January 2012

Doodle 4 Google

January 2012 - Students have the opportunity to design the Google homepage logo. A winning student will have their logo featured on the Google homepage, win a $30,000 scholarship, and a $50,000 technology grant for his or her school, among other prizes. More...

Three Strategies for Using the Arts to Build Executive Functions

January 2012 - From Edutopia: "Before information can be processed through executive functions, it must reach the prefrontal cortex (PFC), where higher order thinking occurs. The pathway to the PFC has potential roadblocks in the form of an information intake filter and an emotional switching station that determines if input reaches the PFC or is diverted to the lower, reactive brain. Embedding the arts into instruction and assessment promotes flow through these filters, builds growth mindset, and strengthens the actively developing executive functions. " More...

Free Admission to Carnegie Museums

January 2012 - Carnegie Museums of Natural History and Art, along with Carnegie Science Center, offer teacher loyalty programs. As part of the programs, teachers receive free passes to the museums. All that is required is to submit web forms via the museum websites: Natural History/Art and Science Center.

Design Thinking: Lessons for the Classroom

January 2012 - From Edutopia: "Much has been written about changing role of the teacher from "sage on the stage" to "guide on the side." Design thinking, which is a dynamic, creative and collaborative approach to problem solving, presents a unique model for educators who wish to facilitate from within the class, rather than impart knowledge to it." More...