Celebrate Buffalo Soldiers Day!

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 July 28th is Buffalo Soldiers Day. Officially recognized in 1992, it commemorates the 1866 formation of six cavalry and infantry regiments of African American soldiers after Congress passed the Army Reorganization Act. Buffalo Soldiers were African American soldiers who served on the Western Frontier after the Civil War. The name Buffalo Soldiers is said … read more »


Celebrate Public Service Day Virtually

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June 23 is Public Service Day. Created by the United Nations in 2003, this observance celebrates the value of public service to the community, recognizes the work of public servants, and encourages young people to explore public service careers. The implementation of social distancing guidelines creates obstacles to in-person celebrations and recognition of public service … read more »


Celebrating 220 Years of the Library of Congress!

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 The Library of Congress was founded on April 24, 1800, to provide books for Congress’s use. Over time, its mission expanded, allowing it to be viewed as a national institution and, therefore, the national library. The current building was completed and opened to the public in 1897. Since then, the library’s offerings and resources … read more »


National Kindergarten Day Lesson Plans From TeachersFirst

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Kindergarten children are confident in spirit, infinite in resources, and eager to learn. Everything is still possible. Robert Fulgham German educator Friedrich Fröbel, the founder of the first play and activity institute, was born on April 21, 1782. His institute, which opened in 1837, became known as ‘kindergarten’ or children’s garden. In the United States, … read more »


Let’s Talk About: Curation for Knowledge Construction

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As teachers, we curate things all of the time.  Our Pinterest accounts have boards like “Makerspace Ideas”, “STEM Challenges”, “Bulletin Board Ideas”,  and “Word Walls”. Gathering, selecting, and organizing resources takes time, but allows you to hone in on the important nuances of a big idea that you are wrestling with.  It took me a … read more »


Tech Tool of the Month: Adobe Spark Video Part 2

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In part 1 of this blog, you were introduced to Adobe Spark Video. This amazing and free tool allows you to create beautiful and brilliant videos in a few minutes. There are prompts to follow as you begin to create and add slides, text, videos, photos, music, and more. You have options for the font, … read more »


International Polar Bear Day

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February 27 is International Polar Bear Day. This day offers an opportunity to pay attention to polar bears and the dangers they face due to climate warming. It is also an excellent way to engage students with real-world connections to animals, climate, environment, habitats, and more.  One way to engage students in learning is by … read more »


Tech Tool of the Month: TES Blendspace Part 2

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In Part 1 of this blog, you were introduced to TES Blendspace. This free tool allows you to create interactive, online lessons. Yesterday we shared an overview of the tool. We also discussed the application of both the SAMR model and the TRIPLE E Frameworks as you integrate TES Blendspace into your instruction. Today’s post … read more »


Science Fiction: Why you should be using it with your students!

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On December 17, 1969, Project Blue Book ended.  What was Project Blue Book? It was the United States Air Forces’ investigation into UFOs. From 1952 to the end of 1969, if you wanted a UFO sighting investigated, you could fill out a questionnaire with the US Air Force, and they would investigate it for you. … read more »


STEM for Littles

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Have you found it hard to find engaging STEM activities for younger students?  If you are like me, you may have spent way too much time searching the internet with little success. Or perhaps you find great lessons, but they aren’t easily adaptable for younger students. The Picture Stem Project (TeachersFirst review) is a STEM … read more »