The Education Fund currently offers support for Miami- Dade County Public Schools in the following areas:

Roadhouse Readers Teacher Training & With more than 675,000 reading forms requested by teachers, this contest challenges students’ Classroom Support reading comprehension skills in a fun and entertaining way. There are prizes for students Citibank Success Fund and a free guide for parents with tips on how to Awards mini-grants for teaching projects that encourage reading at home. encourage at-risk students to stay in school. More than 140,000 students have benefited from Success Fund grants, totaling more that $1/2 million. Community & Family Citigroup Team/Mentor Grants Grants that encourage collaboration between Engagement Initiatives veteran teachers (with more than 5 years of teaching experience) and beginning teachers Central EXPRESS (with less than 5 years of teaching experience). A large-scale school improvement initiative that This collaboration will center on student learning involves teachers, administrators and parents in projects that provide common ground for veteran raising student achievement in the Miami Central and beginning teachers to work together. The feeder pattern. Funded by The Ford Foundation goal is to encourage peer-to-peer learning and administered by The Ed Fund in collaboration opportunities and ongoing dialogue among with the University of Miami and Florida teachers. International University. IMPACT II Governor’s Mentoring Initiative/ The Education Fund (The Ed Gives teachers the resources and the network to Front Porch Florida Fund) is an independent share successful classroom-tested projects with This initiative promotes mentoring in the other teachers through the Ideas With IMPACT Riverside/Little Havana Front Porch neighborhood non-profit organization catalog, distributed to 20,000+ teachers and schools by engaging local individuals and administrators in Miami-Dade public schools, and organizations as mentors. established in 1985 with a at the Idea EXPO – The Teacher Conference, one of the largest local teacher conferences. REACH one-time seed grant from A new program that promotes family literacy and Ocean Bank Center for increases parental literacy through online The Ford Foundation. Its Educational Materials instruction and a book club; engages parents with mission is to design, shape Collects surplus inventory and supplies from the their children through school-based and at-home business community and makes them available for reading activities; and employs a strong incentive and implement initiatives free to public school teachers throughout Miami- based strategy that includes providing a Dade County. The Ocean Bank center has made refurbished, Internet-ready computer for that involve the private more than $3.6 million in donated goods participants’ homes. available to teachers, benefiting 324,730 students sector in improving our and almost 1,000 classrooms. Washington Mutual Parent Resource Centers schools and bringing Teachers Network Policy One of the cornerstone pieces of a large school excellence to public Institute (TNPI) improvement effort, this program creates and Enables the teacher’s voice to be a factor in supports family centers in the Miami Central education. The Ed Fund’s educational policy-making by training teachers to feeder pattern schools to encourage leadership in undertake school-based action research projects parents. The Ed Fund and the schools not only first program awarded mini- and then to disseminate the research implications teach parents and caregivers the ins and outs of to policy-makers. working with schools but they also provide grants to classroom teachers. strategies for getting others involved. Today, The Ed Fund’s 15 Teacher Mini-Grants Awards small cash grants to teachers who want to programs reach 300+ schools try something new in the classroom to stimulate learning. Almost 1,000 outstanding projects have Technology Initiatives and 19,000+ teachers in been developed with these grants. AT&T TeachNet Miami-Dade County and have Encourages teachers to become technology leaders through a peer-to-peer training network. This attracted the support of local Reading & Library Programs program is part of a national effort taking place in six cities. and national companies and AmeriCorps Dade READS! Places 25 AmeriCorps members as full-time one- Citibank FamilyTech foundations. on-one reading tutors in eight elementary schools Opens the world of computer technology to more to raise the reading levels of children in low- than 2,500 low-income students and their income families. families by placing donated Internet-ready computers in their homes and training parents For more information, Library Quest and teachers to use the computers and supervise An information literacy program that culminates their children’s work. logon to our Web site: in a fun and exciting contest that appears each www.educationfund.org year in The Miami Herald and El Nuevo Herald. In the 2002 contest, students sent in nearly 86,000 entries. The Education Fund Board of Directors

How you can help Anita Meyer How you can help Officers Meinbach, Ed.D. Susan Yarosz, Chair Teacher of the Year Washington Mutual 2002, M-DCPS

Barbara Romani, Lucy W. Petrey Vice Chair Miami-Dade TheThe EducationEducation FundFund Citibank F.S.B. Community College Barbara Ehrich Hector J. Ponte Locke, First Union National 1. Buy an Education 3. Honor a loved one by Call The Education Fund Vice Chair Bank (305-892-5099, x21) to Holland & Knight Randi Rapp License Plate! The making a donation in LLP Help U Sell Choice Real Estate Services Education Fund receives their name. find out how you can Gary M. Pappas, Treasurer Jorge I. Salgueiro $15 from make charitable giving Carlton, Fields, Arthur Andersen 4. Designate The Education Ward, Emmanuel, LLP the sale of each part of your portfolio. Smith & Cutler Fund as a beneficiary Anthony X. Silva education license Barbara F. Menendez, Corporate Systems in your will. Secretary Group To contact us. . . Humana Inc. plate sold in Miami- Lisa Sloat Joanna D. Wragg, Public Relations/ Dade County – and from 5. Give donations of stock APR, Immediate Marketing Past Chair renewals each year! or property. Wragg & Casas Merrett Stierheim Public Relations Superintendent, (See page 15 M-DCPS 6. Make a cash donation The Education Fund Linda Lecht, of the yellow insert President Pat L. Tornillo, Jr. or use your credit card The Education Fund United Teachers of pages in this catalog.) 900 NE 125th St., Suite 10 Dade Directors on our Web site: Janis Klein Young 2. Designate The www.educationfund.org Brenda Bassett Teacher of the Year North Miami, FL 33161 Johnson & Wales 2001, Education Fund as and click “Donate now!” University M-DCPS 305-892-5099 (phone) Pilar L. Bosch Past Chairs the recipient of your Office Depot, Inc. Benigno F. Aguirre United Way Ocean Bank 305-892-5096 (fax) Susan Carole contribution (see page Coldwell Banker Luis Ajamil Bermello, Ajamil & Jeri B. Cohen Partners, Inc.Albert 2 of the yellow insert www.educationfund.org Circuit Judge A. del Castillo in this catalog). Opal Comfort Squire, Sanders & The Miami Herald Dempsey Ted A. Fernandez Luis de la Aguilera AnswerThink TotalBank Consulting Group Roland B. Garcia Seth Gordon Original GDB + Partners Impressions, Inc. Dennis M. Klinger Perla Tabares FPL Hantman The School Board of David Patrick Nixon Miami-Dade County The Nixon Group Dawn R. Hurns R. Benjamine Reid The Ed Fund Calendar* Principal of the Year Carlton, Fields, 2002, Ward, Emmanuel, M-DCPS Smith & Cutler, P.A.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER NOVEMBER FEBRUARY MAY Dr. Shirley B. Dale Webb Ideas With IMPACT is sent to all IMPACT II Idea EXPO – The Ocean Bank Center Art Library Quest ends Johnson Florida International teachers; Teacher Mini-Grant Teacher Conference held – Exhibition submissions due; United Teachers of University applications available in November 9, 2002; Teacher Citibank Success Fund JUNE/JULY Dade Pro Bono schools; Ocean Bank Center re- Mini-Grants judging held applications available; Citigroup Citibank Success Fund Betsy H. Kaplan Consultants opens; Citibank Success Fund Team Mentor Grant applications applications due June 2, 2003; The School Board of Miami-Dade County Karen D. Godfrey, applicants notified; Impact II DECEMBER available Library Quest Awards Ceremony Partner Publishing Party held IMPACT II Adapter Grant held; Citibank Success Fund Jessica Marleau Cynthia L. Busher, Knopf Manager applications due December MARCH/APRIL Grant Judging held; Citigroup Disney Publishing Deloitte & Touche LLP 6, 2002 IMPACT II Disseminator Grant Team Mentor Grant applications Worldwide, Inc. OCTOBER Henry H. Raattama, Citibank Success Fund Awards applications due March 1, 2002; due June 20, 2003 Carmen B. Marinelli Jr., Partner Ceremony held; Teacher JANUARY Ocean Bank Center Art Principal of the Year Akerman, Senterfitt & Eidson, P.A. Mini-Grants applications due Teacher Mini-Grants applicants Exhibition opens; Ocean Bank 2001, M-DCPS October 28, 2002 notified; IMPACT II Adapter Center Silent Art Auction held; Grant applicants notified; Library Quest contest begins; Teacher Mini-Grants and Adapter IMPACT II Disseminator Grant Grant Awards Ceremony held applicants notified *Dates are subject to change IMPACTIMPACT IIII AA NetworkNetwork ofof IdeasIdeas

IMPACT II is a program of The IMPACT II Disseminator The IMPACT II Idea Education Fund that focuses & Adapter Grants – EXPO – The Teacher Teachers Sharing Conference on strengthening curriculum, Proven Practices Get New Ideas, Make Connections student achievement and Disseminator grants are available to & Win Prizes teachers to further develop and With more than 70 workshops to leadership in Miami-Dade disseminate exemplary programs that choose from, the Idea EXPO – The they have used in their classrooms. Teacher Conference addresses all County Public Schools by Grant award winners are recognized at subject areas for K-12 teachers who are award ceremonies and publication identifying and connecting committed to improving student parties; provided with support to achievement. The IMPACT II Idea EXPO prepare materials for dissemination; teachers who exemplify – The Teacher Conference features published in print catalogs and on a grant-winning workshops, free national Web site; supported in professionalism and creativity curriculum packets, gift bags, exciting learning presentation skills and door prizes, a luncheon, and a display in their classrooms. Teachers leading workshops; and networked exhibition that provides teachers with with like-minded professionals. the opportunity to interact with who have developed successful Adapter grants are awarded to teachers Disseminators at the visual displays of to purchase materials to adapt their projects. Call 305-892-5099, ext. classroom teaching methods Disseminators’ programs. Applications 18 for a registration form or see pages and more information on these 7–10 of the yellow insert in this are given grants to package programs are available online at catalog. You can also preregister online www.educationfund.org. and market their proven at: www.educationfund.org/expo.html projects through the Ideas The Ideas With IMPACT Catalog – Explore New With IMPACT catalog, the Teaching Ideas Idea EXPO – The Teacher The teaching ideas found in this Conference and Idea Packets catalog were developed and used successfully by teachers who applied that contain curriculum for and received a Disseminator grant. These projects can be used exactly as materials such as lesson they are, or they can be modified to meet a classroom’s special needs. The plans, worksheets and Ideas With IMPACT catalog is a great resource for ideas and an excellent resource lists. Adapter grants reference tool throughout the year. are also available to help teachers incorporate IMPACT II ideas into their classroom.

2 www.educationfund.org Impact II BECOME an IMPACT II APPLY for an IMPACT II HOW IMPACT II Disseminator and be Adapter Grant! featured in next year’s To purchase materials to adapt one of CAN WORK catalog the ideas featured in this catalog or past years’ catalogs*, you can apply IMPACT II awards $750 Disseminator for an Adapter Grant. Grants to educators willing to share FOR YOU the successful teaching strategies that Here’s how to qualify: they designed and implemented in their classrooms. Any Miami-Dade 1. Select an idea from the IMPACT II ATTEND the IMPACT II public school educator may apply to catalog (past or current). Idea EXPO – The be a Disseminator and become a Teacher Conference member of the IMPACT II local and 2. Request an Idea Packet and discuss national network by using the your ideas for implementing the A registration form can be found on application found on The Education project with the Disseminator. pages 7-10 of the yellow insert in this Fund’s Web site at catalog. You may also logon to www.educationfund.org. 3. Complete the Adapter application www.educationfund.org/expo.html to found online at download a registration form or register www.educationfund.org, in the online. Call 305-892-5099, ext. 18 to back of the Idea Packet or on page have the form mailed or faxed to you. 5 of the yellow insert pages in this catalog.

Submit the application to The Education Fund 900 NE 125th St., Suite 10 North Miami, FL 33161.

You may also informally adapt the projects on your own without applying for funding. If you use a project on your own, please notify The Education Fund so you can be added to the IMPACT II network.

*For information on the past 12 years of projects, visit the IMPACT II Web site at www.TeachNet.org or call The Education Fund at 305-892-5099, ext. 18.

3 Impact II www.educationfund.org Table of Contents

Page 5 Math & Science Profiles Page 24 Around the World Sponsored by Humana By Lisette T. Camps Page 6 Bird’s Eye View Page 25 I Have a Dream Win By Nancy Sale By Ilana Ascher-Alamo Page 7 GAMES Page 26 Making News Happen! Airline Tickets from By Donna M. Lewis By Tom Calvey Page 8 Go With the Flow! Page 27 Sing a Song of America By Barbara Zeiler By Regina Stuck Page 9 How Sweet Math Is! Page 28 Language Arts Profiles By Josephine D. Dufek Chase Active Learning Page 10 Metric Investigations Grants Register today for By Elliott Fledell Page 29 Books for Breakfast The Education Fund’s Page 11 Tropical Underwater Dreams By Iris M. Garcia 13th Annual By Mark L. Rosenkrantz Page 30 Flirting With Phonics in IMPACT II Idea EXPO – Page 12 Where Did the Sea Turtle High School The Teacher Conference Lay Her Eggs? By Yvette M. Domenech By Don Deresz Page 31 Puzzling Pieces of See pages 7-10 of the yellow insert Page 13 AT&T TeachNet Profiles Literature or register online at Sponsored by AT&T By Nancy Frailey www.educationfund.org/expo.html Page 14 Honey, I Blew Up the Bee Page 32 Read, Read, American Girls! By Elizabeth Linero By Marcia Strait, Lisa Washington & Sandra Page 15 Sharks Castellon By Carol Langford Page IBC Companies With IMPACT Attention Teachers!! Page 16 Viva Mexico By Rosa Duarte Win a Prize*!! Page 17 Using Art to Enhance Curriculum Profiles Please help us help you by filling Sponsored by The Kirk out the survey located on page 3 Foundation in the yellow insert in the Page 18 Arts for Learning INSERT PAGES center of this catalog! Page 2 How to Help The Education Page 20 Arts & Issues *The first 100 teachers who return our By Ray Parris Fund survey will receive a Starbucks gift card. Page 21 Digit-eyezed Through the Pages 3-4 Survey Eyes of a Child Pages 5-6 Adapter Grant Application By Susie Stein Luck Pages 7-10 IMPACT II Idea EXPO – The Page 22 The Opera Adventure The Ed Fund’s Teacher Conference By Maria Silvia Ideas With IMPACT Registration Constantinidis Written and edited by Page 23 Diversity Education Profiles Pages 11-14 Disseminator Grant Lorna Valle, Program Manager Learning for Life Application The Education Fund Robert Russell Memorial Page 15 Education License Plate M. Bronwyn Beightol Foudation Director of Communications Page 16 Galaxy of Supporters Dade Community The Education Fund Foundation Production Director M. Bronwyn Beightol Director of Communications The Education Fund Did you know? You can designate The Education Fund as Designed & Printed by the recipient of your United Way donation! Please refer to page 2 Original Impressions, Inc. of the insert in this catalog for more information. Miami, FL *

On the road to a better education.

Imagination is a powerful tool in the classroom. With it, our teachers build strong minds and confident spirits ready to take on the challenges of tomorrow.

Humana is pleased to once again sponsor Ideas with Impact, a program that has made such a difference in classrooms throughout our community. We believe that creativity is key to meeting the challenges teachers face. Humana is committed to supporting the dissemination of their ideas, so that more and more children benefit from their efforts.

PROUD SPONSOR OF THE MATH AND SCIENCE SECTION

* The Florida education license plate benefits The Ed Fund. For more information on how to order a tag, see page 15 of insert. OriginallyOriginally aa A Bird’s Eye View CitibankCitibank SuccessSuccess FundFund GrantGrant

Birds are a great tool for studying THE STAFF: science. A Bird’s Eye View fosters kids’ natural fascination with birds Nancy Sale has been a while promoting scientific inquiry, teacher for 17 years. environmental awareness and Ms. Sale has been interdisciplinary learning. Through awarded grants from the simple act of watching birds The Education Fund’s outside the classroom window, Citibank Success students learn to distinguish Fund, Teacher Mini- between species and to discover Grants and IMPACT II differences in birds’ habitats, programs. behaviors and food preferences. Ms. Sale received a Students learn to identify birds by Sierra Club Green the shapes of their beaks, wings, feet Award for this and by the sounds they make. An project. MORE INFORMATION: inexpensive birdhouse with birdseed Nancy Sale becomes an outdoor lab where MATERIALS AND RESOURCES: students can collect data. Binoculars Lillie C. Evans Elementary Teachers can develop materials extend the lab to the entire 1895 NW 75th St. appropriate for their classes through schoolyard bringing the investigation Miami, FL 33147 the school’s media center, local of birds up close. The enthusiasm for Mail Code: 1681 libraries, the Internet and the the study of birds is easily carried Audubon Society, depending upon the Telephone: 305-691-4973 over into the language arts intensity of the teacher’s interest level. Fax: 305-691-4867 curriculum through bird-related Binoculars, bird feeder, birdseed and E-mail: books, songs and poems. bird field guidebooks are used in the [email protected] project. The Audubon Society has a Thelma S. Stinson, Principal THE STUDENTS: student program that includes school visits. Students can also participate via Fifteen kindergarten and 90, 3rd-, 4th- Sponsored by: and 5th-grade students have the Internet in Classroom FeederWatch, participated in this project weekly as a program of the Cornell Lab of activities are integrated into various Ornithology. areas of the curriculum. The project can be adapted to all ages and can be used in large or small group settings. Birds bring the scientific A number of low performing students method to life and are as throughout this identified low close as the outside of a performing school participated and classroom window. When benefited from this project. students learn the different parts of birds, their unique colors, wings, beaks, and feet, they gain a new respect for the wonder of nature that is all around them.

6 www.educationfund.org Math & Science OriginallyOriginally aa CatherineCatherine ScrippsScripps RodriguezRodriguez FamilyFamily FoundationFoundation G.A.M.E.S. - Geometry and Mathematics Encounters at School TeacherTeacher Mini-GrantMini-Grant

G.A.M.E.S. reinforces the MATERIALS and RESOURCES: geometry components of the Sunshine State Standards. It The Idea Packet for this project also strengthens and includes lesson plans, worksheets, a integrates science, writing software guide, materials list and a and technology skills. student journal. Onsite resources Students solve real-world include the media center and the problems as they estimate Internet. Guest speakers from various measurements, draw two- or professions such as the architectural three-dimensional shapes and field, construction, or carpet/tile make geometric objects to industry can be invited to speak to the demonstrate geometric classes. transformations, including flips, slides and turns. This project takes students On a geometric discovery beyond the confines of the tour of the school each classroom and provides real student identifies and draws world experiences and geometric objects observed application in mathematics. on the tour. They then work in cooperative learning groups to compare, contrast, classify, STUDENTS: group, and write a description of the Ninety-six, 5th-grade students MORE INFORMATION: objects using characteristics such as participated in the project however, Donna M. Lewis number of sides and angles. Next, the project can be adapted for 3rd- the students estimate, measure and Frances S. Tucker Elementary and 4th-grade students. The classes calculate the length, area and 3500 Douglas Road meet twice per week. Coconut Grove, FL 33133 perimeter, using standard and non- standard units of measurement for Mail Code: 5561 their objects. Using graph paper, THE STAFF: Telephone: 305-567-3533, students then make scale diagrams Currently the Lead Teacher at Frances ext. 128 and three-dimensional models of S. Tucker Elementary, Donna Lewis has Fax: 305-529-0409 each object. Throughout the project, been teaching in Miami-Dade County E-mail: [email protected] students keep a journal of for 14 years. In 1997, she was Teacher Principal: Vanassa Rivers observations, drawings, calculations, of the Year at Coral Gables Elementary and descriptions to use in reporting and a finalist for Region IV. She has to the class. After completion of this received several grants to fund projects Sponsored by: project, they are ready to measure, including The Education Fund’s record and complete a scale floor Citibank Success Fund and Teacher plan of an entire school building. Mini-Grants.

7 Math & Science www.educationfund.org Go With The Flow!

Go With the Flow! is a compilation of various students. of investigative, collaborative This project builds activities that engage students in the on the students’ exploration of the basic principles of innate curiosity to diffusion and osmosis. All cells must create a rich and be capable of taking in nutrients and meaningful eliminating wastes. Several processes learning are involved in the transportation of experience. materials across cell membranes, but none are more important than the THE STAFF: process of diffusion. Knowledge about diffusion is the key to Barbara Zeiler has understanding how the lungs and taught for more blood system work, as well as the than 25 years and many forms of transport, especially is currently a in lower animals and plants. Science Specialist with the Division MORE INFORMATION: Students investigate diffusion and of Math and Science of Miami-Dade osmosis and witness the relevancy of County Public Schools. She is active in Barbara Zeiler Science Specialist science through experiments such as The Education Fund’s IMPACT II Osmosis: Eggactly, where students network disseminating information on c/o Richmond Heights Middle use an egg as a model of a cell. They the science projects, Hallmark, Watch 15015 SW 103rd Ave. dissolve the shell of the egg with Out and Opposites Really Do Attract. Miami, FL 33176 vinegar to observe the processes of Mail Code: 6781 diffusion and osmosis. The students MATERIALS and RESOURCES: Telephone: 305-256-1762 then make tactile observations of The school media center provides an Fax: 305-255-4523 their cells identifying variables, assortment of books and videos. The E-mail: describing the relationship between Internet provides many sites with [email protected] variables, and measuring the background material on diffusion and changes in the mass and size of osmosis as well as many virtual eggs. In another experiment, simulations of the processes. Sponsored by: Awesome Osmosis, students investigate the process of osmosis by observing the turgor (how firm or Students make the connection limp) pressure on carrots as between science and the real influenced by different solutions over world as they witness a naked a 24-hour period. egg swelling in water and THE STUDENTS: shrinking in syrup and learn why putting salt on a slug is a Students in grades six through 12 can deadly pursuit, for the slug participate in this project. Creating an effective learning environment is the that is! Perhaps learning can first step in addressing the diverse be achieved through osmosis! needs, backgrounds and learning styles

8 www.educationfund.org Math & Science How Sweet Math Is!

This collection of activities allows THE STUDENTS: students to explore mathematical concepts such as collecting and Students in grades six organizing data, measurement, through 12 can graphing, number sense, geometry participate in this and algebra - the five mathematic project. Low performing strands of the Sunshine State students usually show Standards. The activities incorporate little interest in scientific concepts and follow the mathematics, so scientific method of inquiry in gimmicks such as candy “Probability with M&Ms” in which are used to get their middle school students are each attention, then the given a sample of M&Ms and use the data provided by the scientific method to predict candy is used to do outcomes, collect data, find graphing and data measures of central tendency, analysis. By engaging convert data to construct tables, the students in this construct bar graphs using candy way they better remember the Many students hate math and find probabilities. For 8th-grade mathematical concepts. because of the rote “drill and and high school students, the kill” method. Incorporating activity can be extended to a basic THE STAFF: Chi Square statistical investigation of candy into the lesson gets A teacher of mathematics for 26 years, whether the colors of M&Ms are their initial attention and the Josephine Dufek is currently an equally distributed. In “Skittling hands-on portion of the educational specialist in math and Around”, students use candy to science for Miami-Dade County Public activity holds their attention. discover the mathematical Schools. relationships between the circumference, radius and diameter of circles. And in “Chew it Up” MATERIALS and RESOURCES: MORE INFORMATION: students mass pieces of gum, chew, As a starting point, textbook resource Josephine D. Dufek then mass the gum again to packets provide great ideas from which c/o Richmond Heights Middle determine the percent of to build numerous and varied activities. 15015 SW 103rd Ave. composition. They can determine and There are numerous Web sites that Miami, FL 33176 graph percent of composition as it provide good ideas for using candy in Mail Code: 6781 relates to the length of time that the classroom activities and provide Telephone: 305-255-1762 gum is chewed. An extension of this suggestions, which incorporate math activity is to make a comparison of and science, that can be adapted to Fax: 305-254-4523 percent of composition between most classrooms and grade levels. An E-mail: different brands of gum. important resource is networking [email protected] between colleagues. Some of the lessons provided in this packet are Sponsored by: based on ideas suggested by colleagues.

9 Math & Science www.educationfund.org Metric Investigations

Students use a series of scientific THE STAFF: investigations to familiarize themselves with the metric system as Elliott Fledell is the well as the investigative process. In recipient of The investigations entitled Column Education Fund’s Capers, Float Your Boat and IMPACT II Disseminator Raindrops Keep Falling in My Gauge, Grant (2001-2002); is students use the scientific method to the Elementary explore such topics as weight Eisenhower resource supporting structures and water teacher (math and displacement. They form a science) for the South hypothesis and conduct experiments Miami High School using metric measurements. For feeder pattern (1998 instance, in Column Capers, to present); and was participants construct three columns one of three finalists with just rolled-up paper and scotch for Dade County tape. They then predict how many Elementary Math books weighing one kilogram each teacher of the year the columns will support. In the (1996-1997). MORE INFORMATION: Float Your Boat experiment, students Elliott Fledell construct boats of aluminum foil and MATERIALS and RESOURCES: Emerson Elementary predict the weight in grams needed Any classroom with a sink. Materials 8001 SW 36th St. to sink the boat. include Metric Investigation worksheets Miami, FL 33145 from the Idea Packet, metric weights Mail Code: 1641 THE STUDENTS: (grams and kilograms), metric capacity Telephone: 305-264-5757 The class is divided into cooperative containers (liters), and various other Fax: 305-267-2476 learning groups with each member materials that can easily be acquired Principal: Maria Acosta assigned a task and a title (captain, such as paper and aluminum foil. recorder, equipment handler, etc.). This method has been successful with Sponsored by: all kinds of intermediate students (3rd, An organized method of 4th and 5th grade) including learning solving any problem is disabled students who are given the valuable to the development easier jobs. The project helps low of each student. Application performing students because it is a to real life situations is hands-on, concrete exercise. Participating in a satisfactory manner limitless. The most immediate were 12 ESE students as well as three benefit is proficiency in other low performing students. putting together Science Fair projects each year.

10 www.educationfund.org Math & Science OriginallyOriginally aa CitibankCitibank Tropical Underwater Dreams SuccessSuccess FundFund GrantGrant

The overarching goal for Tropical Underwater Dreams is Students are almost for students to use critical “swimming” in fish. Science thinking skills by producing content is made accessible to evidence of science content all the students by providing learning. Interdisciplinary experiences that create for teaching and teacher collaboration are the the student a personal strategies used to reach this relationship to the subject goal. Second through fifth matter. In Tropical graders, produce a variety Underwater Dreams the show illustrating their variety show context provides learning about aquaculture students with motivation, (the science of tropical fish). Using art concepts and multiple opportunities for materials, students create an active interaction with underwater environment of subject area content, and a tropical fish illustrating water variety of means to and fish characteristics communicate learning. through drawing and painting. Second-grade students researched a specific tropical fish for a written and oral report. THE STAFF: MORE INFORMATION: Fourth-grade students wrote their Mark Rosenkrantz has been teaching Mark L. Rosenkrantz own fantasy story after being elementary art for five years in Miami- Charles D. Wyche Jr. Elementary inspired by the African American fish Dade County Public Schools. He has 5241 NW 195th Dr. folktale. Through teacher recently achieved National Board Miami, FL 33055 collaboration in music and drama, Certification in Elementary Art. He has Mail Code: 5991 the students sang and acted received four grant awards from The illustrating the tropical fish theme. Telephone: 305-628-5776 Education Fund for interdisciplinary Fax: 305-628-5775 art projects. Teacher collaboration is THE STUDENTS: essential to the success of this project. E-mail: Approximately 300, 2nd- through 5th- [email protected] grade students of diverse ethnicity, MATERIALS and RESOURCES: Principal: Patricia Urban demographics, and learning abilities Art supplies and music need to be participated. All students achieved supplied by the adapting teacher. Sponsored by: success in one or more aspects of the Aquaculture science curriculum is project. Students met with the music, provided in the grade level science art and drama teachers once a week text, library, and a condensed for several months. This project can be curriculum provided in the Idea adapted to any age or achievement Packet. Parents assisted in sewing level and tailored to a single class or a costumes. schoolwide production.

11 Math & Science www.educationfund.org Where Did the Sea Turtle Lay Her Eggs? A Case for a Forensic Geoscientist

This project is a sequence of hands-on, minds-on From this project, students activities that blend the learn about the intricate geological, marine, earth, interplay of nature that a biological, and physical common substance like sand sciences in an ecological can have in preserving the investigation. The students begin working as scientists marine habitat for sea turtles. by using the process skills of classifying and observing. A cooperative MORE INFORMATION: learning atmosphere is encouraged, as the Don Deresz students must generate Biscayne Nature Center for their own progression of Environmental Education qualitative characteristics after THE STAFF: 6767 Crandon Boulevard classifying nuts, screws and bolts Key Biscayne, FL 33149 Don Deresz, a National Board Certified Mail Code: 9771 and then an assortment of rocks to Early Adolescent Science teacher, has solve several problems. After taught in Miami-Dade County Public Telephone: 305-361-6767, considering the ecological Schools for 26 years. More about Mr. ext. 115 importance of a beach habitat, the Deresz can be found at: Fax: 305-361-7061 young scientists consider the origin www.fsu.edu/~curricin/science/s E-mail: of several sand samples and the ce4362/communication/bioda- [email protected] natural forces that could cause their ta/deresz.html M-DCPS Supervisor: formation. From their previous Dr. Gus Loret-de-Mola learning, the students determine exactly where a sea turtle nests on a MATERIALS and RESOURCES: beach profile by comparing the The project can be conducted in any Sponsored by: qualitative and quantitative venue. The Miami-Dade County Public characteristics of the sand samples. Schools Biscayne Nature Center for Yamaha Contender Miami Environmental Education will provide THE STUDENTS: the sand through the school mail Billfish Tournament system if requested. Other materials Any class of 6th-, 7th-, or 8th-grade and needed are plastic baggies, an students can participate. In a typical assortment of screws, nuts, washers, middle school science classroom, the bolts, rocks, minerals, and a sand FPL students can be arranged in six study gauge. An Internet search of sand + groups with about 4-5 students per identification will provide global group. This collaborative grouping interactive cyber experiences. strategy alleviates the linguistic and Geoscience programs are available for reading weaknesses of individuals, middle school science classes at no while taking advantage of the strength charge during the summer session at of the diversity of the group the M-DCPS Biscayne Nature Center for interaction. The flexibility in the Environmental Education. An project design also allows for application may be found at: elementary grade applications. www.dade.k12.fl.us/mathsci/bncee.

12 www.educationfund.org Math & Science There is no doubt that technology has AT&T TeachNet Projects changed teaching and learning forever. Educational reform, technological advancement and the information age have thrust teachers into a whirlwind of change. Teachers are required to keep up with these changes, yet many have not had adequate training or access to new technology.

The AT&T TeachNet Project in Miami supports the “new classroom” by supporting the “new teacher.” The project empowers teachers where they teach. By making them technology leaders, it creates an environment of learning and growing among teachers.

The AT&T TeachNet Project in Miami is one of six sites nationally and is part of AT&T’s efforts to help families, schools and communities use technology to improve teaching and learning.

For more information about AT&T’s support for education, visit the AT&T Foundation Web site:

www.att.com/foundation Honey, I Blew Up The Bee!

Students will get a close-up look at has been teaching in bees without the sting! This project Miami-Dade County Public is an investigation on bees in which Schools since 1998. For the students are buzzing through the net past four years, she has to find answers and then use been a volunteer leader for technology to present their findings. a 4-H Club. Ms. Linero’s 15 The focus is on using technology years of experience in the tools to collect and organize data. corporate world helped her The student uses technology to incorporate technology into enhance learning, increase the classroom. As an active productivity and promote creativity. participant in The Students will learn to classify the Education Fund’s honeybee, understand the FamilyTech program, Ms. importance of bees in pollination, Linero has provided why pollination is important for the opportunities for her food we eat, and all about students to be involved in technology. Each year, bees pollinate 95 beekeeping. In the process, many crops worth an estimated $10 standards are covered in science, MATERIALS AND RESOURCES: math and language arts. In language billion in the U.S. alone. arts the student constructs meaning Students need access to the Internet, a Insect pollinators contribute from a variety of texts, reads processing program and a printer. to one-third of the world’s instructions, stories, information ClarisWorks or KidPix may be used to make graphs and a slide presentation. diet. With these kinds of texts, and captions, and participates numbers they are worth in all steps of the writing process A digital camera is needed to take individually and with a group. pictures of their handmade projects studying in depth. and a scanner to scan pictures from books that they may want to integrate THE STUDENTS: into their presentation. Other This unit was developed for a 2nd materials include the resources found MORE INFORMATION: grade level classroom. It can be in the lesson plans, the arts and craft Elizabeth Linero adapted for all elementary levels. The materials, and, of course, the honey. West Little River Elementary students must know how to use the A local beekeeper to visit the 2450 NW 84th St. Internet, have a basic knowledge of classroom with glassed-in beehives or computers and how to use the a field trip to beehives might also be Miami, FL 33147 designated software. Students will arranged. The school media center and Mail Code: 5861 work in groups and with partners to local public library have many books Telephone: 305-691-6491 help each other in the acquisition of and magazines available on the Fax: 305-693-1960 knowledge through the Web and other subject. E-mail: [email protected] software. Principal: Gigi Gilbert THE STAFF: Sponsored by: Elizabeth Linero is a newcomer to the teaching profession. She is a graduate of Florida International University and

14 www.educationfund.org AT&T TeachNet Project Sharks: Famous Friends or Fearsome Foes?

Science, reading, writing, and County Public Schools Media Division. technology merge into a lively Speakers from local science and exploration of sharks and their university departments are available place in our sometimes shared for school site visits and students can water habitat. Hands-on view sharks first-hand on a field trip activities include students to the Miami Seaquarium. creating a food chain to illustrate the sharks’ top position as predator and participating in As students participate in a Keen Sense of Smell lesson to science, language arts and demonstrate how sensitive the technology activities, their sense of smell is to humans and enthusiasm and overall sharks. Students write shark poems and stories, publish them attitude toward learning is as class books and post poems increased. The project and stories on the Internet. improves reading, writing and Technology is further integrated science skills as well as word into the curriculum through the processing and research. use of Ask an Expert Web sites for students to pose questions Her accomplishments include about sharks and how they live and developing writing curriculum for the MORE INFORMATION: survive. Students also visit shark and district-wide Gifted program and ocean Web sites to gather and authoring numerous grants to provide Carol Langford organize shark data and then create state-of-the-art science and computer Avocado Elementary School a KidPix slide show of information labs for Avocado Elementary. collected throughout the unit. 16969 SW 294th St. Homestead, FL 33030 THE STUDENTS: MATERIALS AND RESOURCES: Mail Code: 0161 The project is designed for a classroom Telephone: 305-247-4942 Thirty-two 2nd-grade gifted students setting with one or more computers. If Fax: 305-246-9603 participate in daily science, language computers do not have Internet access, E-mail: arts and technology sessions for nine students can use the school computer weeks. The project can be adapted for [email protected] lab to search for and collect Principal: Dr. Grace Nebb other grades and academic levels and information needed. They can also can be modified for both large and gather information from bookmarked small groups. shark Web sites and utilize search Sponsored by: engines using shark key words. THE STAFF: Interactive Web sites, such as Ask Carol Langford, a professional educator Jeeves, International Year of the Ocean for more than 20 years at every level and SeaWorld are also excellent sources from elementary through graduate of information. Information on sharks school, has received numerous awards and their water habitat can be located for her exemplary teaching abilities. in the school media center and public She has served as a peer mentor and library. No-cost videos and films are school leader for most of her career. available through the Miami-Dade

15 AT&T TeachNet Project www.educationfund.org Viva Mexico

Viva Mexico was designed to address Excellence Program as well the standards in reading, writing, as computers to K-5 music, art, foreign language, and students. As webmaster, she technology with the purpose of publishes Southside Express integrating these subjects. Students and has been awarded The work collaboratively using project Education Fund’s Citibank based learning to increase their Success Fund, IMPACT II decision-making and critical thinking Disseminator, and Citibank skills to create authentic projects. FamilyTech grants Based on interactive units that build as well as several AT&T students’ research skills, the project TeachNet grants. helps students explore Mexico through culturally rich Web sites. The students MATERIALS and FACILITIES: MORE INFORMATION: assemble the acquired information Rosa Duarte into a presentation that is judged Access to the Internet and a word using a rubric by their peers. processing program such as Publisher, Southside Elementary Microsoft Office, Word, or AppleWorks 45 SW 13th St. to copy and paste information, Miami, FL 33130 THE STUDENTS: graphics, maps, graphs, etc. to their Mail Code: 5321 This project is designed for 3rd-, 4th- document as well as presentation Telephone: 305-371-3311, and 5th-grade students; however, programs such as iMovie, PowerPoint, ext. 115 younger or older students, as well as and Inspiration, are used in this Fax: 305-381-6237 teachers, may use the activities to project. Also needed are a printer and learn how to use the Internet for a scanner or digital camera for E-mail: research. Low performing students embedding information brought from [email protected] benefit from this project by working in other sources and music instruments, 12.fl.us collaborative groups and participating literature books and cooking Principal: Maria Gonzalez in hands-on activities. ingredients to complete other assignments. Sponsored by: THE STAFF: Rosa Duarte is in her 26th year in Students will be engrossed in Miami-Dade County Public Schools. learning a variety of skills Holding a master’s degree in ESE, she specialized in autism and was a while having fun producing Staffing Specialist in Region IV and a authentic projects. When District Support Teacher for the learning is meaningful it Autistic Program. She received her becomes long lasting. Educational Specialist in Computer Applications and in 1996, became the Technology Coordinator/Computer Teacher at Southside Elementary, where she teaches the Academic

16 www.educationfund.org AT&T TeachNet Project The Kirk Foundation

The Kirk Foundation, as part of its ongoing work to make South Florida world class, is sponsoring the “Using Art to Enhance Curriculum” section. The resource listed below is just one of the programs that The Kirk Foundation supports.

Arts for Learning Arts for Learning is part of a national initiative by Young Audiences, the nation’s leading non-profit arts in education organization. Young Arts for Learning has three The Arts for Learning Web Audiences annually provides more complementary components: site allows the educator to: than 100,000 live arts experiences for students across the country, and helps 1. Live arts in education programs 1. Explore videos, audio clips, and teachers integrate the arts experi- for K-12 students through images to get a taste of arts and ences into the total educational life in partnerships with local artists cultural programs in the area. schools. Locally, Arts for Learning/Miami is a three-way collabo- and cultural organizations. 2. Access activities and lesson ration between Young Audiences, 2. Hands-on teacher professional plans to extend the learning Miami-Dade County Public Schools, development and in-school arts value of these programs, while and Miami Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs. integration planning. addressing teachers’ core 3. A multimedia Web site providing curriculum goals, including FCAT learning benchmarks, the Arts for Learning/Miami was created an online environment for to provide K-12 educators with easy-to- Sunshine State Standards and resource exchange among access, custom-designed resources to the Competency-Based educators in the cultural integrate creative and diverse cultural Curriculum. resources into their curriculum plans. community. 3. Discover new ways to reach students with different learning styles or developmental needs.

Arts for Learning aims to build a community of learners who seek to more creatively engage their students through a broad range of educational and artistic experiences. Arts for Learning provides an online forum for dialogue and resource exchange among educators, after-school providers, artists, cultural institutions, and parents. Rhythm of the Butterfly

Students participated in an 8-week unit focusing on butterflies: the life cycle & transformations, various types of butterflies, geographical locations and migration patterns, math lessons including butterflies, poetry about butterflies, and art focusing on butterflies. They wrote poetry and read stories and folktales, and created photographs, sculptures, and paintings. The unit culminated in an evening “Butterfly festival” with a dance presentation, dramatic presentation of student work, and display of projects. THE STUDENTS: Thirty 3rd-grade students participated This unit incorporates visual art, dance, language arts (both in this project, which may be adapted reading and writing), math, science and social studies to teach for grades K-4. core concepts in all disciplines through projects that are arts- THE STAFF: infused, thematic, engaging and student-centered. The project was a collaboration between Anjanette Hallman, 3rd-grade teacher, Dia Carter-Webb, art teacher, and Iracema Pires, dance teacher at Charles R. Drew Elementary School. COMMUNITY ARTS RESOURCES: Colorful Butterfly The students attended “Carnival of the Animals” by Maximum Dance Company Colorful butterfly, pretty as can be and went on a field trip to Butterfly Wonderful butterfly, cheerful like me World. Materials for the project were Beautiful butterfly, fast asleep provided by the art teacher and Arts for Learning. Happy butterfly, I would like to keep Morpho butterfly, stay with me Beautiful blue butterfly. . . Why? Why? Why? Must you fly away from me?

The first 100 teachers to read this sentence Jobria Christian, 3rd grade and call 305-892-5099, ext. 18 will receive a check for $5 courtesy of The Kirk Foundation.

18 www.educationfund.org Using Art to Enhance Curriculum The Massive Mosaic Mural Project

The school-wide theme for the year Theresa Gilbert, science teacher at Cutler Ridge Middle School was William Roberts, math teacher “RESPECT.” Wanting to reinforce Stephanie Woolley, language arts this theme, the interdisciplinary teacher team decided to address it in various ways across their COMMUNITY ARTS RESOURCES: classrooms. In art class student s talked about respect for self and The students attended “Carnival of the others and then cooperated to Animals” by Maximum Dance Company, design and create a mosaic/mural toured the Miami River with Operation to adorn an outside stage. In math, Green Leaves and worked closely with students looked at the structure of Mosaic Artist, Gina Hubler. dwellings/buildings in other cultures and designed a chickee hut to scale. In language arts students This unit incorporates visual read novels whose themes focused art, dance, language arts on respect for others, then (both reading and writing), expressed their feelings through math, science and social poetry. In science, the theme of studies to teach core concepts respecting the environment and the in all disciplines through Sponsored by: earth led students to a tour of the Miami River and to creating board projects that are arts-infused, games that illustrated the role of thematic, engaging and The Kirk Foundation the earth in our galaxy. Students student-centered. worked collaboratively with students in the ESE art class to create the Massive Mosaic Mural, and the unit culminated in an evening presentation during which Teachers may apply for Adapter grants using any of the community the mural was unveiled, and then arts resources and/or classroom resources on the Arts for Learning used as a stage for students to Web site: www.arts4learning.org. present their work. For more information and to receive a free CD, please call or e-mail Connie at 305-576-1212 or [email protected] THE STUDENTS: As of August 2002, A4L has a new, educator-centered Version II of the Web Approximately 120 students in 6th to site. Some of the highlights of the new version are: 8th grade participated in this project. • Many more resources, including current research from leading education and It is appropriate for all middle grades arts institutions and links to national sites and incorporates visual art, language • Easy to access bulletin boards for ongoing discussion with your colleagues arts, math, science and social studies. • Your own “My A4L” page, which acts as your personal filing cabinet and THE STAFF: updates you on resources that may be of particular interest to you • A “Best Practices” section to highlight projects, teachers and schools whose CUTLER RIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL work can benefit other educators. Marilyn Polin, art teacher Kisha Brown, ESE art teacher

19 Using Art to Enhance Curriculum www.educationfund.org OriginallyOriginally aa NextiraOne Technology Art & Issues TeacherTeacher Mini-GrantMini-Grant

Art & Issues teaches students to be THE STAFF: problem solvers and critical thinkers through the integration of Ray Parris has technology, FCAT preparation and been teaching for the visual arts curriculum. In this six years, two of project, students explore and devise which have been solutions to a major issue in America in Miami-Dade or around the world such as County. He has biological warfare, poverty, received grants endangered species or capital and awards for punishment, using art and computer his teaching graphics. Students then create a ideas. conceptual work of art that reflects the social, ethical and moral issues MATERIALS they have researched. Students use MORE INFORMATION: computers to research, write and and RESOURCES: manipulate pictures and drawings. A computer graphics lab, consisting of Ray Parris Once students’ artwork is completed, 23 computers, or a traditional Fine arts South Miami Senior High their graphic work is displayed studio is needed to implement the 6856 SW 53rd St. within the community. This project lessons. Programs such as PhotoShop Miami, FL 33155 was started in Baltimore at Loch 5.5, Illustrator 9.0, and Microsoft Mail code: 7721 Raven Middle and has been a success products with Internet capabilities will Telephone: 305-666-5871 ever since. The lessons have been be needed. Students were also given Fax: 305-666-6359 modified to meet different grade the opportunity to work with E-mail: [email protected] levels and FCAT strategies. professional graphic artists who discussed and demonstrated the Principal: Thomas L. Shaw THE STUDENTS: importance of visual communication. Sponsored by: Art & Issues has also been implemented in Baltimore County This project propels students middle and senior high schools. A class The Kirk Foundation to be active participants in of 23 students met daily in computer graphics and also worked outside of world issues by allowing class with their English and History students to work cooperatively teachers and community members. Ten in researching and solving low performing students improved problems in an their writing skills through this interdisciplinary approach. interdisciplinary project.

20 www.educationfund.org Using Art to Enhance Curriculum OriginallyOriginally aa Digit-eyezed Through The Eyes of A Child TeacherTeacher Mini-GrantMini-Grant

Students use MATERIALS and RESOURCES: computerized technology (digital camera, scanner A computer, color printer, scanner and and printer) in artistic a digital camera are needed. Though ways across all areas of not essential, it would be highly the curriculum. Students beneficial to find a volunteer with meet twice each week, as some experience in using digital well as during special equipment. school events, to use a digital camera and capture images, projects, If Einstein is correct when he events or school said, “Imagination is more assignments. Each child important than knowledge,” has a topic to investigate students who become “digit- based on his or her individual interests (i.e. cars, trees, THE STUDENTS: eyezed” acquire knowledge of people, nature). The children work in This project was used with 20 students technology, art, science, pairs, venturing out into the school from 2nd through 6th grades who met mathematics...and have fun community, taking five photographs twice a week for 90 minutes in an as they learn to think on their individual disks which they after school club. Levels of creatively and collaboratively! then edit and scan. Students learn achievement include students in how to enlarge, make collages or alternative education who are at-risk, combinations, crop and distort students and are limited English images of their photographs. For proficient or emotionally handicapped, MORE INFORMATION: instance, Samantha, a fifth-grade as well as students who are working on Susie Stein Luck student decided to explore the world or above grade level. This project is of “geometric shapes.” In order to appropriate for any student at any North Glade Elementary complete her assignment, she 5000 NW 177th St. level. The program helped 20 low Opa Locka, FL 33055 traveled around the school, taking performing students who were ESOL, pictures of various shapes. When she ESE and alternative, at-risk students. Mail Code: 3861 photographed the jungle gym, she The arts stimulated growth in all Telephone: 305-624-3608 was able to observe how points and curricular areas with increases in FCAT Fax: 305-621-3606 lines combine to form interesting scores in reading and math. E-mail: Susieq5@aol shapes. She returned to the classroom, inserted her disk into the THE STAFF: Principal: Dr. Ruthann Marleaux computer, selected one photograph from her photo index, took a section Susan Luck, Teacher of the Year (2002) Sponsored by: of the photo of the monkey bars, from North Glade Elementary, learned eliminated the background and how to use and apply technology in the zeroed in on various geometric world of art at Bennington College in The Kirk Foundation shapes. She then experimented with Vermont. She has been teaching art for focusing, enlarging, colorizing and 28 years and still finds joy in exposing edging her design. At the end of the children to the worlds of art and project, students enter their work, technology. She has received a Teacher accompanied by a written reflection, Mini-Grant from The Education Fund. in a School Art & Technology Show.

21 Using Art to Enhance Curriculum www.educationfund.org OriginallyOriginally aa CatherineCatherine ScrippsScripps RodriguezRodriguez FamilyFamily FoundationFoundation The Opera Adventure TeacherTeacher Mini-GrantMini-Grant

In this project students produce an THE STAFF: opera on one important chapter in American history or another relevant Silvia Constantinidis subject of social studies. Opera has been teaching Adventure is a curriculum for 20 years. She integration project that weaves holds a master’s together the arts, music, language degree from the arts and social studies. Students University of Miami write the script using the FCAT and is continuing strategies and techniques of postgraduate organizing and predicting. The studies. She has students experience a musical received several adventure as they discover the most grants for her popular melodies of the opera teaching projects. repertoire. They then adapt their Presently she is involved with a grant MORE INFORMATION: script to selected melodies. Students from the U.S. Department of Education Maria Silvia Constantinidis are responsible for the singing, to create Internet lesson plans and South Hialeah Elementary acting, costumes, preparation of the lessons for classroom teachers that 265 E. 5th St. stage, lighting, sound, set and incorporate music into other subjects. Hialeah, FL 33010 Ms. Constantinidis has worked with scenery production. Mail Code: 5201 After initial complaints that opera the Opera Adventure project for two was boring, the students worked on years, refining procedures and Telephone: 305-885-4556 setting the last months of Lincoln’s techniques and including FCAT Fax: 305-888-7730 life to music. By the end of the strategies and skills. This project E-mail: [email protected] or project, the students not only follows the guidelines of the National http://sylviasmusic.tripod.com created a successful operatic Standards in Music Education. Principal: Dr. Julio Carrera experience that they will remember and identify with, but also requested MATERIALS AND RESOURCES: Sponsored by: to do the project again next year. The Idea Packet contains all the information needed for the project. THE STUDENTS: Collaboration with the art teacher is The Kirk Foundation The project can be developed for advised. The final project can be elementary, middle and senior high presented in the classroom or on the students. Students can participate in stage. this activity during the language arts, social studies, music, art or drama block. The activity allows students Becoming familiar with great with low, average, above average, ESOL musical works enriches the and learning disabilities to work students’ lives. They may together as a team. Because of the carry the opera adventure diversity of roles and personnel to put with them forever. this project together, it allows for a team of 30 students to work on the project at one time.

22 www.educationfund.org Using Art to Enhance Curriculum Learning for Life Learning for Life is a character thinking, ethical decision making, The special-needs curriculum education program that assists interpersonal relationships, teaches youth with disabilities the teachers in the challenge of practical living skills, building life skills they need to achieve self- teaching character and good self-worth, writing and other sufficiency. The program focuses decision-making skills and then language arts, and practicing on and enhances coping skills such linking those skills to the real citizenship. as: Self-concept, Personal/Social world. With grade-specific, age- Skills, Life Skills. appropriate lesson plans developed The middle school program is also by professional educators and a series of 50 interactive Learning for Life is a national child development experts, workshops that help youth develop program that has been approved Learning for Life: and assess the personal skills and by the School Board of Miami-Dade values needed to make future County to assist in the State of • Improves classroom behavior. career choices. Florida Character Education • Improves students’ decision- Initiative. making skills. The senior high school program consists of interactive workshops Teachers will receive: • Helps students care more about that teach the practical skills others. • Lesson plans for their grade necessary to acquire a job and stay • A recognition program • Helps students better understand employed. Topics include Job • Opportunities to participate in honesty. Applications and Writing Resumes, various field trips Job Interviews, Employer and • Classroom speakers The elementary program consists Labor Relations, Money of 60 lesson plans designed to Management, Where to Find a Job, Additional information on the reinforce social, ethical, and Women in the Workforce, and program is available online at academic skills in areas such as Ethics in the Workforce. www.learning-for-life.org critical and creative Robert Russell Dade Community Memorial Foundation Foundation The Robert Russell Memorial Foundation Dade Community Foundation’s Mission is to was created by Bob Russell, a long-time Miami encourage philanthropy and charitable giving by leader. It was activated at the time of his death in developing a permanent endowment to meet Greater December 1983. It helps to fund programs for youth Miami’s emerging charitable needs. By bringing in Miami and supports many programs in the Jewish together diverse groups in Miami-Dade County, Dade community in Miami, nationally and in Israel. Community Foundation helps to improve the quality of life and build a more cohesive community by supporting local non-profit organizations with grants and technical assistance.

The following Diversity Education Profiles – Teaching Students to Respect Each Others’ Differences are sponsored by the Robert Russell Memorial Foundation and the Dade Community Foundation to perpetuate ideals such as valuing each other, appreciating all cultures, races and religions and promoting tolerance of all people in the young minds of Miami-Dade County Public Schools students. OriginallyOriginally aa CatherineCatherine ScrippsScripps RodriguezRodriguez FamilyFamily FoundationFoundation Around the World TeacherTeacher Mini-GrantMini-Grant

The Around the World project aims to develop greater cross-cultural awareness through a comprehensive cultural and geographic study of the world. Students develop the skills and knowledge that enable them to appreciate other cultures, while at the same time gaining a greater awareness of themselves and their culture. Young learners develop an understanding of cultural diversity through the use of an investigative study of cultures and authentic experiences with art, music, food and dance that bring ideas to life. Through the use of the Internet, e-mail and community resources, MATERIALS and RESOURCES: MORE INFORMATION: students conduct relevant research from which they create multimedia Materials needed include: Lisette T. Camps presentations and original displays. a student atlas, books on world Kinloch Park Elementary By creating a classroom museum, cultures, computer(s), art supplies 4275 NW 1st St. they are able to teach other such as paint, construction paper, Miami, FL 33126 students, teachers, and parents markers, student journals, and display Telephone: 305-445-1351 about the cultures of the world. boards. Access to the Internet is also Fax: 305-567-3530 required. Guest speakers from local consulate office(s), university arts E-mail: [email protected] THE STUDENTS: departments, or other cultural Principal: Ana Casas Thirty-five gifted students in 1st organizations provide students with through 5th grades participated in this cultural expertise on a diverse group Sponsored by project. of countries. THE STAFF: Dade Community If students learn to value Lisette Camps has been a teacher in Foundation other people, cultures and the gifted program, grades 1-5, for the past five years. She has also been an viewpoints from an early age, Academic Excellence Program teacher. through hands-on activities Ms. Camps has presented at several and the use of multimedia District Gifted Workshops. She was also technology, the foundation the Social Studies Teacher of the Year will be laid for building future finalist for Miami-Dade County Public bridges to other cultures they Schools in May 2000. Educational awards include state and district will encounter later in life. grants, as well as three Teacher Mini- Grants from The Education Fund.

24 www.educationfund.org Diversity Education OriginallyOriginally aa I Have a Dream TeacherTeacher Mini-GrantMini-Grant

After a thorough MATERIALS and RESOURCES: study of the Civil Rights Movement, This project requires the teacher to which includes key have the book, Free at Last, by concepts such as Southern Poverty Law Center. Also highly recommend is the Civil Rights poll tax, black Web Instructor by Forest Technologies, codes, segregation, as are videos on the civil rights Jim Crow laws, movement. To request a civil rights boycotts, sit-ins activist to speak to students, contact and civil N.A.A.C.P., A.C.L.U. or Thirlee Smith disobedience, the (head of M-DCPS African American class discusses curriculum). leadership and what makes someone an effective leader. A list is THE STUDENTS: Important lessons in how non- compiled of leadership characteristics Approximately 200 8th-grade students violent protest can work in a and of familiar civil rights leaders, took part in this project. It works well democratic society remind which is kept and used to compare with all kinds of students and can be students that one person can with their finished projects. Student easily adapted to all areas of social groups conduct research on the make a difference and show studies at all class levels. This project movement and then select four the importance of speaking helped 30 low performing students people for a civil rights honor roll. A out against injustice in society. choose an alternative assessment and poster is made of each entry, which work in group situations where they students use to persuade others to were able to receive extra help in vote for their placement in the top completing their tasks. MORE INFORMATION: 10 of the civil rights honor roll. Ilana Ascher-Alamo THE STAFF: Arvida Middle School A board game is also created by the 10900 SW 127th St. student groups to test their Ilana Ascher-Alamo has been teaching Miami, FL 33186 knowledge of people, events and the for seven years. She was a fellow for inequalities surrounding the civil the Justice Teaching Institute in 1999, Mail Code: 6021 rights movement using the book Free and received grants from Teaching Telephone: 305-385-7144 At Last. As an alternative, the Tolerance, The Education Fund’s Fax: 305-383-9472 students can individually write and Teacher Mini-Grants and IMPACT II E-mail: [email protected] illustrate an alphabet ‘A-Z’ book on program. Additionally, her lessons Principal: Herbert S. Koross items that relate to the civil rights have been published in the A&E movement. Having students create a Classroom magazine as have her Sponsored by product helps them to retain the innovative ways of using technology in material better than if they had the magazine, Cable in the Classroom. simply memorized definitions for a Dade Community quiz or test. Foundation and Florida Matching Grants Program

25 Diversity Education www.educationfund.org Making News Happen!

In this project, students participate participates with a in an in-depth study of an important group of teachers event in history such as the in a grant from Holocaust, the French Revolution or America the dropping of the atomic bomb. Reads/Family For several weeks, the students work Literacy at Treasure in small groups as a newspaper staff Island Elementary — with each group writing accounts School. of events, editorials and political cartoons. Articles include background information on the time MATERIALS period in which the events took and place. For instance, students studying the Amistad event created RESOURCES: an abolitionist newspaper that Reference material concerning the MORE INFORMATION: included articles about the injustice historical event, paper and writing of the event and the need to free the materials, file folders, computers for Tom Calvey prisoners. In order to write editorials newspaper designing and printing if Miami Lakes Educational about the Supreme Court decision in available, and materials for cutting and Center/High School Division the Amistad case, students first pasting if computer access is not 5780 NW 158th St. reviewed and analyzed the decision. available. Students participating in the Miami Lakes, FL 33014 They also developed cooperative activity took a field trip to Mail Code: 7391 Bicentennial Park in downtown Miami learning skills by meeting in groups Telephone: 305-557-1100 to write and edit articles and design where they saw and boarded the the pages of the newspaper. replica of the Amistad ship. They also Fax: 305-364-9279 received instructions concerning the E-mail: [email protected] history of the Amistad from Dr. Paul Principal: Ms. Rosa Borgen THE STUDENTS: George of the South Florida Historical Fifty 9th graders from Miami Lakes Museum. Students researched various Educational Center/High School Web sites that helped them to prepare Sponsored by: division participated in this project. articles about the Amistad from a This project provides low performing historical perspective. students with an opportunity to learn Robert Russell through different media, such as Memorial Foundation group work and visuals. In hands-on This project provides students group work, students also learn from with the opportunity to work each other. as a team to produce a publication about an THE STAFF: important event in history. Tom Calvey has been a teacher of Through their research on social studies for 15 years, both in private and public schools. He was a injustices that have occurred Teacher-of-the-Year candidate for the throughout history, students Miami-Dade County Council for Social learn the importance of Studies in 2002 and a Doctoral respecting other people candidate in Educational Leadership at and cultures. Nova Southeastern University. He also

26 www.educationfund.org Diversity Education Sing a Song of America

Sing a Song of America public library also has CDs to loan. teaches history through music Songs compiled by Keith and Rusty and lyrics. Exposing students McNeil of the American Revolution, to songs of different eras in Civil War, Westward Movement, U.S. history, gives them a Cowboys, and Working and Union better understanding of people can be purchased from Social different time periods. Studies School Service for $117.00. Studying the lyrics is much like A guest speaker when studying events studying poetry, which is of the 20th Century, such as a World included on the FCAT test. War II vet, who could address some of Song lyrics are, however, often the popular songs of the time, is less difficult to understand recommended. than poetry, therefore helping some students get over their fear of poems. Music is used to If a picture is worth a introduce different units of history, THE STAFF: thousand words, then a song such as the American Revolution, the Regina Stuck has been teaching for 8 should be worth at least as Civil War, Labor, Suffrage, the 60’s, years and has participated in much. By studying song lyrics etc. For instance, prior to teaching numerous educational opportunities about the Civil War, students hear including: The National Endowment for students will develop a better songs from both the Union and the the Humanities, the Florida understanding of the time Confederacy, songs showing first Humanities Council, Foundation for period they are investigating. enthusiasm, then acceptance, and Economics workshops, Justice Teaching finally despair. Hearing the songs as Institute, Summer Urban Geography well as reading the lyrics shows them Institute, and others. She has also MORE INFORMATION: the human side of this war. Songs sponsored the Geography Bee and and their lyrics reveal to students Brain Bowl. She has presented Regina Stuck the everyday life of different periods workshops at the local and state levels, Homestead Middle School of history that is not easily conveyed and received two Adapter and 650 NW 2nd Ave. through textbooks. Disseminator grants from The Homestead, FL 33030 Education Fund. The Mail Code: 6251 THE STUDENTS: Homestead/Florida City Chamber of Telephoe: 305-247-4221 Commerce named her Teacher of the One hundred and eighty-five 8th-grade Fax: 305-247-1098 Year for 2001-2002. students participated. Most of these E-mail: [email protected] students are below grade level and Principal: Janice Reineke about 10 different cultural groups are MATERIALS and RESOURCES: represented. This project would work The classroom teacher is sufficient for well with any grade level, depending this project, although it would lend Sponsored by on which songs are chosen. Low itself to collaboration between social performing students who may not read studies and language arts teachers. Florida Matching well are able to remember song lyrics. A CD or tape player or a computer Music uses a different type of learning with good speakers is needed to play Grants Program style. Using music and lyrics is a way the music. Many of the song lyrics can to introduce poetry to low performing be found on the Internet or at garage students. sales (Big Band, Andrew Sisters). The

27 Diversity Education www.educationfund.org Champions of Active Learning (CAL) A program of The Education Fund

CAL grants being implemented in 2002-2003:

The Champions of Active Speak Out for Teen Court WRAPS 4 (Writing, Reading Learning program, funded by Marilyn Treusch & Barbara Arkon Actively Participating for The J.P. Morgan Chase Foundation, is 500 Role Model Academy Success) a national initiative that encourages At-risk students learn reading, writing Sharron Sue Hughes and supports innovative instructional and public speaking skills as they North Miami Middle Community School design, develop and implement a mock programs that result in improved WRAPS 4 is a multi-faceted trial program that provides a forum for achievement for middle grade comprehensive project designed to students’ to address grievances. students. The goal of the program is improve test scores and increase to help middle school teachers and students’ reading levels through active Let’s Build Our Dream students create engaging, participation, including the visual and Neighborhood performing arts. Students investigate interdisciplinary projects that link Carlos E. Salgado topics and create original books on schoolwork to real life. Grant funds Aspira South Youth Leadership their investigations. They also read enable teachers across the country to Charter School stories and books, then write scripts, implement hands on, standards-based design costumes and perform the Students participate in the spirited learning activities that produce high stories as Readers’ Theater for others. debate of what will happen to the site levels of student achievement, foster In addition, students also will of the Homestead Air Force Base. They participate in Buddy Reading with ESOL collaboration between teachers, and learn the political processes involved and ESE partners. Parents and students provide opportunities for local in land use planning, the real cost of will also work together on literacy education funds, parents and land and building, the implications of activities in a family book club. community members to support environmental issues in the building public schools. of a neighborhood, and how to work as a team. Real Time History Applications for the $5,000 grant They also participate in field study Stephen Strongson award for the 2003-2004 school year activities to existing planned Homestead Middle School will be due in April, 2003. neighborhoods and meet professionals Standards in social studies, science, in action. They then develop and mathematics, and language arts will be present their own ideas through the addressed through project-based design of a 3-D scale model and For more information logon to learning explorations of the mysteries, www.educationfund.org. multimedia presentation. stories and mistakes that make history.

On the following pages are the Language Arts profiles. OriginallyOriginally aa Books for Breakfast CitibankCitibank SuccessSuccess FundFund GrantGrant

Books for Breakfast MATERIALS and RESOURCES: fosters a love for reading in students and Books and activities. Contributions helps parents develop from Dade partners, parents, and The strategies that reinforce Education Fund’s Ocean Bank Center reading and learning at for Educational Materials are necessary home. As a way of for breakfast goods, paper goods, and encouraging reading at some craft materials. Parents are home, parents were encouraged to visit their local library invited every other for books that will help them generate month to share a story activities with their children. and have breakfast in their child’s classroom. The kindergarten and first grade THE STUDENTS: Teaching parents how to teachers modeled storytelling and prepare an environment Although the project was primarily demonstrated how a book can used by all the kindergarten and 1st- conducive to learning will have prompt enjoyable activities. For grade students at the school, it can be a direct positive impact on example, the first book read was, If easily adapted to other grade levels or their children’s reading levels. You Give a Moose a Muffin by Laura audiences by adapting the suggested Numeroff. The students worked on a reading books and activities. In one story recall activity sheet, made sock class, nine of 30 low performing puppets and appropriately ate a lot students were directly helped with MORE INFORMATION: of muffins. At the next breakfast, their language and reading skills due Iris M. Garcia there was a reading of Caps for Sale to the high interest theme activities. which the students role-played and Biscayne Elementary Other classroom teachers involved in then painted caps that were used for Community School the project also indicated that it 800 77th St. school events like field day, walking motivated their low performing Miami Beach, FL 33141 trips and field trips. For the third students to read more at school and event in March, the book, Planting a Mail Code: 0321 home. Rainbow by Lois Elhart, was read. Telephone: 305-868-7727 Parents and students planted THE STAFF: Fax: 305-864-5543 annuals and also made class murals E-mail: [email protected] of garden flowers and flower boxes. Iris Garcia has been teaching in Florida Principal: Carlos Fernandez Finally, in May, two theme-related and New Jersey for 12 years. This idea books were read, Pancakes, Pancakes came to her while working on National by Eric Carle and If you Give a Pig a Board Certification as a way of Sponsored by Pancake by Laura Numeroff. After reaching out to the community. She the reading, the students role-played implemented this Citibank Success Florida Matching making pancakes in the classroom. Fund grant from The Education Fund For each theme, follow-up activities with the collaboration of the Grants Program and suggestions were given to kindergarten, first-grade and special parents to use at home. area teachers.

29 Language Arts www.educationfund.org Flirting with Phonics in High School

This project enhances the students’ THE STAFF: abilities to use phonics skills to read unfamiliar words. By improving Yvette Domenech has been students’ phonics skills, they will teaching for six years. She then improve their reading and, was the CEC Rookie Teacher possibly, their comprehension skills. of the Year for 1997 and Students learn the phonics and the Region I finalist for syllabication patterns through Dade County Rookie Teacher multiple intelligences by reading, of the year for 1997. This playing word board games, writing project began in 2000 and poetry with magnetic tiles, listening is still being used today. to books on tape, drawing and composing jingles and songs. For MATERIALS and example, one activity allows the students to work with multi-syllabic RESOURCES: MORE INFORMATION: words, use the syllabication patterns The Idea packet will include the lessons Yvette M. Domenech to break it into its syllables, for each phonetic pattern. Any book categorize the syllables into phonetic can be used to teach phonics. A list of Barbara Goleman Senior High patterns, and place them in the other supplementary material, such as 14100 NW 89th Ave. Miami Lakes, FL 33018 appropriate place on a chart. This letter tiles and magnetic poetry, is also project has helped many non-readers included in the Idea packet. Mail Code: 7751 begin their journeys to reading by Telephone: 305-362-0676, ext. 2202 showing them how to read simple Fax: 305-827-0249 words and become interested in what This project allows high E-mail: books have to offer them. The school students to learn activities are geared toward high [email protected] phonics without feeling as if Principal: Marcos M. Moran school age students in order to not they are back in elementary injure their self-esteem. school. It incorporates the Sponsored by THE STUDENTS: different intelligences to reach all students. Students will This project was originally used with improve their reading skills, Florida Matching 45, 10th-grade students with learning disabilities who met for one hour every which gives them a better Grants Program day, five days a week. It is easily chance at passing adaptable to any age or achievement standardized tests. level. Eighty low-performing students learned to use phonics to pronounce words without losing their self-esteem or becoming frustrated.

30 www.educationfund.org Language Arts Puzzling Pieces of Literature

Puzzling Pieces of Literature is a curriculum As a novel approach to design that develops and teaching reading, writing, enhances knowledge of critical thinking, and FCAT novels and short stories preparation, this project while incorporating the introduces children to stories various components of literature such as author’s and novels and gives them the focus, main idea, opportunity to analyze and symbolism, imagery, etc. apply the components of into an integrated literature in a meaningful and problem solving activity comprehensive manner. that brings the story to life. This project is adaptable to multiple grade levels THE STUDENTS: MORE INFORMATION: thereby enabling the teacher to use puzzles with reading material in The project can be adapted to any age Nancy Frailey poems, short stories or novels. group that reads. It can be used with Reading Leader A novel or story is read as a group. an entire classroom, as a small group Gertrude K. Edelman Sabal The teacher then develops the puzzle activity such as literature circles, or as Palm Elementary piece questions or statements that a means for developing understanding 17101 NE 7th Ave. are integral to the understanding and comprehension in a guided North Miami Beach, FL 33162 reading group. The implementation and development of the story. The Telephone: 305-651-2511, ext.128 does not differ greatly from group to students are given a small copy and Fax: 305-652-7219 a larger replica is made for the group. Low-performing students’ bulletin board out of cardboard and reading comprehension skills increased E-mail: [email protected] laminated so it may be used again. with this project as the activities and Principal: Raul Gutierrez The puzzle pieces have questions, discussion helped bring the meaning together for them. thoughts, vocabulary or other issues Sponsored by related to the story written on the front with the answer on the back of THE STAFF: BankAtlantic Foundation the large display puzzle piece (the Nancy Frailey is the Reading Leader at student’s puzzle pieces do not have GKE Sabal Palm Elementary School. She and the answers). The solution to the has been an educator for 26 years and puzzle piece can be done as a class, has been the recipient of 15 grants on Original Impressions, Inc. small group or individually. As the the local, state and federal levels. puzzle pieces are solved, connections are made, and the answers become more in-depth and reveal an increase MATERIALS and RESOURCES: in students’ comprehension. However, Multiple copies of novels and stories, the real application of knowledge cardboard and markers are needed for comes when the students are allowed this project. to create their own literature puzzle from a novel for their peers.

31 Language Arts www.educationfund.org Read, Read, American Girls!

The American Girls Book Club centers Washington is a 3rd-grade on reading the published American teachers and is currently Girls Book Collection, a historical working on National Board fiction series centering on seven basic for Professional Stardards female characters, who each certification. Marcia Strait represent a different time period in is the reading teacher at history. To help students form Leisure City K-8 center. connections between the books and the particular era in history, various MATERIALS and supplemental activities are created to bring that time period to life. RESOURCES: Students participate in tea parties, Book club meetings are held mommy and me activities, crafts, in the media center, a field trips, charity fundraisers, classroom and the school’s reading response activities, auditorium. Supplies needed for the MORE INFORMATION: Accelerated Reader quizzes, and club’s implementation are the Internet and software usage. American Girls Book Collection, Marcia Strait, Reading Teacher corresponding Accelerated Reader Lisa Washington, 3rd-grade THE STUDENTS: quizzes, reading response sheet, craft Teacher materials, computer access (including The participants are 25 girls in 2nd Sandra Castellon, Media Internet capabilities), and basic school and 3rd grade. The group meets every Specialist supplies. Materials available to Wednesday for an hour after school, Leisure City K-8 Center teachers to adapt the project are with the exception of faculty meeting 14950 SW 288th St. letters to parents, a reading response days. The book club can easily be Homestead, FL 33033 sheet, instructions and lessons for adapted to meet the needs of younger Mail Code: 2901 book club sessions. Guest speakers and or older students through the use of Telephone: 305-247-5431 field trips round out the program. additional reading material. The book Fax: 305-245-8144 club services 15 students who read E-mail: below grade level. Through the club, [email protected] the majority of these students have The project not only motivates increased their reading test scores. its participants to read, Principal: Ms. Adrienne Wright They have also increased their weekly thereby increasing students’ reading, the number of books they vocabulary usage and Sponsored by borrow from the media center, and comprehension, but the their Accelerated Reader use. associated activities also Florida Matching increase critical thinking, and THE STAFF: historical, social and Grants Program Sandra Castellon has been a media technological knowledge. specialist for two years. Ms. Castellon attended Florida International University and Nova Southeastern University and has a master’s in Educational Media. Cherylise

32 www.educationfund.org Language Arts Companies With IMPACT

Platinum Star The Kirk Foundation

Florida Matching Grants Program

Gold Star

Silver Star Dade Community Foundation

Robert Russell Memorial Foundation

Bronze Star

Original Impressions, Inc. FPL BankAtlantic Foundation

Yamaha Contender Miami Billfish Tournament AttentionAttention Teachers!Teachers! Register now for South Florida’s largest teacher curriculum conference!!

13th Annual IMPACT II Idea EXPO The Teacher Conference • More than 75 displays & workshops • Teacher networking opportunities • Door Prizes • Gift Bags • Lunch Saturday, November 9, 2002 8:45 am – 3:30 pm Hilton Miami Airport & Towers 5101 Blue Lagoon Drive Register now for this teaching extravaganza!! See pages 7-10 of insert for registration form. Pre-registration by November 1st is $35.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL: The Education Fund 305-892-5099, ext. 18. To register online, logon to www.educationfund.org/expo.html