RESOURCES Free & Inexpensive
tHe teaCHinG CHanneL The Teaching Channel website www.teach-
ingchannel.org offers a growing library of short videos to inspire K-12 teaching. These video les- sons – in English language arts, math, science, and history/social sciences – include lesson objectives, questions to consider, homework ideas, and more. Free registration provides access to:
• Highlights of skilled teachers teaching a les- son, such as "Kick Me: Making Vocabulary Interactive" • www.teachingchannel.org/ videos/kick-me-making-vocabulary-interactive
These resources are not endorsed by the Arizona Education Association and may reflect the biases of the provider.
• Tips and tricks for new teachers, such as "Attention Getting Signals: One Spot and Planning Full Days" • www.teach- ingchannel.org/videos/attention-getting- signals-one-spot and "Practicing Fast Facts" www.teachingchannel.org/videos/ planning-full-days-practicing-fast-facts
• Featured "Amazing Classrooms," such as Building Community in a Multi-Language Classroom • www.teachingchannel.org/vid- eos/building-community-in-a-multi-language-
classroom. See the Welcome to Teaching Channel
video at www.teachingchannel.org/videos/ welcome-to-teaching-channel.
CyBerCHaSe MatH weBSite Parents and teachers concerned about chil-
dren falling behind in math can take heart that an online destination designed to captivate, en- tertain, and improve problem-solving and math skills is now bigger and better than ever. The website (PBSKIDSGO.org/cyberchase)
brings together in one place all of Cyberchase's rich multi-media content – 94 episodes, hun- dreds of videos, including videos in Spanish, and 100+ math games and activities – and is a culmination of nine years' research which dem- onstrates the power of Cyberchase to improve children's problem-solving and math skills and increase positive attitudes toward math. The site is restructured for kids, parents, and educators to make their favorite experiences more the- matically and mathematically linked and easier than ever to find.
Opportunities for Students
nea Student aCHieVeMent GrantS The NEA Foundation provides grants to im-
prove the academic achievement of students in U.S. public schools and public higher education institutions in any subject area(s). The proposed work should engage students in critical thinking and problem solving that deepen their knowledge of standards-based subject matter. The work should also improve students' habits of inquiry, self-direct- ed learning, and critical reflection.
The grant amounts are $2,000 and $5,000
and may be used for resource materials, sup- plies, equipment, transportation, technology, or scholars-in-residence. Although some funds may be used to support the profession- al development necessary to implement the project, the majority of grant funds must be
spent on materials or educational experiences for students. Grant funds may not be used to support
after-school, weekend, or summer programs; pay indirect costs, grant administration fees, or salaries; pay stipends to the applicants; or sup- port conference fees for more than one person. Funds may not be used for lobbying or religious purposes. Identical applications will not be considered. Proposals for work resulting in low-income
and minority student success with honors, advanced placement, or other challenging cur- ricula are particularly encouraged. The deadline is June 1, 2012. Apply online at www.neafoun- dation.org. 2
36 Spring 2012 x AEA Advocate
