Understanding latitude & longitude is essential in every elementary social studies class, every middle school class in history and geography, and in every high school course in World Geography, U. S. History, and World History. Every point on the Earth has a unique global address, which is described by the system of latitude and longitude. With today’s satellite navigation systems, we can find latitude and longitude positions with an accuracy of a few centimeters. This program describes how the system of latitude and longitude works, clearly defining key terms and concepts with the use of diagrams, illustrations, and video footage. The history of latitude and longitude is examined, from the early experiments and charts of Eratosthenes and Ptolemy to the inventions of the late 18th century allowing mariners to find longitude at sea. The video also reviews the use of latitude and longitude today, including electronic navigation and Global Positioning System satellite technology.

Correlates to the National Science Education Standards developed by the National Academies of Science, Project 2061 Benchmarks for Science Literacy from the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the National Geography Standards from the National Geographic Society. (30-minute DVD)

Seen by many Civil War historians as the turning-point battle of the American Civil War, this particular element of the battle, Pickett's Charge, was the turning point in this famous battle. At the height of the Civil War’s most decisive battle, did a picket fence foil Pickett’s Charge? This fascinating program analyzes many of the key tactical considerations at the battle of Gettysburg using ballistics demonstrations, select reenactments, terrain evaluation, original photographs, and casualty assessments based on a recently discovered map of the initial burials. A timeline of the campaign and commentary are provided by military historians, battlefield guides, and experts, including John Michael Priest, author of Into the Fight, and Dr. Gary Gallagher, Professor of History at the University of Virginia. A Discovery Channel Production. (50 minute DVD)

Classroom teachers at all levels deal with management. Establishing procedures and routines in any classroom is a valuable asset to managing the classroom. This program takes a holistic approach to classroom management with a mix of preventive strategies and damage control that will enable teachers to retain order so they can more effectively educate their students. Topics range from the concrete—classroom rules, seating plans, rewards, positive class routines, and approaches to starting and concluding lessons—to the more conceptual, covering topics such as the contribution of non-differentiated curricular structures to negative behavior and maintaining a 3-to-1 ratio of positive-to-corrective interactions. An excellent tool for new teachers—and for experienced teachers looking for fresh management strategies. Viewable/printable educational resources are available online. (27 minute DVD)

Beginning teachers all over the world face many of the same challenges, and this video, set in Australia, does a good job of providing valuable advice and a variety of strategies to support new educators as they prepare for their first teaching assignment. The work of a teacher is complex, and the demands—to develop lesson plans, instruct with confidence and clarity, establish classroom routines, set boundaries for student behavior, and so much more—can be quite overwhelming. The Beginning Teacher can be reviewed by student teachers as they prepare for their internships and by newly-employed teachers as they prepare for their first days of school. Program segments include “You’re a New Teacher—Now What?”; “Your First Day, First Class, First Week”; “Becoming Involved in the Wider School Culture”; and “Survival Strategies.” Viewable/printable educational resources are available online. (23 minute DVD)

Teachers everywhere, in elementary, middle-school, and high-school situations, need to maintain a healthy lifestyle in order to cope with the demands of their important jobs. To avoid burnout, it is imperative that educators approach teaching with an awareness of potential job-related stressors and techniques for creating a healthy work/life balance. This program follows two veteran teachers living in Australia through a typical work day to illustrate how they strike a balance between their personal and professional lives. In addition, The Healthy Teacher offers advice on aspects of general wellness in the areas of eating, physical fitness, and mental health. An informative, practical, and motivational resource for new, experienced, and returning teachers. Viewable/printable educational resources are available online. (23 minute DVD)

Current events and media study are at home in every social studies class, whether at the elementary, middle school, or secondary level. The rapidity at which things are changing in media presentation modes is nearly breathtaking. We are living in a world where your cell phone can be more sophisticated than many computers, and information access is fast, efficient, and global. No social studies teacher can avoid the inclusion of media study in today's world. Every year, pundits and innovators prematurely predict the triumph of New Media. But as consumer demand for anytime/anywhere news and entertainment reaches critical mass, the end might finally be drawing near. This fast-paced three-part series seeks to understand the seismic changes going on in the media industry by analyzing the current state of Old Media and its fleet-footed competition. Have TV, radio, and print finally outlived their relevance? Original CBC broadcast title: The End. 3-part series, 23 minutes each DVD.

Media ownership and the influence of ownership on media coverage and delivery is a topic of essential interest to every citizen. High school social studies teachers should pursue this topic with vigor, and encourage student discussion and debate. Local news is the heartbeat of democracy, so why is it disappearing from communities around the nation? In this program, Bill Moyers talks with journalist Rick Karr and media activist Hannah Sassaman about the uncertain future of America’s low-power radio stations, which in many cases are the last media outlets covering important local events. Also, Moyers and FCC Commissioner Michael Copps discuss regulatory rules being considered that will redefine the ownership and control permitted media conglomerates. What would an even stronger Big Media mean for objectivity and the marketplace of ideas, and what are the potential implications for the Internet—currently free and unfettered? 2007. (58 minute DVD)

Based on the popular and provocative book, Seeing Through Maps, this new DVD provides a fascinating 30-minute exploration into the minds of twelve mapmakers and how their unique backgrounds, philosophies, values, and politics led each to select a particular mathematical formula to create their maps. Learn about the impact those world images have had on us, consciously and unconsciously. An invaluable resource for classes dealing with issues of cultural bias and ethnocentrism. Includes over 70 Powerpoint images and more.

Producer Ruth Abrams from Brookline, MA retired from her job as Director of Amenities at New England Baptist Hospital in 1994. At 70 years old with a undergraduate degree in photography she decided to go back to school to study videography. Since that time she has won seven awards for her video work including the 1998 Massachusetts Cable Television Division; 2000 Hometown USA National Festival; and the 2003 Alliance for Community Media. Her collage and assemblage work has also been shown at many venues around Boston including Newbury College Gallery and the Boston Museum of Science.

A wonderful 4 video package that gives you a real feel for the nation's heartland. From the River's beginning at Lake Itasca in Minnesota to its Louisiana and New Orleans destination, the Mississippi

presents an exciting set of opportunities for teachers, parents, and students. An opportunity to experience the wide variety of types of music and of musical contexts that run through the heartland of our nation. An opportunity to explore the basic ideas, attitudes, and emotions that are expressed through our music. And an opportunity to investigate the musical and social principles that live in the music we make and enjoy. The videos present a cultural gumbo as rich and spicy as the famous Cajun dish! The projects and activities that could initiate from this 4 video series are endless. And like most outstanding videos, these will be watched over and over again.

The River of Song is a coproduction of the Smithsonian Institution, the Filmmaker's Collaborative, and KajimaVision Production. A teacher's guide is available and the video set can be obtained from Acorn Media at Toll Free: 1-800-999-0212. E-Mail: rivsong2@aol.com