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Environmental education resources database launched
A fieldtrip that gives students a hands-on experience in wetlands; a school visit from an expert on water; and lesson plans that explore environmental careers are only three of the more than 400 resources from 80 organizations found in the Encana Environmental Education Resource Centre, launched by the Alberta Council for Environmental Education. The Alberta database and list of resources is available to the province’s teachers. Educators can search by grade, curriculum and topic, region of the province or keyword. Also being developed is a list of funding organizations that provide money to environmental education projects. For more information, visit www.abcee.org/resources/search.
Alberta Labour federation is turning 100
“Project 2012: 100 Years of Labour” is an initiative to make Alberta’s labour history a vital part of the Alberta Federation of Labour’s 100th anniversary. This year’s anniversary events will feature a provincewide musical history tour by Maria Dunn, history displays in local museums and libraries, parades, commemorative sculptures and a labour history conference, June 14 and 15. The Project 2012 website (www.labourhistory.ca) features upcoming events and available resources. A special initiative of this year’s anniversary is the invitation to Grade 7 students to work on labour history projects for this year’s Heritage Fair. For information, visit www.labourhistory.ca.
Canadian War Museum launches app
The Canadian War Museum has launched a free mobile application that invites iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad users to take an interactive tour of more than two dozen of the Museum’s most notable features and artifacts, including objects that bring to life monumental events in Canada’s military history. Each stop features images and audio commentary. Visitors can also take a fun quiz to test their newly-acquired knowledge. Visitors can now use their mobile devices to learn more about key areas such as Memorial Hall and Regeneration Hall, as well as important artifacts like Major General Isaac Brock’s tunic and the collection of pictures painted on the front of Second World War aircraft, known as “Nose Art.” Users can download the application for free from iTunes. The Canadian War Museum is Canada’s national museum of military history. Its mission is to promote public understanding of Canada’s military history in its personal, national, and international dimensions.
It’s not just a box
Literacy-in-a-Box is an innovative resource developed by Calgary Reads to help educators promote family literacy in fun, engaging and effective ways. Research shows that the family is one of the best ways to support the development of children’s literacy skills. Literacy-in-a-Box contains three family literacy events, including invitations, agendas, handouts, electronic presentations, speaker notes, supply lists and to-do lists. As well, there are guides for forming a literacy action team, family engagement resources and family literacy resources. Calgary Reads offers seminars highlighting the resource. Visit www.calgaryreads.com for more information.
Reflecting on Leadership for Learning
A new publication from the Alberta Teachers’ Association provides timely insight into the role of the school principal. Reflecting on Leadership for Learning—Case Studies of Five Alberta Elementary School Principals, based on research conducted by Jim Parsons and Larry Beauchamp, professors at the Faculty of Education, University of Alberta, provides an intimate glimpse of daily life in the province’s elementary schools. A unique feature of the study is that the researchers interviewed not only the principals but also teachers in the five schools.
The study reflects the ATA’s commitment to undertake advanced research designed to help schools in Alberta meet the learning needs of all students. Copies are available for $10/ea plus GST and shipping and handling. To order, contact Distribution at Barnett House, in Edmonton. Telephone: 780-447-9432 or 1-800-232-7208 (toll free in Alberta), or e-mail distribution@ata.ab.ca.
Healthy Interactions Workshops: Relationships are important
Healthy Interactions is a communications and conflict-resolution program offered by the ATA. A four-day workshop is available to teachers wishing to receive a certificate as a trained facilitator in the Healthy Interactions program. A two-day workshop is offered to individual teachers and principals to enhance their conflict-resolution skills. Visit the ATA website (www.teachers.ab.ca) for dates and locations. Registration is free to active ATA members and includes training materials, breakfast and lunch. Participants are responsible for substitute teacher costs, travel and accommodation costs. Registration forms are available from the ATA website. Space is limited. For information, contact Joyce Sherwin at Barnett House, in Edmonton. Telephone: 780-447-9400 (Edmonton and area) or 1-800-232-7208 (toll-free from elsewhere in Alberta). In Calgary, contact Cynthia Malner-Charest at SARO. Telephone: 403-265-2672 (Calgary and area) or 1-800-332-1280 (toll-free from elsewhere in Alberta).
Imagination and technology theme of 2012 conference
The Destination Innovation 2012 Conference will explore imaginative practices for learning with technology. The conference will provide a premiere PD opportunity for innovators on the leading edge of technology in learning and teaching, including educators, IT staff, administrators, researchers and teachers. The conference will be held at the Banff Centre, August 19–22, 2012. Destination Innovation is sponsored by the 2Learn.ca Education Society, Alberta Education, the Alberta Teachers’ Association, Alberta Technology Leaders in Education and the Educational Technology Council of the Alberta Teachers’ Association. Registration is now open. The Destination Innovation 2012 Conference team invites proposals that showcase the innovative practices of leading educational technology leaders. More information is available online (www.destinationinnovation2012.ca) and on Twitter (@Dest_2012).
