teacher's lounge

Lessons in Economics
Need help connecting economic concepts into your social studies curriculum? Lessons in Economics can help. Educational resources include materials to use in the classroom, such as the Lessons in Economics kit that is a great supplement for 4th through 6th-grade social studies curriculums (matched to Ohio Academic Content Standards). See the video in the kit.

‘Our Ohio’ connects to students
There are several Our Ohio resources available to teachers. Our Ohio TV segments that originally aired on public television are available for classroom use.

If local broadcast times don’t work for your schedule, here’s a great alternative for teachers. Log onto the free, virtual statewide library — INFOhio.org — for more than 60 segments from past Our Ohio shows. A username and password is required and can be obtained from the school librarian or the Education Service Center (ESC) Media Center. Keyword search is “Our Ohio.” TV segment videos may be downloaded or borrowed from the local ESC, too.

COSI On Wheels brings science to schools
As the traveling outreach program of COSI, the COSI On Wheels program brings hands-on science to schools across the state. One of these programs, Agriculture Adventures, introduces students to modern technology that farmers use in producing the ingredients for a pizza. A few dates are still available for this school year. Call 614-228-2674 or 888-819-2674 or make your reservation online at cosi.org/educators/cosi-on-wheels/.

Pumpkin Ag Mag
Children (and their parents) will enjoy the “Ohio Pumpkin Ag Mag,” a colorful 4-page newspaper that includes short articles, trivia and a recipe for making pumpkin pie in a bag. A package of 30 is priced at $9 plus shipping. Order from county Farm Bureau offices or e-mail your request to jroush@ofbf.org.

Say it with Pictures
The September/October issue of Our Ohio included a feature story on growing giant pumpkins. This extensive photo spread and article that follows a pumpkin from seed to 1,500 pound behemoth can provide great classroom lessons in pollination and genetics.

In the News: Corn
Get the facts! There are some good Web sites to help students learn about the differences between types of corn and how corn is being used to make ethanol. Check out A Tale of Two Corns at ncga.com.

Save the Date
Mark your 2009 calendar now. June 15 is the third annual teacher and volunteer workshop at the Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center on Ohio State’s Columbus campus. The workshop will include presentations to help teach students where their food comes from. Preregister by Feb. 16 and receive a free “What Grows in Ohio” poster. Call Judy Roush at 614-246-8243 or e-mail jroush@ofbf.org.