Previous Eduhound Spotlight Sites
July 2005
July 28th
The Nation's Report Card:
National Assessment of Educational Progress
2004 Long Term Trends in Academic Progress - The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), also known as "the Nation's Report Card," is the only nationally representative and continuing assessment of what America's students know and can do in various subject areas. Since 1969, assessments have been conducted periodically in reading, mathematics, science, writing, U.S. history, civics, geography, and the arts. NAEP long-term trend assessments are designed to give information on the changes in the basic achievement of America's youth. They are administered nationally and report student performance at ages 9, 13, and 17 in mathematics and reading. Measuring trends of student achievement or change over time requires the precise replication of past procedures. Therefore, the long-term trend instrument does not evolve based on changes in curricula or in educational practices.
July 21st
Genetic Science Learning Center - This site is a resource for students, teachers (http://gslc.genetics.utah.edu/teachers/), and families that explains genetics concepts and how they relate to our lives. Includes online activities, labs, experiments, and workshops.
July 14th
Supreme Court of the United States - The Supreme Court consists of the Chief Justice of the United States and such number of Associate Justices as may be fixed by Congress. The number of Associate Justices is currently fixed at eight (28 U. S. C. §1). Power to nominate the Justices is vested in the President of the United States, and appointments are made with the advice and consent of the Senate. Article III, §1, of the Constitution further provides that "[t]he Judges, both of the supreme and inferior Courts, shall hold their Offices during good Behaviour, and shall, at stated Times, receive for their Services, a Compensation, which shall not be diminished during their Continuance in Office."
July 7th
Education Week - A nonprofit, tax-exempt organization based in Washington, D.C. whose primary mission is to help raise the level of awareness and understanding among professionals and the public of important issues in American education. They offer local, state, and national daily news about K-12 education and schools including teacher accountability, policy, organizations, technology, student safety, and quality.
Note: Free registration is required to access content.
June 2005
June 30th
WebQuest -- King Tutankhamun: Was It Murder? - King Tut has been fascinating students and adults alike since the discovery of his tomb in 1922. Why has so much interest been generated about this unremarkable pharaoh? Could it be the fabulous gold and treasure discovered in his tomb? Or is it the mystery surrounding the boy king's early death? You and your renowned team have been hired by the Egyptian government to determine if King Tut was murdered. Your team will have only 3 days to complete your work.
June 23rd
PBS: A Capitol Fourth - Explore this site to find out more about the Declaration of Independence, the American Revolution, the American flag, fireworks, and other important pieces of American history.
June 16th
Escrapbooking - Personal scrapbooks provide a unique view into the thoughts, lives, and activities of their creator(s). Some of the best and most valuable scrapbooks are simple, focused documents that are directed to one single topic, theme, or subject. Technology has expanded the techniques available for producing, duplicating, and distributing scrapbooks. This website provides specific examples and strategies for creating electronic, educational, experiential, and engaging scrapbooks!
June 9th
Decades History Timelines - This site contains timelines organized by category, topic and/or decade -- including artists, entertainment, science and technology, and wars and conflicts.
June 2nd
ALA Recommended Summer Reading Lists - For several centuries artists have depicted the human figure, still-lifes, landscapes or non-figurative motives. One subject has been widely neglected all those years: Micro organisms! The Micropolitan Museum finally exhibits these often overlooked works of art which are only visible with the aid of the microscope. Curator Wim van Egmond has collected the finest microscopic masterpieces nature has ever produced during eons of natural selection and other life-sculpting mechanisms.
May 2005
May 26th
The Micropolitan Museum - For several centuries artists have depicted the human figure, still-lifes, landscapes or non-figurative motives. One subject has been widely neglected all those years: Micro organisms! The Micropolitan Museum finally exhibits these often overlooked works of art which are only visible with the aid of the microscope. Curator Wim van Egmond has collected the finest microscopic masterpieces nature has ever produced during eons of natural selection and other life-sculpting mechanisms.
May 19th
Mount Everest @ National Geographic - Get information about the 50th anniversary of Hillary & Norgay's first ascent of Mount Everest: maps, pictures, wallpapers, kids games, lesson plans, news and more.
May 5th
History of Memorial Day @ The History Channel - Memorial Day is much more than a three-day weekend that marks the beginning of summer. To many people, especially the nation's thousands of combat veterans, this day, which has a history stretching back all the way to the Civil War, is an important reminder of those who died in the service of their country. Join HistoryChannel.com and uncover the interesting history of the holiday we now call Memorial Day. Discover little-known facts about America's wars and stop by the Veterans' Forum message boards to share your views with veterans, their loved ones, and fellow history buffs.
April 2005
April 28th
SpaceDay.org - Since its launch in 1997, the Space Day educational initiative, which takes place on the first Thursday of each May, has evolved into a massive grassroots effort dedicated to the extraordinary achievements, benefits and opportunities in the exploration and use of space. The ultimate goal is to promote math, science, technology and engineering education by nurturing young peoples' enthusiasm for the wonders of the universe and inspiring them to continue the stellar work of today's space explorers.
April 21st
Department of Justice (DOJ): Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) - Like all federal agencies, the Department of Justice (DOJ) generally is required under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to disclose records requested in writing by any person. However, agencies may withhold information pursuant to nine exemptions and three exclusions contained in the statute. The FOIA applies only to federal agencies and does not create a right of access to records held by Congress, the courts, or by state or local government agencies. Each state has its own public access laws that should be consulted for access to state and local records.
April 14th
Earth Day @ The Wilderness Society - The Wilderness Society's Earth Day website. They have lots here for you and your students. Check out the curriculum and activities for Earth Day.
April 7th
PowerPoint in the Classroom - This free software tutorial site, which was produced in conjunction with Microsoft K-12 Education, provides a fun way to learn about PowerPoint with applications designed for the classroom and educational exploration.
March 2005
March 31st
National Poetry Month - The Academy of American Poets - Inaugurated by the Academy in April 1996, National Poetry Month (NPM) brings together publishers, booksellers, literary organizations, libraries, schools, and poets around the country to celebrate poetry and its vital place in American culture.
March 24th
National Postal Museum - A Smithsonian Institution museum, is located in the old Post Office building next to Union Station in Washington, D.C. The Museum was created by an agreement between the Smithsonian Institution and the United States Postal Service in 1990 and opened to the public in 1993. Curriculum materials provide educators with tools and activities for teaching about history, letter writing and more.
March 17th
The Hans Christian Andersen 2005 Foundation - The foundation organises and executes activities and handles public relations related to the bicentenary of the birth of Hans Christian Andersen. The foundation aims at promoting the wider awareness and appreciation of the life and work of Hans Christian Andersen. The foundation sponsors and endorses a wide range of events within the arts and culture, education and tourism in relation to the Hans Christian Andersen bicentenary, nationally as well as internationally. In Denmark, the bicentennial celebrations will begin with an opening Fairytale Weekend on April 1-3, 2005 and will conclude on December 6, 2005.
March 10th
HealthierUS.gov - If you just look at the numbers, it can be overwhelming. Obesity is epidemic in the United States. In recent years, diabetes rates among people ages 30 to 39 rose by 70%. About 46.5 million adults in the United States smoke cigarettes, even though this single behavior will result in disability and premature death for half of them. More than 60% of American adults do not get enough physical activity, and more than 25% are not active at all. Yet if you talk to Americans, there is hope. They say they generally know what will make them healthier, but they are confused about what specific information is credible and accurate. HealthierUS.gov will be that source of credible, accurate information to help Americans choose to live healthier lives.
March 3rd
National Women's History Project : 25th Year! - March is Women's History Month. The 2005 theme, "Women Change America," honors and recognizes the role of American women in transforming culture, history and politics as leaders, writers, scientists, educators, politicians, artists, historians, and informed citizens. This site recognizes and celebrates the diverse and historic accomplishments of women by providing information and educational materials and programs.
February 2005
February 24th
Alaska: The Greatland from National Geographic - As geographer Henry Gannett, a founder of the National Geographic Society, predicted in 1904, Alaska's "grandeur is more valuable than the gold or the fish or the timber, for it will never be exhausted." Explore Alaska's land, wildlife, history and people.
February 17th
2005 NEA's Read Across America - Initially created as a one-day event to celebrate reading on Dr. Seuss' birthday, March 2, NEA's Read Across America has grown into a nationwide initiative that promotes reading every day.
February 10th
Vocabulary University - At Vocabulary U, students will enjoy the interactive word puzzles while expanding their vocabulary. Entertaining puzzles feature word roots, offer immediate feedback, and are designed to help students increase their vocabulary skills.
February 3rd
PBS: African American World - Your guide to African American history and culture. From Sojourner Truth to Jacob Lawrence, discover the courage and talent that shaped the African American experience.
January 2005
January 27th
Civil War Maps - American Memory from the Library of Congress - Contains items from the Library of Congress Geography and Map Division, the Library of Virginia, and the Virginia Historical Society. This presentation contains approximately 2,240 Civil War maps and charts and 76 atlases and sketchbooks that are held within the Geography and Map Division, 200 maps from the Library of Virginia, and 400 maps from the Virginia Historical Society. The maps, charts, and atlases depict battles, troop positions and movements, engagements, and fortifications. Also included are reconnaissance maps, sketch maps, coastal charts, and theater of war maps.
January 20th
Groundhog.org: The Official Site of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club - Features Groundhog Day history, activities, club chapter information, and Punxsutawney Phil's past predictions.
January 13th
Seeing, Hearing, and Smelling the World - Scientific information about how the senses carry messages to the brain and how the brain interprets and relays those messages is clear and very readable. Separate sections include discussions of current research on such topics as deafness and colorblindness, as well as explanations of how humans process -- and use -- data received through the senses.
January 6th
CNN Special Report: Waves of Destruction - Tourists, fishermen, homes and cars were swept away by walls of water that rolled across the Bay of Bengal, unleashed by the 9-magnitude quake. CNN has compiled many resources dealing with this devastating natural occurrence.
December 2004
December 23rd
American Cultural History 1900-1909 - The purpose of this web & library guide is to help the user gain a broad understanding and appreciation for the culture and history of the 1900-1909 period in American history. In a very small way, this is a bibliographic essay. While there is no way we can take you through the entire decade, we have attempted to find areas of special interest and to select information that is still dear today, for example books we love - movies we watch - songs we sing - events we find interesting - people we admire.
December 16th
WorldBiomes.com - Provides various sub-divisions and examples of the 5 types of biomes so that you may attain a better understanding of the relationships and features distinguishing one type of biome from another.
December 9th
WWF: Endangered Wildlife - World Wildlife Fund's interactive endangered species web site, teaching people about the plight of tigers, pandas, rhinos, whales, and other species at risk.
December 2nd
December Holidays Across Cultures @ Education World - December is a month full of special days. Education World once again offers resources to help educators teach about all those special days. The recently updated resources below fall into the following three categories:
- Holiday Lesson Plans
- Holiday Art & Gift Projects
- Additional Holiday Resources
November 2004
November 18th
Food and Nutrition Information Center - The Food and Nutrition Information Center (FNIC) at the National Agricultural Library (NAL) has been a leader in food and human nutrition information dissemination since 1971. FNIC's web site provides a directory to credible, accurate, and practical resources for consumers, nutrition and health professionals, educators and government personnel. Visitors can find printable format educational materials, government reports, research papers and more.
November 11th
WorldAtlas.com - A world atlas of facts flags and maps including every continent, country, dependency, exotic destination, island, major city, ocean, province, state & territory on the planet!
November 4th
History Channel: The History of Thanksgiving - Ever wonder what the pilgrims and their Native American guests really ate at the first feast? The truth may surprise you. Contrary to popular belief, they didn't sit down to a meal featuring turkey, corn, cranberries, and pumpkin pie (in fact, they didn't even have forks!). Nor did the pilgrims dress exclusively in black and white and show up wearing shoes and hats adorned with buckles. So what did they eat and wear? Travel back to Plymouth and hear from some pilgrims to find out what the original celebration was actually like!
October 2004
October 28th
BioChemHub - The Online Biology and Chemistry Education Center --- Science Guides. General
Biology General Chemistry Organic Chemistry Biochemistry and more!
October 21st
Interview at Weehauken: The 200th
Anniversary of the Burr-Hamilton Duel - After the Revolutionary War, New Yorkers Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr were referred to as "much the greatest men in this state, and perhaps the greatest men in the United States." A political rivalry developed between the two men, which led to a fateful correspondence and culminated in the tragic "interview" at Weehawken on July 11, 1804. This exhibit provides the correspondence and the cultural and historic context in which the letters were written, as well as a bibliography and online resources.
October 7th
PBS: By the People: Election 2004 - The lesson plans listed are organized by grade level and topic. All are designed to tie to state and national standards for civics, history, math and language arts.
September 2004
September 30th
Ben & Jerry's Halloween - These ice cream experts offer cool and creepy holiday fun! Check out the flavor graveyard, desktop wallpaper, games, coloring book, crafts, history, and more.
September 23rd
EconEdLink - Provides a premier souce of classroom-tested, Internet-based economic lesson materials for K-12 teachers and their students. With over 400 lessons to choose from, teachers can use as many of the lessons as they would like and as often as they would like.
September 16th
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage! - Scholastic's Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Online Activity provides your students with an opportunity to discover the contributions and rich cultures of Hispanics in the United States. Hispanic Heritage Month — celebrated September 15 to October 15 each year — honors the diverse peoples of Spanish-speaking backgrounds who have come to the United States from more than 20 countries. Celebrate Hispanic Heritage is designed to coincide with this special month or be used throughout the year.
September 9th
CNN.com Specials: Hurricane Season - Includes safety tips, 2004 names, current updates, historical data and an explainer on how hurricanes form.
September 2nd
Nerds 2.0.1 @ PBS - The intrepid Robert X. Cringely leads you on an adventure, delving into the history of the Internet. Including topics such as: Networking the Nerds, Serving the Suits, Wiring the World, Cast of Characters, Glossary of Geek and a Timeline.
August 2004
August 26th
Catharton.com - An extensive guide to artists, authors, directors and musicians and Internet resources concerning them and their works.
August 19th
SourceAid™ - SourceAid™ prevents plagiarism by helping you to reference others’ work easily. Use their free and reliable tools and information to solve your writing and research problems. Offers source formatting for all four major styles (MLA, APA, Chicago and CSE). Take pride in better writing and enjoy the extra time that you will have to write, research and relax.
August 12th
Education World: Back to School - This site covers areas such as Icebreaker Activities, Preparing for the First Day, Ideas for All Year, The Homework Dilemma, First-Year Teacher Tips, Substitute Teacher Help and More Great Ideas for the New School Year.
Privacy Policy Statement