Following is a list of free or inexpensive resources that teachers can order.
Educational Videos.
The National Geographic Society offers a free 45-page catalog listing its educational videos for K-12 students. Contact: National Geographic Society, Educational Services, 1145 17th St., N.W., Washington, DC 20036-4688; (800) 368-2728.
Student Health.
Bantam Books offers Is This Your Child’s World? How You Can Fix Schools and Homes That Are Making Your Children Sick, by Doris Rapp. The 635-page hardcover dicusses, among other issues, childhood allergies and underlying toxins in schools and homes that can lead to headaches, mood swings, and other problems. Cost: $24.95. Contact: Bantam Books, 1540 Broadway, New York, NY 10036.
School Safety.
The Berkley Publishing Group offers Street Sense for Students: How To Stay Safe in High School and College, by Louis Mizell Jr. Among other topics, the 160-page paperback discusses sex crimes, alcohol, and weapons. Cost: $4.99. Contact: Berkley Publishing, 200 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10016; (212) 951-8913.
Museums.
Smithsonian Institution Press has released A Kid’s Guide to the Smithsonian for youngsters ages 8-12. The 160-page illustrated book describes exhibits and activities at the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of Natural History, the National Air and Space Museum, and 14 other Smithsonian museums. Cost: $14.95. For more information, contact: Smithsonian Institution Press, (202) 287-3738.
Historical Documents.
Heinemann Publishing offers Beyond the Textbook: Teaching History Using Documents and Primary Sources, a 97-page paperback by David Kobrin that discusses ways to use original documents and other primary sources in classroom work. The book includes sample handouts, discussion topics, classroom lessons, and excerpts from students’ writings. Cost: $18.50. Contact: Heinemann Publishing, 361 Hanover St., Portsmouth, NH 03801-3912; (800) 541-2086; World Wide Web http://www.heinemann.com.
Diversity.
The Center for Applied Linguistics and the National Center for Research on Cultural Diversity and Second Language Learning offer two middle school social studies curriculum units: Protest and the American Revolution and Conflicts in World Cultures. Cost for single copies: $11 and $16.50, respectively. Contact: NCRCDSLL/CAL, 1118 22nd St., N.W., Washington, DC 20037; (202) 429-9292.
Vocabulary.
New Monic Books offers Vocabutoons: Vocabulary Cartoons, a 344-page book of visual mnemonics to help students build their vocabulary. The book features cartoons, review exercises, and vocabulary words that middle and high school teachers can use in the classroom. It also emphasizes words used in standardized tests. Cost: $10.95. Contact: New Monic Books, 314-C Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda, FL 33950; (800) 741-1295.
Environment.
The National Arbor Day Foundation has published an Arbor Day planning packet for schools, organizations, and communities. Earth Day to Arbor Day: An Opportunity for Stewardship includes activity ideas, instructional poster, audiocassette tape, and more. Cost: $15, plus shipping and handling. Contact: National Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Ave., Nebraska City, NE 68410; (402) 474-5655.
Insects.
The O. Orkin Insect Zoo exhibit at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History offers Planet Insect, a video-based education program to introduce students to the world of insects. The 10-minute video and teacher’s guide, Insect Zookeeping, are provided free by Orkin Pest Control. To order, call (800) 563-4687.
Patriotism.
The Department of Veterans Affairs offers a packet of essays and fact sheets that discuss the background of many American patriotic practices. Celebrating America’s Freedoms covers topics such as the origins of Flag Day and the history of the American bald eagle. To request copies, write to: Celebrating America’s Freedoms, Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Public Affairs (80D), 810 Vermont Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20420. The essays are posted on the Department of Veteran Affairs home page at http://www.va.gov/articles/celebam/index.htm.
Down Syndrome.
The National Down Syndrome Society offers a free educational poster and lessons for teachers of grades 4-6. The poster and class activities are designed to help students understand more about Down syndrome, genetics, chromosomes, and disabilities. For more information, contact: National Down Syndrome Society, 666 Broadway, New York, NY 10012; (800) 221-4602.
Cable Television Education.
Discovery Channel Education introduces three resources: Discovery Channel School: Connecting Teachers, Classrooms, and Communities Online; All About Copyright: Fair Use in the Multimedia Age; and the Discovery Network’s Educator Guide. These include information about surfing the World Wide Web, rules for copyrighting multimedia products, and the schedule of programs on Assignment Discovery, TLC Elementary School, and Ready, Set, Learn! For more information, contact: Deeana Edwards, Discovery Communications, 7700 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda, MD 20814; World Wide Web http://school.discovery.com.
K-8 Resources.
Heinemann Publishing offers Resources for Teachers K-8, the 1997 catalog of books, videos, and professional-development tools. The 143-page catalog features listings for many disciplines, including art, science, writing, reading, and mathematics. Contact: Heinemann, 361 Hanover St., Portsmouth, NH 03801-3912; (800) 541-2086; World Wide Web http://www.heinemann.com.
