Polar Husky Alert: View-as-Book

Passing on some information from Education Basecamp!

Happy Presidents Day from Education Basecamp!

We wanted to let you know that Module 1 is now available through the view-as-book feature in Get Curriculum of Support at PolarHuksy.com. Please take some time to familiarize yourself with this resource-saving feature.

There are multiple ways to utilize this feature and there are many ways one could search for a particular page within Module 1.

Here is an example we have come-up with for helping you with the ‘Search the publication’ feature:

You are looking for Teacher Notes 1-6a “Amundsen” to project as suggested in the CAAG.

Type Amundsen in the ‘Search this publication’ field and click return. Five pages are returned that contain the word Amundsen. Click on the thumbnail version that most resembles the page you are searching for (in this case it would be that last page with the color map and image of a person with a
flag.)

Please note: searching by “Teacher Notes” or “Teacher Notes 1-6a” will bring back all pages that have the words Teacher Notes and also all pages that have a 1, 6 or ‘a’ following these words Teacher Notes. This may not be the most effective way to search.

As time allows, please familiarize yourself with how the view-as-book feature works and learn what is the best way for you to navigate to what you are looking for. We’ve heard that many of you find it to be a great time saver (and we love that it helps save trees too!).

If you come-up with an ingenious way to search, please share it with us! Beginning March 2, Technical Stuff in Forum of Support will be the place to let everyone know so that they can benefit from what you’ve found/learned. In the interim, share it with Education Basecamp at howl@polarhusky.com and we’ll share your EUREKA! moment with everyone.

Share what you learn. You never know how we might choose to say thanks.

Think Snow!

Education Basecamp
GoNorth! adventure learning series for the K-12 classroom

University of Minnesota
130D Peik Hall
159 Pillsbury Dr SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455

P: 612-625-8550
F: 612-624-8277
E: info@polarhusky.com

Explore the Arctic and experience adventure learning online!
Visit: http://www.PolarHuksy.com

The View’s Joy Behar Calls Homeschoolers Demented

I guess I am not so shocked at anything that is said on The View but I guess I am most put off in the casual way that Behar says that ‘a lot of homeschoolers are demented’ and that they ‘learn to be afraid of other children’. Her attitude more than the words bother me. Start listening at the 5:45 mark and you will see what I mean. Kudos to Elisabeth Hasselbeck (with whom I have not always agreed) for her support.

So, what do you think?

Unschooling Conference in San Diego

Thought I would pass on this newsblast I got about an upcoming unschooling conference. Sounds like a great opportunity. I will pass on any other news about that gets sent to me.

I wanted to let everyone know there is an unschooling conference being planned in San Diego for September 10-13, 2009! Good Vibrations Unschooling Conference. It’s going to be an amazing event. My good friend is the organizer and she has an incredible speaker line-up already, and lots of creative workshop ideas (I’m not allowed to divulge all the info yet).

You can sign up for a newsletter on the website http://www.goodvibrationsconference.com

Help Homeschoolers Raffle for Disneyland

For our 2nd Annual Not Back to School Days at Disneyland, September 15-18, 2008, we have over 1200 people registered and prepaid. Included in that registration, are 9 families that SHEA has sponsored to go on the trip who otherwise could not have afforded to do so.

To help raise the funds for this sponsorship, we received generous donations including a Carnival Cruise for a family of four (upgrades are available for larger families) a Wii game system, and an Ipod. These prizes will be awarded on September 15, 2008 during our talent show and dinner which will be held from 5-7:30pm at Disneyland’s Paradise Pier hotel Pacific Ballroom.

Tickets are still available for this spectacular show, where homeschoolers provide the entertainment while you enjoy a scrumptious buffet prepared by Disney’s chefs! Price to attend is just $33 for adults (ages 10 and up) and $20 for kids (ages 3-9). Remember, that price includes dinner AND a show!

If you are unable to attend the show, won’t you please consider assisting us with the sponsorship by purchasing a raffle ticket today? For each $5.00 donation, you will receive one entry into the drawing and you could win the cruise (next year’s family vacation would be all taken care of!), the Wii (wouldn’t that be a great gift for your family?), or the Ipod (wouldn’t that be great for yourself?).

You do not need to be present to win, just be sure your ticket purchase includes a valid address and contact information. We need to sell 1000 tickets to completely fund the 9 families, so be sure to pass this around to all your local groups and affiliates. You do not have to be a homeschooler to buy a raffle ticket!

Thanks, and to find out more about SHEA, or purchase your tickets, visit our website today:

http://www.southwest-home-education.com

Controversial California Homeschool Case

If you have not heard about the recent decision in California to order some homeschool kids back in school, you should read this first Judge orders homeschoolers into government education. There has been a huge public outcry about this decision. Below is a statement from one of the Legal Chairs of a CA Homeschool Group. I think it makes sense for all of us to sit back and let them do their jobs.

Hype about the case and plea to remain calm

I have been astonished about the hype about this case. So many have
been making sensational claims that parents will be criminally
prosecuted, etc.

Please rest assured about a number of things. First, the law, other
than this court’s interpretation, hasn’t changed. Parents involved in
a truancy prosecution might face criminal charges, but only after a
rather lengthy series of hearings and court orders, and only if the
parents failed to comply with the orders. It would be a criminal
contempt charge, which isn’t nothing but doesn’t land you in Pelican Bay.

We have never known conscientious parents ever to be prosecuted under
truancy laws to the point of contempt charges. It’s highly unlikely.

The media also appear to be saying that no one can teach their
children without a credential. I am not certain that the holding is
that broad, and I also doubt it would survive legal challenge.

The holding really applied to private ISPs (there are persistent
mistatements, that began with fact statements in the case, that the
family was enrolled in a charter. Obviously a school with the name
“Christian” in it wouldn’t be a public charter. It was a private
ISP). It could be read by someone reading broadly as applying to any
situation where the child is not continuously in the presence of a
credentialed teacher.

The court started on a very slippery path of appearing to think that
some situations were OK and others weren’t, effectively trying to
enact an entire code of regulations for governing this situation from
the bench. He hasn’t been given the constitutional authority, of
course, to do this.

How do we get rid of this case?

There are a number of paths. One is seeking actual review by the
Supreme Court. HSC and at least several of the other major groups’
legal teams aren’t in favor of that. Even if you could get the court
to accept your petition (they only take 3-5% of cases), the chances
that it will be decided the way you want aren’t real good. It’s a very
dangerous road to take, because if the Supreme Court were to affirm
the appellate court ruling on either of the main points
(constitutional or statutory), there aren’t many options left. The
constitutional argument, of course, could be appealed to the US
Supreme Court, but the statutory case about the proper interpretation
of the California Education Code could not. California Supreme Court
is the last stop on that road. If that happens, then you have two bad
choices that I’ll discuss below.

There is another much easier choice, and it’s the one we want, as well
as the one being trumpeted in the HSLDA petition. You ask the
California Supreme Court to depublish the opinion, or, in other words,
have them say that while this might have been the right result in this
particular case involving this particular set of facts, the court
finds that the reach of the opinion is overbroad and should not become
law for the entire state. That is the choice we all (meaning HSC and,
I believe, the other groups) want.

You get this by filing a letter with the Supreme Court in compliance
with the applicable rules of court. While anyone can file one by
stating their interest, we DO NOT think it is an appropriate use of
grassroots activism. We DO NOT want every HSC member or HSLDA member
or grandmother or irate citizen dashing off their letters to the
Supreme Court. There are sober, measured, legal arguments to make
about why depublication is appropriate, and those arguments are made
after researching the applicable standards, etc. The Supreme Court
will not be swayed positively by public outcry. In fact, it could
backfire, and backfire badly.

If the Supreme Court affirms on the statutory points, then the two bad
choices are to either seek legislation or to do nothing and hope that
a further case is brought that can involve a better set of facts and
better explanation of the issues (and reaching a better result). Both
are very dangerous. Legislation isn’t the answer because of the
extraordinary strength of the teachers’ union. It is unlikely we will
see any legislation ultimately pass that gives us the freedom we have
today. And the second choice is dangerous. I know lots of families
that would make terrific test case defendants — they’re
conscientious, they actually get their kids educated, they follow the
laws. But we don’t get to pick who the family is. As a friend of
mine said, we couldn’t have gotten a worse set of facts for this case
if we had a contest.

We are trying to get one or more of the fanciest law firms in the
state to help us on taking the fangs out of this case. We know what
we’re doing. Please let us do our jobs.

I would be personally, professionally, and, as a representative of
HSC, globally grateful if everyone on this list would calm down and
ask others to calm down. Specifically, I would ask people:

a. Not to write to the Supreme Court or any court.

b. Not to talk to their legislators or make any public statements
about a need for legislation.

c. Tell their neighbors, friends, lists, groups both of the above and
to educate them about the choices available and about how panic isn’t
necessary, marches on Sacramento aren’t necessary, etc.

I wish this were the type of situation where we could put the fury,
passion and energy of the members of this list to good use. Trust me,
if we end up having to go the legislative route, we will have that
situation at some points. But this isn’t that type of situation, and
too many folks stirring things up hurts instead of helps.

Thanks for listening.

Debbie Schwarzer HSC Legal Team Co-chair

New Homeschool Guide to Project FeederWatch

Homeschool students across North America can learn about science and have fun while they count birds and record information that scientists need to understand the movements and abundance of feeder birds. Project FeederWatch, a citizen-science project from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Bird Studies Canada, is a perfect fit for the homeschool curriculum. The */Homeschooler’s Guide to Project FeederWatch/* is now available online at
http://www.feederwatch.org. This guide highlights specific ways Project FeederWatch can foster inquiry-based learning in math, science, art, and other disciplines.

Project FeederWatch focuses on something children are naturally interested in: birds. “Birds move, they come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes, and they are easy to watch,” says project leader David Bonter.

For 20 years FeederWatch participants from all across North America have tallied the number and kinds of birds that visit their feeders between November and April. Scientists use the data to track where the birds are across the continent and how their numbers change through time. Some of
the most dramatic changes revealed by data collected over the last two decades may be related to changes in climate.

“We’re seeing hummingbirds much farther north than usual during the winter,” says Bonter. “Warblers, wrens, woodpeckers, and other insect-eaters are also lingering longer into the northern winter, possibly because of warmer temperatures. Bird-count data gathered in the coming years will really help us focus on these trends and what might be causing them.”

The curriculum is available to download for free at the Project FeederWatch web site. An annual participation fee of $15 ($12 for Lab of Ornithology members, $35 Canadian) covers the cost of the Project FeederWatch research kit, with useful materials for a homeschooling program, including instructions and a calendar that features bird photos taken by project participants. The fee also helps support web site development, participant support and education, and data analysis.

First-time participants receive a colorful poster to help them identify birds, and the /FeederWatch Handbook/, filled with information about bird feeding and the value of FeederWatch data. Participants also receive /Winter Bird Highlights/, featuring results from the project, and a subscription to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s newsletter, /BirdScope./ Canadian participants receive /BirdWatch Canada/ from Bird Studies Canada.

U.S. residents can sign up by calling (800) 843-2473 or by visiting http://www.feederwatch.org/. Canadian residents should call (888) 448-2473, or visit http://www.bsc-eoc.org/national/pfw.html.

Become a National Argonaut

I got this today from the Jason Project and thought I would pass it on. Wish my kids were old enough. This looks so cool!

Do you love exploration and discovery?
Apply today to become a National Argonaut!

The JASON Project is looking for energetic students and teachers to go into the field and work side-by-side with leading scientists from National Geographic Society, NASA, NOAA and other prestigious organizations.

Joined by video production crews, JASON Argonauts will conduct cutting-edge science, become featured in new curriculum used in classrooms worldwide and serve as science ambassadors at-large!

Your responsibilities will include:

An intensive week-long “Boot Camp” to prepare you for science fieldwork
An onsite expedition with world-class Host Researchers who are experts in the next curriculum topic: energy!
Refining and reviewing curriculum components such as videos, digital labs and Web site materials
Interacting with JASON students and teachers everywhere via speaking engagements, message board postings, Web casts, and podcasts
Mentoring other students and teachers and becoming a role model in the JASON community!
Apply early for the Argonaut competition! The application deadline is Monday, March 3, 2008 with selections announced in June. Students must be age 14 or 15 by June 1, 2008 and teachers should have five years of classroom experience to be eligible.

JASON Argonauts come from all backgrounds and all walks of life. Click here now to get started on the experience of a lifetime!

Learn More About JASON Argonauts!

Apply Now to Become a National Argonaut!

GoNorth! Fennoscandia 2008 kicks-off 2-11

This is an awesome program that I have written about in the past. To read my previous entries on the subject, click here: Follow Arctic Explorers on a Dogsled Expedition
Below is an update sent to me from the program that I wanted to pass on!

Greetings from Education Basecamp!

It is that time of year again! The dog yard is buzzing with Polar Huskies training for the expedition trail and we are on the final stretch getting ready for the LIVE program ahead…

GoNorth! Fennoscandia 2008 kicks-off Monday, February 11th at 8:00AM CST!

We are thrilled to announce that the changeover at PolarHusky.com for the upcoming adventure learning expedition has launched. This means a couple of things-

You will now be able to find information about the upcoming program taking us all on a journey to Arctic Sweden, Finland and Norway. The change-over is a work in progress and the site will continue to be updated on a daily basis with new sections and updated content.

Make sure to set your browser to “automatically refresh” whenever you log on (and at the same time clear your history). This will ensure that you are not seeing “old pages.”

The changeover also means that if you are looking to access last year’s program GoNorth! Chukotka 2007, you will have to click on one of the ’spots’ provided that link to this past adventure learning program – or go to the Past Programs page in the Adventure Learning section of Support and select it there.

As for the GoNorth! Curriculum and Activity Guide 2008, the wait is almost over. We are very hesitant to put an exact day out there simply because we do not want to disappoint – but we feel confident that we shall be able to deliver by the end of next week. We will alert you immediately as the modules become available.

This years Guide will again consist of four modules – which will all become available then. The environmental question we set out to explore is “deforestation and sustainable development” as we travel with the Sámi people in the Sápmi region of Fennoscandia. The modules are:

Module 1 – Arctic Explorations: Planning an Expedition Almost every corner of this plant has been explored… and mapped. The making of maps and other navigational skills have played a significant role in the study of exploration. Less recognized is the importance of the traditional knowledge form the Native Arctic peoples. These people have lived in and survived the harsh Arctic conditions for thousands of years.
Their knowledge, passed from generation to generation, is critical to each culture’s lifestyle, identity, and social structure. Today, like other explorers before, we continue to learn from their knowledge and experiences. Through field explorations and scientific study we will search for clues to discover the effects of modern day problems like climate change. Chat topic: Arctic Exploration.

Module 2 – People & Culture: Self-Determination One way to view history is as a struggle to extend basic, inalienable human rights to every person, regardless of ethnicity, color, or creed. This is certainly the story of the Sámi, who have overcome centuries of political disenfranchisement to emerge as a whole and vibrant culture. It’s also a true description of the African American struggle to achieve full civil rights in the United States. In this section, we will explore the concepts of human rights and the freedom of expression, not only as it related to the Sámi peoples and the American Civil Rights Movement, but as it applies to your students’ classroom and school halls. Chat topic: Globalization.

Module 3 – Natural Resources: Sustainable Development The world’s population is not only growing, but industrializing-and placing increasing strains on the planet’s natural resources. This growing demand for minerals, fuels, forest products, and even water and air, has changed the value that we give to land. In this module, we explore the notions of “place” and “value,” focusing not only on sustainable natural resource extraction, but also on the personal and cultural connections that we place on natural spaces. Chat topic: World Resources.

Module 4 – Flora & Fauna: Climate Change Fennoscandia, where Team GoNorth! is traveling, includes high mountainous regions, Arctic tundra, and vast tracts of boreal forests. The animals and plants of these ecosystems have adapted to the harsh northern climate. The Sámi people, too, have developed cultural adaptations, including a special relationship with reindeer, that help them thrive in the harsh conditions.
The climate and ecosystems of Fennoscandia are changing rapidly, however, and have an uncertain future. Exploring the dynamic of climate change and Arctic ecosystems, we investigate the consequences of these changes to the region of Fennoscandia, and to the daily lives of its inhabitants. Chat
topic: Climate Chaos.

As always, thank you for being part of the team and please do not hesitate to contact Education Basecamp with any questions you may have.

Think Snow!

-Education Basecamp

GoNorth! – Adventure Learning for the K-12 Classroom

University of Minnesota
130D Peik Hall
159 Pillsbury Dr SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455

P: 612-625-8550
F: 612-624-8277
E: info@polarhusky.com

Explore the Arctic and experience adventure learning online!
Visit: http://www.polarhusky.com

NEA 2007 Resolution degrades homeschooling

The following NEA Resolution is being talked about all over the web. As a former NEA member and now a homeschooling mom I find this interesting. The statement: “parental choice cannot provide the student with a comprehensive education experience” really has me worked up. Excuse me, I have a M.A.Ed. I am certainly more qualified to teach my own children than the long term sub hired that has a two year degree. Beyond my personal qualifications though, I have never, ever met a homeschooling familiy that wasn’t doing a better job than a public school. We WANT to do this. Therefore, we are COMMITTED to this process and strive to make it the best possible experience for our entire family. The sad fact is that I spent 6 years of my life in ‘teacher training’ courses. They should have been called ‘Zoo Management 101′. I guess you can’t expect anything different from the NEA but I bet most, if not all, of their teachers would agree that one on one education cannot be beat!

The National Educational Association in their 2007-2008 Resolutions has taken a stand against homeschooling.

It reads “The National Education Association believes that home schooling programs based on parental choice cannot provide the student with a comprehensive education experience. When home schooling occurs, students enrolled must meet all state curricular requirements, including the taking and passing of assessments to ensure adequate academic progress. Home schooling should be limited to the children of the immediate family, with all expenses being borne by the parents/guardians. Instruction should be by persons who are licensed by the appropriate state education licensure agency, and a curriculum approved by the state department of education should be used.
The Association also believes that home-schooled students should not participate in any extracurricular activities in the public schools. The Association further believes that local public school systems should have the authority to determine grade placement and/or credits earned toward graduation for students entering or re-entering the public school setting from a home school setting.”

Statistics have shown that homeschooled students do exceptionally well. They excel (and win) spelling bees, score high on tests like the SAT, and go on to be accepted into many colleges. One Source: http://www.chec.org/Legislative/News/HomeschoolingStatistics/Index.html

Homeschoolers also find benefits in co-op classes contrary to the NEA belief that students should only be instructed by their immediate families.

Take a moment to tell the NEA that homeschooling is a real option that does produce wonderfully rounded and educated members of society.

Sound off about this here: Homeschool Petition

Connect With the Troops

This is being billed as a ‘classroom project’ but I have read the rules and it looks as though homeschoolers can participate. It looks like a great project for those of you with kids who like to scrapbook!

From the site:

The “World’s Largest Scrapbook – with messages for the troops” came about as a result of numerous requests from teachers who were looking for a creative collective method for their students to send their messages of support to the troops.

Letters to the troops are certainly always appreciated! Just recently, we received an email back from a soldier who stated: “It really feels good to hear from you all. Makes us feel good here knowing that you are back home supporting us! The cookies were great too!”

Here we have embraced a method of scrapbooking and designed a series of free downloads for your students to use. We also have included Lesson Plans that will assist you in making this activity into a learning experience.

We encourage your input and creativity. We will include essays, journaling projects and messages. We look forward to building a scrapbook that will be a one-of-kind for our troops. We want to hear from you and your students, and welcome any personal articles and thank-you’s. Page format is 8 ½” x 11″.

We respectively request that all pages/content submitted be appropriate in design and content for our mission: support the troops. We also ask that you do not include any last names of the students, or home addresses. Deadline is December 31, 2007.

Click here for the official submission guidelines.

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