Instructional Media Update

This month's update highlights both new resources and some of the opportunities available to educators and students for real-world learning connections we're looking to make in our classrooms.

Discovery Education is constantly adding to their standards-aligned resources. You can discover the latest content as well as some of the most popular content here. Many of these resources shared below connect with real-world events or help connect subjects with authentic and relevant experiences.

There are a ton of great resources in Discovery Education. In addition to the opportunities for real-world connections listed above, here are a few other incredible resources which you maybe did not know about.

Discover Education also offers a great deal of professional development and support built right into your platform. They're located under the green buttons on the dashboard. See the video highlighting these resources below.

Defined Learning's mission is to empower students to develop the critical knowledge and skills they need to succeed in an evolving world. This digital and online solution is designed to provide school districts with the tools they need to implement and assess engaging real-world project based lessons that connect classroom content with career pathways. It is another great way to help make real-world connections in your classroom to engage your learners.

They achieve this by providing teachers with interdisciplinary project based lessons built around careers that provide opportunities for students to apply their knowledge and deepen their understanding. Defined Learning will customize and align our performance tasks to your units of study across all grades.

Streamable Learning is live and recorded presentations and experiences related to a variety of subjects. By signing up to join the live video-conferencing call, your class (whether by joining online or via your classroom device) can interact with presenters and other classrooms on a variety of topics. Can't make the scheduled time? Most of the sessions are also recorded and can be watched at a later time! This resources is complimentary with your IMS subscription through LIU12. This is a great way to connect your students with experts.

Explore Streamable Learning's January schedule to locate a great new virtual experience to explore. Go live and interact with a variety of hosts for different experiences!

Jan 6 Humorous History: The Mona Lisa Mystery
ELA, Authors
Grades 4-6
The Mona Lisa was stolen! Did you know that theft made her the most famous painting in the world? Using the thief’s testimony from 1912, students get to be the jury and decide if the thief was innocent or guilty. Together, we answer how modern historians look at the same primary source and ask the exact same questions.
Jan 6, 2021 12:10pm EST
Jan 6, 2021 2:10pm EST
(Duration 30-40 minutes)

Jan 7 The Artist's Eye
The Arts, Visual
Grades 1-5
Every work of art utilizes the same basic elements: line, shape, form, color, space, and texture. On this tour we’ll explore how different artists utilize these different elements to tell stories and create different emotions in their finished works of art.
Jan 7, 2021 11:10am EST
Jan 7, 2021 12:10pm EST
(Duration 30-40 minutes)

Jan 7 Electricity & Magnetism
Physical Science, Physics
Grades 3-7
Live from Australia, this workshop covers the fundamentals of electricity. What is electromagnetism? What materials are resistors vs. conductors? How do basic circuits work? Time to create a buzz!
Jan 7, 2021 1:10pm EST
Jan 7, 2021 2:10pm EST
(Duration 30-40 minutes)

Jan 8 Got Fur? River Otters
Life Science, Animals, Habitats
Grades PK, K-3
Got Fur? Meet us at our river otter display to learn about otters and other mammals. Check out a variety of skulls and furs to learn how you can decode a mammal's life and lifestyle. See what it takes to keep our otters happy and healthy while watching them explore their habitat.
Jan 8, 2021 11:10am EST
Jan 8, 2021 12:10pm EST
(Duration 30-40 minutes)

Jan 8 Geologic Time
Earth & Space Science, Rocks & Fossils
Grades 4-6
A tricky Earth science concept for many students to understand is the concept of deep time. With most of Earth’s processes happening over the course of millions of years, the majority of the life has occurred in just the last 11% of that timeline. In this program, we will examine the divisions of Earth’s history. Students will see how fossils can impact rock units and how we correlate rocks in different parts of the world. Students will then follow along with the instructor to create their own scale timelines of geologic units.
Jan. 8, 2021 2:10pm EST
(Duration 30-40 minutes)

Jan 11 Journey to Freedom: The Underground Railroad
Social Studies, U.S. History
Grades 4-8
What was it like to seek freedom on the Underground Railroad? Explore this question by learning about one enslaved man’s journey to freedom on the Underground Railroad in Delaware. Then learn about freedom seekers and the brave men and women, both enslaved and free, who made Delaware and the surrounding region one of the most successful routes to freedom in the years before the Civil War.
Jan 11, 2021 11:10am EST
Jan 11, 2021 1:10pm EST
(Duration 30-40 minutes)

Jan 11 The Science of Foam
Physical Science, Chemistry, Life Science, Animals
Grades 5-12
This topic explores the science behind foam. What is foam? How do animals use foam to their advantage? The program incorporates biology (lifecycles), chemistry (molecular structure of surfactants), and technology as we discuss how nature is an inspiring factor for many practical inventions (from fire extinguishers to foam mattresses to Twinkies).
Jan 11, 2021 12:10pm EST
(Duration 30-40 minutes)

Jan 12 The Civil War
Social Studies, U.S. History
Grades 3-5
What was life like during the Civil War for soldiers and civilians? What were the causes of the Civil War? Experience what was needed to survive and what life was like as a Civil War soldier using reproduced artifacts like minié bullets, uniforms, and hardtack.
Jan 12, 2021 11:10am EST
(Duration 50 minutes)

Jan 12 Circuits
Physical Science, Physics
Grades 3-5
Copper tape, batteries, and LED’S oh my!! Simplicity is key when it comes to making electricity. Let us help teach your students in an electrifying class all about how simple circuits work.
Jan 12, 2021 12:10pm EST
(Duration 30-40 minutes)

Jan 12 Art Station: Titan
Earth & Space Science, Universe
Grades 3-6
Blast off to new discoveries with this live program that merges space science and scientific illustration! Titan is Saturn's largest moon and one of the most fascinating places in our solar system. Students and teachers will learn how to capture their own Titan investigations using scientifically accurate illustrations, just as other great scientists have done throughout history.
Jan 12, 2021 1:10pm EST
Jan 12, 2021 2:10pm EST
(Duration 30-40 minutes)

Jan 13 A Frog's Life
Life Science, Animals
Grades 2-5
Frogs go through many changes during their life cycle. Come discover how the North Carolina Zoo provides some frogs a head start in surviving to adulthood.
Jan 13, 2021 11:10am EST
Jan 13, 2021 1:10pm EST
(Duration 30-40 minutes)

Jan 13 The Several Strange Adventures of Max and Ding
ELA, Authors
Grades PK, K-2
The Several Strange Adventures of Max & Ding is a book written to explore the imagination of a child. The story is about a boy named Max who is stuck in his town during a school break. This fantastical story is about what can happen when children let their imagination take them to extraordinary places! It addresses the need for children's literature that not only encourages kids to explore, build, create, and try new things, but also makes the fantastical and wonderful come to life in beautifully, illustratively immersive pages.
Jan 13, 2021 12:10pm EST
(Duration 30-40 minutes)

Jan 14 Art of India: Hindu Gods and Goddesses
The Arts, Visual, Social Studies, Cultural Studies
Grades 3-8
Examine ancient stone sculptures that were once part of religious monuments and temples in India. Students will learn to identify common features used in representations of Hindu deities and then listen to some of the captivating stories associated with the gods and goddesses.
Jan 14, 2021 11:10am EST
Jan 14, 2021 1:10pm EST
(Duration 30-40 minutes)

Jan 14 Paleohistology: Looking Inside Dinosaur Bones
Earth & Space Science, Rocks & Fossils
Grades 4-8
What can we learn about dinosaurs by looking inside of their bones? Join Museum of the Rockies Paleohistology Lab Manager Ellen-T. Lamm to explore her unique role in science and discover how researchers use microscopic information to piece together details about extinct animals.
Jan 14, 2021 12:10pm EST
(Duration 30-40 minutes)

Jan 14 Cultural Heritage
Social Studies, World History, Cultural Studies
Grades 6-12
How many cultures can one person have? Nikkei people have Japanese ancestry, but live somewhere else in the world. Join us to explore some experiences of Nikkei Canadians, the first immigrants from Japan in the 19th century to their descendants and newer immigrants today. Examine historical objects that show community life that's both Japanese and North American and see uniquely Japanese Canadian works of art.
Jan 14, 2021 2:10pm EST
(Duration 30-40 minutes)

Jan 15 Civil Rights, Children’s Books, and Me
ELA, Authors
Grades 3-5
Take a journey through the Carle’s special exhibition, Picture the Dream: The Story of the Civil Rights Movement through Children’s Books. Guided by a Carle educator, classrooms will examine artworks highlighting key moments and icons of the movement, from Ruby Bridges to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Together we will discuss children’s roles as activists and how we can be champions for civil rights, social justice, and change.
Jan 15, 2021 11:10am EST
Jan 15, 2021 1:10pm EST
(Duration 30-40 minutes)

Jan 15 Tree Species Identification
Life Science, Plants
Grades 6-12
Tree species identification is an important skill for ecologists, foresters, and arborists and winter is a great time to get outside and identify trees using twigs, buds, and bark. Join Karin to discover how to use a dichotomous key to help identify common trees, both broadleaf and coniferous species.
Jan 15, 2021 12:10pm EST
(Duration 30-40 minutes)

Jan 19 How to Write Winter Poems
ELA, Poetry
Grades 3-6
What better way to spend a cold and snowy winter’s day than writing a poem about the season? From snowmen to sledding, from hot chocolate to holidays, hear some famous and fun winter poems and learn to write them too.
Jan 19, 2021 11:10am EST
Jan 19, 2021 1:10pm EST
(Duration 30-40 minutes)

Jan 19 Constellations in the Winter Night Sky
Earth & Space Science, Universe
Grades 4-8
The winter night sky has some of the most recognizable constellations, including Orion the hunter, Taurus the bull, and Gemini the twins. Once you’ve found Orion, you can easily navigate to the Pleiades star cluster, the Dog star Sirius, and many others. Join us as we learn about the stars and planets visible in the winter sky, and the science and history behind these objects.
Jan 19, 2021 12:10pm EST
Jan 19, 2021 2:10pm EST
(Duration 30-40 minutes)

Jan 20 Careers with Animals
Life Science, Animals, Careers
Grades 5-12
Always had an interest in working with animals, but don’t know how to start? The Greenville Zoo can help! This program explores strategies for picking a fulfilling career, discusses educational requirements and potential salaries for various careers with animals and provides. As a bonus, we will give you an up-close glimpse of some of our animal friends here at the zoo.
Jan 20, 2021 11:10am EST
Jan 20, 2021 1:10pm EST
(Duration 30-40 minutes)

Jan 20 Animals Come in Many Colors
ELA, Authors
Grades PK, K-3
Raccoons are known for their grey bodies and cute black masks. Crocodiles are known for their rough and bumpy green skin. Penguins are known for their black and white tuxedo look. But did you know they could also be snowy white or as dark as the midnight sky? Animals come in many different colors, and every one of them is cute! This program will explore how and why differences make the animal world a lot more fun.
Jan 20, 2021 12:10pm EST
(Duration 30-40 minutes)

Jan 20 Voices of Social Justice
The Arts, Visual, Social Studies, U.S. History
Grades 6-12
In Voices of Social Justice, students will learn about some of the major figures who struggled to obtain civil rights for disenfranchised or marginalized groups. They will listen to stories of social justice and analyze portraits of individuals who broke barriers——from key nineteenth-century reformers to modern leaders—and will likely be encouraged to consider how they, too, can become civically engaged. ​Accompanying the program is a post visit lesson plan and additional ideas for activities that allow the discussions to continue back in the classroom.
Jan 20, 2021 2:10pm EST
(Duration 30-40 minutes)

Jan 21 Famous Poets: Lewis Carroll
ELA, Poetry
Grades 4-6
Lewis Carroll is best known for his Alice in Wonderland books. But he is also one of the most prominent writers of nonsense verse for children. Celebrate his birthday this year by finding out more about his life and poetry.
Jan 21, 2021 11:10am EST
Jan 21, 2021 1:10pm EST
(Duration 30-40 minutes)

Jan 21 Ocean Conservation: Plastic Pollution
Earth & Space Science, Oceans, Environment
Grades 4-6
Plastic is everywhere and incredibly valuable to humans… but it should not be disposable. More than 8 million tons of plastic enter our oceans every year – that is the same as one dump truck a minute. Moreover, there is something very simple we can all do every day to help reduce the plastic problem.
Jan 21, 2021 12:10pm EST
(Duration 30-40 minutes)

Jan 22 Meet the Loyalist Soldier from the American Revolution
Social Studies, U.S. History
Grades 3-6
Meet a Loyalist veteran of the American Revolution and find out how this conflict was really a civil war between fellow colonists that pitted neighbor against neighbor and split families apart. The Loyalist is prepared to discuss the motivations and experiences of American Loyalists and their re-settlement in Canada as refugees. Students and teachers may direct the discussion through their questions. The Loyalist will also show a few artifacts.
Jan 22, 2021 11:10am EST
Jan 22, 2021 1:10pm EST
(Duration 30-40 minutes)

Jan 25 What's a Marsupial?
ELA, Authors, Life Science, Animals
Grades PK, K-1
Nonfiction science author Ginjer Clarke reads engaging passages from her books Platypus! and Pouch Babies to introduce the weird world of marsupials, nocturnal animals, and Australia. Students will also play a fun true-false listening game to test their newly acquired knowledge.
Jan 25, 2021 11:10am EST
(Duration 30-40 minutes)

Jan 25 Avian Medical Clinic
Life Science, Animals, Careers
Grades 6-12
In this exclusive program, participants will visit the Avian Medical Clinic and Oil Spill Response Facility of the Center for Birds of Prey. Explore the causes of injury that bring over 600 patients into our facility annually. Learn about the technologies utilized in the identification and treatment of the associated injuries and illnesses, as well as the process of rehabilitation that often leads to release into the wild. Watch firsthand as a bird of prey receives treatment from our medical professionals and if circumstances permit the release of a bird back to the wild following treatment.
Jan 25, 2021 12:10pm EST
(Duration 30-40 minutes)

Jan 25 Exploring Global Art
The Arts, Visual
Grades 6-12
Drawing upon the rich collection of the NCMA, students will explore the work of global contemporary artists that express diverse cultural and interpersonal perspectives to practice ways of understanding and relating to others. This experience targets Social Awareness skills outlined in the CASEL Competencies for SEL.
Jan 25, 2021 1:10pm EST
(Duration 30-40 minutes)

Jan 26 Cyclorama and Citizenship: Case of the Missing Identity
Social Studies, U.S. History
The game is afoot historical detectives! Come help us solve the Case of American Identity by examining the Battle of Atlanta Cyclorama and other historical artifacts. On this digital field trip, you’ll travel through time with our field agents--historical figures in the late 1860’s. Crack codes with Mary Bowser, collect clues with Henry McNeal Turner, and uncover what it has meant to be an American throughout time. Students will explore the Civil War era and Reconstruction through a series of videos and digital activities. You simply must come solve this mystery with us!
Grades 4-7
Jan 26, 2021 12:10pm EST
Grades 7-12
Jan 26, 2021 2:10pm EST
(Duration 30-40 minutes)

Jan 27 Heroes of the Holocaust
Social Studies, World History, Culture Studies
Grades 6-12
Live from Jerusalem on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, students encounter heroes of the Holocaust, including Jews who persevered in the face of degradation and death and non-Jews who risked their lives and families to help friends and strangers in need.
Jan 27, 2021 11:10am EST
(Duration 30-40 minutes)

Jan 27 Justice After the Holocaust
Social Studies, World History, Culture Studies
Grades 6-12
Live from Jerusalem on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, this session examines how Israel, Jewish organizations, and the international community have pursued justice after the Holocaust and the lessons that have been learned.
Jan 27, 2021 1:10pm EST
(Duration 30-40 minutes)

Jan 27 The World of Insects
ELA , Authors
Grades PK, K-3
Author Natalie Rompella will read from her nonfiction insect book The World Never Sleeps and talk about her writing journey. She will share facts as well as up-close photographs to get students comfortable with and inquisitive about insects and spiders.
Jan 27, 2021 12:10pm EST
Jan 27, 2021 2:10pm EST
(Duration 30-40 minutes)

Jan 28 Stinging Science! All About Jellies
Life Science, Animals
Grades 2-5
Learn all about how these gelatinous creatures go through an amazing life cycle before they look like the jellies we recognize! Find out why we call them jellies (instead of jellyfish) and discover the science behind how they sting!
Jan 28, 2021 11:10am EST
Jan 28, 2021 1:10pm EST
(Duration 30-40 minutes)

Jan 28 The Buffalo Train Ride
ELA, Authors
Grades 3-6
Why did fifteen buffalo board a train in New York City on the cold rainy night of October 11, 1907? Children’s author Desiree Webber tells the incredible story of how humanity almost destroyed the American buffalo and then how people came together to save this magnificent animal from extinction. Using artifacts such as bones, a winter robe, skull, horn spoon, moccasin, etc., she demonstrates how this one animal provided food, shelter, clothing, and more. Webber uses historical photographs and passages from her book to discuss buffalo hunters pouring onto the Great Plains.
Jan 28, 2021 12:10pm EST
Jan 28, 2021 2:10pm EST
(Duration 30-40 minutes)

Jan 29 Robot DJ with micro:bit and MakeCode
Technology, Computer Science
Grades 4-8
Flora the robot’s dance party is off the chain! The toughest part of being a DJ is coming up with new beats to keep her crowd dancing. Luckily, the MakeCode programming language has a music feature! Help Flora the robot write some new tunes while learning programming basics. Join the CodeJoy classroom to learn the basics of coding and explore the MakeCode music feature. A computer or Chromebook is required for you to interact with our in-studio robots.
Jan 29, 2021 11:10am EST
Jan 29, 2021 1:10pm EST
(Duration 30-40 minutes)

Jan 29 Natural History
Life Science, Animals
Grades 5-8
Meet three Memphis Zoo animal ambassadors as we discover the long history of humans and animals. We begin with domestication, carry through human expansion and exploration, and continue today with the impacts of modern globalization. Gain an appreciation for our historical connection with nature and learn how to be a champion for animals today.
Jan 29, 2021 12:10pm EST
Jan 29, 2021 2:10pm EST
(Duration 30-40 minutes)

If you have questions regarding your IMS subscription or you'd like to arrange for professional development which comes along with your IMS package, please contact Nicole Bond, Educational Technology Specialist.

Email: nabond@iu12.org
Website: learnon.iu12.org
Location: 65 Billerbeck Street, New Oxford, PA, USA
Phone: 717-624-6449
Twitter: @LIU12_EdTech