Wise Words: The Winners of Our 8th Annual Vocabulary Video Contest
15,000 middle and high school students entered this contest - here are the 15 winners. They have to be 15 seconds or less and be taken from the Word of the Day
Friday, February 12, 2021
Equity Unbound
From the Scout Report:
EQUITY UNBOUND: COMMUNITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES
onehe.org/equity-unbound
Recognizing that online learning creates unique obstacles and opportunities for building community, a team of educators crafted this resource kit to assist their fellow instructors in creating inclusive and engaging virtual classrooms. Though many activities are geared toward educational settings, event organizers may also appreciate this tool. The activities were curated with "intentionally equitable hospitality," in mind, a framework that emphasizes the importance of meeting people where they are at, in order to make them feel welcome, and recognizes the different needs and perspectives of those within any given classroom or group.
Activities range from short exercises that give students a break during class to icebreakers that will help create respectful and relational classrooms. Clicking on an activity will reveal additional details that may include a purpose statement, preparation guide, instructions, and other resources.
This activity kit is a collaboration between OneHE (an educator support organization) and Equity Unbound (a collaborative curriculum focused on principles of equity, open access, connection, and intercultural learning experiences). [EMB]
onehe.org/equity-unbound
Recognizing that online learning creates unique obstacles and opportunities for building community, a team of educators crafted this resource kit to assist their fellow instructors in creating inclusive and engaging virtual classrooms. Though many activities are geared toward educational settings, event organizers may also appreciate this tool. The activities were curated with "intentionally equitable hospitality," in mind, a framework that emphasizes the importance of meeting people where they are at, in order to make them feel welcome, and recognizes the different needs and perspectives of those within any given classroom or group.
Activities range from short exercises that give students a break during class to icebreakers that will help create respectful and relational classrooms. Clicking on an activity will reveal additional details that may include a purpose statement, preparation guide, instructions, and other resources.
This activity kit is a collaboration between OneHE (an educator support organization) and Equity Unbound (a collaborative curriculum focused on principles of equity, open access, connection, and intercultural learning experiences). [EMB]
Wednesday, February 10, 2021
Summer Activities 2021
Round up of summer camps & activities for 2021
Note on BevRec
- Must enter lottery by 2/22 for chance at spot(s)
- They are now taking applications at BevRec for CIT and Jr CIT - must be 13 by July 1.
National Constitution Center’s Summer Workshops and Institutes
This summer, educators can join other teachers from across the country and constitutional scholars from across the philosophical spectrum for virtual summer educator programs with the National Constitution Center.
During these programs, educators work with content experts to deepen their knowledge of the history and modern understandings of constitutional topics. Through working with master teachers and the education teams from the Center, participants discover and develop innovative, nonpartisan ways to make the content relevant to their students. Educators gain new content knowledge, teaching tools, classroom-ready resources, and new skills for improving constitutional literacy.
These summer programs are open to educators working with grades 5–12 at public, charter, independent, parochial, and other schools. They are free to attend, but successful applications are required.
Information on the 2021 virtual summer programs can be found below.
This summer, the Center is offering the following programs:
All programs are free with a successful application. Applications will be accepted through February 26, 2021.
Learn more, and apply now!
During these programs, educators work with content experts to deepen their knowledge of the history and modern understandings of constitutional topics. Through working with master teachers and the education teams from the Center, participants discover and develop innovative, nonpartisan ways to make the content relevant to their students. Educators gain new content knowledge, teaching tools, classroom-ready resources, and new skills for improving constitutional literacy.
These summer programs are open to educators working with grades 5–12 at public, charter, independent, parochial, and other schools. They are free to attend, but successful applications are required.
Information on the 2021 virtual summer programs can be found below.
This summer, the Center is offering the following programs:
- July 7—9, Constitutional Conversations and Civil Dialogue Virtual Workshop
- July 11—16, Building the U.S. Constitution Virtual Summer Teacher Institute
- July 18—23, Battles for Freedom and Equality Virtual Summer Teacher Institute
- July 26—28, Bill of Rights Virtual Summer Teacher Workshop
All programs are free with a successful application. Applications will be accepted through February 26, 2021.
Learn more, and apply now!
Sunday, February 7, 2021
5 Music Podcasts for Kids
I saw this NY Times article today: 5 Music Podcasts for Kids
The article has details about all of the podcasts listed below - but the links in the article are to a range of websites and spotify, etc. I looked up each of the podcasts and gave you the link that will work with the Apple podcast app if you wanted to share them with students in your class or for the BBB. I have no idea which of these are best suited to middle school age kids.
Friday, February 5, 2021
Writing Contest Reminders
This is currently going on - deadline is March 3
25th Beverly Public Library Teen Poetry Contest - deadline is Wed., March 3 at 4pm. Open to all Beverly students and/or residents in grades 6-12.
This one is coming up - will be open Feb. 23 - April 13
Eighth Annual NY Times Student Editorial Contest
This one is coming up - will be open Feb. 23 - April 13
Eighth Annual NY Times Student Editorial Contest
We invite middle school and high school students to write opinion pieces on the issues that matter to them. Contest dates: Feb. 23 to April 13. For middle or high school students anywhere in the world ages 11-19.
Stax Museum and Rock & Soul Museum
The Stax Museum in Memphis and the Memphis Rock & Soul Museums have some online tours and events happening.
The Memphis Rock & Soul Museum (run by the Smithsonian!) has an educator page and a virtual tour, but it's just a long youtube video
Tuesday, February 2, 2021
More ebook access
Public Library Connect is now working. This means that using the Sora app, students have access to a statewide library of ebooks and audiobooks we pay to access, they can also now get access to the books in the Beverly library's Overdrive ebook/eaudio collection without needing a public library card!
This is a big win so I'm really excited to tell you about this.
The setup is pretty easy but there are a few steps. I'm going to work on creating some help documents, videos and presentations that can be used asynchronously, but I'm also happy to meet with you or your students to show you/them how to do it. It's a one-time setup.
With Sora we can also purchase (at a cost) books for short term class set use or longer term use. There are a lot of different models, which depend on the book and the publisher, so ask me if you're interested.
There are lots of other things that are accessible to those with public library cards too, so I'd still like as many of our students as possible to have their own cards. I'm working with 6th grade teachers on this process but can do a library card drive with any team.
This is a big win so I'm really excited to tell you about this.
The setup is pretty easy but there are a few steps. I'm going to work on creating some help documents, videos and presentations that can be used asynchronously, but I'm also happy to meet with you or your students to show you/them how to do it. It's a one-time setup.
With Sora we can also purchase (at a cost) books for short term class set use or longer term use. There are a lot of different models, which depend on the book and the publisher, so ask me if you're interested.
There are lots of other things that are accessible to those with public library cards too, so I'd still like as many of our students as possible to have their own cards. I'm working with 6th grade teachers on this process but can do a library card drive with any team.
Monday, February 1, 2021
Sea Shanty Database
From Research Buzz:
"Mainsail Café, a database of sea shanties and traditional nautical songs. The site contains information on almost 400 songs and over 120 albums. There's also a collection of 47 printed items here. I get the impression this site is still filling out, but there's already a lot to explore here, and there's a great feature to pull random entries from the categories you're exploring. One thing I noticed: no ads at all. Not even affiliate links in the album/book lists. Recommended."
"Mainsail Café, a database of sea shanties and traditional nautical songs. The site contains information on almost 400 songs and over 120 albums. There's also a collection of 47 printed items here. I get the impression this site is still filling out, but there's already a lot to explore here, and there's a great feature to pull random entries from the categories you're exploring. One thing I noticed: no ads at all. Not even affiliate links in the album/book lists. Recommended."
Friday, January 29, 2021
Explore the World With These 100 Country Quizzes
Since 2017, the NY Times Learning Network has been publishing a five-question “Country of the Week” quiz based on The Times’s travel coverage, news reporting and photojournalism to help build students’ geography skills.
Each Monday morning during the school year they release a new quiz, and this month they published their 100th one. To mark the milestone, all the quizzes published so far are organized by continent in one index.
Each Monday morning during the school year they release a new quiz, and this month they published their 100th one. To mark the milestone, all the quizzes published so far are organized by continent in one index.
NYT 2nd Annual STEM Writing Contest
The New York Times invites students to choose an issue or question in science, technology, engineering, math or health, then write an engaging 500-word explanation.
Contest Dates: Jan. 19-March 2, 2021.
Students ages 11-19 anywhere in the world attending middle or high school can participate.
Take a look at the full guidelines and related resources on this page.
Here is a PDF one-page announcement for students.
Take a look at the full guidelines and related resources on this page.
Here is a PDF one-page announcement for students.
Science and Social Justice
I attended a PBS Learning Media Educator Peer Exchange webinar last night about Science and Social Justice and found it pretty interesting.
Here is the slide deck and I'd be happy to discuss more of it if you are interested!
Also see GBH Research
Here is the slide deck and I'd be happy to discuss more of it if you are interested!
Also see GBH Research
Monday, January 25, 2021
Tomorrow's Engineers Website
This is a UK site but may still have some interesting/useful things for you or your students.
FE News: New website to help inspire the next generation of diverse engineers. "brings together free advice and guidance, curated from across the engineering community, to support practitioners in providing young people with engineering careers inspiration. The website includes the latest thinking on a range of topics, from how to run virtual events and top tips for ensuring an inclusive approach, to how to survey young people and improve engaging outreach activities."
FE News: New website to help inspire the next generation of diverse engineers. "brings together free advice and guidance, curated from across the engineering community, to support practitioners in providing young people with engineering careers inspiration. The website includes the latest thinking on a range of topics, from how to run virtual events and top tips for ensuring an inclusive approach, to how to survey young people and improve engaging outreach activities."
Thursday, January 21, 2021
Middle School DESE/One8 Science Grant
The Department is partnering with the One8 Foundation to launch a new middle school OpenSciEd Cohort Program!
The One8 Foundation is hosting an information session and office hours to help schools complete the application. Please click on a link below to register.
The school grant application is due Friday, February 12. To learn more about the grant opportunity, eligibility, and expectations, see this flyer and the online application. Building off the three-year middle school pilot, DESE is working to scale the innovative middle school science curriculum to schools across the Commonwealth. As part of the new cohort, schools can apply for grants to help implement the program, access in-state training, and receive additional support and complimentary programming.
The One8 Foundation is hosting an information session and office hours to help schools complete the application. Please click on a link below to register.
- Information session: 3:00-4:00 on Wednesday, January 20
- Office hours: 8:00-9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 3
- Office hours: 3:00-4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 9
Citizen Science - Smithsonian Magazine
Twenty-Four Ways to Turn Outdoor Passions Into Citizen Science
Heading into the new year, consider collecting scientific data while skiing, hiking, surfing, biking and partaking in other adventures
By Marcello Rossi from SMITHSONIANMAG.COM
DECEMBER 29, 2020
DECEMBER 29, 2020
Heading into the new year, consider collecting scientific data while skiing, hiking, surfing, biking and partaking in other adventures
Wednesday, January 20, 2021
We the Young People - Teen Inauguration Special
We the Young People - Teen Inauguration Special
PBS NewsHour and Student Reporting Labs presented a special for digital and broadcast distribution on January 14 highlighting the impact of young voters and exploring the change they want to see from the new administration. I watched a lot of this tonight, but it's confusing because you have to start 15 min. in! I have bookmarked the different sections for you:
Introduction
Yamiche Alcindor talks to 3 young women about representation and role models in media & politics
Student interviews a high school history teacher who says "don't take democracy for granted" & quotes from students about how they are feeling and what they want to ask.
Teen interviews 3 young elected officials
18 year old HS student who is a new voter discusses her thoughts on becoming a voter this past year with a teacher
Discussion with students who are teen MediaWise "fact checkers" about misinformation
Amna Nawaz interviews young activists who work on gun violence prevention, environmentalism, community safety & equity issues
Hope you and maybe some of your students enjoy this!
PBS NewsHour and Student Reporting Labs presented a special for digital and broadcast distribution on January 14 highlighting the impact of young voters and exploring the change they want to see from the new administration. I watched a lot of this tonight, but it's confusing because you have to start 15 min. in! I have bookmarked the different sections for you:
Introduction
Yamiche Alcindor talks to 3 young women about representation and role models in media & politics
Student interviews a high school history teacher who says "don't take democracy for granted" & quotes from students about how they are feeling and what they want to ask.
Teen interviews 3 young elected officials
18 year old HS student who is a new voter discusses her thoughts on becoming a voter this past year with a teacher
Discussion with students who are teen MediaWise "fact checkers" about misinformation
Amna Nawaz interviews young activists who work on gun violence prevention, environmentalism, community safety & equity issues
Hope you and maybe some of your students enjoy this!
Primary Source free civics program
Primary Source is offering a free civics program next Wednesday, January 27th, 9am-3:pm offered through Primary Source.
Our Rights and Nothing Less is a one-day workshop developed in partnership with Mass Historical Society and the Collaborative for Education Services. Focusing on African Americans, women, and people with disabilities, this virtual workshop introduces content, themes, resources, and teaching strategies to foster students’ awareness of the personal sacrifices and collective efforts made in the effort to secure the right to be heard and influence the governing of this country.
Registration is free and open to the public--- please self-register here on the Primary Source website.
See below for the scheduled sessions:
Our Rights and Nothing Less is a one-day workshop developed in partnership with Mass Historical Society and the Collaborative for Education Services. Focusing on African Americans, women, and people with disabilities, this virtual workshop introduces content, themes, resources, and teaching strategies to foster students’ awareness of the personal sacrifices and collective efforts made in the effort to secure the right to be heard and influence the governing of this country.
Registration is free and open to the public--- please self-register here on the Primary Source website.
See below for the scheduled sessions:
- Keynote Address - Dr. John Bracey, UMass Amherst
- Teaching the Intersection of Race and Gender in Voting History - Dan Osborn, Primary Source
- Teaching the Suffrage and Anti -Suffrage Movements with Primary Sources - Elyssa Tardif and Kate Melchior, Massachusetts Historical Society
- A Failed System for 38 Million Voters with Disabilities - Rich Cairn, Collaborative for Educational Services; Lisa Schur, Rutgers University; Doug Kruse, Rutgers University
Sunday, January 17, 2021
MLK Jr. Day Events
In case you are interested this weekend - I made a list of virtual MLK Jr. Day events going on locally and nationally, from Sunday through Friday, and information about MLK Jr. Day. It may help you to find ways to observe the King Holiday in a meaningful manner even though we can't gather in person. And let's be honest -- virtual events can be easier and more convenient to attend!
It includes information about the Beverly Human Rights Committee's event that is on Monday at 9am which will include a montage from Beverly students and words from a variety of people, including BPS's own Dr. André Morgan.
It includes information about the Beverly Human Rights Committee's event that is on Monday at 9am which will include a montage from Beverly students and words from a variety of people, including BPS's own Dr. André Morgan.
Monday, January 4, 2021
NY Times: Article about ELL student challenges
With Remote Learning, a 12-Year-Old Knows Her English Is Slipping Away
By Juliana Kim
Dec. 29, 2020
By Juliana Kim
Dec. 29, 2020
In New York City, 142,000 children are learning English in school. Online classes are especially challenging for them.
Museum of Science at School Signup
From the Museum of Science in Boston - some of these FREE programs may be of interest! According to DESE we have 28.9% of students who are classed as "economically disadvantaged" which means we would qualify for priority bookings that begin on January 7!
Hello Educators,
We hope you had a nice break and were able to recharge. At the Museum, we were busy putting the finishing touches on our next season of MOS at School offerings!
Starting on January 19, we'll have presentations around Earth, Space, and Life Sciences as well as special one-time offerings about climate change for high school students. These free programs are offered via Zoom webinar from our Boston, MA Museum during school hours (Eastern Standard Time).
Priority reservations for schools with free and reduced lunch participation at or above 35% and/or a population of economically disadvantaged students at or above 25% as well as Catholic Schools will be open at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 7.
To book a program, call Science Central at 617-723-2500.
General reservations for all other schools will be open at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, January 11.
Hello Educators,
We hope you had a nice break and were able to recharge. At the Museum, we were busy putting the finishing touches on our next season of MOS at School offerings!
Starting on January 19, we'll have presentations around Earth, Space, and Life Sciences as well as special one-time offerings about climate change for high school students. These free programs are offered via Zoom webinar from our Boston, MA Museum during school hours (Eastern Standard Time).
Priority reservations for schools with free and reduced lunch participation at or above 35% and/or a population of economically disadvantaged students at or above 25% as well as Catholic Schools will be open at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 7.
To book a program, call Science Central at 617-723-2500.
General reservations for all other schools will be open at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, January 11.
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