Education Newswatch April 2005

In Brief
Earthwatch Institute Fellowships
Spend two weeks this summer on an archeological dig in Peru or surveying the coral reefs in the Bahamas. Earthwatch Institute invites K-12 educators to participate in their educational, hands-on expeditions in order to promote multidisciplinary science and social studies curriculum, as well as to enrich teachers and enhance the academic experience of students. According to the Earthwatch website: "Elementary, middle and high school educators and administrators of any discipline are eligible to apply for our Education Fellowship Program. We are looking for adventuresome and innovative educators who are interested in natural and cultural conservation, sustainability and life-long learning." Visit www.earthwatch.org/grants/educators.html to learn how to apply.

Lewis and Clark, Explored
Free standards-based curriculum for grades 4 and up is being offered by the National Council of the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial, to commemorate the 200-year anniversary of the exploration of North America by the "Corp of Discovery" – President Jefferson's name for the expeditionary group led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. The curriculum includes over 50 fully-developed lesson plans (with assessments), access to an extensive website and participation in nationwide live events scheduled through 2006. Materials cover such topics as politics and democracy, animals, plants and trade and property. Through these themes, students are encouraged to examine the multiple perspectives of, and cultural differences between, the Corp and the American Indian tribes they encountered, and learn how such a long-ago event still informs our country and its cultures as they exist today. Visit www.lewisandclark200.org.

Social Studies Awards
The National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) is currently accepting applications for several awards of note, one of which is the Award for Global Understanding, given in honor of James M. Baker to an educator who has helped social studies students expand their comprehension of the world. This recognition includes $2,000, complimentary registration at an NCSS conference and transportation/lodging reimbursement. The application deadline is May 15. For a complete list and description of NCSS's recognition programs, go to www.socialstudies.org/awards

Flashlight Readers
In honor of that age-old tradition of hiding past bedtime under the covers with a book, Scholastic has launched a virtual reading club for kids. At www.scholastic.com/flashlight, which is geared toward grades 3-5, young readers can participate in author chats, post messages to other club members and hone their knowledge of story elements with interactive book-themed games.