Instructify

BY BILL FERRIS

It’s been far too long since we’ve done a Random Roundup. For this month, we’ll feature posts that mention that bastion of educational programming, PBS.

Stop by Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood on the web
When I was a kid, I always wanted to go to Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. Like actually go there, meet Speedy Delivery, check out the Trolley, all of it. If I’d only had the good sense to be born twenty years later, I could have paid a visit via the internet to the excellent Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood website.

Don’t get fingered for the crime: PBS DNA Fingerprinting
The scenario at PBS’s DNA Fingerprinting site begins with a young man who discovers his “most valuable possession – his NOVA holographic lollipop,” turned into a “sticky mess.” The possible culprits are Jimmy’s seven sisters. Luckily, DNA samples from all of them are available and all you have to do is create a DNA fingerprint from the saliva left on the lollipop.

The sounds of history on PBS Kids Jazz website
At the end of African American History Month, I always find myself thinking about how to make the study of African American history a year-long effort rather than a token month of celebration. PBS Kids offers an attractive jazz website for kids that could be used to integrate African American history into a writing, art, or music unit any time of the year. The site complements the terrific selection of beautiful and rhythmic children’s books about jazz greats that are already out there and creates an opportunity to talk about race in the context of musical history.

Make science snappy for primary grades with Sid the Science Kid
We all LOVE Sesame Street, and many of us in primary know what an under-appreciated jewel Between the Lions is. But have you heard about Sid the Science Kid? This new series aims to promote scientific thinking (with some math included) for the pre-school and primary set. The show has investigations into everyday things that kids observe (one upcoming episode is about how Sid thinks his shoes are “shrinking” and what he finds out), and a snappy song to explain the concepts explored.

Access, Analyze, Act: Three cheers for representative democracy!
Every four years, men with funny names and expensive suits begin proposing vague solutions to our country’s problems. In November, citizens are asked to choose one of these men to lead the executive branch of the United States government. You probably refer to this event as a “Presidential Election.” Your students probably refer to it as “Boring.” Fortunately, PBS has developed an excellent online curriculum guide for this year’s election. The site is called Access, Analyze, Act: A Blueprint for 21st Century Civic Engagement. Naturally, the site is divided into three main sections, each containing a set of lesson plans.

Photo credit: Kermit on Tour on Flickr.