New & Updated

New eThemes for the week of May 13, 2013

Animals: Alligators: Learn about alligators, the largest predator reptile. Find out how many species of these animals exist today in the world. Discover where they live, how they hunt, and how they care for their young. Includes photographs, audio and video files, quizzes, and a worksheet. There is a link to eThemes resources on crocodiles.
Animals: Black-Faced Spoonbills: These sites are about black-faced spoonbills, a species of wetland birds living along eastern Asia’s coastline. Learn about their physical characteristics, behavior, present status, distribution, and migration patterns. Find out the threats they face and the steps that have been taken to conserve them. There is a link to an eThemes Resource on endangered species.
Animals: Oysters: These websites are about oysters. Learn about the life cycle and anatomy of oysters and how they make pearls. Find out what diseases are threatening oysters. Includes quizzes and interactive activities.
Animals: Peafowl: These links are all about peacocks and peahens. See photographs of peacocks and peahens and find out why they look so different. Read stories about peacocks and view a clip of the NBC television mascot. Includes a link to an eThemes resource on birds.
Animals: Planarian: Students can learn about planarian with these diagrams and photographs. Planarian can multiply by either sexual reproduction or asexual reproduction known as regeneration. Included is an eThemes resource on mitosis.
Animals: Raptors: These sites have information about various raptors, including Screech Owls, Great Horned Owls, Red-Tailed Hawks, and Bald Eagles. Many sites contain audio and video clips, plus a Webcam. Includes links to eThemes Resources on owl pellets, barn owls, spotted owls, and birds of prey for younger students.
Architecture: Domes: Domes are extremely stable structures. Learn about the history of domes and the modern geodesic domes. Learn about Buckminster Fuller who invented the geodesic dome and his extraordinary life. Also includes eThemes resources on architecture.
Author Study: Lester Laminack: Learn about the author Lester Laminack, the books he has written, and ideas for his writing. Includes biographies, audio clips, and classroom activities to be used with some of his books. There is a link to eThemes Resource on Literature: Genres.
Cultures: Japanese and Navajo Comparison: Students can discover the similarities and differences between the Japanese and Navajo cultures by using these sites. There is particular focus on the native herbs, foods, and ceremonies of each culture. Some of the sites include information on the Navajo Code Talkers. Included are eThemes resources on Japan, Navajo Indians, and world recipes.
Decade: 1910-1919: Read about life in America during the 1910s. View the fashions of this time. Read about the Tango and silent movies that were popular. Learn about World War I and see photographs and diaries from soldiers. There is also information about women’s suffrage and the 1918 influenza outbreak. eThemes Resources on the Titanic, Charlie Chaplin, Angel Island immigration station, the Wright brothers, and World War I are linked.
Delaware: Famous People: These sites provide lists of famous and notable people from Delaware. Learn about these people from a wide variety of disciplines. Read about famous illustrators, writers, astronomers, first ladies, and many more. There is also a link to eThemes Resource on Delaware: State Facts and Symbols.
Electromagnetic Spectrum: Radio Waves: These sites explain how radio waves are a part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Includes information about AM and FM frequencies and how to measure waves. Also includes a biography on Marconi, inventor of the radio. Includes several animated movies, hands-on activities and interactive quizzes. There is a link to an eThemes Resource on sound.
Ethics for Students: These sites provide background knowledge for students on the importance of copyright. Ignoring copyright can lead to plagiarism or piracy which are both presented through videos, writing activities, case studies, and simulation. Lesson plans are provided to carry out or adapt activities.
Famous People: Amelia Earhart: Learn about the famous American aviator – Amelia Earhart – and her legacy. Read her biography and learn about her dreams, goals, and achievements. Find out about Earhart’s cross Atlantic flights, records, and mysterious disappearance during the last flight. Learn about her plans to set a record to circle the world along the equator, rumors and theories of unsolved plane’s disappearance, and pre-war situation in the Pacific region. There are links on eThemes Resources on women’s month and two historical decades. Includes maps of Pacific Islands, the route of the last flight, photographs, audio and video files.
Gender Differences in Communication: These sites provide information on the differences between males and females when communicating. Information is included about verbal and non-verbal communication skills, tips on talking to parents and friends, social networking connections, research findings about communication differences, and lesson plans. Additional eThemes resources are included on Teen Issues and Peer Pressure.
Grammar: Homographs: These sites are about homographs which are words with two or more words spelled alike but different in origin, meaning, and sometimes pronunciation. Includes lists of common homographs plus online quizzes, practice exercises, and interactive games. There are also links to eThemes Resources on synonyms, antonyms, and homophones.
Grammar: Irregular Verbs: These sites have rules and charts on how to form irregular verbs, plus many interactive quizzes and games. There are links to eThemes Resources on Verb and Verb Tenses for Elementary School.
Holiday: Columbus Day: Learn about explorer Christopher Columbus and his four voyages to the New World. Find out what group of people discovered this land before him. Includes biographies, timelines, maps, and information about the Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria. There are also craft and activity ideas for celebrating this holiday.
Immigration: Hispanic Immigrants: These sites are about Hispanic immigration. Learn about experiences and stories of Hispanic immigrants, what challenges they faced, where they are in the U.S., what culture they brought to the U.S., and how the immigrants affect U.S. economics and policy. Includes interactive maps, lesson plans, video clips, and photographs. There are also links to eThemes Resources on Immigration: Angel Island, Immigration: Ellis Island, Immigration: Immigrants and Problems Encountered, Latin American Culture, and Famous Americans: Latin American Connections.
Keyboarding Skills: Junior and High School: These sites have information on keyboarding for junior and high school students. Includes lesson plans, online typing practice programs, and information on ergonomics and the history of typing. There is also a link to an eThemes Resource on keyboarding skills for elementary students.
Language: German for Elementary Students: These are sites to help kids learn about the German language and culture. There are games and activities where students can practice listening and speaking, interactive games, quizzes, video, and audio files. Students can also read about German holidays, customs, food and drink, and the German school system. Included is a link to eThemes resources on the country of Germany and the Holocaust.
Literature: "Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator" by Roald Dahl: These web resources can be used in conjunction with the novel “Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator” by Roald Dahl. There is information about the book and its characters, the author, elevators, grandparents, and outer space. Included are two related eThemes resources.
Literature: Online Stories for Children: These sites have free online stories for children to read. Most stories include illustrations and some feature audio files so you can also listen to the story. There are links to eThemes Resources on Cinderella stories, storytelling, and choose-your-own-adventure stories.
Magic: Tricks and Illusions: These fun sites feature many online optical illusions. Students can try to unravel the mystery behind these illusions. Learn how to perform many magic tricks, including how to make a quarter disappear and how to float above the ground. There are links to eThemes Resources on famous magicians, the history of magic, and tessellations.
Mathematics and Bridge Constructions: Learn how to plan, design, calculate, and construct a model of a bridge. Find out how mathematical concepts of ratio, proportion, and scale are implemented in the bridge building process. Includes worksheets, lesson plans, an online truss calculator tool, and games. There are links to eThemes resources on building bridges, architecture, and mathematical ratios and proportions.
Missouri History: Joplin: These sites provide information about the history of Joplin, Missouri. Learn about the history, economy, architecture, and historical sites of this once mining capital of the world. Includes information on famous people from Joplin, photographs, maps, and primary documents. There are also links to eThemes Resources on Missouri Regions: An Overview and Missouri: Famous People.
Missouri Regions: River Heritage: These sites have information about Missouri’s River Heritage Region, also known as the Bootheel. Learn about many state parks, take a virtual visit to Lambert’s Cafe, and view photos of an underground mine. Towns include Cape Girardeau, Ste. Genevieve, Sikeston, Charleston, Miner, New Madrid, and Jackson. Watch Missouri Heritage videos about this region. There are links to eThemes Resources on an overview of Missouri regions, the state flag, and the New Madrid earthquakes.
Native Americans: Trail of Tears: Learn more about the Cherokee Indians, Oklahoma reservations, and historical references for the Trail of Tears and the westward movement. Includes maps, timelines, photographs, and videos. There are links to eThemes resource on Native American culture.
Responsibility in Secondary Schools: What does student responsibility in a secondary school look like? These sites contain sample policies, teacher resources, and information for students on how to adapt to the increased expectations as they transition to the next level in their education.
Science: Dissection: These websites contain videos and stills from dissections of various animals with an emphasis on frogs. There are tutorials for frog, cat, sheep’s brain, or cow’s eye dissections. Included for comparison are two eThemes resources on human anatomy and physiology, and an eThemes resource on frogs.
Science: Environmental Justice: These sites cover topics about global warming, clean water, natural resources, greenhouse emissions. Here are diverse materials such as case studies, games, lesson plans, and interactive activities for teaching and learning environmental justice. Includes eThemes resources on global warming and the greenhouse effect.
Seasons: Spring: These sites have spring crafts, worksheets, and lesson plans. One link is a slide show created by elementary school students. There are links to eThemes on kites and Easter.
Solar System: Uranus: Learn about the seventh planet from the Sun – Uranus. These pages include information about the planet’s geological formation, atmosphere, magnetic field, satellites and rings. Here kids can also find information about space mission to Uranus, view photos sent from space and learn about mysteries surrounding the planet and its moons. These sites include worksheets, activities, puzzles, quizzes and coloring pages. Also included are eThemes Resources on Rotation, Revolution, and the Universe.
Spanish American War: These sites are about the Spanish American War. Learn about the influence of media on the war. Read letters from the soldiers, view several photographs, movie clips, and timeline and listen to music composed during that time. There are other primary documents from the war such as maps and newspaper articles. Includes lesson plans and a study guide. There is a link to eThemes Resources on U.S. President: Theodore Roosevelt.
Study Skills: ACT Preparation: These sites have many resources for students preparing for the ACT. Many sites have practice tests as well as test taking skills specific to the ACT. Read about the difference between the ACT and the SAT.
Web Design: Examples of Elementary Student Pages: These sites are examples of Web sites created by students. For some pages, the students researched a topic and then wrote an online report with links. Other sites include student artwork. There are links to eThemes Resources on HTML, Internet Safety, and free image collections.
World Data: These sites include information on world data. They include worldwide statistical information related to gender; age; schooling; and ownership of electronics, vehicles and pets. A link to eThemes Resource: Overpopulation is included.

Updated eThemes for the week of May 13, 2013

Animal Adaptations: Physical and Behavioral

These sites are about the behaviors and physical traits that enable animals to survive in their environments. Topics cover camouflage, mimicry, and natural selection. Includes images, games, and lesson plans. There is a link to eThemes Resource on natural selection.

Animals: Spotted Owls

These sites have information about spotted owls and their habitat in old-growth forests. Learn about the controversy between environmental groups that want to protect the owls and the logging industry that wants to protect jobs. There are links to eThemes Resources on raptors and barn owls.

Aviation: Wright Brothers

These sites are about the Wright Brothers and their early airplanes. Includes biographies on Wilbur and Orville that tell about their family and careers. Discover what inspired them to build planes. Contains historical photographs, movies, diaries, interviews, and simulations. There are links to eThemes Resources on Transportation: Aircraft, Aviation: Military Aircraft, and Aviation: Activities for Junior and High School Students.

Batik

Learn about one of the oldest crafts – batik. Explore the origins of batik, find out how it is is being used today, and learn how to replicate the effect in safe, kid-friendly ways in the classroom. Includes images, activities, and videos.

Chinese Folklore

Learn more about Chinese folklore and cultural heritage from information about the First Emperor to the symbolism behind the Chinese Dragon. Includes eThemes resources on Cultures from Around the World, Continent: Asia, Country: China, and Ancient Civilizations: China.

Corporal Punishment in Schools

These sites provide information about the debate surrounding corporal punishment in schools. Learn the pros and cons of the debate. Explore how corporal punishment is viewed from a U.S. perspective and how it is viewed from a Korean perspective. Learn about the history of corporal punishment in schools and see how it affects attitudes. Includes links to newspaper articles and videos.

Country: Argentina

Learn about Argentina and its geography, history, and culture. Read about the country’s noted national heroes, an overview of Latin America, and links to Spanish language sites. Includes eThemes resources on Latin American Culture and Spanish for Middle and High School.

Country: Japan

These sites have information about Japan’s history, geography, language, education, and culture. Students can learn about samurai warriors, read haiku poetry, or see how rice is traditionally grown. There are maps, photographs, printouts, and more. Included is an eThemes resource on Asia.

Desalination

Learn about desalination, the process of removing salt from water to make it potable. Learn why desalination is so important to people worldwide and try an experiment to desalinate water. These sites include experiments, a podcast, and videos related to desalination.

Ecosystems: Animal Survival

Learn how Earth’s natural processes and people’s activities affect the ecosystems and animal world. Find out how well different species adapt to new conditions and fight for survival. Learn about endangered animals and projects for their protection. Includes links to eThemes resources about endangered species, animal survival adaptation, habitats and their threats, pollution, and more.

Ethanol

These websites deal with ethanol as an alternative fuel. Learn the history of ethanol, how it works, what it is used for, how it is produced. Discover more about ethanol produced in Missouri, specifically. There are also links to eThemes Resources on Energy: Renewable and Non-renewable Graphic Approach and Energy: Renewable and Non-renewable.

Financial Analysis

These resources are about financial analysis. Find information about time trend analysis, common size statements, and ratio analysis. Learn the basics of analyzing a financial statement of a publicly held company in preparation for making an investment recommendation. Resources include guides, tutorials, lessons, and videos about financial analysis. In addition there are links to annual reports for some of the top, publicly held companies in the country.

Friction

Learn about the physics of friction and how it affects our daily lives. Watch videos or play games that demonstrate the importance of the concept. Perform mini-experiments to better understand the concept. Learn more about how friction is important to heat energy.

Habitat: Rainforests

These sites are about tropical and temperate rainforests. Experience the sights and sounds of rainforests around the world. Includes writing activities, research, group work and interactive games. There are links to eThemes Resources on Brazil, the children’s book “The Great Kapok Tree,” and habitats.

Labor Unions in the Workforce

These sites provide an overview of labor unions in the U.S. workforce. They look at the pros and cons of unions; how unions affect the employment rate; and a pay scale comparison between union and nonunion workers. Includes informative articles, a lesson plan, and videos.

Literature: "Chains" by Laurie Halse Anderson

This site provides biographical information about Laurie Halse Anderson, a “Chains” book discussion guide, and articles about lives of slaves and indentured servants. Included are eThemes resources on slavery slave trade and the Revolutionary War.

Literature: "Sense and Sensibility" by Jane Austen

This site has an on-line version of “Sense and Sensibility”, chapter synopsis, and biographical information about Jane Austen. Behind the scene video clips provide background on the characters, costumes, and set location. Included is an eThemes Resource on Author Study: Jane Austen.

Literature: "Sounder" by William H. Armstrong

These sites are about the book “Sounder” and author William Armstrong. Includes suggested classroom activities, discussion questions for each of the chapters, and descriptions of the characters. Also learn about sharecropping and coonhounds. There are links to eThemes Resources on book activities, story elements, and the Emancipation Proclamation.

Literature: "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini

This site provides a summary and analysis of “The Kite Runner”. Biographical information, character description, and explanation of the book’s themes are included. An interactive activity on the elements of fiction and tips on using The New York Times is given for enhancing the novel study. Included are eThemes resources on Afghanistan and Women in Afghanistan.

Literature: "Transall Saga" by Gary Paulsen

This site provides background information about Gary Paulsen and extension activities for “Transall Saga”. Watch an author video and book trailer. WebQuests and an interactive game are given along with a discussion guide and survival writing activities. Includes a link to eThemes resource on Literature Themes: Survival.

Magic: History

Read about the history of magic and how it has evolved through the years. Find out why people used to believe the word abracadabra was important. View photographs of cups and balls that were used to perform an old illusion. There are links to eThemes Resources on famous magicians and magic tricks.

Math: Complex Numbers

These sites are about complex numbers, their basic principles, and how they apply in the world of Mathematics. There are links to eThemes resources on Math: Geometry for Junior and High School and Trigonometry.

Missouri: Fossils

These sites are about the types of fossils found in Missouri – the different periods, how fossils are formed, and what they look like. There are lesson plans, activities, and pictures of fossils indigenous to the area. Discover what paleontologists in Missouri are doing and how you can be a part of it. Includes links to eThemes Resources Science: Fossils and Missouri: Caves.

Native Americans: Navajo

These sites focus on Navajo Indians and their Hogan homes. The sites discuss the Navajo people, their culture, and their history.

Photojournalism

Learn about the field of photojournalism. These sites focus on best practices, necessary skills, and relevant careers in photojournalism. Also included are sites geared toward teaching the basics of photography composition and shooting tips for digital single lens reflex cameras. Explore the step-by-step videos for improving your photographs. Includes eThemes resources on Photography.

Physical Education: Jump Rope

Learn the health benefits of exercise! This site provides facts, a video clip, and power point programs about healthy living through exercise. Students can learn how to create their own jump rope routines through diagrams. Included is an eThemes resources on Health: Physical Education.

Physics: Newton's Laws of Motion

This theme includes Newton’s Laws of Motion as well as problems, interactive applications, videos, and lesson plans to apply them to problems. Included are eThemes Resources for Physics: Force and Motion for grades 3-8.

Plants: Poisonous and Toxic

These sites provide information about poisonous and toxic plants in Missouri. The information includes common and botanical names, prevention tips, key descriptive characteristics, habitat, distribution, poison part, and symptoms.

There are links to eThemes Resources on Missouri: Native Shrubs, Missouri: Native Trees, and Missouri: Native Wildflowers.

Reading Skills: Visualizing

These sites are about using visualizing in reading. See how you incorporate technology into your curriculum to help students master the art of visualization. Includes an overview of the concept of visualization, lesson plans, and links to interactive programs for student use. Also included are eThemes resources on Basic Reading Skills and Reading Comprehension.

Science: Greenhouse Effect

These sites describe the greenhouse effect and its impact on Earth and humans. There are statistics, illustrations, audio clips, and animations. Some sites include lesson plans, activities, and experiments. There are links to eThemes resources on Global Warming, Ozone, and Solar System: Earth’s Atmosphere.

Teaching Tips: Digital Citizenship

This site is about digital citizenship and provides safety information on a variety of technology tools. Responsible usage of technology, games and videos are included as well as articles and hand-outs. Curriculum units are free and available upon request or by downloading them. Also included are eThemes Resources on cyberbullying.

Technology: Twitter

These sites are about the social networking and microblogging Internet service. Find Twitter tutorials for getting started, using Twitter effectively, using Twitter tools, using Twitter in the classroom, and videos highlighting Twitter usage in education. NOTE: This site includes ads. Twitter.

Titanic

These sites are about the RMS Titanic that sank in 1912. Includes information on the building of the ship, the iceberg accident, and its 1985 discovery. There are photographs and biographies of the passengers and crew. Read newspaper articles that covered the disaster and personal accounts from survivors. Includes lesson plans, an interactive website, and a photograph of the iceberg believed to have sunk the Titanic. There is a link to an eThemes Resource on the decade of 1910-1919.

U.S. President: Theodore Roosevelt: Part I

Learn about the 26th American President – Theodore Roosevelt. Discover the president as a son, father, husband, naturalist and conservationist, New Yorker, and a war hero. Learn about his hobbies, outdoor adventures, and his nature conservation policies. Includes audio and video clips, timelines, photographs, quizzes, and biographies. There are links to eThemes topics on the President Theodor Roosevelt’s politics, American and foreign policies, Spanish war, and United States presidents.

Math: Tessellations

These sites explain how to create tessellations with polygons using rotation and reflection. Also includes information about artist M.C. Escher and examples of his tessellation artwork. There are several interactive games for manipulating patterns online. Includes a link to eThemes resources on pattern blocks and tangrams, shapes, and symmetry.

Math: Probability

Theses sites explore the concepts of probability and chance. Includes interactive sites figuring the probability of coin flips, dice rolls, etc. There are several suggested classroom activities that use manipulatives to explore probability. There are also animated movies that explain probability.

New eThemes for the week of May 13, 2013

Animals: Alligators: Learn about alligators, the largest predator reptile. Find out how many species of these animals exist today in the world. Discover where they live, how they hunt, and how they care for their young. Includes photographs, audio and video files, quizzes, and a worksheet. There is a link to eThemes resources on crocodiles.
Animals: Black-Faced Spoonbills: These sites are about black-faced spoonbills, a species of wetland birds living along eastern Asia’s coastline. Learn about their physical characteristics, behavior, present status, distribution, and migration patterns. Find out the threats they face and the steps that have been taken to conserve them. There is a link to an eThemes Resource on endangered species.
Animals: Oysters: These websites are about oysters. Learn about the life cycle and anatomy of oysters and how they make pearls. Find out what diseases are threatening oysters. Includes quizzes and interactive activities.
Architecture: Domes: Domes are extremely stable structures. Learn about the history of domes and the modern geodesic domes. Learn about Buckminster Fuller who invented the geodesic dome and his extraordinary life. Also includes eThemes resources on architecture.
Author Study: Lester Laminack: Learn about the author Lester Laminack, the books he has written, and ideas for his writing. Includes biographies, audio clips, and classroom activities to be used with some of his books. There is a link to eThemes Resource on Literature: Genres.
Cultures: Japanese and Navajo Comparison: Students can discover the similarities and differences between the Japanese and Navajo cultures by using these sites. There is particular focus on the native herbs, foods, and ceremonies of each culture. Some of the sites include information on the Navajo Code Talkers. Included are eThemes resources on Japan, Navajo Indians, and world recipes.
Delaware: Famous People: These sites provide lists of famous and notable people from Delaware. Learn about these people from a wide variety of disciplines. Read about famous illustrators, writers, astronomers, first ladies, and many more. There is also a link to eThemes Resource on Delaware: State Facts and Symbols.
Famous People: Amelia Earhart: Learn about the famous American aviator – Amelia Earhart – and her legacy. Read her biography and learn about her dreams, goals, and achievements. Find out about Earhart’s cross Atlantic flights, records, and mysterious disappearance during the last flight. Learn about her plans to set a record to circle the world along the equator, rumors and theories of unsolved plane’s disappearance, and pre-war situation in the Pacific region. There are links on eThemes Resources on women’s month and two historical decades. Includes maps of Pacific Islands, the route of the last flight, photographs, audio and video files.
Folktales: Figurative Language and Poetic Devices: These sites are about the use of figurative language and poetic devices in folktales. Includes links to folktale sites, activities, online games, flash cards, worksheets, and more. Also includes links to the eThemes Resources: “Poetry: Simile and Figurative Language”, “Writing: Similes and Metaphors”, and “Writing: Alliteration, Idioms, and Hyperbole”.
Gender Differences in Communication: These sites provide information on the differences between males and females when communicating. Information is included about verbal and non-verbal communication skills, tips on talking to parents and friends, social networking connections, research findings about communication differences, and lesson plans. Additional eThemes resources are included on Teen Issues and Peer Pressure.
Geography: Continents: Develop map skills by learning about the seven continents of the world. Includes interactive quizzes to test basic geography knowledge of the continents. There are links to eThemes Resources on Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia, South America, and Oceans. Includes an eThemes resource on continents and oceans for younger students.
Geography: Human Characteristics of a Place: These sites are about human characteristics of a place, specifically the area around St. Louis and the Missouri River. Find out about the population, architecture, economics, transportation network, and more. Included is an eThemes resource on the five themes of geography.
Grammar: Homographs: These sites are about homographs which are words with two or more words spelled alike but different in origin, meaning, and sometimes pronunciation. Includes lists of common homographs plus online quizzes, practice exercises, and interactive games. There are also links to eThemes Resources on synonyms, antonyms, and homophones.
Grammar: Irregular Verbs: These sites have rules and charts on how to form irregular verbs, plus many interactive quizzes and games. There are links to eThemes Resources on Verb and Verb Tenses for Elementary School.
Historical Ships: 1800's: Learn about sailing ships of the 19th century, including the clipper ship. See drawings and photographs and read first-hand accounts of what it was like to be on a sailing ship. Also learn about the what type of foods were on sailing ships as well as the type of gear a sailor would normally have. Included are interactive photos of sailing ships as well as a sailing simulator.
Immigration: Hispanic Immigrants: These sites are about Hispanic immigration. Learn about experiences and stories of Hispanic immigrants, what challenges they faced, where they are in the U.S., what culture they brought to the U.S., and how the immigrants affect U.S. economics and policy. Includes interactive maps, lesson plans, video clips, and photographs. There are also links to eThemes Resources on Immigration: Angel Island, Immigration: Ellis Island, Immigration: Immigrants and Problems Encountered, Latin American Culture, and Famous Americans: Latin American Connections.
Keyboarding Skills: Junior and High School: These sites have information on keyboarding for junior and high school students. Includes lesson plans, online typing practice programs, and information on ergonomics and the history of typing. There is also a link to an eThemes Resource on keyboarding skills for elementary students.
Literature: "Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator" by Roald Dahl: These web resources can be used in conjunction with the novel “Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator” by Roald Dahl. There is information about the book and its characters, the author, elevators, grandparents, and outer space. Included are two related eThemes resources.
Literature: Online Stories for Children: These sites have free online stories for children to read. Most stories include illustrations and some feature audio files so you can also listen to the story. There are links to eThemes Resources on Cinderella stories, storytelling, and choose-your-own-adventure stories.
Mathematics and Bridge Constructions: Learn how to plan, design, calculate, and construct a model of a bridge. Find out how mathematical concepts of ratio, proportion, and scale are implemented in the bridge building process. Includes worksheets, lesson plans, an online truss calculator tool, and games. There are links to eThemes resources on building bridges, architecture, and mathematical ratios and proportions.
Mayflower Voyage: These sites are about the Pilgrims’ journey on the Mayflower to Plymouth. Includes diagrams, photographs, and a map. There are links to eThemes Resources on pilgrims and Thanksgiving.
Missouri Regions: River Heritage: These sites have information about Missouri’s River Heritage Region, also known as the Bootheel. Learn about many state parks, take a virtual visit to Lambert’s Cafe, and view photos of an underground mine. Towns include Cape Girardeau, Ste. Genevieve, Sikeston, Charleston, Miner, New Madrid, and Jackson. Watch Missouri Heritage videos about this region. There are links to eThemes Resources on an overview of Missouri regions, the state flag, and the New Madrid earthquakes.
Native Americans: Trail of Tears: Learn more about the Cherokee Indians, Oklahoma reservations, and historical references for the Trail of Tears and the westward movement. Includes maps, timelines, photographs, and videos. There are links to eThemes resource on Native American culture.
New Jersey: State Flag: Find out the meaning of the symbols and colors on the New Jersey state flag. Learn the history of its adoption and design. Includes coloring pages. There are links to eThemes Resources on New Jersey state facts and state symbols.
New Jersey: State Symbols: Learn about the official state symbols of New Jersey including the flag, seal, flower, tree, and animals. There are printouts, factsheets, pictures, games, and more. Included is an eThemes resource on New Jersey state facts and state flag.
Poetry: Value of Poetry: These sites are about the value of poetry. Read articles to find information about and functions of poetry in education and therapy. There is a link to eThemes resource on Poetry: Imagery.
Responsibility in Secondary Schools: What does student responsibility in a secondary school look like? These sites contain sample policies, teacher resources, and information for students on how to adapt to the increased expectations as they transition to the next level in their education.
Revolutionary War: Heroes: This is a collection of biographies on some of the heroes and heroines of the Revolutionary War. Learn about George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Abigail Adams, Samuel Adams, Crispus Attucks, Lydia Darragh, Nathan Hale, Ethan Allen, and more. Includes portraits, videos, letters, and other resources. There is a link to the eThemes Resource on Revolutionary War biographies.
Revolutionary War: Paul Revere: These sites are about the life of Paul Revere. Includes information and a map of his famous ride to warn the militia that the British were coming. There are biographies, a poem, artwork, and a short video.
Science: Dissection: These websites contain videos and stills from dissections of various animals with an emphasis on frogs. There are tutorials for frog, cat, sheep’s brain, or cow’s eye dissections. Included for comparison are two eThemes resources on human anatomy and physiology, and an eThemes resource on frogs.
Science: Environmental Justice: These sites cover topics about global warming, clean water, natural resources, greenhouse emissions. Here are diverse materials such as case studies, games, lesson plans, and interactive activities for teaching and learning environmental justice. Includes eThemes resources on global warming and the greenhouse effect.
Seasons: Spring: These sites have spring crafts, worksheets, and lesson plans. One link is a slide show created by elementary school students. There are links to eThemes on kites and Easter.
Solar System: Uranus: Learn about the seventh planet from the Sun – Uranus. These pages include information about the planet’s geological formation, atmosphere, magnetic field, satellites and rings. Here kids can also find information about space mission to Uranus, view photos sent from space and learn about mysteries surrounding the planet and its moons. These sites include worksheets, activities, puzzles, quizzes and coloring pages. Also included are eThemes Resources on Rotation, Revolution, and the Universe.
Transportation: Overview: These sites give a brief overview of the history of transportation. Topics covered include women in transportation, museum information, and more. Links to eThemes Resources on specific modes of transportation are included.
Web Design: Examples of Elementary Student Pages: These sites are examples of Web sites created by students. For some pages, the students researched a topic and then wrote an online report with links. Other sites include student artwork. There are links to eThemes Resources on HTML, Internet Safety, and free image collections.
World Data: These sites include information on world data. They include worldwide statistical information related to gender; age; schooling; and ownership of electronics, vehicles and pets. A link to eThemes Resource: Overpopulation is included.

Updated eThemes for the week of May 13, 2013

Alamo

These sites are about the Alamo and the Mexican-American War. Take a 360-degree virtual tour of the site and view many photos. There are timelines and first-person accounts. Includes information on Sam Houston, Spanish missions, and the Southwest region of the United States.

Ancient India

This site is about ancient India and provides basic as well as advanced information, lesson plans, interactive activities, and short videos. Indludes information about this ancient society’s accomplishments, leaders, and culture through the variety of information given in the links. Also included are eThemes Resources on the country of India.

Author Study: Lois Ehlert

This site is variety of art and literacy activities based on Lois Ehlert’s books are provided. Also includes an interview with Lois Ehlert and several classroom designed videos are also provided.

Author Study: Rick Riordan

These sites are about the author Rick Riordan and “The Percy Jackson” series. The “39 Clues” series and “The Kane Chronicles” series are also presented. Includes games, author interviews, and interactive maps with numerous links to search.

Batik

Business: Market Research for Small Businesses

This site provides information on market research for small businesses. Included is information on what marketing is, how to gather marketing information, and how to start a business. There are also examples of student-created businesses activity and how to write a business plan.

Chemistry: Chemical Reactions

These sites demonstrate the different types of chemical reactions. Students can see videos of more dangerous or complex reactions, and laboratory experiments are included. Also included are eThemes resources on Chemical Equations and
Oxidation-Reduction Reactions.

Chemistry: Oxidation-Reduction Reactions

These sites provide information on oxidation-reduction, or redox, reactions. Most sites are informational, with some practice problems. Also included are some interactive tutorials, interactive games, and a board game.

Chinese Folklore

Corporal Punishment in Schools

Country: Argentina

Country: Japan

Desalination

Energy: Renewable and Non-Renewable

These websites are about energy resources, but renewable and non-renewable. You can find information on fossil fuels, solar power, wind power, geothermal energy, hydroelectricity, biomass energy, fuel cells, and nuclear power. There are statistics, experiments, videos, interviews with scientists, and lesson plans.

Ethanol

Financial Analysis

Friction

Health: Consumer and Community Health

These sites cover consumer and community health issues such as keeping the environment safe for residents as well as the importance of first aid and immunizations. Includes interactives, activities to download, and videos about finding and using available health related resources. Also includes eThemes resources on Environmental Health.

Health: Environmental Health

This site provides a wealth of links to environmental health issues aimed at children and teens. Information for parents and educators is also included in many of the links. Interactive games, puzzles, downloads for hand-outs are also included for teaching. Included are eThemes resources on Recycling.

Health: Mental and Emotional Health

This site provides resources for mental and emotional health. Includes links on the topics of bullying, getting along with others, tolerance,and sexual harassment. There are links to eThemes resources on Cyberbullying and Bullying.

Health: Personal Health and Safety

This site provides information for students to become aware in the event of an emergency. Weapon safety, first aid, and how to respond in an emergency are highlighted. Games, group activities, and using literature in safety lessons are given.

Health: Prevention and Control of Disease

This site provides a multitude of resources for students to learn how to prevent and control diseases. Includes audio articles about communicable and noncommunicable diseases as well as activities involving historical fiction and epidemics. There are also eThemes Resources on Communicable and Non-communicable Diseases, Germs: Infection, Detection and Protection, Polio, Environmental Health, and the Flu.

Health: Diet and Nutrition

These sites are about good nutrition and healthy diets. Learn about the food pyramid and how food is good for the body. Topics include how to read food labels and look for additives. There are also online games and quizzes about nutrition.

Holocaust

These sites are about the Holocaust and the devastating impact that it had on Jewish people and others. Also includes information about Adolf Hitler, concentration camps, crematoriums, and resistance fighters. There are videos of survivors talking about their experiences, plus many photos. Includes links to eThemes Resources on World War II and “The Diary of Anne Frank.”

Labor Unions in the Workforce

Literature: "Chains" by Laurie Halse Anderson

Literature: "Sense and Sensibility" by Jane Austen

Literature: "Transall Saga" by Gary Paulsen

Math: Linear Functions

These sites are about linear functions. Interactive tools show changes in the graph of a function with changes in the slope and intercept. See example problems, problem solving guides, and video lessons. Also included is a link to the eThemes resource on Quadratic Functions.

Math: Algebra

Learn about basic algebra principles. These sites have information on how to simplify using the distributive property, and how to transform using the commutative and associative properties, and solving systems of equations with two variables. Investigate quadratic equations. Includes links to eThemes resources on geometry and conic sections.

Math: Complex Numbers

Math: Division

These sites have games and quizzes that test students’ division skills. Includes sites with printable pages of practice problems. There is a link to an eThemes Resource on multiplication.

Native Americans: Navajo

These sites focus on Navajo Indians and their Hogan homes. The sites discuss the Navajo people, their culture, and their history.

Photojournalism

Physical Education: Jump Rope

Physics: Newton's Laws of Motion

Plants: Poisonous and Toxic

There are links to eThemes Resources on Missouri: Native Shrubs, Missouri: Native Trees, and Missouri: Native Wildflowers.

Reading Skills: Visualizing

Science: Genetic Engineering Through Science Fiction

This site provides information on genetic engineering through science fiction and includes Scott Westerfeld’s book, Leviathan, as well as links to information on genetics and cloning. Several links provide information on genetics and ethics. A webquest is available for students to become informed on genetic engineering.

Science: Greenhouse Effect

Teaching Tips: Digital Citizenship

Technology: Twitter

Trigonometry

These sites are about trigonometry from angles, to trigonometric identities and functions. Some pages give an overview of concepts, others include video lectures, or interactive objects. Some lesson plans and sample problems are also included.

U.S. Government: Separation of Powers

Visit this site to learn how the Federal Government prevents one branch of government from becoming too powerful. The history of separation of powers is given along with examples of forms of government in other countries. Interactive games are challenging and assist students in applying their knowledge of what each branch does. A video explains simply the importance of separation of power. eThemes Resources on the executive branch and how a bill becomes a law are given for further information.

Writing: Letters of Apology

This site provides links writing letters of apology in writing instruction. Several interactive sites are provided for students to practice writing letters of apology. Additional sites provides springboards for discussion of making apologies and how to translate feelings into a letter of apology. Includes eThemes Resources on Letter Writing for Upper Grades.

Teaching Tips: Study Groups

These resources provide several frameworks for designing and facilitating study groups for educators. Included are research articles and examples of successful study groups.

Teaching Tips: iPods in Education

These sites focus on integrating iPods in elementary education. Find many possibilities of using iPods in education and learn how teachers incorporate iPods into regular and special education classrooms. Includes lesson plans and video clips. There are also links to eThemes Resources on Podcasting: Educational Examples and Technology: Audios for Podcasting.

University of Missouri

eThemes

New & Updated

New eThemes for the week of May 13, 2013

Updated eThemes for the week of May 13, 2013

New eThemes for the week of May 13, 2013

Updated eThemes for the week of May 13, 2013

Find Your eThemes

Improve Your Teaching

Select Your Resources