Media Specialists
January 29, 2014 - February 4, 2014

Find the latest educational resources from Iowa Public Television.

Secrets of Underground London: Part 1

Grades: 6-12

In this segment of Secrets of Underground London, learn about the secrets of London's past, all hidden underneath the city. The ruins of a Roman amphitheater, which held 6,000 people, was found under the Guildhall Art Gallery. Additionally,the Museum of London has thousands of human bones preserved under its foundation, revealing the history of London through its inhabitants. Victims of the Black Plague, who were found in plague pits, can be found in the archive. Scientists have been able to track down the cause of the horrific, unstoppable plague by examining these centuries-old bones.

Infographics: Shakespeare's Game of the Hollow Crown

Grades: 9-13+

Using Shakespeare's Richard II, Henry IV, Part 1 and Henry IV, Part 2 as your map, follow the history of rebellion in 15th century England and the successive stories of three kings: Richard II, Henry IV and Henry V. Teachers can print these infographics and hang them up in the classroom to enhance learning.

Wuthering Heights 1: On the Moors

Grades: 9-13+

This scene in the 2009 MASTERPIECE version of Emily Bront�'s Wuthering Heights skillfully sets up not only the plot and characters (the rugged Heathcliff and the innocent Catherine Linton), but a distinct time and place: the Yorkshire moors. Catherine is unaware of the circumstances surrounding her mother's passionate relationship with Heathcliff and the dangers of the moors themselves. To emphasize this, she is shown in a simple white dress, skipping happily down the lane. Suddenly, as the music changes, Heathcliff looms above her on horseback. Catherine is about to be introduced to a more sinister reality - and to Wuthering Heights itself.

Is Doctor Who a Religion?
Grade Range: 9-12

Doctor Who is one of the longest running TV shows on the BBC, and it's got a huge fandom surrounding it, called Whovians. While it might not seem like, Whovianism, might just be religion! Whovians, like other passionate fan cultures, create art & fan fiction and engage in a strong remix culture. But with its strong philosophical and cosmological elements, is it more than that?

Be Inspired, Be An Innovator!
Grade Range: PreK-13+

We know that empowering today's students with a diverse set of skills is critical in fostering a new generation of innovators and creators. So how do we help middle and high school students cultivate the skills they need to dream up new ideas, tinker with prototypes, and design new processes? Join three rock star educators who will share stories about how they are driving innovation in their classroom. You'll walk away with classroom tips, tools, and resources that you can use to inspire your students to think like 21st century innovators.

I'm Inspired to Innovate!

Grade Range: 6-12

What skills do students need to become imaginative, resourceful, and collaborative innovators? Invite your classroom to join PBS and Google for a LIVE Google Hangout On Air to celebrate Digital Learning Day! This one-of-a-kind, interactive experience features three dynamic guests who will share insight into their groundbreaking work in media, computer and neuroscience. Students will be able to identify the key skills that lead to innovation and recognize the next steps they can take to bring their creative ideas to life.

In the Family: Genetic Testing and Hereditary Cancer
Grade Range: 11-12

This lesson plan is designed to be used with the film In the Family, which explores issues related to genetic testing and the difficult decisions some must face when they learn they are at high risk for certain forms of cancer.

Nanotechnology Takes Off
Grade Range: 5-12

What's 100,000 times thinner than a strand of hair? A nanometer. Learn about how researchers are working to unlock the potential of nanoscience to battle global warming and disease.

Help Prevent Diabetes with Exercise
Grade Range: K-2

In this animated video segment adapted from the Eagle Books series produced by

the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mr. Eagle describes to Rain That Dances and Thunder Cloud, two American Indian boys, how people used to be strong and healthy because they kept their bodies moving by working hard and playing outside

every day. Mr. Eagle is sad because he no longer sees children playing and because they spend too much time sitting. He tells the boys how many people are now sick with diabetes and explains that there are ways to prevent the disease. Together, they discuss fun ways to move their bodies and become healthier.

Symbols Used in the Great Seal
Grade Range: 3-5

In this activity, students will examine symbols used in the original design of the Great Seal of the United States (1782). Find a teacher guide to complement this activity on the Docs Teach site of the National Archives Experience.

Theater: Dressing Room
Grade Range: 3-8

In this interactive, students will understand how to apply stage make-up to make an actor appear older.

Two Sounds of -c-
Grade Range: 1-3

The Electric Company aims to entertain children while simultaneously teaching four crucial areas of literacy that are challenging for struggling readers: decoding, vocabulary, comprehension of connected text and motivation. The goals for this resource group are hard -c- and soft -c-.

Word Family -ight-

Grade Range: 1-3

The Electric Company aims to entertain children while simultaneously teaching four crucial areas of literacy that are challenging for struggling readers: decoding, vocabulary, comprehension of connected text and motivation. The goal for this resource group is word family -ight-.

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