For Your Teacher

Save the Rainforests
We have all been told to save the rainforest, but do you want to learn more about its importance? A free teaching guide titled Tropical Rainforests, is available that highlights the workings of the rainforest, the adaptations of its animals and plants, their current status and future conservation. Teachers' and students' versions are available, and are designed for grades 5-12. Contact: Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Office of Education, 900 Jefferson Dr., SW, MRC-435, Washington, DC 20560; 202-786-2817.

Smokey the Bear Posters
To make children aware of the campaign to fight forest fires, the Forest Service makes a variety of free materials available to children, including posters, signs, patches, bookmarks, bumper stickers, and comic books. Contact your local forest service division, or to find a coordinator in your area who has a list of materials available, contact: Smokey Bear Headquarters, U.S. Forest Service, 14th and Independence Aves., NW, Washington, DC 20250; 202-205-1510.

Your Guide to Outer Space
Want to know what is going on in outer space? You can get a direct line to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) through their free quarterly report, NASA Report to Educators. This report contains educational information, including information on technology spinoffs, new publications and resource materials, conferences, and ongoing programs and competitions. Write your request on school letterhead and send it to the NASA Teacher Resource Center (TRC) nearest you. To find the closest TRC, call the NASA Publication Center at 202-554-4380.

Where the Heck Is Timbuktu?
Have students identify places with the funniest names, then find out more about the lay of the land. With a request on school letterhead, the Earth Science Center will put together special packages for teachers on geography. Contact: U.S. Geological Survey, Reston Earth Science Information Center, 507 National Center, Reston, VA 20192; 800-USA-MAPS.

Bring Your Paints to School
The Arts-In-Education Program is a partnership program through cooperative efforts of the Arts Endowment, state arts and education agencies, local communities, and others. The Program's overall goal is to advance the arts as part of basic education. For free information on how you can help promote the arts from kindergarten through high school, request the following free publications: Planning to Make the Arts Basic; Special Projects Handbook Editions I and II; State Arts Agency Arts in Education Profiles; Lifelong Journey in Education in the Arts. Contact: Office of Communication, Room 614, 1100 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20506; 202-682-5426.

Armchair Archeologists
Participate in Archeology is a free brochure which provides some basic information on archeology, and lists magazines, books, videos, and agencies and organizations through which you can receive more information. Contact: Archaeological Assistance Division, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, P.O. Box 37127, Washington, DC 20013-7127; 202-343-4105.

You and Your Wildlife
Many animals are more abundant in the U.S. now than in the past 100 years. In Celebration of America's Wildlife: Teacher's Guide to Learning is a video and curriculum guide, which provides information about the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act, and lists activities and discussions related to the major concepts of the video. Contact: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1849 C St., NW, Room 3444, Washington, DC 20240; 202-208-5611.

Environmental Hazards in Your School
New York City's public school asbestos problem in their schools is only the tip of the iceberg. Lead in drinking water, poor air quality, and more occur in schools across the country. To find out about the dangers in a school and what you can do to protect your children, request a free copy of Environmental Hazards In Your School: A Resource Handbook, which outlines each problem and gives direction on who you need to contact to resolve the issue. Contact: Environmental Protection Agency TSCA Assistance Service (7408), c/o Garcia Consulting, 401 M St., SW, Washington, DC 20024; 202-554-1404.

Them Bones, Them Bones
Anthropology is much more fun when you pass around real fossils instead of pictures. Bring history to life with artifacts from the Smithsonian archives. Anthropological Materials Available From The Smithsonian Institution is a free list of educational materials, including resource packets, films, posters and more. Contact: Anthropology Outreach and Public Information Office, National Museum of Natural History, MRC 112, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20560; 202-357-1592.

Send Your Students to the Moon
Rockets: A Teaching Guide for an Elementary Science Unit on Rocketry contains information on the history of rocketry, Newton's laws, and modern practical rocketry. Ten activities are included utilizing simple and inexpensive materials culminating in a model rocket launch. For your free copy and other information available for teachers, contact the NASA Teacher Resource Center (TRC) nearest you. To find the closest TRC, contact the NASA Publication Center at 202-554-4380.

Explore Mars
The Exploration of Mars: For Grades 8-12 gives a detailed overview of National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) exploration from 1964 to 2003. It explains the major research capabilities of particular missions and expands on what further study is warranted on the red planet. Teachers are provided with four activities to further engage students and basic step-by-step directions on how to explore a planet are given. Write your request on school letterhead and send it to the NASA Teacher Resource Center (TRC) nearest you. To find the closest TRC, call the NASA Publication Center at 202-554-4380.

Geology on Screen
Rather than just talk about it, show it! The U.S. Geological Survey has several films available on a free short-term loan to educational and scientific communities, professional and technical societies, civic and industrial groups, and other organizations. Some of the titles include: "1955 Eruption of Kilauea Volcano, Hawaiian Islands" - Elementary; "Geology of the Berlize Barrier Reef" - High School, College; "The 1923 Surveying Expedition of the Colorado River in Arizona" - Junior High; "Flow in Alluvial Channels" - College; "The Sea River" - High School; "The Little Plover (River) Project, A Study in Sand Plains Hydrology" - High School; "The Water Below" - Elementary; "To Fill The Gap" - Elementary; "National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska" - Junior High; "Yakutat" - High School. Contact: Visual Services, U.S. Geological Survey, 790 National Center, Reston, VA 22092; 703-648-4379.

Shaking in Their Seats
Earthquakes and volcanoes are like dinosaurs: timeless and totally awesome. Use this to your advantage when teaching geology. The Geologic Inquiries Group has a free publication, Educational Resources Available From The U.S. Geological Survey, which describes teacher packets, booklets, and other resources available to teachers. Please send your request on school letterhead to: U.S. Geological Survey, Reston Earth Science Information Center, 507 National Center, Reston, VA 20192; 800-USA-MAPS.

History 101
The National Register of Historic Places is this nation's official list of cultural resources worthy of preservation. These places are maintained by the National Park Service and include sites, buildings, structures, archaeology, architecture, engineering, and culture. Several publications are available free of charge, including: National Register of Historic Places Brochure; National Register of Historic Places Information Sheet; Cultural Diversity and Historic Preservation; Using the National Register of Historic Places. Write: National Register of Historic Places, National Park Service, P.O. Box 37127, Washington, DC 20013-7127.

Everything Old Is New Again
Have you ever wondered how the earliest inhabitants of North America lived? Interested in what goes on at an archeological dig? Heritage Education program is a very hands-on learning experience aimed at students K-12 with projects and traveling exhibitions. For a free brochure and other information, contact: The Imagination Team, Bureau of Land Management, Anasazi Heritage Center, 27501 Hwy 184, P.O. Box 758, Dolores, CO 81323; 970-882-4811.

Cloudy With a Chance of Eagles
Want a tailor-made package of materials to hand out to teach students about the weather? The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will pull one together - just specify grade and subject. Topics covered include the weather, oceans, whales, marine mammals, nautical charts, fisheries, and more. Write: U.S. Department of Commerce/NOAA, PA/Correspondence Unit, 1305 East-West Highway, Silver Springs, MD 20910; 301-713-1208.

Art of the U.S.
All the great artists are not from Europe. The U.S. has their fair share. The National Museum of American Art focuses on these artists and their work and has assembled a collection of brochures, teaching guides, and exhibition catalogues. African-American Art: 19th and 20th Century Selections each page has an illustration and background text on a work. National Museum of American Art and its Renwick Gallery bimonthly brochure with brief descriptions and images from collection. Contact: National Museum of American Art, Office of Educational Programs, MRC 210, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20560; 202-357-2247.

In the Footsteps of T-Rex...Utah Canyon Boasts Fossils Galore
Does the idea of a hike make your kids run the other way? What if the hike included a hunt for dinosaur bones? Mill Canyon Dinosaur Trail is a self guided walking tour on Bureau of Land Management Lands where you will see dinosaur bones and other wonderful fossils. For a free brochure, write: Grand Resource Center, Bureau of Land Management, 82 E. Dogwood, Moab, UT 84532; 801-259-2100.

Speak Out
Teaching about the Civil Rights movement? Protest and Patriotism: A History of Dissent and Reform is a teaching guide ($5) containing curriculum enrichment materials examining American protest movements. It focuses on populism, civil rights, and environmentalism. The guide provides background essays, discussion questions, teaching suggestions, and a timeline. This is designed for grades 7-12. For your copy contact: Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, Smithsonian Institution, Arts & Industries Building, Room 1163 MRC 402, Washington, DC 20560; 202-357-2425.

Bring a Cast-Iron Umbrella
Acid Rain: A Student's First Sourcebook is a great way to teach kids about the environment and what needs to be done to protect it. Designed for grades 4-8 and their teachers, the sourcebook describes the effects of acid rain, solutions, experiments, and activities. This office also has U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Journal articles on acid rain, background information, and updates on EPA's activities. Contact: Acid Rain Division (6204J), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M St., SW, Washington, DC 20460; 202-233-9150.

English as a Second Language
Today's classroom doesn't look quite the same as it did twenty years ago. Teachers are finding more students are barely able to speak English. The National Clearinghouse for Bilingual Education can help teachers and families by providing information, such as curriculum materials, models, and research findings on the education of limited English proficient students. They have a free "Parent Involvement in Education" information packet, which contains information on how you can become involved and enhance your child's education, and an "Education for Teachers of Language Minorities" packet which provides resources and articles for teachers. For a publication catalog contact: National Clearinghouse for Bilingual Education, 1118 22nd St., NW, Washington, DC 20037; 800-321-6223

Ocean Planet
Ocean Planet: Interdisciplinary Marine Science Activities is a 64 page teaching guide which explores topics such as ocean currents, undersea topography, the stranding of marine animals, oceans as a source of consumer goods, and water pollution. The guide contains background information, lesson plans, activity sheets, and maps. This guide is targeted for grades 6-12. You can request your copy by contacting: Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, Smithsonian Institution, Arts and Industries Building, Room 1163, MRC 402, Washington, DC 20560; 202-357-2425.

Make African Art Come Alive
Whether for art history or to study the various cultures in Africa, take advantage of your students' love of videos and use videos and slide kits available from the National Museum of African Art. "The Hands of the Potter" is a video demonstrating the magic of a Sundi potter as she forms moist clay to produce perfect pots. "African Art in the Collection" is a group of forty slides and explanatory text introducing significant works from the museum's permanent collection. "Masters of Brass: Lost-Wax Casting in Ghana" demonstrates the ancient technique among the Akan and Frafra peoples of Ghana in which a wax model is used to create a mold for casting a metal object. For free loan information and to find out about the many other programs available contact: National Museum of African Art, U.S. Department of Education, MRC 708, 950 Independence Ave., SW, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20560; 202-357-4600.

Scientific Americans
Fire up the Bunsen burners and full speed ahead. Science teachers can send off for course materials, curriculum guides, and more on a wide range of science projects, courtesy of the National Science Resource Center (NSRC). A free information packet is available by contacting the Outreach Department, Room 1201, National Science Resource Center, 900 Jefferson Dr., SW, Washington, DC 20560; 202-287-2064.

Build a Better Light Bulb
Can creativity be taught? Project XL is an outreach program designed to do just that by encouraging the inventive thinking process through the creation of unique inventions or innovations. They have developed an educator's resource guide, video, and a special curriculum. Request your free copy of the Inventive Thinking Project. Contact: Office of Public Affairs, Patent and Trademark Office, U.S. Department of Commerce, 2121 Crystal Dr., Suite 0100, Crystal Park II, Washington DC 22202; 703-305-8341.

Take Your Class to the Park
Kids will learn more at the nearest national park than they will on any rainy day indoors. Most parks have education programs and will gladly share their wonderful resources with you. A special 28 minute video, "Parks as Classrooms", is available at your nearest park and details the many ways teachers can work with the park service and incorporate the parks into their curriculum. For information and location of parks near you contact: Office of Education and Interpretation, National Park Service Areas, U.S. Department of the Interior, P.O. Box 37127, Washington, DC 20013; 202-523-5270.

The Original Jurassic Playground
Most of America has seen the movie "Jurassic Park", but the real Jurassic story can be found on Bureau of Land Management lands in the West. One of the largest areas is the Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry, which has yielded nearly 10,000 bones representing at least 14 species of animals from the Jurassic Period. For a copy of a free brochure describing the quarry titled, Al the Allosaurus, write: Price River Resource Area Office, Bureau of Land Management, 125 South 6 West, Price, UT 84501; 801-636-3600.

Indian Ancestry
Make your American Indians section come alive in your classroom. The Anthropology Outreach Office has a free teaching packet titled "North American Indians" for grades 1-12, which includes bibliographies, leaflets, lists of teaching materials available from the Smithsonian, photographs, suggestions for classroom activities, and even information on Native American pen-pals. For your copy, contact: Anthropology Outreach and Public Information Office, National Museum of Natural History, Room 363, MRC 112, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20560; 202-357-1592.

Teaching Science Close to Home
Intrigued by the past? Teachers can show students the importance of past cultures and archaeology with The Intriguing Past: Fundamentals of Archeology ($2). This teacher's guide is aimed at grades 4-7, and includes lesson plans and activity sheets. Contact: The Imagination Team, Bureau of Land Management, Anasazi Heritage Center, 27501 Hwy 184, P.O. Box 758, Dolores, CO 81323; 970-882-4811.

Calling Mother India
Bring to life one of the oldest civilizations on the planet without leaving the classroom. "The Living Arts of India" is an instructional kit designed for elementary and secondary students, and contains books, pamphlets, catalogues, objects, videos, and more. Teach children's games, theater activities, and Indian fairs and festivals. This kit is available for loan (shipping fee is charged) by contacting: Scheduler, Office of Education, Mail Stop 158, National Museum of Natural History, 10th St. and Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20560; 202-357-2747.

Pow-Wow with the Experts
Get a glimpse of the rich cultural heritage of our Native American history. Many tribes continue to celebrate customs that were old before Columbus reached shore. The Bureau of Indian Affairs has a free publication, American Indians and Alaska Natives, which provides a brief overview, as well as providing a bibliography and other resources. This office can also provide you with other information on Indians including statistics, locations of reservations, and more. Contact: Public Inquiries, Bureau of Indian Affairs, 1849 C St., NW, Washington, DC 20240; 202-208-3711.

Drug Abuse Teaching Aids
The Office of Educational Research and Improvement of the U.S. Department of Education has developed several publications dealing with substance abuse curriculum. Learning to Live Drug Free: A Curriculum Model for Prevention provides a framework for classroom-based prevention efforts in kindergarten through grade 12. The model includes lessons, activities, background for teachers and suggestions for involving parents and the community in drug prevention. Prevention Resource Guide: Curriculum. Prevention Resource Guide: Elementary Youth. Prevention Resource Guide: Secondary School Students. National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information Publications Catalog. Contact: National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information, P.O. Box 2345, Rockville, MD 20847; 800-729-6686.

Wild and Woolly Neighborhoods
You don't have to hire a guide and rent tents to experience the wonders of a wildlife refuge. There's probably one tucked right around the corner from school. Snakes, turtles, even an injured owl will make your students sit up and take notice. Many of the National Wildlife Refuges have established education programs where refuge managers may come to your class with animals in hand or your class may take a trip to the refuge. This varies from place to place, but give the wildlife refuge near you a call to see what services they offer. For a publication titled Refuge Managers List contact: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr., Arlington, VA 22203; 703-358-1711.

Help Students Clean-Up
Kids intuitively grasp recycling and the need to keep the earth green and clean, so what's with their own rooms? Let's Reduce and Recycle: Curriculum for Solid Waste Awareness provides lesson plans for grades K-12, and includes activities, skits, bibliographies, and other resources. School Recycling Programs: A Handbook for Educators describes a number of school recycling programs along with step-by-step instructions on how to start one in your school. For these free publications contact: RCRA /Superfund Hotline, Office of Solid Waste, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M St., SW, Washington, DC 20460; 800-424-9346, 703-412-9810.

The Idea Factory
Art to Zoo is a free quarterly publication of the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education and provides background information, lesson plans, classroom activities, and resource lists for teachers in science, social studies, and art. Each issue focuses on a different topic, and is designed for grades 3-8. For your free subscription contact: Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, Smithsonian Institution, Arts and Industries Building, Room 1163 MRC 402, Washington, DC 20560; 202-357-2425. Current and select back issues are available through the Internet (anonymous ftp, esead001@sivm.si.edu) and America Online (Keyword SMITHSONIAN).

River and Water Films
The Bureau of Reclamation provides water for farms, towns, and industries, and is responsible for the generation of hydroelectric power, river regulation and flood control, outdoor recreation opportunities, and the enhancement and protection of fish and wildlife habitats. There are films available for free loan on a variety of the Bureau's projects. Some of the titles include: "California Flooding" "How Water Won the West" "Rio Grande Ribbon of Life" "To Build A Dream The Story of Hoover Dam" "Take Pride in America" "Hydropower A 20th Century Force" "Horizons" "Columbia, A Fountain of Life" "Challenge at Glen Canyon". These films are most often requested by elementary and junior high school teachers, or by people who have visited the dams while on vacation and would like to learn more about them. Contact the Bureau for more information regarding these videos. Contact: Reclamation Service Center Library, P.O. Box 25007, Building 67, Denver Federal Center, Denver, CO 80225-0007; 303-236-6963.

Following in Godzilla's Footsteps
The Smithsonian is the granddaddy of museums, but like T-Rex, its size can be a bit of a problem. Fortunately there's a special booklet to help teachers get their bearings when navigating through the Smithsonian's musty closets. The publication, Smithsonian Resource Guide For Teachers ($5), lists workshops, courses, publications and newsletters for teachers across the country, most of which are free. Contact: Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, Smithsonian Institution, Arts & Industries Building, Room 1163 MRC 402, Washington, DC 20560; 202-357-2425.

The Mummy Walks at Midnight
Kids are fascinated by strange things. The Anthropology Outreach Office has three free leaflets available dealing with Egypt long ago. Egyptian Mummies describes the art of mummification. Egyptian Pyramids describes the various types of pyramids. Ancient Egypt lists books and articles appropriate for adults and younger readers. These leaflets include bibliographies and are applicable for grades K-12. Contact: Anthropology Outreach and Public Information Office, National Museum of Natural History, Room 363, MRC 112, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20560; 202-357-1592.

Your Travel Journal
Get your students to pretend to be reporters on the scene. Collecting Their Thoughts: Using Museums as Sources for Student Writing ($5) is a teaching guide, containing curriculum enrichment materials suggesting ways for teachers to use museums and primary sources to teach writing. The Guide provides background essays, lesson plans, activities, handouts, and samples of student writing. Contact: Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, Smithsonian Institution, Arts and Industries Building, Room 1163 MRC 402, Washington, DC 20560; 202-357-2425.

Separation of Church and State?
To give equal time to all sides, many schools are teaching creationism. The Anthropology Outreach Office has put together a free bibliography on "Creationism/Evolution" for grades 1-12, which covers issues surrounding the creationism/evolution debate, and education for teachers and administrators from all disciplines. For your copy, contact: Anthropology Outreach and Public Information Office, National Museum of Natural History, Room 363, MRC 112, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20560; 202-357-1592.

Science Horizons Physics made easy?
Science Horizons is a new publication (early 1994) disseminating information about education projects underway at the Science Education Department of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, including summer workshops for teachers, the development of software for the simulation of modern physics, and highly sensitive image-processing equipment for classroom use. It is free and designed for grades 1-12. Contact: Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, Science Education Department, MS-71, 60 Garden St., Cambridge, MA 01238; 617-495-9798.

Art Assistance
The National Gallery of Art has assembled teaching packets covering specific artists or time periods which are available for free loan. These packets usually contain a booklet, slides and study prints. A complete listing is included in the Extension Programs catalogue. Some the packets available are: Matisse in Morocco; Art of the American Indian Frontier; European Renaissance Art; American Paintings; French Impressionism and Post-Impressionism. Contact: Department of Education Resources, Education Division, National Gallery of Art, 4th St. and Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20565; 202-842-6263.

The Noble Path
The Noble Path ($4.50) is a booklet which provides an introduction to Buddhism and Buddhist art, with background information for teachers, activities for students, and a list of related videos and films. Contact: Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, Education Department, MRC 707, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20560; 202-357-4880.

Draw Me a Map
The Power of Maps is a free teaching guide with suggestions on integrating the study of maps into school curricula based on the exhibition "The Power of Maps" at Cooper Hewitt. It includes suggestions for classroom activities, discussion questions, and a resource list. Contact: Cooper-Hewitt National Museum of Design, Education Department, Smithsonian Institution, 2 East 91st St., New York, NY 10128; 212-860-6871.

Turn the Tide
Two-thirds of our planet is covered by oceans which are homes for thousands of species of plants and animals. Unfortunately ocean trash and other wastes are becoming a significant problem. Turning the Tide on Trash: Learning Guide on Marine Debris ($21.50) is designed to increase students' awareness of the impacts of marine debris and to teach them about pollution prevention techniques. The activities also inspire an appreciation of the ocean and a commitment to the preservation of its water quality, and beauty. For your copy, contact: National Technical Information Service, 5285 Port Royal Rd., Springfield, VA 22161; 703-487-4650, 800-553-NTIS.

One with Nature
Many Native American tribes believe we should live in harmony with nature. Here's a great coloring book to teach the concept to kids, courtesy of the Flathead Indian Reservation. Living In Harmony coloring book ($1.35) is distributed by National Association of Conservation Districts, 408 East Main, P.O. Box 855, League City, TX 77574; 800-825-5547.

Social Studies Simplified
Elementary and secondary school teachers, policymakers, even parents concerned about education in the social studies are likely to be interested in the activities and publications of the ERIC Clearinghouse on Social Studies, which monitors trends and issues about the teaching and learning of history, geography, civics, economics, and other subjects. A free newsletter, Keeping Up, describes the latest information in the field. The Clearinghouse also produces several Digests, which are synopses of current literature on a topic of interest to social studies educators. The price of a Digest is $1, and some of the titles include: Teaching About Japan; Teaching The Bill Of Rights; Teaching And Learning Economics; Teaching Geography In The Elementary School; Women In The Curriculum. For a complete listing of publications contact: ERIC Clearinghouse For Social Studies, Indiana University, Social Studies Development Center, 2805 East 10th St., Suite 120, Bloomington, IN 47408; 812-855-3838.

Every Day Should Be Earth Day
"Earth Day Every Day" is a free teacher's kit from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and provides a wonderful overview of environmental science education for all grade levels. Each section lists activities, materials needed, discussion questions, vocabulary, and more. You can learn how to make a cloud, how substances are measured in water, and how rivers are formed. For your free copy contact: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Information Access Branch, Public Information Center, 401 M St., SW, 3404, Washington, DC 20460; 202-260-2080.

Free Science Lab Equipment
Is the equipment in your college's laboratories broken, out-dated, or just worn out? The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will send your school energy-related lab equipment that they no longer need for free with you paying shipping and handling. The following free publications cover the program and the equipment available: Energy-Related Laboratory Equipment Catalog, and Instruction and Information On Used Energy-Related Equipment Grants for Educational Institutions of Higher Learning. Contact: Postsecondary Programs Division, Office of University and Science Education, Office of Energy Research, DOE, ET-31, Washington, DC 20585; 202-586-8947.

Getting Smart, Smarter, Smartest
Want to know about the number of people over 50 returning to college, or how kids do in school if they go to preschool? The National Education Bulletin Board from the Office of Educational Research and Development extends its free electronic bulletin board services to persons employed in the field of education. Services range from the Library of Congress access to computer based Hyper-card, to studies on reading research in the year 2000. For more information contact: Office of Education Research and Development, 800-222-4922 (data) or 202-219-1547 (voice).

Sitting Bull
For a great visual aid to your unit on Native Americans, you can get a wonderful poster of Sitting Bull, who led the Sioux Indians in the Battle of Little Big Horn. The 21x28" poster in sepia tone is available for $3. Contact: Office of Printing and Photographic Services, American History Building, Room CB-054, MRC 644, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20560; 202-357-1933.

Outerspace Is Just a Phone Call Away
Teachers who wish to incorporate space in their education programs can find a galaxy full of information from National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Spacelink. Educational programs include Aerospace Education Services Project, Urban Community Enrichment Program, Summer High School Apprenticeship Research Program, Teacher Workshops, Educators mailing list, tele-lectures, Teacher Resource Centers, and more. Access is free on Internet or for a long distance fee for direct calls at 205-895-0028 (data). First time Internet users must enter NEWUSER for user name and password.

Hands On Science
Science for Children: Resources for Teachers is a 176 page guide to hands-on science teaching materials from the United States and abroad for elementary school teachers and administrators. It includes materials in life science, health and human biology, earth science, physical science, and multidisciplinary and applied science. Each entry provides descriptions of curriculum materials, suggestions for supplementary resources and sources of information and assistance, and details relating to source, grade levels, orders, and cost. The book costs $9.95 (plus $4 s/h; discount for multiple copies). Contact: National Academy Press, 2101 Constitution Ave., NW, Box 285, Washington, DC 20055; 202-334-3313, 800-624-6242.

African-American Art
If you are teaching your students about African-Americans, don't forget to include information about their art. African-American Art: 20th Century Selections is a 13 page brochure which examines the work of 12 African-American artists who triumphed over discrimination and limited opportunities for training, patronage, and exhibitions to make significant contributions to America's cultural heritage. This is designed for grades 5-12. For your copy contact: Office of Educational Programs, National Museum of American Art, MRC 210, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20560; 202-357-3095.

Make History Come Alive
Lift events and people off the pages of textbooks and help students connect history to their own lives. Teaching With Historic Places (TWHP) is a program created by the National Park Service and the National Trust for Historic Preservation and is administered by the National Register. TWHP uses properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places to enliven the teaching of history, social studies, geography, civics, and other subjects. The program has created ready to use lesson plans, multifaceted education kits, and professional development materials and workshops. For more information or a free brochure on TWHP, contact: Teaching With Historic Places, National Register of Historic Places, National Park Service, P.O. Box 37127, Suite 250, Washington, DC 20013-7127; 202-343-9536.

Adventures in the Past
Help your students learn about archaeology and caring for the environment in an interesting and new way. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is caretaker of an estimated 5 million historic and archaeological properties on almost 300 million acres of land. BLM's Adventures in the Past program is designed to capture the attention of your students and create excitement in the study of history and archaeology. There are many different segments of this program, including: Discovery Exhibit - interactive traveling exhibit Hands on History and Archaeology - programs and resources to provide hands on learning experiences History Mysteries - activity books for children tied to history and archaeology themes Project Archaeology - classroom activities in archaeology to enrich classroom teaching. To learn more about what is available, contact your nearest BLM office, or the Environmental Education and Volunteers Team, Bureau of Land Management, 1275 LS, 1849 C St., NW, Washington, DC 20240; 202-452-5078.