secure their financial future by illustrating the advantages or consequences of certain financial actions. The game is based on the story of Jack and Jill, who start out on equal footing same school, same job, same salary but very quickly their financial situations part ways. Jack makes choices that negatively impact his financial position and future, while Jill avoids common financial mistakes and gets on the fast track to a secure future. Each turn brings to life real financial principles by stressing the importance of spending less than you earn, having a written budget, having an emergency fund, saving for the future, understanding insurance, understanding your benefits, and being aware of fees associated with financial products. Member Benefits President and CEO, Dave Kijek, stated, Financial education is fundamental to our organization. Financial knowledge empowers people to take control of their finances and secure their future. We are extremely pleased to be nationally recognized for Don t Be Jack. We hope employees in districts throughout the state will take advantage of this fun and engaging tool to learn about financial issues that impact themselves and their families. David Mancl, Director of the Office of Financial Literacy, Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, said, Education provided in the workplace is a benefit to employees and the payoff for employers has been well documented. Member Benefits is a pioneer in providing workplace financial education and the game goes a long way toward promoting financial literacy in the state. The game is offered through school districts and education associations at no cost. For more information on the Don t Be Jack game, visit the Member Benefits Web site at WEA Trust Member Benefits has been helping Wisconsin public school employees achieve their financial goals for over 35 years by providing personal insurance and retirement and investment programs. We operate as a trust that reinvests any profits back into programs that benefit participants. We have no shareholders. This allows us to focus on meeting the needs of those we serve with highquality products that are competitively priced. Expanding opportunities through financial education Meet the new teaching challenge The need for financial education in classrooms is growing exponentially across the country. These programs give you the expertise and confidence you need to teach personal finance. Plus, you get dozens of teaching materials and resources free. Take advantage of the opportunity. Build your own personal finance skills too. Enroll today. How you benefit Learn from top-notch instructors and guest speakers with national and local experience in the financial industry from both the public and private sector Bring back numerous FREE materials and proven curricula Learn classroom-tested teaching strategies that work Network with other educators and, yes, have fun Obtain lesson plans that fit Wisconsin and national standards Become a better manager of your own personal finances National Institute of Financial and Economic Literacy Expanding opportunities through financial Education You re Invited to Our 12th Annual Summer Institutes Held at Edgewood College SummEr SESSIoNS paychecks, financial contracts & Entrepreneurship June 18 22, 2012 investor Education, Economics & insurance July 9 13, 2012 credit & Money July 30 august 3, 2012 limit of 50 per class Who Should Attend Teachers of personal finance, family and consumer sciences, social studies, economics, math, business Others who want to acquire the ability to teach money management and personal finance. Superintendents, directors, administrators, and principals of high schools, middle schools, and grade schools Others in similar positions also benefit. Edgewood College All three programs will be held on the campus of Edgewood College, Madison WI. The college is nestled close to the shores of beautiful Lake Wingra, Vilas Park Zoo and the Monroe Street neighborhood shops and restaurants. It offers the perfect setting for learning by day and relaxing by night and Madison is one of the country s best cities. Edgewood Website: edu/nifel $750 per program with three graduate credits $300 per program cost includes all meals, materials, and lodging to register go to for more information/registration contact deb Weier: dweier@edgewood.edu a proven opportunity awaits! Brought to you by:

13 Teaching Today May 2012 Page 13 RCU Private Student Loan When federal aid & scholarships aren t enough College may be overwhelming, but paying for it shouldn t be. Start by applying for federal student loans, grants, and scholarships. Then if you need more money, an RCU Private Student Loan can bridge the gap. Learn more and apply Helping students finance their education for 35 years

14 Career Exploration Page 14 Teaching Today May 2012 Top 50 Fastest-Growing Occupations Employment Employment Rank Occupation % Change* Earnings Training Needed 1 Biomedical engineers 16,100 27,600 72% $ $ $ $ Bachelor s degree 2 Home health aides 921,700 1,382,600 50% $ Short-term on-the-job training 3 Personal and home care aides 817,200 1,193,000 46% $ Short-term on-the-job training 4 Financial examiners 27,000 38,100 41% $ $ $ $ Bachelor s degree 5 Medical scientists, except epidemiologists 109, ,600 40% $ $ $ $ Doctoral degree 6 Physician assistants 74, ,900 39% $ $ $ $ Master s degree 7 Skin care specialists 38,800 53,500 38% $ $ Postsecondary vocational award 8 Biochemists and biophysicists 23,200 31,900 37% $ $ $ $ Doctoral degree 9 Athletic trainers 16,400 22,400 37% $ $ $ Bachelor s degree 10 Physical therapist aides 46,100 62,800 36% $ $ Short-term on-the-job training 11 Dental hygienists 174, ,000 36% $ $ $ $ Associate degree 12 Veterinary technologists and technicians 79, ,100 36% $ $ Associate degree 13 Dental assistants 295, ,900 36% $ $ Moderate-term on-the-job training 14 Computer software engineers, applications 514, ,900 34% $ $ $ $ Bachelor s degree 15 Medical assistants 483, ,500 34% $ $ Moderate-term on-the-job training 16 Physical therapist assistants 63,800 85,100 33% $ $ $ Associate degree 17 Veterinarians 59,700 79,400 33% $ $ $ $ First professional degree 18 Self-enrichment education teachers 253, ,900 32% $ $ $ Work experience in a related occupation 19 Compliance officers, except agriculture, construction, health and safety, and transportation 260, ,000 31% $ $ $ Long-term on-the-job training 20 Occupational therapist aides 7,800 10,200 31% $ $ Short-term on-the-job training 21 Environmental engineers 54,300 70,900 31% $ $ $ $ Bachelor s degree 22 Pharmacy technicians 326, ,000 31% $ $ Moderate-term on-the-job training 23 Computer software engineers, systems software 394, ,000 30% $ $ $ $ Bachelor s degree 24 Survey researchers 23,400 30,500 30% $ $ $ Bachelor s degree 25 Physical therapists 185, ,700 30% $ $ $ $ Master s degree 26 Personal financial advisors 208, ,200 30% $ $ $ $ Bachelor s degree 27 Environmental engineering technicians 21,200 27,500 30% $ $ $ Associate degree 28 Occupational therapist assistants 26,600 34,600 30% $ $ $ Associate degree 29 Fitness trainers and aerobics instructors 261, ,000 29% $ $ Postsecondary vocational award 30 Environmental science and protection technicians, including health 35,100 45,200 29% $ $ $ Associate degree 31 Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers 308, ,800 28% $ $ $ Postsecondary vocational award 32 Anthropologists and archeologists 5,800 7,400 28% $ $ $ $ Master s degree 33 Paralegals and legal assistants 263, ,900 28% $ $ $ Associate degree 34 Market research analysts 249, ,900 28% $ $ $ $ Bachelor s degree 35 Employment, recruitment, and placement specialists 207, ,900 28% $ $ $ Bachelor s degree 36 Environmental scientists and specialists, including health 85, ,800 28% $ $ $ $ Master s degree 37 Prosthodontists % $ $ $ $ First professional degree 38 Medical equipment repairers 41,400 52,600 27% $ $ $ Associate degree 39 Radiation therapists 15,200 19,400 27% $ $ $ $ Associate degree 40 Cartographers and photogrammetrists 12,300 15,600 27% $ $ $ Bachelor s degree 41 Medical secretaries 471, ,600 27% $ $ Moderate-term on-the-job training 42 Tree trimmers and pruners 45,000 56,800 26% $ $ Short-term on-the-job training 43 Industrial-organizational psychologists 2,300 2,900 26% $ $ $ $ Master s degree 44 Funeral attendants 34,500 43,600 26% $ $ Short-term on-the-job training 45 Geographers 1,300 1,600 26% $ $ $ $ Master s degree 46 Helpers--Pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters 80, ,900 26% $ $ Short-term on-the-job training 47 Occupational therapists 104, ,300 26% $ $ $ $ Master s degree 48 Museum Technicians and Conservators 11,100 13,900 26% $ $ $ Bachelor s degree 49 Cost estimators 217, ,000 25% $ $ $ $ Bachelor s degree 50 Surgical technologists 91, ,700 25% $ $ $ Postsecondary vocational award * The national average percent change is 10.12% for the employment projection series. Source

15 Teaching Today May 2012 Page 15 GO Places At Globe University, you ll experience hands-on, small classes. Learn from faculty who also work in their industry. And, graduate career ready. Ŕ Business Ŕ Accounting Ŕ Health & Medical Ŕ Legal Science Ŕ Technology Start your journey today. Call Wisconsin Campuses + Online msbcollege.edu Doctor s, Master s, Bachelor s & Associate Degrees & Diplomas

16 Page 16 STEM Teaching Today May 2012 Engineering is Elementary If you give a toddler a set of blocks and sit back to watch what they do. What happens? First thing may be to put it up to their mouth and taste it. This is normal starting from birth humans discover things using our senses. All toddlers discover what this block is what does it feel like? What can I do with it? It looks neat, has lots of colors. But what does it do? Once the toddler has answered the inquiry part of the block they often start to arrange or build with blocks. It is natural and not gender specific. Both our daughters did it and our son did it. They were engineers as toddlers and I assume that, at one time or another, all humans were engineers. Why did we change, when did it change? This year Lincoln Elementary, Port Washington, started an after school activity (ASA) based around science, specifically environmental and mechanical science. A group of parents and I met with an idea to build on the natural inquiry of our kids. We brainstormed 3 pages worth of ideas we could do, looked at who would benefit, and how it would be structured, etc. With the understanding that the ASA is open to all students in the school, we knew the results of each activity will vary. The result is that we have students with all learning abilities being successful. No tests or assessments, just personal satisfaction of discovering and learning as well as an all-around feeling of confidence coupled with personal success. Students have discovered life under the grass using Magnifying glasses, identified plant needs, planted seeds, learned about propulsion, and many other activities using simple machines. During this process we have partnered with local engineers; using Rokenbok as our tools, the students are building bridges, railroad tracks, along with other structures. Rokenbok may look like a toy but it is so much more. We have introduced Project Lead the Way s Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) in elementary school. The concept is to keep students interests by creating a setting in which students can learn at their pace and in their field. By partnering with local businesses like Dock Side Deli and local engineers we are able to enhance the learning of all our students. I believe that though these elementary activities our students will be more inclined to join our middle school and High school initiatives like the Robotics team and the CardBoard Regatta competition. Connect with Teaching Today! facebook.com/teachingtodaywi twitter.com/teachingtodaywi Have an Apple, you earned It! The staff at Teaching Today would like to extend our thanks for an extraordinary year of being a part of Wisconsin s educational world. We realize that this has been a challenging year for you and we appreciate being able to share your wonderful ideas and projects with all of our readers. You will see us again in August for the first Back to School issue filled with free resources, grants, articles, and coming soon, Transportation Today, a new publication encompassing all modes of transportation in Wisconsin. We look forward to working with you during the next school year and have a great summer! TEACHING TODAY

17 Teaching Today May 2012 STEM Page 17 Annual Green Bay Academic Competition Celebrates Knowledge and Empowers Students Each year in Green Bay, hundreds of students from Northeast Wisconsin high schools participate in the annual Academic Competition sponsored by the Green Bay Area Public Schools. Students prepare throughout the school year to compete in one of four subject areas with questions written by University of Wisconsin Green Bay professors and other area educators. This year s competition took place on Tuesday, April 3 at Green Bay West High School. Nearly 400 students from 11 area high schools were in attendance. Students from each school competed in four subject areas: English Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies. In addition to objective questions, English teams also competed in an impromptu essay event. After two rounds of questioning, the four teams that scored the highest advance to a final round. The top four teams receive trophies, and the overall winning team in each category also receives individual medals. The annual competition gives students the opportunity to demonstrate their academic knowledge and talent, instills leadership qualities and requires that students work harmoniously as a team. Jay Krings, social studies teacher at Green Bay Southwest High School, has been involved with preparing and coaching students for the Academic Competition for the past six years. The students on Krings social studies team are chosen on a voluntary basis, and the group meets once or twice a week throughout the school year to prepare. The Academic Competition experience is beneficial for students because it allows them to be proud of their interest in a certain discipline, and it makes them feel part of a group, Krings said. The students have the opportunity to work with teachers individually while having fun and showcasing their talents. Students can feel proud of themselves in a time when many other people tend to focus attention on athletics. At the April 3 competition, three Green Bay area public high schools placed in their respective categories. In English Language Arts, Green Bay Preble coached by Kelly Baudhuin placed third, and Green Bay East coached by Suzi Carlson placed fourth. In Math, Green Bay Southwest A coached by Jeff Streckenbach placed first, and Green Bay Preble A coached by Don Schwedrsky placed third. In Science, Green Bay Preble A coached by David Haller placed second, and Green Bay Southwest A coached by John Sebranek placed fourth. In Social Studies, Green Bay Southwest A coached by Jay Krings and Tony Kraszewski placed second. Christopher Karow, a sophomore at Green Bay Southwest and a member of the social studies academic team maintains that his experience in the Academic Competition has been very beneficial. I definitely think other kids in Wisconsin should join an academic team because you get the chance to improve your learning, said Karow. It s beneficial because you get to work in a subject you enjoy and you get information reiterated to you, which can be extremely helpful if you struggle in a certain topic. It s clear that the annual Green Bay Academic Competition will remain an important tradition for years to come. Summer Camp with a Future Encourage your students to join hundreds of other high school students this summer at MSOE for week-long, resident programs. Activities are project based and team oriented and participants experience what it would be like to be an engineer, business person or health care provider and what real college life is like. Discover the Possibilities in Engineering July 8-13, 15-20, Focus on the Possibilities in Engineering July 8-13, 15-20, Focus on Business July Focus on Nursing July (800) explore@msoe.edu Giving Students Space to Learn Dream Flight USA Wausau, Wisconsin The field trip that comes to you! Please contact Mission Control at: dream@dreamflightusa.com

18 Page 18 STEM Teaching Today May 2012 Creating a 21st Century icenter On June 2, 2011, Portage High School closed its library and on August , they opened their 21st Century icenter. The icenter is a collaborative learning space. Opportunities are provided for critical thinking, independent inquiries, participating and collaborating with others, and seeking information for personal learning with access to quality print collections, technologies, and tools. Online resources, databases, audio and digital books and other digital media are available along with traditional books, magazines, and newspapers. In addition to the flexible learning space, virtual resources are available 24/7. Portage High School is located about 35 miles north of Madison along the Wisconsin River, just 16 mile South East of Wisconsin Dells. The enrollment at Portage High School is about 800 students. The ideas for this transformation began in March 2011 when the High School librarian Dahlia Werner, the High School principal Robin Kvalo, and Sue Conner, Director of Technology for the Portage School District attended a Leadership for 21st Century Learners workshop at the Wisconsin Educational Media & Technology Conference led by David Jakes ( A great deal of reading and research followed as well as discussion with students about what they would like to see in this new space. As the end of the school year approached and summer began, so did the preparations for the new icenter. The icenter design is based on flexible learning spaces to meet today s students needs. The walls were painted bright orange, chairs were recovered in bright fabrics, and tall cafe tables with stools were added. The circulation desk was moved into the middle of the room, and existing book shelves were rearranged to allow Staff to view all areas. The team worked very closely with their library furniture vendor, Bruce Demming, from Embury. He came to Portage High School to meet with them and gave ideas on how to change the floor plan into smaller areas, grouping these areas around how students might use them. There is now a classroom area, a leisure reading area, an area with flexible seating that can all be moved around, a laptop lab, a student tutor area, and a genius bar, which is staffed by a classroom teacher each block to help answer student questions about technology research, and curriculum. They support Students in STEM courses as well as other academic areas at PHS. Portage High School is also allowing students to bring their own electronic communication devices to use while at school Students turn in a permission slip and register their device before gaining access. A copy of their policy and procedure is available at portage.k12.wi.us/hs/wirelessnetworkaccess. cfm. The icenter offers a student-friendly location to access print resources and technology, such as ipads, laptops, desktops, Kindles, and Nooks. Student tutors are located in the icenter and also support the STEM courses. Students have filled the new learning space to capacity nearly every hour since the first day of school, and they enjoy the colorful, comfortable learning environment. The money for these changes was approved by the board and came from the current building budget. No additional money was used. The entire project cost approx. $20,000. The icenter, its collaborative environment and access to technology, supports AASL s (American Association of School Librarians) Learning for Life initiative, focused on empowering 21st Century learners. The initiatives four key standards focus on developing learners who think critically, create new knowledge, share knowledge, and participate ethically as members of a democratic society and pursue personal and aesthetic growth. The excitement for the new icenter has continued throughout the school year. Statistics show that the number of patrons has increased nearly 50 percent and circulation has increased as well. Students and staff have enthusiastically embraced the cool, fun, and inviting atmosphere at the icenter. More information can be found on their webpage at www. portage, k12.wi.us/hs/icenter.cfm. Sue Conner, Director of Technology, conners@portage.k12.wi.us Robin Kvalo, Principal, kvalor@portage.k12.wi.us Dahlia Werner, 21st Century Librarian, wernerd@portage.k12.wi.us Merrill Middle School in Oshkosh, WI organizes Up and Running Event Students and staff at Merrill Middle School, in Oshkosh WI were up and running on Sunday, April 22, Students ran not only for their health, but also to raise technology for their school. A group of students and staff from the school ran the Oshkosh 5K Sunday as part of a school wide Let s Get Merrill Up and Running effort to raise money for technology. The fundraising effort was the result of Merrill M.S. recently getting a wireless network in its building, but having little technology available to utilize it. The initial up and running idea came from science teacher Nick Mees but he certainly wasn t the only one involved. The idea was shared with staff and soon became the topic of collaboration as art teacher Tish Kopish, physical education teacher Shannon Goers, and principal Cindy Olson were all key contributors to the event. Tish Kopish initiated a homebase competition in where students had to collect dimes in a 20oz. bottle. The winning homebase was recognized at the last pack the gym event. Shannon Goers shared this event with her physical education classes and told all students to wear their Merrill royal blue shirts at the starting line. The money raised will be used to purchase new technology, such as ipads, for the school. We were able to raise $ and the staff was impressed with what the school community was able to do. Cindy Olson stated, Great minds can do great things when we all collaborate and come together.

19 Teaching Today May 2012 Page 19

20 Page 20 School Gardens Teaching Today May 2012 Greendale Students Learning By Growing Heidi Hennessy Last spring, a freshman student named Josh Bartelme, approached Vice Principal, Jesse Mazur, about his interest in starting a community garden. Mr. Mazur did not have a lot of experience with growing vegetables. He asked for my help as I am a Master Gardner Volunteer, as well as a teacher s aide at Greendale High School. I gave him advice on timing the seed plantings and input on the location and design for the garden. What evolved were eight raised beds which are located behind Greendale High School. In the Fall, we harvested a small number of tomatoes and peppers that we gave to our food service to use in the salad bar. This year, planning began in January. I am now collaborating with Judy Salus, a Special Education teacher at Greendale High School and Marlene McIlheran from the middle school. We would also like to form a Garden Committee to get additional ideas and manpower to execute those ideas. Because of our first year experience we know that it takes a lot more people to make this project successful. More people and additional funding. Up to this point, two grants have been applied for. Fund raising will be another option to pursue in order to purchase basic garden equipment. We would like to expand the gardens by adding additional beds and erect a fence around the perimeter of the gardens. The fence will be key to keeping out the wildlife. We ll soon be starting vegetable seeds in Emily High s first grade class at Canterbury, and Special Ed Classes at College Park, Greendale Middle School, and Greendale High School. Each classroom has a grow light system that was constructed by GHS students, then delivered and assembled in each of those classrooms. Some of the vegetables we will grow from seed are tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, eggplant and parsley. The students will be planting radishes, lettuce, beets, spinach, peas, and carrots, directly into the gardens. Our gardens will be sustained by various groups such as summer school students, GHS clubs, parents with their students and community volunteers. We can also rely on UW Extension Master Gardner Volunteer s to lend support when necessary. The purpose of these gardens will be to enhance the learning experience of all K12 students who become involved. They will learn stewardship of the environment, cooperation with others, scientific processes, nutrition and health. They can gain math skills by charting plant growth, language skills through journaling and reap the benefits of being physically active. When harvest time comes, in late July the produce will be used in a variety of ways. First and foremost will be for the students to sample the freshest vegetables they themselves have grown. In order to raise funds for the future, a surplus could be sold at the farmer s market in Greendale. When students are back in school we can do taste tests in the school cafeteria to let all students experience how delicious fresh vegetables can be. The FACE teacher will use some of the produce for her foods class and we will supply our food service with vegetables for the salad bar. If we have more than we can eat or use at any time, it will be donated to a local food bank. The goal of this project is to successfully produce a garden harvest that students can enjoy and take pride in their accomplishment. They will learn lifelong skills. We hope to spark a love of gardening in some of the younger students which will keep this project moving forward in the years to come. Oak Creek s Knightro Fusion Continued from Page 1 Oak Creek s marketing classes, led by teacher, Michael Burden, accepted Mr. Caruso s challenge the following fall. Students developed a marketing plan where the soda brand would be launched at a local culinary tasting event, Taste of Oak Creek. They held a school-wide contest to come up with a name for the soda with the winner receiving a $50 Visa gift card donated by Principal Paul Sigler. Knightro Fusion was born. Knightro is the name of the school s mascot; Fusion represents the partnership of Black Bear & Oak Creek High School and the combination of cherry and vanilla flavors. Next, students created the brand s label and logo. The best ideas were submitted to focus groups moderated and observed by the students. The insights from the focus groups were influential to the final product. The logo was made by fusing a black bear into a knight helmet, a combination of the Black Bear and school logos. The label was produced by Orion Labels of Seymour, WI at a generously reduced price. During the spring semester, a new group of marketing students took on the next phase the product launch. Leading up to Taste of Oak Creek, marketing students generated a great deal of buzz. They ran a three day raffle where one winner each day received a free case of the soda before its release. Students designed posters to be hung in area businesses and promoted the event on social media. A press release written by students was sent to local media. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel wrote a story that appeared their online and paper editions. Once the article was posted, Knightro Fusion became one of the website s hot topics on the home page. At the Taste of Oak Creek, students sold all 53 cases of the soda. This spring, two students will receive $500 scholarships from Black Bear. Due to its popularity, Black Bear has produced more Knightro Fusion, which will be available in local retail stores by the end of May. With this year s exam complete, AP Chemistry students are developing another new soda flavor for the Knightro Fusion brand. 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