Education Newswatch May 2007

Adventures in Saving
ING DIRECT, the nation's largest direct bank, is launching a new program to improve financial literacy among American children. The Adventures in Saving writing contest invites aspiring authors of all ages to create a children's story with a savings theme for the chance to win $1,000 and be published.

"I believe the best way to create a society of fiscally responsible adults is through early education," said Arkadi Kuhlmann, President and CEO, ING DIRECT. Adventures in Saving requires applicants to submit their children's story manuscript online. Open to U.S. residents over the age of 6 (children under 18 are required to receive parental consent before entering), the tale must focus on a basic financial lesson or concept, such as saving or earning money. Three grand-prize winners will receive a $1,000 Orange Savings Account and have their manuscripts illustrated and published. The Adventures in Saving contest runs through June 30, 2007, and the winners will be announced in August. For more information, visit www.adventuresinsaving.com

Summer Reading Series
Prepare for a summer reading program with a free teacher's guide for all 12 books in Bruce Hale's "Chet Gecko Mystery" series. These funny mysteries for readers ages 8-12 feature a wisecracking fourth-grade gecko detective and his mockingbird partner, Natalie Attired. Titles include The Malted Falcon (Harcourt, 2003) and Key Lardo (Harcourt, 2006). The Chet Gecko Teachers Kit is available online at www.harcourtbooks.com/freeforteachers

An Inconvenient Truth Poster Giveaway
An Inconvenient Truth: The Planetary Emergency of Global Warming and What We Can Do About It, Al Gore's bestselling book about climate change, has been adapted for younger readers. An Inconvenient Truth: The Crisis of Global Warming (Viking, 2007) combines full-color photos, illustrations and graphs with effective and clear writing to explain global warming to children ages 8-12. A free corresponding pull-out activity poster was inserted in a regional mailing of the April 2007 issue of Teaching K-8. The poster, recommended for grades 5-8, is filled with classroom activities and suggestions, and is in compliance with the National Science Standards. If you didn't receive this poster and would like one, e-mail your request to: schoolandlibrary@us.penguingroup.com. Posters available while supplies last.

INVENT AMERICA! Contest for Students
Students in grades K-8 are encouraged to participate in the INVENT AMERICA! contest. Participants are required to keep an inventor's log in which they identify a problem, create an innovative solution and name their invention. Awards are made for each grade level: First place receives a $1,000 U.S. Savings Bond and a medal of honor; second place wins a $500 U.S. Savings Bond and an award certificate; third place receives a $250 U.S. Savings Bond and an award certificate and the honorable mentions (two for each grade level) receive a $100 U.S. Savings Bond and award certificate. A free handbook is available for classroom use. There is a $42/school enrollment fee to enter the contest. The deadline is June 15, 2007. For more information, visit the United States Patent Model Foundation at www.inventamerica.org

Trap It for Classroom Cash Sweepstakes
By adding the Mead® Trapper Keeper® to their school supply lists, teachers could win $500 in classroom cash. Log on to www.trapperkeeper.com and upload your 2007-2008 school supply lists. If the Trapper Keeper is listed, you'll be entered for a chance to win $500 in the Mead products of your choice for your classroom. Ten second-place winners will receive $250 in classroom cash. Winners pick the supplies they want. See the website for official rules and regulations. The entry deadline is May 31, 2007.

Grants for Professional Development
National Education Association Foundation Grants, $2,000 for individuals and $5,000 for groups, will be awarded to support public school teachers and public education support professionals. Grants to individuals fund participation in high-quality professional development experiences, such as summer institutes or action research; grants to groups fund collegial study, including study groups, action research, lesson study or mentoring experiences. Go to www.neafoundation.org/programs/Learning&Leadership_Guidelines.htm for more information. Applications are due June 1, 2007.

May, 2007, Vol.37, No.8