President John F. Kennedy

Posted on May 23, 2016

By Traci Cothran

The anniversary of JFK’s birth occurs on May 29, and while saying the letters “JFK” evokes vivid scenes and images in minds of adults over forty, it doesn’t mean much to kids in school today.  They may know he was our 35th President, but Camelot, Bay of Pigs, the Cuban Missile Crisis, first Catholic President, the Cold War, Jackie O, and JFK’s assassination are likely unknown concepts.

JFK is a broad topic that encompasses many subjects, and here are a few ideas to begin with to get your students (or yourself!) better acquainted with this historic figure:

JFK’s Inauguration

  • “Newsreel of President John F. Kennedy’s Inauguration.” Video. Thought Equity Motion Collections.  Research In Context
  • “JFK’s Inaugural Address.” Research In Context

Peace Corps

Introduction of the Civil Rights Bill of 1964

  • “History Features: Civil Rights Bill.” Video. History Features: Civil Rights Bill. Research In Context

Read morePresident John F. Kennedy

Worldmark Global Health and Medicine Issues:

a “Comprehensive” and “Informative” Resource

Posted on May 20, 2016

Searching for “very useful” information on global health and medicine issues in the modern world?  Worldmark Global Health and Medicine Issues, 1st Edition addresses health and medicine topics relevant to everyone’s lives across the globe. Organized alphabetically, the encyclopedia gives readers easy access to authoritative information on various topics.

This article was published in Booklist‘s May 15, 2016 issue; by Barbara Bibel. Read what she had to say!

CONTENT With the speed of modern travel and the global connections of commerce and industry, health issues quickly become international. This new encyclopedia does an excellent job of placing health and medical problems within social, political, and economic contexts. Using primary source documents, photographs, charts, and graphs to supplement the text, the book provides a brief but comprehensive overview of 90
topics affecting world health.

Read moreWorldmark Global Health and Medicine Issues:

a “Comprehensive” and “Informative” Resource

Honoring Those That Have Served Our Country

Posted on May 18, 2016

By Candy Jones-Guerin

Memorial Day is almost up on us.  Observed as a holiday on the last Monday of May, Memorial Day honors men and women who died while serving in the United States Military. In cities and towns across the country Memorial Day is honored with parades including military personnel and members of veterans organizations.

Prior to being called Memorial Day, this day was celebrated as Decoration Day, originating in the years following the Civil War.  It became a federal holiday in 1971 and has been observed annually by Americans.

Take some time this year to learn about the significant wars in American history and the men and women who lead the charge.

The Civil War, 1st Edition
February 2016
The bombardment of Fort Sumter in 1861 set off the savage four-year war between the North and the South. The North fought to preserve the Union, whereas the South fought to win recognition as an independent nation. The war was a climax to quarrels between the two sides over the interpretation of the U.S. Constitution. With this title readers will analyze the background of the war, military leadership and strategic plans of the war in the West and East, specific battles on land and sea, and the costs of the war.

Read moreHonoring Those That Have Served Our Country

How to Make Complex Concepts Clear with Technology

Original Posting October 16, 2015

By Katrina Do

The advancement of new education technology is transforming classrooms across the globe. From hand-held tablets to 3D models, teachers are implementing new tools to optimize learning experiences.

Students who struggle with understanding complex concepts — whether it’s a math problem or understanding how molecules react — can benefit from innovative learning tools. Various education technologies work to engage students, helping them understand complicated ideas through visualization and hands-on experiences.

Read moreHow to Make Complex Concepts Clear with Technology

Ramona Quimby Becoming Ramona Quimby

Posted on May 12, 2016

By Kelly Torpey

…when I was a children’s librarian, that was about 1940, boys particularly asked where were the books about kids like us, and there weren’t any at that time. So when I finally told myself if I was going to write I should sit down and start writing, well, I expected to write about the maturing of a sensitive girl but I found I didn’t have anything to say on the subject, and so I thought about those boys who wanted books about kids like us….”

Read moreRamona Quimby Becoming Ramona Quimby

Driving Achievements and Improving Results

Posted on May 11, 2016

Professional development is more important than ever before, especially considering the changing curriculum standards and the explosion of educational technology. Today’s changing environment demands that professional learning is delivered in a way that connects technology with classroom instruction. Teachers need to become digital learners, too, because no amount of technology can improve instruction if a teacher does not possess the strategies to integrate it.

Read moreDriving Achievements and Improving Results

Will You Be My Prom Date?

Posted on May 10, 2016

By Traci Cothran

Our Gale databases cover many serious topics, but did you know they also cover that most hallowed of teen events called PROM?  Yes, it’s prom season, and we’re noting it!  Look at what can be found on this topic:

  • “Is Prom $pending Out of Control? The average American household spent $978 on this annual rite of passage last year. Is that crazy? Two teens sound off.” Choices/Current Health in Student Resources In Context
  • “Choosing a Prom Queen, and Inclusion,” The New York Times in Opposing Viewpoints In Context
  • How about a novel about Prom? Books & Authors has them, from Prom Nights from Hell to The Anti-Prom to Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress.
  • “Hasan Minhaj of ‘Daily Show’ On Prom, Indian Dads and White Folks at Desi Weddings” – audio recording, All Things Considered, in U.S. History In Context
  • “Hospitalized Kids Get a Prom of their Very Own,” PR Newswire in General One File
  • “Having a Ball at our Homeschool Prom,” Practical Homeschooling in Kids InfoBits

So grab that tiara and your best dress or tuxedo, and read up on the issues surrounding that momentous night of each high school year!

What else can you find in our Gale databases?

Read moreWill You Be My Prom Date?

A Quick Quiz for Mind and Body Health

Posted on May 5, 2016

By Debra Kirby

There are only so many variations a fitness instructor can use to keep things fresh in an indoor cycling class (aka spinning class). This editorial manager by day, spinning instructor by very early morning, has found the perfect way to keep her students interested and alert — the daily quiz! Fortunately for me, through the wealth of information available in the Gale databases our team produces, I am never at a loss for material! Here are a few questions and answers I’ve used to keep my students on their toes in recent 6:00 am classes:

Q: What organization was the precursor to the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)?

A: The Office of Strategic Services (OSS), established in 1942 (U.S. History In Context)

Q: What country is the native home to lemurs?

A: Madagascar, an island off the southeast coast of Africa (Science In Context)

Q: Who standardized level measurement in cooking?

A: Fannie Farmer (Biography In Context)

Q: What famous poet was known as the Belle of Amherst and what actress portrayed her in the play of the same title?

A: Emily Dickinson & Julie Harris (Artemis Literary Sources)

Read moreA Quick Quiz for Mind and Body Health

Celebrate With a Splash of Color, Ole!

Posted on May 2, 2016

By Candy Jones-Guerin

In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is primarily observed in the state of Puebla where General Zaragoza’s lead the country to triumph over the French invasion and bolstered the resistance movement.

Here in the United States we have embraced this day as a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage.  Classrooms and communities across the country hang paper banners, cook up delicious food and share stories and dance from this celebrated culture.

If you are looking for resources to get your celebration started, look no further.  We have great resources on history, celebrated figures, climate and travel.

Read moreCelebrate With a Splash of Color, Ole!

Gale Products Named Finalists for 2016 SIIA CODiE Awards

Posted April 25, 2016

by: Meghan C. Olivier

The 2016 CODiE Awards, presented by the Software & Information Industry Associations (SIIA), have recognized three products from Gale, a part of Cengage Learning:

Read moreGale Products Named Finalists for 2016 SIIA CODiE Awards