The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Educational Research and Improvement, in cooperation with the U.S. Geological Survey and Hammond Inc., has published Helping Your Child Learn Geography. This booklet, geared for children age 10 and under, uses everyday learning experiences to help children learn about geography. Also included are a glossary of geographic terms, a list of where to get free or inexpensive materials, and other geographical resources. Send your name, address, and 50 cents to: Geography, Consumer Information Center, Pueblo, CO 81009.
Health And Hygiene
The educational department of TAMBRANDS Inc. offers free educational materials to administrators and teachers to aid in teaching about puberty, menstrual health, and hygiene. The materials include a teaching guide about puberty, menstruation, and the human reproductive system, called From Fiction to Fact; posters of the male and female pelvic organs; and a booklet that answers many personal questions young adolescents have about growing up. Offer is limited to one packet per instructor. Contact: TAMBRANDS Inc., P.O. Box 4367, Dept. TM, Monticello, MN 55365-4367.
Teen Pregnancy And Birth Defects
The March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation offers a variety of useful information on the prevention of teen pregnancy and birth defects. Contact: MDBDF National Headquarters, 1275 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains, NY 10605; (914) 428-7100.
Animal Rights
The Animal Protection Institute of America provides for educators a free subscription to its quarterly publication, The APE Vine, which includes lesson plans, lists of resources, and news about animal protection. An API poster and a packets of 100 bookmarks with animal care information printed on them are also available. Packets focus on birds, dogs, or cats. Enclose four 25-cent stamps or $1 for postage and handling to: API, Dept. TM, P.O. Box 22505, Sacramento, CA 95822; (916) 7315521.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals provides a free PETA Library Pack, which contains a list of free books and videos and an order form for a stand-up display board. Also available are teacher and student packets containing fact sheets on such topics as vivisection and cosmetics testing and information on getting involved in PETA. There is a limit of one library pack per school. Contact: PETA, P.O. Box 42516, Washington, DC 200150516.
Safe Needlework Kits
The Gift of the Month Club offers needlepoint kits with plastic needles for safety. Choose from animals, clowns, and floral designs. Quantity discounts available. Send $1 per kit for postage and handling to: Gift of the Month Club, 55 Railroad Ave., Garnerville, NY 10923; (914) 4292102.
Science Experiments
Jane Hoffman, the “Backyard Scientist,’' offers a variety of experiment ideas for all ages using everyday household materials. For a description of the experiments and a brochure on other publications she offers, send $1 for postage and handling to: Backyard Scientist, P.O. Box 16966, Dept. T, Irvine, CA 92713.
Historical Parchments
Mr. Rainbows, a company that reproduces historical documents, offers parchmentpaper replicas of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence and a parchment document with photos of the chief justices of the United States. Send $4 for all three or $1.50 for each to: Mr. Rainbows, P.O. Box 27056, Dept. TM, Philadelphia, PA 19118.
Educational Bookmarks
The National Information Center on Deafness offers 25 bookmarks with information about people who are deaf and hard of hearing. The set contains five different information-oriented bookmarks. One, for example, lists the names of famous deaf and hard-of-hearing people; another provides tips on how to communicate with deaf and hard-of-hearing people. Send $1 for postage and handling to: NICD, TMBookmark Offer, Gallaudet University, 800 Florida Ave., N.E., Washington, DC 20002.
Computer Posters
IBM offers posters for teachers of grades K-3, 4-8, and 9-12 to help them show students how they can use computers to achieve their goals. Each poster contains a lesson plan on the back. Contact: IBM Corp., P.O. Box 3900, Peoria, IL 61614; (800) IBM-7257, ext. 152.
Paper Board Games
Two paper board games designed to strengthen students’ reading and spelling skills are available. One enhances reading, syntax, and punctuation skills; the other improves spelling and vocabulary skills. One player scrambles a word or sentence, and the opponent attempts to decipher the message. The games may be played with a large number of students and can be used as aids for teaching a foreign language. For both games, send $2 for postage and handling to: Carol Hines, P.O. Box 50613, Reno, NV 89513; (702) 747-5711.
Software Newsletter
Using Whole Language Software, a free quarterly newsletter and catalog, lists K-8 teacher-recommended software that uses the whole-language approach to reading, writing, and literature. Contact: Willy Billy’s Workshop, Dept. T1, P.O. Box 6104, Cleveland, OH 44101; (800) 628-4623.
Confederate Money
Replicas of Confederate currency are available from Neetstuf. Set A includes notes from Virginia, Mississippi, the South Carolina Cotton Growers, North Carolina, Arkansas, and Georgia. Set B includes notes from the Confederate States of America, Louisiana, Texas, the Tennessee Bank of Chattanooga, Florida, and Alabama. Send $2 for each set or $3.50 for both to: Neetstuf, Dept. T-10, P.O. Box 207, Glenside, PA 19038.
Pledge Of Allegiance
Murray’s Salute to the Flag, a play written by a retired teacher, helps young children learn the meaning of each word of the Pledge of Allegiance. Two worksheets accompany the booklet. Send a check or money order for $2.65 to: Anne Miller Richtel, 1126 W. San Jose, Fresno, CA 93711.
Educational Photography
Through the Polaroid Education Program, teachers can receive a Polaroid camera and ideas on how to use it to enhance learning in the classroom. To get the camera and membership in the Polaroid Education Program, send 10 proof-of-purchase seals from Polaroid 600 Plus film boxes. Contact: PEP, Polaroid Corp., P.O. Box 227092, Dallas, TX 75222-7092; (617) 5775090.
