Wake UP…It’s Groundhog Day!

While many classes around the country watch Punxsutawney Phil being ripped from his warm home in front of millions of people, the students from Avon Heritage North discussed this history of groundhog day and the physical characteristics of the Marmota Monax (groundhog to you and me) with the Carnegie Natural History Museum.

Avon students were surprised to hear that groundhogs normally do not come out today, as they discussed the hibernation process of Northern American animals. The students discussed the hibernation strategies, physical and behavioral adaptations that help them survive in habitats ranging from mature forests to hayfields.

After this program the students have a better understanding on how this amazing animal has been so successful in our area and that holiday traditions can conflict with science.

On a side note Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow this morning, forecasting six more weeks of winter. But we all know that this is just a myth…

Thanks Carnegie Natural History Museum!

Links to more information on Groundhog Day


Groundhog.com
http://www.groundhog.com/

The official tourism Web site of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
http://groundhog.visitpa.com/

Groundhog 202A fun look at the holiday tradition
www.groundhog202.com/

NOBLE: North of Boston Library Exchange
http://www.noblenet.org/year/groundhog.html

The Great Race is on!

This afternoon Avon Heritage North Elementary School participated in the great race kick off videoconference. The fifth grade teachers have enrolled their entire honors program to participate in the project. That would be 9 teachers and 75 students!

Students from the UNITE, NOECA and the Lorain County Distance Learning Consortium will be racing from the Ohio State Football Stadium to North Slope Borough, Alaska. Each class will be a team, and the team that gets there the quickest spending the least amount of money wins. It's that simple. Or is it???

Class teams can make their trip by land and water but they are not allowed to fly, at least until the teams get to Alaska. Click on the Forms button to access the online forms and download spreadsheets for tracking the methods of transportation by which the teams will travel. The teams will also use online forms to log their expenses, distance, time, weather, and landmarks and historical sites seen while on their journey.

http://fmpx.noeca.net/greatrace/index.htm

Tuxedo Junction, Avon East Students spend time with Penguins

Three 2nd grade classes from Avon East completed their Penguin units with special guests from the Indianapolis Zoo. Avon East Elementary School joined the Warren County Learning Center, Maple East Elementary School and Towne Meadow Elementary School as each school shared their knowledge on this unique bird of the Antarctic.

The presenters from the Indianapolis did a fantastic job discussing the birds and their characteristics. Using the Zoo’s Penguin exhibit as their back ground, video clips of chicks and other skeletal pieces to helped students get a better understanding of the difference of bird species. The students enjoyed the program and the educational materials, but preferred their time watching the penguins.

Way To Go Indianapolis Zoo!

Avon Heritage North 5th Graders start Growbox Project with Partners in Miami Florida

Mrs. Meikle’s science classes connected with their partners in Miami Florida to assemble their Earth Boxes and stated planting their crops. Students from Miami Country Day and Avon Heritage North Elementary School planted lettuce, beans and radishes to be compared for the next couple weeks.

Avon students will keep their plants indoors using grow lamps and in the distance learning room. Miami Students will place their boxes out doors. The classes will share their plants progress over the next couple of weeks.

Thanks Miami Country Day!

LCDLC Updates 1/30/06

DON’T READ OUR EMAILS … WATCH THEM!

http://lcdlc.lorainesc.k12.oh.us/LCDLCUPDATES/LCDLC_UPDATES_1-31-06.wmv


To: LCDLC Superintendents, Principals, District Advocates, LCDLC Listserv
From: Dave Miller
Date: 1-30-06
Subject: LCDLC Updates 1-30-06


1) WVIZ FREE PROGRAMMING (Careers - Interviews, Red Cross, Carpenter/Electrician)
2) NEW PROGRAMS THROUGH CILC
3) ONE TO ONE LEARING BEST PRACTICE SERIES FOR ADMIN & TEACHERS
4) CLEVELAND ZOO – UPATED PROGRAM CALENDAR
5) DISTINQUISHED ADMINISTRATOR SESSION “WORKING WITH DATA TEAMS”
6) AMA-ZONE PD SESSIONS
7) UCIC SEEKS TEACHERS TO CO-DEVELOP LESSONS (STIPEND AVAILABLE)




1) WVIZ FREE PROGRAMMING (Careers - Interviews, Red Cross, Carpenter/Electrician)
DL Liaisons and Coordinators:
Please share the attached distance learning program information with your respective schools and teachers.
Thank you.
John
John R. Ramicone Director of Distance Learning Services-WVIZ/NOTA 4300 Brookpark Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44134-1191 phone: 216-739-3940 fax: 216-398-4245 email: jramicone@wviz.org

2) NEW PROGRAMS THROUGH CILC


The following programs and collaborations are new offerings.

Detailed information can be found on the CILC website at www.cilc.org.

Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum

Critters in the Cold
Audience: Education: Kindergarten, Grade(s): 1, 2, Public Library:
Library Patrons
Description: Discover how animals survive and thrive when it's cold outside. You'll experiment with insulation and take a virtual trip to Antarctica to act out the life story of an Emperor Penguin. Learn how this amazing animal has adapted to living in the coldest place on Earth.
Program Availability: By Request/On Demand ONLY

Owls From the Inside Out
Audience: Education: Grade(s): 3, 4, 5, 6
Description: An avian expert uses LIVE birds to highlight characteristics that aid owl's predatory way of life. Students dissect owl pellets to investigate the diet of barn owls, learn about food chains, the role of avian predators in an ecosystem, while gaining an introduction to skeletal anatomy and prey identification.
Program Availability: By Request/On Demand ONLY

CILC Professional Development

Direct Instruction of Vocabulary
Audience: Education: Curriculum Director, Paraprofessional, Administrator, Teachers Grades K-12, Public Library: Library Staff, Content Providers: Educator
Description: Join presenter Amy Leeson as she takes a look at direct vocabulary instruction and vocabulary strategies that can help close the

achievement gap.
Program Availability: Published Date(s) and Time(s) ONLY

Growing Fluent Readers: Strategies that Work with Real Kids in Real Classrooms
Audience: Education: Title One Coordinator, Paraprofessional, Grade K-5 Teachers, Reading Specialists, Literacy Coaches
Description: Reading fluency is a building block-part of the foundation for developing comprehension. These skills are "connected at the hip", and both are vitally important to developing confident and capable readers! In this two-session series, at the awareness/skill building level, teachers will learn strategies to spice up oral reading in the classroom and specific strategies for struggling readers.
Program Availability: Published Date(s) and Time(s) ONLY

HealthSpace Cleveland

Keep On Smiling
Audience: Education: Kindergarten, Grade(s): 1, 2, 3, Public Library:
Library Patrons
Description: Learn about the structure, function and proper care of your teeth. Discuss what a cavity is and what causes tooth decay. Learn how to prevent dental diseases through proper flossing, brushing and visits to the dentist.
Program Availability: By Request/On Demand ONLY

Vanderbilt Center for Science Outreach

Do I know you? Dealing with Prosopagnosia
Audience: Education: Grade(s): 11, 12
Description: Can you imagine not recognizing people whom you have met many times? Even your friends? Prosopagnosia or Face-blindness is the inability to recognize a familiar human face by sight. Dr. Edward Butterworth is both a research scientist and individual who has this affliction. This program will give students first hand knowledge of the disorder.
Program Availability: Published Date(s) and Time(s) ONLY

Seeing is Believing: Virtual Lab Tour - Vision Systems for Mobile Robots
Audience: Education: Grade(s): 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Public Library:
Library Patrons
Description: How and what does a robot see? Dr. Wilkes, an Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, researches robotic vision systems. This is a Virtual Lab Tour with demonstrations.
Program Availability: Published Date(s) and Time(s) ONLY

Time Isn't What You Thought!
Audience: Education: Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Description: Meet Dr. Charles Brau, Vanderbilt Professor of Physics as "Einstein". Einstein completely overturned our understanding of space and time. By examining some simple examples (like how the news of the green-cheese eating contest reaches different colonies on the moon) we will see that time doesn't have the properties you thought.
Program Availability: Published Date(s) and Time(s) ONLY

COLLABORATION
Compare Michigan Seasons with Desert seasons tdougherty@coorisd.k12.mi.us
Audience: Education: Grade(s): 2, 3, 4
Objective of Collaboration: I have a Michigan 3rd grade class that would like to connect with a desert region to compare "seasons". Each class would do a presentation about what makes their area unique and exchange letters and/or materials to enhance the experience. Dates: February
8,15 or 22 Time: 10:30 - 11:30am ET

Thanks!
Julia

Julia Shildmyer-Heighway
Director of Program Providers
Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration (CILC)
Office: 317-231-6529
Jheighway@cilc.org


3) ONE TO ONE LEARING BEST PRACTICE SERIES FOR ADMIN & TEACHERS

Hello all,Please forward this to all of your district administrators! Administrators – Please invite staff members to also participate in this Video Session! We will be offering a Best Practices session on the topic “One to One Learning” on February 2nd, 2006 from 3:00 – 4:00 pm. This will be offered via video conferencing so that you do not need to leave your district. One to One learning is the concept that students use available technology to create, publish, collaborate, learn, share and grow academically. This presentation will demonstrate what a 21st century classroom can become. Technology today is part of every learner’s environment, not as an accessory, but as a tool for success. Using technology to increase student achievement, attendance, and ultimately academic success is what One to One Learning is all about. Through this presentation, you will also learn how this can be done in an affordable manner.It’s time to rethink the value of your students’ potential and how you can prepare them to succeed in the 21st century with One to One Learning. To Register for this Best Practice Session ... Please go to www.tchesc.org and click on Best Practice button on the left-hand side of the page. Then fill in the Sign-Up Form. We do need a PO number and the cost is $50 for the session. Contact Hours are Available. Please register by January 30th, 2006. If you have any questions or concerns please email Michele Carlisle at Michele@tchesc.org or call her at 330-308-9939 x 220Thanks,LuAnne JacksonTechnology DirectorTuscarawas-Carroll-Harrison Educational Service Center834 East High AvenueNew Philadelphia, OH 44663Phone: 330-308-9939 ext. 250Fax: 330-308-0964www.tchesc.org


4) CLEVELAND ZOO – UPATED PROGRAM CALENDAR

Hello,

Just a friendly reminder letting you know that the distance learning calendar is now on-line. Please visit http://www.clemetzoo.com/education/dstlrn/distlearn.asp for on-line registration.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

I look forward to another great distance learning year.

Sincerely,

Cathy Ryan
Education Specialist &
Distance Learning Coordinator
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
(216) 661-6500 Ext. 4479 (DL Lab 3326)
cmr@clevelandmetroparks.com


5) DISTINQUISHED ADMINISTRATOR SESSION “WORKING WITH DATA TEAMS”

Hello Everyone,

Some of you have participated in our Distinguished Administrators Series in the past and we have an excellent presenter set up for February 22nd from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Dr. Paul Kapostasy will be discussing "Working with Data Teams"
which your school can participate in through distance learning.

This is an excellent opportunity to bring many of your school administrators aboard withunderstanding the benefits of professional development utilizing videoconferencing and web casting technologies. Please let me know if you have any schools that might want to participate. The flyer is attached for you to make copies and distribute to your schools.

Thank you,

Michael Bloom

Michael Bloom, Director, Instructional Technology Lake County Educational Service Center


30 South Park Place Suite 320
Painesville, Ohio 44077
(440) 350-2563 ext 723 - Office 440-350-2566 - FAX
(216) 403-4019 - Cellular 722-0102 - ATM Number
www.lcesc.k12.oh.us/neo-linc



6) AMA-ZONE PD SESSIONS

WNEO PBS 45/49, SPARKS ESC and the Lorain County Distance Learning Consortium have teamed up to provide teachers with professional development, materials and resources. Each in-service will cover a different curriculum theme. Participating schools will be able to keep any materials for the lesson sent by WNEO PBS 45/49.

The second session AMA-ZONE is scheduled for Wednesday February 22nd at 3:30pm. Schools can sign up by contacting Paul Hieronymus, Phiero@Leeca.org.

See the attached flyers for the AMA-ZONE program and the entire professional development schedule.


Paul HieronymusCurriculum Technology CoordinatorAvon Local Schools3075 Stoney Ridge RoadAvon, Ohio 44011Phiero@leeca.org(440) 829-8273ISDN: 614.722.0019IP: 66.144.122.221www.avon.k12.oh.us/distancelearning

7) UCIC SEEKS TEACHERS TO CO-DEVELOP LESSONS (STIPEND AVAILABLE)

University Circle Interactive Cleveland is seeking teachers to serve as co-developers for the creation of a dynamic distance learning series with videoconferencing components leading to understanding of the era of historic transformation associated with the years bracketing America around 1945.
The lessons will be piloted through Fall 2006 and will serve students in grades 9-10. The emphasis on the curriculum is the impact that a transition from war to peace has on society.

Teachers are needed for the following lessons with the participating
institutions:

The Western Reserve Historical Society --- "So, You Want to Buy a Car in 1945?"
This inquiry-based lesson will address Social Studies Standards in Economics, History and Social Studies Skills and Methods.

The Cleveland Institute of Music --- "1945: A Turning Point for Music and Society"
Two highly interactive lessons will address Social Studies Standards in Geography, People in Society and Social Studies Skills and Methods.

The Temple Tifereth Israel ---"Europe 1945 - The Holocaust Wall Hangings of artist Judith Weinshall Liberman"
Two lessons will address Geography, People in Society, History and Citizenship Rights and Responsibilities.

Judson Retirement Community --- "Witness to War: Oral Histories of 1945 "
Lessons will address People in Society, Citizenship Rights and Responsibilities and Social Studies Skills and Methods.

The Cleveland Museum of Art --- "Schrenkengost and Lowey:

Streamlining Design for a Consumer Society "
Lesson will address People in Society, Economics and Art/Design History.

Teachers will participate in the development, piloting and evaluation of the each unit. Teachers will receive a stipend for their assistance. Please contact

Sandy Kreisman
by email skreisman@univerisitycircle.org
<mailto:skreisman@univerisitycircle.org> or by phone (216) 707-5021.
Please specify which lesson(s) you are interested in co-developing and share a bit about yourself as an educator and teacher. Please contact Sandy by February 3.