In The News: Connecting Through Social Media

Social Media Word Cloud created at wordle.net.

It has become evident in the last few years that social media is about more than keeping in touch. Social media has become a way for us to become connected in more ways than ever before. This week’s In The News highlights recent events in which the importance of the social media connection exists.

New resources that will be added to the ipl2 are noted NEW!  All other resources can already be found in the ipl2 collection.

Amanda Palmer: The Art of Asking – TED (find it on the ipl2)

http://www.ted.com/talks/amanda_palmer_the_art_of_asking.html

Musician Amanda Palmer is famous for breaking with her major recording label so that she could create music her way. She has infamously used her twitter account to connect with her fans all across the world in order to find boarding, food, musicians, and possible “ninja gig” locations. The strong connection she has with her fans allowed her to raise over $1 million in her kickstarter  project in 2012.  At the 2013 TED Convention, Amanda Palmer shares the importance of connection – online and in-person – and why no one should ever be afraid of asking for what they need.

NEW! I’m Still Here: Back Online After a Year without the Internet – The Verge

http://www.theverge.com/2013/5/1/4279674/im-still-here-back-online-after-a-year-without-the-internet

On April 30, 2012, The Verge tech writer, Paul Miller, left the internet that he thought was making him an unproductive. In this article he details his year long journey without the internet and the surprising conclusions he developed about the internet’s part in the real world and staying connected with those around you.

Social Media and the Search for the Boston Bombers – CBS News (find it on the ipl2)

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18559_162-57580603/social-media-and-the-search-for-the-boston-bombing-suspects/

This CBS News article discusses the search for the Boston Bombing suspects last month via twitter with Mashable< http://mashable.com/&gt; Editor-in-Chief Lance Ulanoff. In this recent crisis people turned to social media to discover information and to help with the search. Ulanoff explains that while the crowdsourcing information wasn’t always correct, the people on Twitter and Reddit would start over and get it right.

Social Media Helps Cancer Patient – Huffington Post (find it on the ipl2)

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/12/marie-sowler-19yearold-ca_n_3254576.html

Through YouTube, Reddit, and twitter, social media helped dying cancer patient Marie Sowler reach out to Sleeping With Sirens singer, Kellin Quinn. It took a less than a day for Kellin to respond and figure out how to meet her young fan.

Social Media Safety – NetSmartz.org (find it on the ipl2)

http://www.netsmartz.org

Social media is a wonderful way to stay connected with people, but it’s also important to remember the rules of online safety.  NetSmartz is supported by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and provides internet and social media safety advice for parents, teens, and children.  Stay safe!

Don’t forget to find the ipl2 on social media! Facebook , Twitter , and YouTube.

Thank you for visiting the ipl2!

Reminder: You can now subscribe to ipl2’s newsletter and weekly blog posts via email as well as RSS. The “Email Subscription” feature appears prominently in the upper left-hand side of the page on the ipl2’s News and Information WordPress blog. Subscription is free and open to all!

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In the News: U.S. National Teacher Appreciation Day

Rendered by Pixabay, public domain.

In order to celebrate U.S. National Teacher Appreciation Day (observed yesterday, May 7, 2013 as part of National Teacher Week), here are a few sites from the ipl2’s collection for teachers and administrators. Some of these sites are admittedly more fun than others, but they are all share one goal: to support educators everywhere. Enjoy them all week long!

New resources that will be added to the ipl2 are noted NEW! All other resources can already be found in the ipl2 collection.

NEW! Apple in Education: Resources

http://www.apple.com/education/resources/

This is a collection of video tutorials, classroom guides, and web pages aiming to assist educators in teaching with Apple products (such as the iPad and other devices using iOS), creating classroom content, finding federal funding for projects, and looking for creative ways to support their professional development.

Education World (find it on the ipl2)

http://www.educationworld.com/standards/national/

Search the web using this education-specific search engine, find lesson plans, browse employment listings, and read articles on current K-12 education issues and professional development.

The Learning Page (find it on the ipl2)

http://www.loc.gov/teachers/index.html

This site was created by the Library of Congress to assist teachers in using the American Memory Collections, an online archive of over 100 collections of rare and unique items important to America’s heritage, to teach history and culture. It offers educators guidance on using primary sources, as well as providing activities, discussions, and lesson plans for classroom use.

PBS TeacherSource (find it on the ipl2)

http://www.pbs.org/teachers/

PBS TeacherSource includes more than 3,000 free lesson plans and activities. To help educators find materials quickly, resources are organized into seven subject areas (Arts & Literature, Health & Fitness, Math, Science, Social Studies, Pre K-2, and Library Media).

ProTeacher (find it on the ipl2)

http://www.proteacher.com/

ProTeacher is a Web directory of lesson plans and activities organized into thematic and subject areas for elementary school teachers and parents.

The Teacher’s Companion to Anime (find it on the ipl2)

http://www.koyagi.com/teachers.html

A useful guide for teachers who might be considering using manga, anime, or related materials in their classroom as learning material. This site highlights the terminology and symbolism present in Japanese graphic novels and lists possible cultural aspects to be discussed in the classroom. It also addresses some of the “problematic content” that may not be suitable for younger students and acts as an online reader advisory for teachers and librarians alike.

Teachers Support Network (find it on the ipl2)

http://www.teacherssupportnetwork.com/Home.do

For teachers and school districts across the U.S., this site provides an extensive database of the best available candidates, ensures their preparedness through unique assessment tools, and offers ongoing support for long-term retention. It also offers Teacher Tools and Advice covering such things as online job hunting and landing your first teaching job.

Thank you for visiting the ipl2!

Reminder: You can now subscribe to ipl2’s newsletter and weekly blog posts via email as well as RSS. The “Email Subscription” feature appears prominently in the upper left-hand side of the page on the ipl2’s News and Information WordPress blog. Subscription is free and open to all!

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The Link: Going Nuclear

Model of atom. Vector graphic by Ahnode, public domain.

Due to its direct contribution to creation of the atomic bomb, nuclear science is a controversial topic. Since the discovery of the atom, however, this branch of physics that studies the tiniest workings of our world has shaped it in very big ways.

Learn about the history of the atom bomb, nuclear energy, nuclear weapons, teaching students about the bomb, and the future of nuclear science.

New resources that will be added to the ipl2 are noted NEW! All other resources can already be found in the ipl2 collection.

A Brief History of the Atomic Bomb

Ernest Rutherford, “Father of Nuclear Physics.” Public domain.

What began covertly in 1939 as a joint effort of Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States surprised the world when the products of the Manhattan Project, gun-type fission weapon “Little Boy,” and implosion-type weapon “Fat Man,” were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Check out these resources for more information on the development of the atomic bomb that changed the world.

Nuclear History at the National Security Archive (find it on the ipl2)

http://www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/nsa/NC/nuchis.html

The George Washington University hosts the U.S. Nuclear History Documentation Project. They have posted a selection of declassified documents through the Freedom of Information Act that have helped shape the U.S. nuclear weapons policies since 1955.

Atomic Archive (find it on the ipl2)

http://www.atomicarchive.com

AJ Software and Multimedia maintains a wealth of resources pertaining to the creation and impact of the atomic bomb. Featured areas of the site cover the science behind the bomb, the history of its creation, biographies of the people who worked on the Manhattan Project, and a multimedia section complete with animation, photographs, and videos.

NEW! NUKEMAP

http://www.nuclearsecrecy.com/nukemap/

Have you ever wondered what if would have happened if “Fat Man” or “Little Boy” had been dropped on other locations across the globe? A historian of science at the American Institute of Physics maintains Restricted Data: The Nuclear Secrecy Blog. His NUKEMAP shows the predicted extent of nuclear fallout on a map, given a target and type of bomb.

Nuclear Energy

Nuclear power plant in Cattenom, France. Photo by Stefan Kühn, used with permission under a Creative Commons license.

Nuclear energy, or nuclear power, uses sustained nuclear fission to generate heat and electricity, and according to the International Energy Agency, it currently provides 5.7 percent of the world’s energy. The use of nuclear energy is a controversial topic, however, for both political and environmental reasons. Get down to the bottom of the debate with the following resources.

Nuclear Energy Institute (find it on the ipl2)

http://www.nei.org/

NEI provides news articles and resources about nuclear energy, technologies, and public policy.  The institute encourages the safe exploration of nuclear energy through education, advocacy, and policy.

ProCon.org: Alternative Energy (find it on the ipl2)

http://alternativeenergy.procon.org/

ProCon.org provides research in a pro-con format on “controversial issues” related to business, health medicine, law, politics, religion, science, technology, sex, gender, and sports. Their page on alternative energy covers how nuclear energy is made as well as whether or not it is cost-effective, safe for humans and the environment, and necessary to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

U.S. Office of Nuclear Energy (find it on the ipl2)

http://energy.gov/ne/office-nuclear-energy

This site offers speeches, official congressional reports, U.S. Office of Nuclear Energy staff reports and press releases from the U.S. Department of Energy. The Office of Nuclear Energy’s mission is to advance nuclear power through the advancement of nuclear technologies .

Virtual Nuclear Tourist: Power Plants Around the World (find it on the ipl2)

http://www.nucleartourist.com/

Produced by veteran mechanical and nuclear power engineer Joseph Gonyeau, this site describes nuclear energy safety systems, locations of power plants around the world, terrorism and security, types of nuclear plants and an overview of their workings, the environmental effects of producing nuclear power, and how nuclear energy compares to other ways of generating electricity.

Nuclear Weapons

B83 nuclear bomb test with F-4C Phantom 1983. Photo by Zapka via the U.S. Air Force, public domain.

Although only two nuclear weapons have ever been used in warfare (by the United States against Japan in WWII), there is a constant international struggle to cease the proliferation of these weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Read about efforts to end the possibility of nuclear war on these sites.

North Korea and Nuclear Weapons: The Declassified U.S. Record (find it on the ipl2)

http://www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/NSAEBB/NSAEBB87/

A collection of 25 documents, with a background essay, on North Korea’s possession of nuclear arms. Released under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and published on George Washington University’s aforementioned National Security Archive, this site links to other related resources.

NuclearFiles.org (find it on the ipl2)

http://www.nuclearfiles.org/

NuclearFiles.org is a project of the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation providing extensive, credible information on nuclear weapons and war with the intent to “reduce nuclear dangers and eliminate nuclear weapons.” This site provides articles, treaties and non-proliferation documents, photographs of test explosions and radiation victims, ethical perspectives, biographies of scientists and government officials, timelines, and audio recordings of historical events.

Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (find it on the ipl2)

http://www.un.org/disarmament/WMD/Nuclear/NPTtext.shtml

The United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) provides the text (as well as overview information) on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Treaty (NPT) and other multilateral treaties aiming to prevent the proliferation and testing of nuclear weapons including: the Treaty Banning Nuclear Weapon Tests In The Atmosphere, In Outer Space And Under Water, also known as the Partial Test Ban Treaty (PTBT), and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). UNODA’s site also provides additional links on WMD.

Teaching Students about the Bomb

Mushroom cloud. Vector graphic by Fastfission, public domain.

While nuclear science/physics is perhaps a tricky subject to teach young children, the issues surrounding it, such as nuclear power and warfare especially are can be discussed in deferential and creative ways. Try using the following sites as starting points in planning your curriculum.

A Race to Build the Atom Bomb: A Resource for Teachers and Students (find it on the ipl2)

http://intergate.cccoe.k12.ca.us/abomb/

This site, developed by the Contra Costa County Office of Education in California, provides information on the science, the scientists, and the nations involved in the development of the atomic bomb. There are also lesson plans and suggested resources for further research, including Web links, print, and nonprint materials.

Race for the Super Bomb (find it on the ipl2)

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/bomb/

As a companion to a 1999 PBS documentary, this site includes a timeline covering the development of the hydrogen bomb (also H-bomb or superbomb), map of nuclear test sites back to 1945, and video of several bomb detonations. It also provides a transcript of the program.

NEW! U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission: Students’ Corner

http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/basic-ref/students.html

The NRC has designed the Students’ Corner as a resource for student learning and research on nuclear energy, reactors, radiation, radioactive materials, emergency planning, security, decommissioning, and radioactive waste. The NRC site contains photos and diagrams copyrighted as a U.S. Government Work but may be used for educational purposes under Fair Use.

The Future of Nuclear Science

Launch of MER Opportunity from Cape Canaveral. Photo by NASA, public domain.

Despite the environmental concerns and the controversy surrounding the potentiality of nuclear war, the future of nuclear physics appears to be bright. NASA scientists continue to further develop nuclear physics in order to achieve goals in space exploration, and some believe that nuclear power may turn out to be our only energy option in the years to come.

MIT Report on Nuclear Power (find it on the ipl2)

http://web.mit.edu/nuclearpower/

In 2003, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) developed a report discussing the future of global nuclear power and utilization. This report was later updated in 2009.

NEW! NASA.gov: Nuclear Power in Outer Space

http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/hqlibrary/pathfinders/nuclear.htm

The National Aviation and Space Administration (NASA) focuses on Aeronautics, Human Exploration and Operations, Science, and Space Technology. NASA’s Headquarters Library provides information on NASA policies, several books and e-books, articles and reports, and other informational links on how nuclear science continues to contribute to space exploration.

POPSCI.com: Nuclear Stories (find it on the ipl2)

http://www.popsci.com/category/tags/nuclear

Popular Science Magazine is a longstanding science and technology magazine with the latest information on what’s happening now in both of these disciplines. Examining the nuclear tag will provide information on current events and how nuclear science is being used around the world.

Thank you for visiting the ipl2!

Reminder: You can now subscribe to ipl2’s newsletter and weekly blog posts via email as well as RSS. The “Email Subscription” feature appears prominently in the upper left-hand side of the page on the ipl2’s News and Information WordPress blog. Subscription is free and open to all!

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The Link: National Poetry Month

National Poetry Month logo, via poets.org

Since its introduction by the Academy of American Poets in 1996, literature lovers across the United States have celebrated National Poetry Month in April.  Join us as we explore the many facets of this form!

New resources that will be added to the ipl2 are noted NEW! All other resources can already be found in the ipl2 collection.

Teaching Poetry: Lesson Plans and More

Chalk poem detail, suburban Heathridge backyard, Western Australia. Photo by elliot k, used with permission under a Creative Commons license.

Many people can be easily intimidated by poetry, but it can be a great learning activity. Learn more about this powerful art form by reading great works and finding your inner voice. Whether you are a teacher, instructor, parent, or student, here is a collection of creative ways to appreciate, internalize, replicate, and create poetry.

Poetry (Learn NC) (find it on the ipl2)

http://www.learnnc.org/lp/pages/2796

Learn NC is maintained by the UNC School of Education at the University of North Carolina, and it features a collection of lesson plans for grades K-12 that align with state and national teaching standards. The poetry lessons span all grades and levels and encourage students to define poetry, analyze works for poetic elements, and create their own portfolios.

Poets.org (find it on the ipl2)

http://www.poets.org/

The Academy of American Poets presents Poets.org, an extensive collection of poems cataloged by poet and topic. There is also a For Educators tab which contains tips for teaching poetry, lesson plans, and other resources. Other great features include Poem-A-Day, a free daily e-newsletter that users can sign up for, and an events calendar that shows poetry events happening in your area.

NEW! ReadWriteThink

http://www.readwritethink.org/search/?resource_type=6&sort_order=relevance&q=poetry&old_q=&srchwhere=full-site&srchgo.x=27&srchgo.y=17

ReadWriteThink.org is maintained by the International Reading Association and National Council of Teachers of English. There is an abundance of classroom resources for poetry found here including lesson plans, activities, projects, and bulletin board ideas. All lessons align with the Common Core of Learning standards. An additional benefit is that many of the lesson plans address students of varying abilities and needs and include links to audio recordings and videos.

Civil War Poetry

Images left to right: Union Poetry, Henry Timrod, Herman Melville, and Confederate Poetry

Thousands of poems were written about the Civil War by citizens and soldiers of both the Union and the Confederacy. “These poems enable us to better understand the role of poetry during the war years and how poetry helped unify citizens, inspire troops, memorialize the dead, and bind the nation’s wounds in the aftermath of the war.” The Library of Congress has some excellent resources and examples of the 7 “types” of Civil War poetry and can be accessed here:

http://www.loc.gov/rr/program/bib/lcpoetry/cwvc.html

Poetry and Music of the War Between the States (find it on the ipl2)

http://www.civilwarpoetry.org/

This is a collection of full-text Union and Confederate poetry and songs indexed by title, author, and first line. Information about some of the authors is available. Find lyrics, sound files, a history of Taps and Civil War Band Music, popular songs of the day, links to other sound files, and a discussion of “How Authentic Should Period Music Be?”

Henry Timrod: 1828–1867 (find it on the ipl2)

http://www.poetryfoundation.org/bio/henry-timrod

The Poetry Foundation website provides a lengthy biography of Timrod, as well as references, poems, and articles, including how Bob Dylan even weaved Henry Timrod’s phrases into songs on his “Modern Times” album in 1986. Henry Timrod (1828-1867), after limited success as a poet (publishing just one volume of works prior to the Civil War), became widely known as the “so-called poet laureate of the Confederacy,” after having his poetic imagination aroused by the possibility of the formation of a new nation, as well as the war’s impact.

Herman Melville (find it on the ipl2)

http://www.poets.org/poet.php/prmPID/236

Poets.org provides several of Herman Melville’s poems, related prose and external links, as well a selected bibliography of his works. On the Union side, Herman Melville (1819-1891) was nearing the end of his novel-writing career due to poor reception by critics and had stopped writing fiction altogether. The Civil War had a profound impact on Melville, with many of his family members involved in some aspect of it, and the war not only revived his writing spirit, but it became the main subject of his poetry. He made trips to Washington D.C. and even to the front lines with his brother to gather the sounds and sights of conflict for his verse.

Nursery Rhymes

Illustrations are by William Wallace Denslow from the book, “Denslow’s Mother Goose” (1902). Illustrations are left to right: Hey! Diddle, Diddle, Hickety, Dickety, Dock, and Peter, Peter, Pumpkin Eater.

Nursery rhymes are short, rhyming stories often set to music for young children. Hallmarks include simple vocabulary and catchy rhymes; these make them good learning tools to help build children’s vocabularies. The majority of nursery rhymes date from the 16th – 18th centuries from Europe, especially Britain. They often serve as an oral record of important political and historical events. Check out these resources for more information on nursery rhymes.

Nursery Rhymes ipl2 Pathfinder (find it on the ipl2)

http://www.ipl.org/div/pf/entry/48512

This ipl2 pathfinder covers one of England’s most enduring forms of oral culture: the nursery rhyme. Although we often take these funny little ditties for granted, some of them have been around since the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries, and were originally composed for adult entertainment. Both print and Internet sources are provided in this resource.

NEW! The Mother Goose Club Rhymes

http://www.mothergooseclub.com/rhyme_list.php

This site includes many nursery rhymes with illustrations set to music. The Parents’ Pages include historical background information about each rhyme and different known versions of the rhyme.

The Reason Behind the Rhyme from NPR’s All Things Considered (find it on the ipl2)

http://www.npr.org/templates/archives/archive.php?thingId=5038037

Radio clips of Chris Roberts, the author of “Heavy Words Lightly Thrown: The Reason Behind the Rhyme” and librarian of Lambeth College in South London, telling Debbie Elliott what lurks beneath the surface of several nursery rhymes we learned as children.

Poetry for Children

Abroad by Thomas Crane and Ellen Houghton. A children’s book of poetry describing places, published in 1882.

Kids love poetry and National Poetry Month allows us time to celebrate those authors who keep our kids in stitches and tears through their work. The following websites honor poets Shel Silverstein and Jack Prelutsky. In addition, you will find the incredible resource of the Children’s Poetry Archive where families can hear poems in the voices of their authors. Whether you want to spend some time with Runny Babbitt by Shel Silverstein or My Dog May Be A Genius by Jack Prelutsky, you will find them at the following sites. Or, hear the words of Allan Ahlberg, Roald Dahl, Langston Hughes and many more.

Shel Silverstein.com-The Official Site for Kids (find it on the ipl2)

http://www.shelsilverstein.com/indexsite.html

Features the poems of beloved children’s author, Shel Silverstein. This prolific writer of books such as Falling Up (1996), The Light in the Attic (1981), The Giving Tree (1964) and Where the Sidewalk Ends (1974) is still read and relevant today. This website, dedicated to all things Shel Silverstein for kids, has games and puzzles, news, Shel’s books and where to get them, a biography of Shel Silverstein, and ideas for teachers and parents. Interestingly, on the contacts page, it says “The Silverstein Family accepts all correspondence to Shel Silverstein and all letters are saved in the Shel Silverstein Archives for posterity.”*  With that kind of endorsement and the links to additional fun, kids can both learn and play on this site.
*Retrieved from: http://www.shelsilverstein.com/play.asp

NEW! Welcome to Jack Prelutsky

http://www.jackprelutsky.com/

This fun and interactive website features the poems of Jack Prelutsky, author of A Pizza the Size of the Sun (1996) and Tyrannosaurus Was a Beast (1988). Once kids are on the site, they can read Jack’s poems, find letters written to him from children all over the world, and learn all about Jack. Parents and teachers have their own section where there are activities for the classroom and home, poems for parents/educators and a complete booklist. Kids and grownups alike will enjoy this website that celebrates the work and life of Jack Prelutsky!

Children’s Poetry Archive (find it on the ipl2)

http://www.poetryarchive.org/childrensarchive/home.do

This interactive site provides a different perspective on poetry, read aloud by the original authors, or in the case of classic poetry, read by people who love the work. The idea for this site came from Poet Laureate Andrew Motion and Recording Producer Richard Carrington. They understood that collecting these recordings and making them available to poetry lovers everywhere would make this art form that much more accessible to everyone.

Slam Poetry

Slam poet Tobias Kunze in action. Photo by Marvin Ruppert, used with permission under a Creative Commons license.

Poets.org describes slam poetry as “a poetry competition in which poets perform original work alone or in teams before an audience, which serves as judge.” The below resources illuminate the history of this lively and dynamic form as well as ways to experience it firsthand.

Poetry Slam, Inc. (find it on the ipl2)

http://www.poetryslam.com/

This site features information, news, and links about poetry slams. It includes a FAQ with rules, definitions, and organizational tips, a directory of slam venues, a press section with a timeline and history of the slam movement, and links to other slam resources.

An Incomplete History of Slam (find it on the ipl2)

http://www.e-poets.net/library/slam/

This site provides a discussion of the people, places, and events in the development and spread of slam poetry from its beginnings in 1970s Chicago. Slam poet Kurt Heintz authors this page on the history of slam poetry.

A Brief Guide to Slam Poetry (find it on the ipl2)

http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/5672

Poets.org provides this short overview of slam poetry. In addition to describing the form and its history, the site also features sources for further reading on the topic and a lesson plan for teaching slam and spoken word. The related prose section provides links to documentaries and other media relating to this art form.

Found Poetry

IMG_7192 (Aftermath). Photo by Cat Sidh, used with permission under a Creative Commons license.

As Poets.org explains, found poetry is “the literary equivalent of collage” (Academy of American Poets, 2007-2013).  Honoring the same “remix” aesthetic as song mash-ups and internet memes, found poetry recombines extant pieces of text, utilizing everything from political speeches to craigslist ads to fashion inventive works of art.  Here are a few resources where you can “find” more information:

Poetic Form: Found Poem (find it on the ipl2)

http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/5780

This page, sponsored by the Academy of American Poets, provides a definition of found poetry as well as examples of found poems and poets with a penchant for this medium.  It also points out well-known poets whose work tended to borrow from existing texts in the manner of found poetry, such as Ezra Pound.

NEW! Found & Headline Poems

https://secure.ncte.org/library/NCTEFiles/Resources/Books/Sample/18488chap1.pdf

The National Council of Teachers of English presents this down-to-earth how-to guide for aspiring found poets.  This PDF document provides step-by-step directions for writing a found poem, as well as a special section on headline poetry, a subcategory of the genre.  Also included are numerous examples of found poetry to instruct and inspire.  The guide is excerpted from the book:

Dunning, S., & Stafford, W. (1992). Getting the knack: 20 poetry writing exercises. Urbana, IL: National Council of Teachers of English.

NEW! Found Poetry Review

http://www.foundpoetryreview.com/

A literary magazine dedicated to found poetry, the Found Poetry Review celebrates “the poetry found in your newspaper articles, instruction booklets, dictionaries, product packaging, public speeches,” and so on.  While the most recent issue of this biannual publication is only available in physical form, the contents of previous issues are freely available in the site’s archives (“Past Issues”).  The Review accepts submissions for future issues, so if you’ve been bitten by the found poetry bug, send FBR a few stanzas!

Reminder: You can subscribe to ipl2’s newsletter and weekly blog posts via email as well as RSS.  The “Email Subscription” feature appears prominently in the upper left-hand side of the page on the ipl2’s News and Information WordPress blog. Subscription is free and open to all!

In the News: Berlin Wall

Graffiti from the East Side Gallery (2006) by Dr Santa. Source: Wikimedia Commons

In 1989, Germans celebrated the fall of the Berlin Wall.  Nearly 25 years later, some are fighting to keep it up.  The longest remaining section of the infamous Cold War barricade that divided the German capital for decades is a 70-foot-long chunk that has served as an outdoor monument and art gallery since 1990.  However, a luxury apartment development plan threatened to eradicate this historical landmark earlier this month.  A stand-off between construction workers and throngs of protesters has temporarily halted work on the building project; however, the long-term preservation of the East Side Gallery remains to be seen.  While waiting to find out the piece’s ultimate fate, be sure to check out the ipl2’s Berlin Wall resources!

New resources that will be added to the ipl2 are noted NEW! All other resources can already be found in the ipl2 collection.

Berlin Wall Online (find it on the ipl2)

http://www.dailysoft.com/berlinwall/

This searchable site contains vast amounts of information on the Berlin Wall including a timeline, photographs with views of Checkpoint Charlie, escapes, wall art, and the wall’s demolition. You can also find facts about the wall and an extensive archive of documents (mostly in German). It also includes links and personal narratives.

The Berlin Wall (find it on the ipl2)

http://www.newseum.org/berlinwall/

From Washington D.C.’s Newseum, this virtual exhibit tells the story of the Berlin Wall and explores how news coverage differed in East and West Berlin. Includes an essay, timeline (1945-1989), and information on censorship under Stalin.

The Wall (PBS) (find it on the ipl2)

http://www.pbs.org/programs/the-wall/

This two-part documentary that first aired on PBS in June 2010 and January 2011 can now be streamed online for free.  The first part examines life in a divided Berlin. The second part looks at the fall of the wall and the subsequent events leading up to a reunified Germany.

The Berlin Wall (Berlin.de) (find it on the ipl2)

http://www.berlin.de/mauer/index.en.html

Berlin’s official city website has an entire section dedicated to the Berlin Wall.  Highlights include information about the wall’s location, border crossings, and present-day memorials, along with a facts and figures page and a wide variety of photos.

NEW! Berlin Wall Art

http://www.berlinwallart.com/pages/us/map.html

Photographer Edward Murray captured much of the Berlin Wall’s wild and wonderful graffiti on film.  His site exhibits hundreds of these photos, grouped by geographic location.  These primary source documents help convey a sense of the size of the structure as well as the artistry and political commentary of German graffiti artists of the time.  Please note that the photographs are copyrighted by Mr. Murray and his permission should be sought in order to use or reproduce these photos.

NEW! Voices of U.S. Diplomacy and the Berlin Wall

http://diplomacy.state.gov/berlinwall/prologue.html

Sponsored by the United States Diplomacy Center, this online exhibit provides an overview of the Berlin Wall’s history with an emphasis on American governmental reactions and involvement.  An introductory video greets visitors, who can also find an archive of fascinating documents within the site.

Thank you for visiting the ipl2!

Reminder: You can now subscribe to ipl2’s newsletter and weekly blog posts via email as well as RSS. The “Email Subscription” feature appears prominently in the upper left-hand side of the page on the ipl2’s News and Information WordPress blog.  Subscription is free and open to all!

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In the News: Meteors and Meteorites

Meteor Bolide (2011) by CM Handler, reprinted with permission.

Many people are still talking about the meteorite that exploded over Russian skies last month, injuring over a thousand people. The bright light and shock waves could be seen and felt for miles. What exactly is a meteorite and how common are they? Learn more about this astronomical phenomenon below.

New resources that will be added to the ipl2 are noted NEW! All other resources can already be found in the ipl2 collection.

Geology.com (find it on the ipl2)

http://geology.com/articles/meteor.shtml

Geology.com discusses the differences between meteoroids, meteorites, and “shooting stars.” Also, it provides the criteria needed for a meteor to be considered a “fireball.” Geology.com contains many articles, maps, and photographs spanning categories such as rocks, weather, and other earth science topics.

Natural History Museum (find it on the ipl2)

http://www.nhm.ac.uk/nature-online/space/meteorites-dust/index.html

The Natural History Museum located in London, England, has an abundance of information about meteors and meteorites. This page explains the difference between the two and provides a look at the museum’s collection of meteorite fragments. Users can learn about Martian meteorites by navigating a virtual map of the planet.

NASA’s Solar System Exploration (find it on the ipl2)

http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/planets/profile.cfm?Object=Meteors

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has a plethora of information about meteors and meteorites. At the bottom of the page, there is a list of resources that include videos and images of meteors and meteorites. Also, there is an Education tab that includes lesson plans and activities to share what you have learned.

ESA Kids – Our Universe (find it on the ipl2)

http://www.esa.int/esaKIDSen/SEMN99WJD1E_OurUniverse_0.html

The European Space Agency (ESA) has a fun, interactive kids’ page that discusses all things related to space and Earth science. The Comets and Meteors page explains what they are and where they come from. This informative website also includes fun activities and projects that children can do at home or in the classroom.

The Barringer Meteorite Crater (find it on the ipl2)

http://www.barringercrater.com/

The Barringer Meteorite Crater is located in northern Arizona and was created fifty-thousand years ago by a giant fireball. This website explains the history of the crater as well as how the crater was formed. There are lessons and downloadable resources for teachers and educators. Also, there is information for people planning to visit the site of the meteorite’s impact.

The International Meteor Organization (find it on the ipl2)

http://www.imo.net/

The International Meteor Organization (IMO) is an international, non-profit organization that encourages amateur meteor work. They publish a bimonthly journal and other publications around the world. Nonmembers can peruse the glossary of meteor science and the meteor shower calendar. There are also tips for observing meteor showers to see the best results.

American Meteor Society (find it on the ipl2)

http://www.amsmeteors.org/

The American Meteor Society also promotes education and involvement with meteor work. This page has an impressive collection of photographs and videos of recent meteor sightings as well as information about fireballs and meteor showers. Users are encouraged to submit their observations and engage in conversation about this amazing phenomenon.

Thank you for visiting the ipl2!

Reminder: You can now subscribe to ipl2’s newsletter and weekly blog posts via email as well as RSS. The “Email Subscription” feature appears prominently in the upper left-hand side of the page on the ipl2’s News and Information WordPress blog.  Subscription is free and open to all!

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The Link: March Artists

This month we are celebrating several artists, musicians, writers, and performers who were born in March. The following selections will look at the lives and works of Vincent van Gogh, Piet Mondrian, Dr. Seuss, Diane Arbus, Mr. Rogers, and Townes Van Zandt. Learn more about these great artists and how they continue to influence our lives.

New resources that will be added to the ipl2 are noted NEW! All other resources can already be found in the ipl2 collection.

Vincent van Gogh

Self Portrait by Vincent van Gogh, used with permission from Miquel Real.

Vincent Willem van Gogh was a Dutch Post-Impressionist born on March 30, 1853 in Groot-Zundert, Netherlands. Throughout his life, Van Gogh created more than 2,000 paintings, drawings, sketches, and prints. His art is known for its highly emotional, vibrant depictions of people, landscapes, and still life. After struggling with mental illness for most of his life, van Gogh died at the age of 37 from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Van Gogh Museum: Amsterdam (find it on the ipl2)

http://www.vangoghmuseum.nl/vgm/index.jsp?lang=en

The Van Gogh Museum provides an intimate look at the artist’s life, work, and times. Users can learn about the artist through an extensive collection of photographs and biographical information. The museum has also digitized its permanent collection so users can browse van Gogh’s art by category or time period.

Van Gogh’s Letters: Unabridged (find it on the ipl2)

http://www.webexhibits.org/vangogh/

This collection of unabridged and annotated letters provides a rare glimpse into the artist’s life and struggles. Throughout van Gogh’s life, he kept close correspondence with his younger brother, Theo van Gogh. In total, 819 letters were published in 1914; most of them were written to Theo. The letters are categorized by topic and the website includes memoirs from Vincent’s sister-in-law and nephew.

The Vincent van Gogh Gallery (find it on the ipl2)

http://vggallery.com/

The Vincent van Gogh Gallery features a comprehensive collection of the artist’s works and is endorsed by the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. This website also includes some of van Gogh’s letters, commentary about the works, and a world map of paintings.

Piet Mondrian

Photo, Piet Mondrian and Pétro van Doesburg, originally published in De Stijl, vol. VI (1924)

Piet Mondrian, born Pieter Cornelis Mondriaan on March 7, 1872 in Amersfoort, Netherlands, was a Dutch painter who spent periods in Paris, London, and New York. He was a major contributor to the De Stijl art movement founded in 1917. His most well-known works were geometric abstractions that only used black, white, and primary colors. His geometric grids, simplified visual compositions, and reduction to the essentials of color and form sought to express a new utopian ideal of spiritual harmony and order.

Piet Mondrian | Encyclopedia Britannica (find it on the ipl2)

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/389102/Piet-Mondrian

This comprehensive encyclopedia article covers Mondrian’s early life and work, various influences and different periods in this work, founding De Stijl, his later work, and his legacy.

Piet Mondrian MoMA Collection (find it on the ipl2)

http://www.moma.org/collection/artist.php?artist_id=4057

This site includes examples of Mondrian’s paintings from the Museum of Modern Art’s collection. Paintings included are from 1902-1943 and show his range from impressionistic to geometric abstractions. Information about the paintings is included.

Piet Mondrian Tate Collection (find it on the ipl2)

http://www.tate.org.uk/art/artists/piet-mondrian-1651

This site includes examples of Mondrian’s paintings from Tate Museum’s collection. Paintings included are from 1909-1942. Biographical information and information about the paintings are included.

Dr. Seuss

Photo Ted Geisel (1957) from the Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division

Dr. Seuss, aka Theodor Seuss Geisel, was born on March 2, 1904 in Springfield, MA. He was a beloved and prolific writer/illustrator of over 60 children’s books, the best known being “The Cat in the Hat.” His books have been the topics of movies, TV shows, and art exhibits. At heart, Dr. Seuss was an artist and a poet. His honors include two Academy awards, two Emmy awards, a Peabody award and the Pulitzer Prize. He was married twice but never had children of his own.  When asked how he could so successfully write children’s literature, he stated, “You make ‘em, I amuse ‘em!” (Fadiman, 1962). Dr. Seuss passed away on September 24, 1991 at the age of 87.

Fadiman, C. (1962). Enter, Conversing. Michigan: THE WORLD PUBLISHING CO. pg. 108

NEW! The Art of Dr. Seuss

http://www.drseussart.com/gallery/index.html

The Chase Group, in cooperation with the Dr. Seuss Enterprise, hosts this web page that is the home for the Art of Dr. Seuss Retrospective Exhibition and the Touring Dr. Seuss Sculpture Garden. On this site, you will find the art of Dr. Seuss, a biography, what people are saying about the exhibits, FAQ’s and contact information. The artwork is broken up into pages for Illustration Art, Secret Art, Archive Collection, Unorthodox Taxidermy and Bronze Sculptures. It also gives information on how to acquire artwork by Dr. Seuss.

NEW! Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden at the Springfield Museums

http://www.catinthehat.org/history.htm

The Springfield Museums (MA) are celebrating the life and works of Dr. Seuss! This webpage is dedicated to the bronze sculptures of favorite Dr. Seuss characters and Dr. Seuss himself working at his drawing board. These works of art are housed at the National Memorial Museum in Springfield, MA. The webpage includes a biography of Dr. Seuss, information about the National Memorial, events you can attend when you visit, directions, and contact information.

Dr. Seuss (1904-1991) (find it on the ipl2)

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0317450/

The Internet Movie Database (IMDB) has an exhaustive list of all media related to Dr. Seuss’ life and work. Many of Dr. Seuss’ works became movies, TV specials and even video games. In addition, there have been several media biographies made of this famous artist. There are links for additional information on all of the media, the life of Dr. Seuss and all of his accomplishments. Here you will find pictures of Dr. Seuss and his works, videos, and news articles.

Diane Arbus

(no photo available)

Diane (pronounced Dee-ann) Arbus was born on March 14, 1923 in New York City, NY. Arbus was an influential American photographer in the mid-20th century, and her work documented the outcasts of 1950s and 60s New York, controversial subject matter that few had previously examined. Her death by suicide in 1971 caused many to reexamine her work through this lens of struggle.

Diane Arbus (find it on the ipl2)

http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/biography/arbus.html

The Jewish Virtual Library hosts this biographical essay on Diane Arbus, which examines both the details of her life, as well as critical analysis of her professional work.

NEW! Diane Arbus at the Fraenkel Gallery

http://fraenkelgallery.com/artists/diane-arbus

The Fraenkel Gallery, a respected photography museum, outlines the important moments of Diane Arbus’s career. In addition to showcasing some of her famous photographs, the site also features links to past exhibitions at the Fraenkel Gallery, select exhibitions at other museums, and other press.

NEW! Diane Arbus Biography

http://www.biography.com/people/diane-arbus-9187461

Basic facts and a brief essay on Arbus’s life can be found at this Biography.com site. The site also shows the connections between Arbus and other artists, as well as links to other resources on famous photographers.

Fred Rogers

Fred Rogers photo taken by Kuht in the late 1960s. From the University of Houston Digital Library Collection.

Generations of PBS viewers have a special place in their hearts for their favorite television neighbor, Mr. Rogers.  Best known for his award-winning children’s program, Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood, Fred earned his undergraduate degree in music composition from Rolling College and wrote over 200 songs over the course of his life.  Other accomplishments include penning a number of books and receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2002.  His numerous talents – composing, puppetry, and writing, to name a few – and his creative and gentle approach to children’s education put Fred Rogers’ artistry in a league of its own.

Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood (The Fred Rogers Co.) (find it on the ipl2)

http://www.fredrogers.org/new-site/mrn.html

This site describes the history, philosophy, and 30-year success of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, created by Fred McFeely Rogers (1928-2003) and produced by his nonprofit company, Family Communications, Inc.  Noteworthy features include a biography of Mr. Rogers, television clips from his children’s program, and resources for parents and educators.

Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood (PBS) (find it on the ipl2)

http://pbskids.org/rogers/

This colorful, interactive site offers plenty of resources and fun to neighbors young and old.  Watch full episodes of the television show, sing along with Mr. Rogers’ timeless tunes, and play games in the land of Make-Believe.  For older visitors, there is the “Neighbors of All Ages” section; its video clips include fascinating footage from Rogers’ 1969 testimony before the United States Senate in support of children’s educational programming.

Mister Rogers Remixed: Garden of Your Mind (find it on the ipl2)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFzXaFbxDcM

This video is the brainchild of PBS Digital Studios and noted remixer melodysheep, aka John D. Boswell.  Known for his “Symphony of Science” video remixes of clips featuring the likes of Carl Sagan and Neil deGrasse Tyson, Boswell was approached by PBS Digital Studios about a possible collaboration.  This video, featuring classic Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood footage, was the ultimate product of their discussions, and quickly went viral after its release in June 2012.

Townes Van Zandt

Photograph of Townes Van Zandt taken in concert at “Kult” Niederstetten, Germany by Michael Schwarz, 1995

John Townes Van Zandt (March 7, 1944 – January 1, 1997) was an American singer-songwriter from Texas who played country, folk, and Texas blues music. Many of his songs became hits for other artists during his lifetime and were recorded by artists such as Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson, and Merle Haggard. After his death at 52 years old from cardiac arrhythmia due to decades of substance abuse, his work and life inspired a documentary film, numerous articles and books, and coverage of many of his songs.

Freeing a Mentor From His Mythology (find it on the ipl2)

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/10/arts/music/10decurtis.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0  

This article  provides first-hand insight into the life and motives of Townes Van Zandt by the person that probably knew him best. Singer-songwriter Steve Earle, another Texas songwriter better known in the smaller circuits of music’s smaller superstars, was Townes Van Zandt’s protégé. Earle is interviewed in advance of an album of Van Zandt songs that Earle recorded in his memory.

NEW! Van Zandt, John Townes

http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/fva44

The Texas State Historical Society provides a brief, but compact biography of Van Zandt’s life from his wealthy upbringing, to his erratic behaviors in college and subsequent shock therapy, as well as his narrative style of writing songs about his own experiences, particularly depression, life on the road, and alcoholism. This site reveals the impact that Van Zandt had on others who recorded his tunes. It also examines his own reputation not only as an abuser of substances that eventually led to his death, but also as the “poet laureate of Texas,” “premier poet of the time,” “the James Joyce of Texan songwriting,” and “the best writer in the country genre.”

NEW! Townes Van Zandt, “Pancho and Lefty”

http://www.americansongwriter.com/2012/04/townes-van-zandt-pancho-and-lefty/

A review of perhaps one of Van Zandt’s most memorable songs, “Pancho and Lefty,” by Jim Beviglia. The song was made famous and was a top hit by Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson. Beviglia, who writes about the superstar duo and Van Zandt’s versions, breaks down the meaning of the song, and gives a little of Van Zandt’s purpose for the song.

Reminder: You can subscribe to ipl2’s newsletter and weekly blog posts via email as well as RSS.  The “Email Subscription” feature appears prominently in the upper left-hand side of the page on the ipl2’s News and Information WordPress blog. Subscription is free and open to all!

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