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Raising water awareness
In her compelling article, University of Toronto graduate student Kate Campbell evaluates the effect that web-based educational multimedia can have on water literacy and environmental action in Canadian classrooms. Read more at www.watercan.com.
Alberta’s labour history
Lessons from the Past, Visions of the Future, a conference sponsored by the Alberta Labour History Institute (ALHI) in conjunction with the 100th anniversary celebrations of the Alberta Federation of Labour, will be held in Edmonton, June 13–15, 2012. The conference will feature story circles involving workers and union activists, presentations by labour historians, labour history displays, a film night and a multi-media concert by Edmonton singer, song-writer Maria Dunn. Conference and registration information is available on the ALHI website (www.labourhistory.ca).
Are you a CTF Project Overseas participant?
The Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF) invites Project Overseas participants to a reunion in Ottawa, July 3–5. Participants will celebrate the 50th anniversary of CTF’s international programs. For information and to register, visit the CTF website (www.ctf-fce.ca).
Fight hate on the Internet
The Media Awareness Network (MNet) has released its Responding to Online Hate guide to assist law enforcement, community groups and educators in countering hateful content on the Internet. MNet’s guide offers information on how to report online hate to the police, host websites and Internet Service Providers and highlights services for victims who encounter hateful materials online. The guide is part of MNet’s Diversity and Media Toolbox—a suite of anti-hate resources. The Toolbox and guide are freely available at www.media-awareness.ca. Hard copies of the guide can be ordered through info@media-awareness.ca.
Action for Peace: Dimensions of War and Peace
Action for Peace: Dimensions of War and Peace is a teaching unit for Grade 10 commissioned by Project Ploughshares Edmonton and developed by the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights. Action for Peace explores the historical and present-day issues and effects of war, and calls for a reflection on the need for peace. The resource examines war; studies the history of nuclear warfare; discusses the effect of armed conflict on children; and encourages action through nonviolence and peace. The resource is available free for download from the Project Ploughshares Edmonton Branch website (www.ploughsharesedmonton.org/dimensions.pdf). For more information, visit the Project Ploughshares Edmonton Branch website (www.ploughsharesedmonton.org) and the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights website (www.jhcentre.org).
What is the mental health of Canada’s young people?
The 2009/10 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study is now available. The Health of Canada’s Young People: A mental health focus looks at the emotional and mental health of young people and its relationship with various health behaviours, outcomes and social factors. The study addressed unintentional injuries, healthy living, healthy weights, risky behaviours (including sexual health practices and substance use and abuse) and bullying. For more information about the report’s findings, visit www.publichealth.gc.ca and follow the links.
TQS fees changing
On April 1, 2012, Teacher Qualifications Service updated its fees. The new fee structure is $70 for the first evaluation, $120 for each subsequent re-evaluation and $50 for duplicates. For more information, visit the ATA website (www.teachers.ab.ca) and click on Teaching in Alberta.
Visit the ATA on social media
In addition to visiting the Alberta Teachers’ Association’s website (www.teachers.ab.ca), teachers are invited to follow the ATA on Twitter (@albertateachers), Facebook (www.facebook.com/ABteachers) and YouTube (www.youtube.com/albertateachers).
Calling all science and technology teachers
The ASM Materials Camp for Teachers is a five-day workshop combining innovative classroom instructions and laboratory experiences. The free workshop is designed to help science and technology teachers engage their students by using simple, low-cost/no-cost experiments that can be integrated into existing school plans. All workshop materials, accommodation and meals are free. Workshops will be offered June 18–22, at SAIT, in Calgary, or July 2–6, Ashbury College, in Ottawa, Ontario. Visit www.asmfoundation.org for details and to register.
Building peaceful communities
Mahatma Gandhi 2012 Summer Institute
July 3–12, 2012, University of Alberta
The Faculty of Education at the University of Alberta and the Mahatma Gandhi Foundation for World Peace are sponsoring the Mahatma Gandhi 2012 Summer Institute: Building Peaceful Communities. The Centre for Research for Teacher Education and Development is coordinating this institute.
STRUCTURE: There are three separate three-credit graduate level courses organized into an institute format. Each student will enroll in one course. The three courses are Narrative Inquiries as Relational Research Methodology Toward a Curriculum of Community, and Toward a Gandhian Pedagogy. In addition to the courses, there will be three afternoon lectures (open to the public). All students will attend these events.
For more information and to register, contact Sonia Houle, at sonia.houle@ualberta.ca, or the CRTED, at 780-492-7770. Or visit www.elementaryed.ualberta.ca/en/Centres/CRTED.aspx and follow the link to the Mahatma Gandhi 2012 Summer Institute: Building Peaceful Communities page.
Stories and photos wanted
The ATA News is always on the lookout for interesting articles, photos and cartoons. Articles should not exceed 500 words and should be accompanied by a short byline, stating where you work and what you teach. Photos of teachers or students participating in interesting activities are welcome, as are cartoons. Don’t forget to include photo captions. Please note: Receipt of material does not guarantee its publication. Send your submissions to Managing Editor, the ATA News, 11010–142 Street, Edmonton, Alberta
T5N 2R1 or submit electronically to raymond.gariepy@ata.ab.ca.
