Classroom Connection
Welcome!

With a week or so of school already under your belt and a beautiful break in the weather, fall semester is upon us! Opportunities for all levels of learning, including the most current in professional development, are offered daily in your ICN classroom. Sessions are offered by Iowa Public Television at NO COST! See the K-12 Connections calendar for upcoming informational and educational opportunities. Check the calendar frequently or contact me directly with any questions, comments, requests...anything! I love hearing from you!

 

Note to School to Careers eNewsletter recipients!  Welcome to the K-12 Connections eNewsletter.  We've combined our lists to offer you a more comprehensive look at what is being offered by Iowa Public Television via the ICN. You'll get all the same information and more when you get your K-12 Connections eNews every other week! 

 
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   

  

Monarch Tagging 

Grades K-5
September 13, 9:00 AM - 9:50 AM &
September 13, 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM &
September 13, 12:30 PM - 1:20 PM  

Registration Deadline: 09/09/11

Students learn about the monarch butterfly as an international traveler and participate in the MonarchWatch tagging program. A naturalist from the Polk County Conservation Board demonstrates how they tag monarch butterflies and discusses the importance of keeping track of this migratory insect. This interactive program allows time for student questions, so come prepared.

Following the ICN session, registrants receive the complimentary book, Butterflies or alternate title.

 

All about Archaeology

Grades 3-5
September 14, 9:00 AM - 9:50 AM &
September 14, 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM  

Registration Deadline: 09/09/11

Join this session to give your students an early introduction and understanding of what an archaeologist does in their daily work.

Staff from the University of Iowa, Office of the State Archaeologist, conducts an inquiry-based activity during this session. We will demonstrate material evidence and what can be learned from it via one or more of the following activities.

The overall goal of this session is to demonstrate that archaeology is the study of people of the past through the recovery, analysis, and interpretation of material remains; illustrate career possibilities.

 

Stories & More: ABC's

Grades PK-1
September 15, 9:00 AM - 9:45 AM &
September 15, 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM  

Registration Deadline: 09/09/11

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.

Following the ICN session, registrants receive a complimentary copy of Poor Puppy by Nick Bruel or alternate title.

 

Martha Speaks, Star of the Week

Grades K-2
September 20, 9:00 AM - 9:50 AM &
September 20, 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM  

Registration Deadline: 09/16/11

This is a series of ICN sessions for K-2 based on the Reading Buddies Program for Martha Speaks. If you have a buddies system in your school we invite you to bring them to the session together. The content will be aimed for children in grades K-2.  

Each week we will watch a 13 minute episode of Martha Speaks, play a game, read a story, and write a short journal entry; all based on chosen vocabulary words.

Following this session confirmed registrants will receive a complimentary developmentally appropriate book.

 

Amphibians and Reptiles

Grades K-4
September 22, 9:00 AM - 9:50 AM &
September 22, 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM  

Registration Deadline: 09/16/11

Join naturalists from the Warren County Conservation Board to explore the similarities and differences between these groups of animals. Learn about the characteristics and life cycles of amphibians and reptiles. Also discover which creatures live in Iowa. Live animals will be on-hand throughout the presentation.

The Warren County naturalists involve students in the educational fun throughout the session, so please come prepared with questions about these fascinating groups of animals.

Following the session, registrants receive The Fascinating World of Snakes or alternate title by mail. 

 

Wild Kratts: Mystery of the Squirmy Worm

Grades K-2
September 23, 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM &
September 23, 12:30 PM - 1:20 PM 

Registration Deadline: 09/16/11

About the series:

Wild Kratts joins the adventures of Chris and Martin Kratt as they encounter incredible wild animals, combining science education with fun and adventure as the duo travels to animal habitats around the globe. Each adventure explores an age-appropriate science concept central to an animal's life and showcases a rarely-before-seen wildlife moment, all wrapped up in engaging stories of adventure, mystery, rescue, and the Kratt brothers' brand of laugh-out-loud-comedy that kids love. Wild Kratts takes the natural appeal of animals and harnesses it towards the goal of teaching science concepts to children ages 6- 8. 

Following the ICN session, registrants receive the complimentary book Wonderful Worms by mail. 

 

Munch My Math

Grades 1-4
September 26, 12:30 PM - 1:20 PM &
September 26, 1:30 PM - 2:20 PM  

Registration Deadline: 09/16/11

In this hands-on (mouths-on) ICN session, presenters lead students in a variety of edible math activities. First, students create a bar graph to represent each site's vote for our favorite cereal brand. Next, they build a cereal abacus, and use it to create their own math equations. Then, students construct patterns using the cereal pieces. Finally, they integrate language arts and math for some fun story problem solving.

Following the ICN session, registrants receive the complimentary book Alexander Who Used to be Rich Last Sunday or alternate title by mail.

 

Martha Speaks, Dex: The Heart of a Hero 

Grades K-2
September 27, 9:00 AM - 9:50 AM &
September 27, 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM  

Registration Deadline: 09/16/11

This is a series of ICN sessions for K-2 based on the Reading Buddies Program for Martha Speaks. If you have a buddies system in your school we invite you to bring them to the session together. The content will be aimed for children in grades K-2.  

Each week we will watch a 13 minute episode of Martha Speaks, play a game, read a story, and write a short journal entry; all based on chosen vocabulary words.

Following this session confirmed registrants will receive a complimentary Martha Speaks book.

 

Insects 

Grades K-5
September 28, 12:30 PM - 1:20 PM &
September 28, 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

Registration Deadline: 09/23/11

They're creepy and they're crawly, but they're awesome! Students learn what it takes to be part of the largest group of animals in the world. Students are invited to get up close and personal with a giant cockroach and other 'creepy crawly critters' by exploring the fascinating world of insects. This interactive program also allows time for students to ask questions, so come prepared.

Following the ICN session, registrants receive the complimentary book, Insects & Spiders, Readers Digest or alternate title.

 

Reading with a Veterinarian 

Grades 4-7

September 28, 9:00 AM - 9:50 AM &

September 28, 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM  

Registration Deadline: 09/23/11

One of our most popular career professionals will host this session. She was the first female large animal veterinarian in Carroll County where she still practices today. This will be a fun packed and informative session for your students! During this event she will read from one her favorite stories by Scottish veterinarian and author, James Wight (James Harriot). She will tell your students about how this series of books influenced her and how she became interested in becoming a veterinarian. (She knew from the age of 9 that was what she wanted to do with her life.) We will also show a short video clip of her on the job and students will have a chance to ask her questions. This is a great opportunity for your students to hear a reading from a great book as well as do some early career exploration.

 

Arthur's Sleepover 

Grades 1-3
September 29, 9:00 AM - 9:50 AM &
September 29, 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM &
September 29, 12:30 PM - 1:20 PM   

Registration Deadline: 09/23/11

Everyone loves a sleepover! Join us for this exciting ICN session where we read the book Arthur's Sleepover by Marc Brown and engage students in interdisciplinary activities designed to foster learning while having fun at Arthur's sleepover. During the session we will sing Arthur's theme song, pack our paper suitcases with sleepover words, read Arthur's Sleepover, vote for our favorite book genre, map Arthur's sleepover campsite, and use pretzels to spell Arthur's name!

Following the ICN session, registrants receive the complimentary book Arthur's Sleepover Teacher Resources, or alternate Arthur book by mail.  

 

Wild Kratts: Bass Class

Grades K-2
September 30, 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM &
September 30, 12:30 PM - 1:20 PM 

Registration Deadline: 09/23/11

About this session:
Martin and Chris are in the middle of a friendly competition to find Smallmouth and Largemouth bass when they encounter Gavin, a "Wild Kratts Kid" who is fishing. Before they can join him, Zach Varmitech arrives and challenges them all to a fishing contest. The whole team must use their knowledge of bass biology and species diversity to win the tournament fair and square.

Following the ICN session, registrants receive a complimentary children's book by mail.

 

Martha Speaks, Bippity Bop Barbershop

Grades K-2

October 4, 9:00 AM - 9:50 AM &  

October 4, 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM

Registration Deadline: 09/23/11 

This is a series of ICN sessions for K-2 based on the Reading Buddies Program for Martha Speaks. If you have a buddies system in your school we invite you to bring them to the session together. The content will be aimed for children in grades K-2.

Each week we will watch a 13 minute episode of Martha Speaks, play a game, read a story, and write a short journal entry; all based on chosen vocabulary words.

Following this session confirmed registrants will receive a complimentary Martha Speaks book. 
Middle and Upper Level 6-12 Sessionsupper

 

The Internet: Education is the Key to Safe Practices

(Taped session for educators) 

Grades 9-12 

September 19, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM & 

September 19, 10:01 AM - 11:00 AM &

September 19, 11:01 AM - 12:00 PM

Registration Deadline: 09/14/11 

This taped session will provide information to teachers and other school staff about how students can stay safe while using the Internet. The focus of this session is on the use of social networking sites such as MySpace, Facebook and Friend Wise.

 

Dietician: Exciting Career Opportunities

Grades 9-12
September 21, 9:00 AM - 9:50 AM &
September 21, 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM  

Registration Deadline: 09/16/11

Do your students know what a dietician does? If not, join this session to learn about exciting career opportunities available in this field.

Not only do dieticians help people eat right and be healthy, they also can teach people of all ages about the food needed to be strong and feel good.

This career professional works for a very large Iowa based grocery store chain and loves her job. The presentation includes video of a dietician on the job, examples of the tools she uses and ideas for some tasty snacks that your students are sure to enjoy. She also shares with students how she uses math, science and communication skills at work. 

Teachers who attend this ICN will receive a copy of the best selling book A Whole New Mind by Daniel Pink. While supplies last.

 

Career Day: Working in the Culinary Arts 

Grades 8-12
September 26, 9:00 AM - 9:50 AM &
September 26, 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM  

Registration Deadline: 09/21/11

Do you have students who have a passion for food and think they'd like to work in the food industry? This is a great opportunity for your students to hear about a WORLD CLASS Culinary Institute in Iowa.

The Executive Chef and program manager for Des Moines Area Community College's Iowa Culinary Institute will be on board to tell your students all about the Culinary Arts program at Des Moines Area Community College.

 

Career Day: Makeup Artist

Grades 9-12
September 27, 9:00 AM - 9:50 AM &
September 27, 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM  

Registration Deadline: 09/21/11

In this session, students interact with a makeup artist. She does makeup for people involved in television commercials, print ads and film. She is an entrepreneur who has worked for many famous people. She traveled with Bob Dole on the campaign trail and did his makeup when needed. The "Maytag repairman" is another one of her famous clients.

Communication and tactfulness, she says, are the most important elements of the job. An artistic flair and a good eye are also needed to do this job.  

 

Career Day: So You Want to be an Engineer?

Grades 8-12
September 27, 12:30 PM - 1:30 AM  

Registration Deadline: 09/21/11

During this session, students will have the opportunity to meet various professionals in IOWA who are working in STEM careers. Students also have an opportunity to see the professional on the job as we will be viewing a short video produced by IPTV during the session.

 

Career Day: Becoming an Architect

Grades 9-12 

October 3, 9:00 AM - 9:50 AM &

October 3, 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM 

Registration Deadline: 09/29/11

In this session you will meet a licensed Iowa architect who claims that architecture is said to be the mother of the arts. He likes architecture because it combines his creative art talent with science, engineering, and math, in a people-oriented environment.

 

All About the Peace Corps

Grades 10-12

October 4, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Registration Deadline: 09/28/11

"It is well to be prepared for life as it is, but it is better to be prepared to make life better than it is."
--Sargent Shriver

This year, the Peace Corps celebrates 50 years of promoting peace and friendship around the world. This historic year is an opportunity to share the experience of service and inspire the next generation of volunteers!
Educator and Professional Development Sessionseducator

 

Iowa FCCLA Peer Education Team Registration

Educators
September 15, 9:00 AM - 9:55 AM &
September 15, 10:00 AM - 10:55 AM &
September 15, 11:00 AM - 11:55 AM &
September 15, 12:00 PM - 12:55 PM 

Registration Deadline: 09/09/11

Peer Education is a national program that involves youth teaching one another how to be financially fit, gain a better knowledge of how families work while learning to become strong family members, help young people to make informed responsible decisions about their health, and how to connect your chapter with your community as a vital community resource through media!

 

Basic Behavior Principals for Challenging Behavior, Part 1

Educators
September 13, 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM  

Registration Deadline: 09/09/11

Foundations of ABA and Ethical Use of ABA

The initial session will focus on the underlying reasons for using the ABA model for challenging behaviors displayed by students within the classroom setting and the Ethical use of this technology in school settings.

 

EverFi: Iowa Financial Literacy Program

Educators
September 21, 3:20 PM - 4:00 PM  

Registration Deadline: 09/16/11

This session is for Educators of High School Students

Iowa College Aid has partnered with EverFi, Inc., the industry leader in web-based financial literacy programs, to bring financial education to every high school in Iowa. The Iowa Financial Literacy Program is the latest enhancement to the statewide community web portal, www.IHaveAPlanIowa.gov.

Please join us for an informational presentation to introduce the new Iowa Financial Literacy Program. During this ICN, we will provide an overview of the award-winning 3D learning platform and how it reinforces concepts that may already be taught by taking students into more than 600 core concepts of financial literacy.

 

Basic Behavior Principals for Challenging Behavior, Part 1

Educator
September 27, 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM  

Registration Deadline: 09/23/11

Operational Definitions of Behavior, Data Collection, and Graphing. 

This session will focus on the basic concepts of ABA as it relates to behavior. Attendees will also learn how to define behavior in observable and verifiable terms. Discussion will also be provided on how to properly select the appropriate methods of Data Collection to capture this information and how to Graphically depict this information appropriately for decision making.

 

Teaching with Energy in Grades 6-12

Educators
September 27, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM  

Registration Deadline: 09/20/11

Energize your math, science, reading, writing and geography classes by developing lesson plans related to energy efficiency and renewable energies including wind, solar, and bio-fuels. We will work together to write lessons that meet Iowa Core requirements for both content and methodology using materials available from the FREE (Fabulous Resources for Energy Education) Loan Program, including free model solar car and wind turbine kits for each participant.  

 

Teaching with Energy in Grades K-5

Educators

September 27, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM  

Registration Deadline: 09/20/11 

Energize your math, science, reading, writing and geography classes by developing lesson plans related to energy efficiency and renewable energies including wind, solar, and bio-fuels. We will work together to write lessons that meet Iowa Core requirements for both content and methodology using materials available from the FREE (Fabulous Resources for Energy Education) Loan Program, including free model solar car and wind turbine kits for each participant. 

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