Classroom Connection
Welcome!
Check out some upcoming educational and informational ICN sessions that Iowa Public Television will be offering at NO COST via the Iowa Communications Network.  We are adding new sessions every day, so check the calendar frequently or contact me directly with any questions, comments, requests...anything! I love hearing from you!

 
FAQs

How do I sign up for a session?   

 

How do I find an ICN classroom? 

Contact
Abby Brown

Educational Services 

800.532.1290

abby@iptv.org  

Elementary K-5 Sessionselementary   

  

Grades K-5
January 31, 12:30 PM - 1:20 PM &
January 31, 1:30 PM - 2:20 PM
Registration Deadline: 01/27/12

Students will learn the order and names of the planets in our solar system. We'll also have a discussion on the latest controversy of Pluto's status of a 'dwarf planet'. Students will also learn about the asteroid belt and the different types of stars as we board an imaginary rocket ship and tour the galaxy. This interactive program also allows time for students to ask questions, so come prepared.

 

Grades K-2
February 6, 12:30 PM - 1:20 PM &
February 6, 1:30 PM - 2:20 PM
Registration Deadline: 02/03/12

Martha Speaks is an animated series on PBS KIDS. Aimed at viewers between the ages of four and seven, Martha's educational goal is to teach kids new words. The series stars Martha, a beloved family dog. She is accidentally fed alphabet soup - this gives her the power of speech and the chance to speak her mind to anyone that will listen.

Special Words of the week are:

  • Fantasy
  • Real
  • Pretend
  • Actually

Featured story:

  • Bippity Bop Barbershop by Natasha Tarpley
Grades 3-7
February 7, 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM &
February 7, 1:00 PM - 1:50 PM
Registration Deadline: 02/03/12

Freedom Seekers who escaped from slavery by traveling through the state of Iowa traveled East, not North. Find out why and other important information you'd need to make your own escape to freedom. Just remember: when traveling through Iowa, Don't Follow the Drinking Gourd!

 

Grades 1-4
February 8, 9:00 AM - 10:50 AM &
February 8, 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM
Registration Deadline: 02/03/12

Join educators from the Blank Park Zoo for this fascinating session about clues that animals leave behind. Kids become detectives as we read the story What Am I?, An Animal Guessing Game and as we explore all the different ways that scientist learn from what animals leave behind.

Droppings, tracks, and remains are just a few of the topics discussed with children. Also, meet a couple of live friends from the zoo and talk about what clues they leave behind.

 

Grades K-4
February 10, 12:30 PM - 1:20 PM &
February 10, 1:30 PM - 2:20 PM
Registration Deadline: 02/03/12

Explore the unique world of birds that call Iowa home throughout the cold winter months. A naturalist from the Warren County Conservation Board describes the characteristics, adaptations and habitats of our fine-feathered friends. The discussion includes an explanation of the migration process. Listen to birdcalls and learn about feeding wild birds.

 

Grades K-2
February 13, 12:30 PM - 1:20 PM &
February 13, 1:30 PM - 2:20 PM
Registration Deadline: 02/03/12

Martha Speaks is an animated series on PBS KIDS. Aimed at viewers between the ages of four and seven, Martha's educational goal is to teach kids new words. The series stars Martha, a beloved family dog. She is accidentally fed alphabet soup - this gives her the power of speech and the chance to speak her mind to anyone that will listen.

Special Words of the week are:

  • Remedy
  • Recuperate
  • Healthy
  • Cure

Featured story:

  • Don't You Feel Well, Sam? by Amy Hest
Grades 1-3
February 14, 9:00 AM - 9:50 AM &
February 14, 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM &
February 14, 12:30 PM - 1:20 PM
Registration Deadline: 02/03/12

Join an interactive session that is all about friendship. We will be reading Arthur's Valentine, by Marc Brown, sharing Arthur trivia, discussing writing and publishing ideas, and doing some fun Valentine's Day activities.

 

Grades 3-5
February 15, 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM &
February 15, 1:00 PM - 1:50 PM
Registration Deadline: 02/10/12

Buxton was a coal mining town in Iowa at the turn of the 20th century. It was company owned and operated, like many towns at this time, but Buxton was truly unique. The majority of Buxton's citizens were African Americans, and there was very little racism. Using Primary and Secondary Sources, your 3-5 grade students will explore the cause and effect of this fascinating place.

 

Grades PK-1
February 16, 9:00 AM - 9:45 AM &
February 16, 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM &
February 16, 12:30 PM - 1:15 PM
Registration Deadline: 02/10/12

Stories & More ICN sessions are interactive, educational and fun! During the session we read stories, watch short videos, sing songs, discuss and do activities. Participating in ICN sessions is a great way to get children excited about technology as well as our various topics. Content is geared toward Prek-1st grade audiences.

February: Feelings

 

Grades K-2
February 20, 12:30 PM - 1:20 PM &
February 20, 1:30 PM - 2:20 PM
Registration Deadline: 02/10/12
Martha Speaks is an animated series on PBS KIDS. Aimed at viewers between the ages of four and seven, Martha's educational goal is to teach kids new words. The series stars Martha, a beloved family dog. She is accidentally fed alphabet soup - this gives her the power of speech and the chance to speak her mind to anyone that will listen.

Special Words of the week are:

  • Obey
  • Disobey
  • Obedient
  • Disobedient

Featured story:

  • Baby Rattlesnake by Te Ata
Grades 1-2
February 21, 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM
Registration Deadline: 02/17/12

Students will have fun doing multi-subject, interactive activities with other students across the state in a joint effort to discover why food is so important. This is a good empowering session to do before engaging the students in the MyPyramid Hop 'n Shop and other Food unit lessons from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Growing in the Garden. We will also show how to introduce MyPlate.

 

Grades 3-5
February 21, 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM &
February 21, 1:00 PM - 1:50 PM
Registration Deadline: 02/17/12

You've heard of Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King, and Rosa Parks, but do you know Iowa's Civil Rights heroes? Did you know Iowa schools were legally integrated in 1867, just two years after the Civil War? This ICN will cover many of the interesting Civil Rights activities Iowa has hosted from before the Civil War through to modern times. Encourage your students to think about what's right and wrong while taking pride in their Iowa heritage.

  

 Martha Speaks, Jamaica's Blue Marker  

Grades K-2
February 27, 12:30 PM - 1:20 PM &
February 27, 1:30 PM - 12:20 PM  

Registration Deadline: 02/17/12 

Martha Speaks is an animated series on PBS KIDS. Aimed at viewers between the ages of four and seven, Martha's educational goal is to teach kids new words. The series stars Martha, a beloved family dog. She is accidentally fed alphabet soup - this gives her the power of speech and the chance to speak her mind to anyone that will listen.

Special Words of the week are:

  • Pleasant
  • Unpleasant
  • Compliment
  • Bully

Featured story:

  • Jamaica's Blue Marker by Juanita Havill
Grades K-5
February 28, 12:30 PM - 1:20 PM &
February 28, 1:30 PM - 2:20 PM
Registration Deadline: 02/24/12

Students discuss the amazing owls of Iowa with a naturalist. This special group of raptors is discussed in detail including, unique adaptations, habitats and current status in our state. Students learn how to perform the calls of the three most common owls in Iowa. Don't miss this highly visual and interactive session with a live owl.

 

Grades K-2
March 1, 9:00 AM - 9:50 AM &
March 1, 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM
Registration Deadline: 02/24/12

Dr. Seuss is on the loose.  

Will we catch him or a big old snoose?
Big feet, small feet, count them all feet.
Match up two or match them all feet.

Math is our aim and that's not lame; so come and join our little game!

In this session presenters read The Foot Book by Dr. Seuss and engage students in interdisciplinary activities designed to foster learning while having fun with math skills.

 

Grades PK-3
March 1, 12:30 PM - 1:20 PM &
March 1, 1:30 PM - 2:20 PM
Registration Deadline: 02/24/12

Celebrate Read Across America Day with the Blank Park Zoo as he reads Yertle the Turtle by Dr. Seuss. In this session, we will compare and contrast turtles and tortoises as well as share a special zoo animal.

 

Grades 2-5
March 2, 9:00 AM - 9:50 AM &
March 2, 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM
Registration Deadline: 02/24/12

What types of things come down from the sky? Snow, fog, sunshine, rain, and in this session,  Oobleck! Presenter reads Bartholomew and the Oobleck by Dr. Seuss and engages students in interdisciplinary activities designed to foster learning while having fun with science. During the session students perform experiments with their own Oobleck that can be made using the recipe below.

 

Grades K-4
March 2, 12:30 PM - 1:20 PM &
March 2, 1:30 PM - 2:20 PM
Registration Deadline: 02/24/12

Celebrate Read Across America Day and The Lorax with IPTV and Warren County Conservation! Naturalist Joel VanRoekel will explore the world of The Lorax by Dr. Seuss through reading, activities and more!

Joel will share his love of books as well as his love of animals by comparing the world of the lorax to the real-life world of a naturalist, who educates people about protecting natural resources and wildlife. Students will also learn about some of Iowa's most threatened species.

 

Grades K-2
March 5, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM &
March 5, 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Registration Deadline: 02/24/12

Martha Speaks is an animated series on PBS KIDS. Aimed at viewers between the ages of four and seven, Martha's educational goal is to teach kids new words. The series stars Martha, a beloved family dog. She is accidentally fed alphabet soup - this gives her the power of speech and the chance to speak her mind to anyone that will listen.

Special Words of the week are:

  • Allowed
  • Permitted
  • Forbidden
  • Rule

Featured story:

  • Officer Buckle and Gloria by Peggy Rathmann

 

The REAL Apprentice: Building and Contracting Careers  

Grade 9-12
January 27, 9:00 AM - 9:50 AM &
January 27, 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM  

Registration Deadline: 01/24/12

An apprentice program might be a great career choice. Join this session as a representative from associated Builders and Contractors (Iowa Chapter) will be on hand to talk to your students about how an apprentice program works and how students can get involved.

 

Career Exploration for STEM Careers: Agronomist  

Grades 9-12
January 30, 9:00 AM - 9:50 AM &
January 30, 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM  

Registration Deadline: 01/23/12

This career professional (Agronomist) will be talking about how he uses science, math and technology everyday in his job. He will also touch on how he advises farmers in order to reduce the impact they have on the environment in their daily work.

 

STEM: Using Technology in Archaeological Research  

Grades 9-12
February 6, 9:00 AM - 9:50 AM &
February 6, 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM 

Registration Deadline: 02/01/12

During this session, students will meet an archaeologist with the University of Iowa Office of the State Archaeologist. She will share information about the various types of jobs that are held in the field of archaeology.

The focus of this session is to share information about modern methods and new technologies that are utilized by professionals in the field of archaeology. For example, GIS (computer mapping) and the use of resistivity meters will be discussed. She will also talk about the use of LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging)in creating contour maps and other applications. She will bring maps that have been created using these applications and show us how these technologies were used at the Iowaville site near Ottumwa.

If you have students who like science, math, history or geology this is the session for them!

 

Career Exploration for STEM Careers: Prosthetist and Orthotist  

Grades 9-12
February 7, 9:00 AM - 9:50 AM &
February 7, 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM  

Registration Deadline: 02/02/12

In this session, students will interact with a prosthetist/orthotist who knows first hand what it's like to be one of his patients. A farm accident resulted in the loss of his leg as a teenager. During his recovery and rehabilitation, he became very interested in the technology used in prosthetics and orthotics.

During this session he will talk with your students about how he uses math, science and technology in his job. He will also share his rewarding experience of working with patients at Walter Reed Hospital as they return from the war.

 

Grades 3-7
February 7, 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM &
February 7, 1:00 PM - 1:50 PM
Registration Deadline: 02/03/12

Freedom Seekers who escaped from slavery by traveling through the state of Iowa traveled East, not North. Find out why and other important information you'd need to make your own escape to freedom. Just remember: when traveling through Iowa, Don't Follow the Drinking Gourd!

 

Grades 9-12
February 9, 9:00 AM - 9:50 AM &
February 9, 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM
Registration Deadline: 02/03/12
Join this session as staff from AIB, College of Business, are on hand to talk to your students about these two careers. They will explain how court reporting and captioning students learn a form of "shorthand" that's typed into "steno" machines. They'll demonstrate how computer software now can instantly transcribe the shorthand to appear on a screen, which makes it feasible for such uses as TV captioning, Internet webinars or assistance for hearing-impaired people at conventions or meetings.

Grades 9-12
February 15, 9:00 AM - 9:50 AM &
February 15, 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM
Registration Deadline: 02/09/12
This Civil Engineer (environmental focus) works for the Iowa Department of Natural resources. She is a great example of a professional engineer who is working in an interesting and needed career in Iowa and in fact, in the world.

Grades 4-7
February 21, 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM &
February 21, 1:00 PM - 1:50 PM
Registration Deadline: 02/17/12

You've heard of Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King, and Rosa Parks, but do you know Iowa's Civil Rights heroes? Did you know Iowa schools were legally integrated in 1867, just two years after the Civil War? This ICN will cover many of the interesting Civil Rights activities Iowa has hosted from before the Civil War through to modern times. Encourage your students to think about what's right and wrong while taking pride in their Iowa heritage.

 
Educator and Professional Development Sessionseducator

 

All Iowa Reads 2012 selection: Strength in What Remains
Educators
February 2, 3:15 PM - 4:15 PM
Registration Deadline: 01/26/12
February 13, 3:15 PM - 4:15 PM
Registration Deadline: 02/08/12
February 15, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Registration Deadline: 02/09/12
February 21, 3:15 PM - 4:15 PM
Registration Deadline: 02/14/12
March 6, 3:15 PM - 4:15 PM
Registration Deadline: 02/29/12

In the fall of 2011, the Iowa Center for the Book announced its All Iowa Reads 2012 selection as "Strength in What Remains" by Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Tracy Kidder. The book tells the true story of Deogratias, a young physician from Burundi, who survives genocide only to find himself a homeless �migr� in America. Deo never succumbs to the despair, isolation and prejudice he finds in New York City. He draws on inner strength to overcome all odds, graduate from Columbia University and return to his native land to open health clinics there. Dark, but not without hope and full of forgiveness, this is a must read for all Iowans.

Teachers are invited to join this session to watch a taped program/discussion from January 18th 2012. This program was designed to help library staff, trustees and community discussion leaders plan a discussion of the 2012 All Iowa Reads (AIR) selection "Strength in What Remains". The session will include a review of the criteria used to select the book, resources available on the Iowa Center for the Book Website and tips on how to make your discussion successful.

The heart of the program will be an in-depth exchange between Susan Craig, Director of the Iowa City Public Library, and George Minot, Professor of English at Kirkwood Community College, who will discuss topics and themes that will help you in leading your "Strength in What Remains" classroom discussions.

Educators
January 31, 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Registration Deadline: 01/27/12
Other Experimental Analyses: Structural Analysis and Concurrent Operants Assessments
Originating from Sioux City NW AEA, presented Jan Turbes and Glenda Harms.
This session will focus primarily on the implementation of FBA using other Experimental, direct observational, Analyses to determine the function of behavior(s). These strategies will be discussed as alternative methods when functional analyses are not possible or provide conclusive results. Strengths and weakness of these technologies will also be discussed.

Educators
February 8, 3:20 PM - 4:00 PM
Registration Deadline: 02/03/12

The professional center of IHAPI allows educators access to resources, reports and student portfolio information. This ICN session will focus on professional center navigation and tools available to educators and also show you how to toggle between the professional center and the IHAPI student site.

  

Iowa Core Literacy Instruction For Students with Significant Disabilities  

Educators
February 9, 8:00 AM - 12:30 PM   

Registration Deadline: 02/03/12 

The Iowa Department of Education, Dynamic Learning Maps Alternate Assessment Consortium, Center for Literacy and Disabilities Studies, and Sioux City Community Schools are pleased to announce a series of four ICN sessions on Access to and Instruction of Iowa Core Literacy Standards for Students with Significant Disabilities, presented by Dr. Karen Erickson, Ph.D.

Universal Design for Learning: Opening the Doors to Academic Success for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is intended to insure that all students achieve academic success; however, there are traditions in instruction for students with significant cognitive disabilities that are contrary to UDL. In this session, UDL will be discussed with specific reference to students with significant cognitive disabilities. This session will include specific instructional solutions that reflect UDL principles while maximizing academic success for students with significant cognitive disabilities.

 

Educators 

February 14, 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM  

Registration Deadline: 02/10/12

Using Structured Criteria to Evaluate FBA and BIP data  

The final session of Part two of this series will focus on how to utilize structured criteria for high stakes decision making regarding challenging behavior within Functional Analysis. The sessions will also show how such criteria could be used for decision making of various intervention components within an existing BIP and when to make modifications.  

Educators
February 22, 3:20 PM - 4:00 PM
Registration Deadline: 02/17/12
Paws in Jobland is the new IHAPI feature for elementary students. Paws in Jobland allows elementary students to build self-awareness, identify personal interests and explore the world of work. This ICN session will explore the features of the site and examine the lesson plans for educators included with Paws in Jobland.

Educators
February 22, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Registration Deadline: 02/17/12

This ICN session is brought to you by the Iowa Departments of Human Services and Public Health.

Dr. Heather Olsen, Ed.D, with the National Program for Playground Safety at the University of Northern Iowa, will present a professional development opportunity to assist consultants working with early childhood education and care providers to promote safe and healthy play environments and behaviors, as well as, developmentally appropriate play for young children. This session will cover topics including fall surfacing, roles and responsibilities of early childhood education and care providers in the play environment, assessing a variety of early childhood environments including indoor and outdoor spaces, home-based, school-based, center-based and multi-use facilities. More detailed information yet to come, but reserve your ICN site now for this excellent opportunity.

CEUs for school nurses and social workers are being applied for.

 

District Business Managers & Superintendents
February 23, 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Registration Deadline: 02/17/12
March 1, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Registration Deadline: 02/24/12

The Tuition In Billing program and the electronic form of the Special Education Supplement are designed to save local school district business managers and superintendents time and meet code requirements by linking to their accounting program. Key to making this a real timesaver is a basic understanding of the financial aspects of special education and your books so the first upload is error free.

 

Educators
February 28, 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Registration Deadline: 02/24/12

Other Experimental Analyses: Structural Analysis and Concurrent Operants Assessments  

Originating from Sioux City NW AEA, presented Jan Turbes and Glenda Harms.
This session will focus primarily on the implementation of FBA using other Experimental, direct observational, Analyses to determine the function of behavior(s). These strategies will be discussed as alternative methods when functional analyses are not possible or provide conclusive results. Strengths and weakness of these technologies will also be discussed.

This content was originally scheduled for Jan. 31.

How to Register for an ICN Sessionregister

 

1. Click on the title of the session in which you are interested.

 

2. Read through the description page, then click on "register here" at the very bottom of the page.

 

3. Follow the step by step directions.

 

For most sessions, you are welcome to request any ICN site in Iowa, so choose one that's most convenient for you. Your request will go to an IPTV scheduler who will then email you back with a confirmation/denial. If you are denied, IPTV is happy to help you find a room that will work.

 
Abby K. Brown
Educational Services
Iowa Public Television
6450 Corporate Drive
Johnston, IA 50131
(800) 532-1290
(515) 242-4181
abby@iptv.org