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May 2010

Map Quest(s)

Submitted by Joann on Sat, 2010-05-29 06:00


I need a GPS chip implanted in my head. I really do. I can get lost – easily – in a very short period of time, and in traveling a very short distance. Ironically, ever since childhood, I have loved to pore over maps. Maps help to orient ourselves in the world (except for me, apparently), while also allowing us to dream about faraway places. There are all types of maps: regional, state, and country maps; road maps; topographic maps; climate and economic maps; physical maps; thematic maps; floor plans; store directories, etc.

Resources mentioned in this post: 
Live Piracy Maps
Test Your Geography Knowledge
Tunnel to the Other Side of the Earth

The Price of Oil

Submitted by Joann on Sat, 2010-05-22 09:23


Offshore oil drilling has long been a controversial topic, and the debate ratcheted up a notch when a BP offshore drilling rig exploded in the Gulf of Mexico last month. At this writing, BP has installed a tube to siphon some of the 210,000 gallons of crude oil that had been spewing into the Gulf each day.

Resources mentioned in this post: 
The Drill on the Spill: Learning About the Gulf Oil Leak in the Lab
Oil Slick Emergency

Let the Games Begin!

Submitted by Joann on Sat, 2010-05-15 08:00


We all know that kids love video games. Game-based learning, or GBL, can be an effective way to introduce new concepts and immerse students in material that has defined learning outcomes. Although much of the hoopla surrounding GBL refers to video game formats, game-based learning isn’t a new concept. Many traditional board games and card games fall under the umbrella of game-based learning, such as those offered by GameWright and others.

Resources mentioned in this post: 
Quest Atlantis
Lure of the Labyrinth
The Ants Go Marching...

Battle of the Bulge

Submitted by Joann on Sat, 2010-05-08 08:00


Childhood obesity has become a major concern for nations worldwide. According to a recent report, the percentage of obese or overweight U.S. children is at or above 30% in 30 states. Childhood obesity rates in Canada have nearly tripled in the last 25 years, while in Europe, one in five children is either overweight or obese. In an attempt to curb the battle of the bulge, Massachusetts, Arkansas, and New York City all now require schools to calculate students’ BMI (Body Mass Index) to determine obesity. Many schools have completely revamped their cafeteria offerings, and booted vending machines from their campuses.

Resources mentioned in this post: 
BMI for Kids - Body Mass Index
Bon Appetite Arcade
Reading Labels: Which Snack is the Best Choice?

Walk Like An Egyptian

Submitted by Joann on Sat, 2010-05-01 09:00


Whenever I talk to students about ancient cultures, they seem to divide into two camps. There are the kids who find it cool to learn about how ancient peoples lived, and then there are the kids who don’t quite see the point (“hello, they’re, like, dead!”). Generally, though, most students come around to like learning about ancient civilizations, and to see that despite the centuries that separate us, we still share many of the same concerns and problems as ancient cultures.

Resources mentioned in this post: 
Egypt's Golden Empire: A Day in the Life of an Egyptian
Egypt's Golden Age: The Queens of Ancient Egypt
Egypt's Golden Empire: Architectural Marvels