District Administration - October 2011 - (Page D7)

UL partners with Disney to lead hands-on classroom learning t’s OK to read a textbook that discusses someone else’s discovery. But it’s so much better to work side-by-side with a scientist who helps you make your own. That’s the theory behind the partnership between Disney and Underwriters Laboratories (UL), which places its professionals in classrooms all across the country. “Now more than ever children have the wonderful opportunity to learn both in and out of the classroom,’’ said Barbara Guthrie, vice president of Consumer Aﬀairs for Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. “Project-based learning is a wonderful example. We believe mentoring brings this to yet another level to beneﬁt and engage the students even more. “ UL employees work with students on science, technology, engineering and math projects sharing their real-world experiences. “With a technical employee base of thousands located around the globe, UL felt we could bring subject matter expertise, project management assistance, engineering knowhow, even hands-on experiences—whether I NSTA supports Disney program It’s only natural for the National Science Teachers Association to partner with Disney’s Planet Challenge. The nonpro t NSTA’s mission is to promote excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning. Disney Planet Challenge’s mission is to teach kids about science and conservation while empowering them to make a positive impact on their communities and planet. Together, they are providing teachers with a great tool to teach science and motivating students to think critically and act responsibly toward the environment. “Disney’s Planet Challenge is truly a wonderful program,” said Dr. Francis Eberle, NSTA executive director. “It instills an appreciation for important environmental challenges and helps students master critical-thinking skills that will prepare them to evaluate issues and make informed decisions regarding stewardship of the planet.” real or virtual—into the classrooms,” Guthrie explained. This is not the ﬁrst time the two companies have joined forces, though in the past the partnership focused more on safety. UL helped develop safety DVDs and contributed to Radio Disney and the Test the Limits attraction at Walt Disney World in Florida. More recently, UL and Disney launched Safety Smart. “UL knows that testing, certiﬁcation and standards alone cannot address all aspects of safety, so UL reached out to Disney to partner in a youth safety education initiative that aimed to empower, engage and educate young people in taking responsibility for themselves and their surroundings by conscious actions, not chance,” Guthrie said. “ In addition to providing mentors to DPC classes, UL serves on the Disney Planet Challenge Advisory Council and helps develop the middle school program. You’ve just won Disney’s Planet Challenge. What are you going to do now? “We’re going to Disney World!” One elementary school class and one middle school class will be named national grand prize winners for the 2012 competition that is open to grades 3-8. Many other classes will be recognized for their amazing achievements, too. ONE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL WINNER AND ONE MIDDLE SCHOOL WINNER IN EACH CATEGORY National Grand Prize: The winning class will be treated to a four-day trip to Walt Disney World® Resort in Orlando, Fla., in April 2012. All expenses, including transportation, will be paid for the teacher and students. The class will be recognized at the resort in a ceremony dedicated to their project. Also during their trip, students will participate in a global youth summit with kids from around the world. In addition, the class will be featured on the Disney Channel, and students will receive a Disney prize pack with items such as a reusable lunch kit, DVDs and more. The class will receive $10,000 to continue their project. The winning teacher will receive a $6,000 award, an expense-paid trip to the 2013 National Science Teachers Association Conference in San Antonio, Texas, a one-year NSTA membership, a customized gift and a certi cate of recognition. Second Place: The class will receive a $2,000 award, and a matching amount will be awarded to the school. Plus students will receive lots of other fun prizes. The teacher will receive a $4,000 award, a one-year NSTA membership, a customized gift and a certi cate of recognition. Third Place: The class will receive a $1,500 award, and a matching amount will be awarded to the school. Plus students will receive lots of other fun prizes. The teacher will receive a $3,000 award, a one-year NSTA membership, a customized gift and a certi cate of recognition. Fourth Place: The class will receive a $1,000 award, and a matching amount will be awarded to the school. Plus students will receive lots of other fun prizes. The teacher will receive a $2,000 award, a one-year NSTA membership, a customized gift and a certi cate of recognition. State Finalist: Up to 50 classrooms (one from each state). Each student will receive a Disney prize pack. Teachers will receive a $1,000 award, a customized gift and a certi cate of recognition. All other projects: Students and teachers will receive a certi cate of recognition, and teachers will receive a special gift. To enroll, visit www.disney.com/planetchallenge. 7 http://www.disney.com/planetchallenge

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of District Administration - October 2011

District Administration - October 2011
Contents
From the Editor
Letters
News Update
Transportation Update
District Profile
Administrator Profile
Building a Blended Learning Program
How Are Science Fairs Fairing?
A New Age for Algebra
Early College High Schools
Changing of the Guard in Florida
CIO News
How Much Computing Power Do You Need?
An Unconventional Approach to 1:1
New Books
Problem/ Solution
Research Center
Product Focus
New Products
Professional Opinion
Going Mobile
Online Edge

District Administration - October 2011