Finding Native American culture

NEA Today, Feb 2001 by Biddinger, Karen, Hamnquist, Craig, Smithson, Beth

TIPS FOR THE WIRED CLASSROOM

The students researched the images in depth, took two field trips, and under Moose's direction, created a clay tile and a plaster mold of the tile of a chosen image. Moose created the central bronze relief sculpture.

The Web site explains the project, made possible by a grant from the North Carolina Arts Council and community contributions. But more importantly, it allows students and teachers to take a virtual tour of the mural.

They can actually focus on one of the 212 tiles and gain useful information about the images that were so important to Cherokee culture.

Social studies teachers, art teachers, and all students studying Native Americans will find this a valuable learning tool.

For more information, send comments to me through the Web site, www.ancientimages.org, or E-mail me at beths@vnet.net.

Beth Smithson Mt. Pleasant Elementary Mt. Pleasant, North Carolina

Come Join Us

We have just launched a collaborative Internet project to learn more about the United States. We are asking schools from each of the 50 states to participate.

The participating school will receive a foam-board cutout of their state, which they will decorate with items that reflect the landmarks, industries, and culture of their states.

When finished projects are returned to us, we'll create a giant map of the United States. Each project will also be scanned and shared through our project Web site. The project address is www. evesham.k12.nj.us/evans/states/ states.htm.

We would love to have a school in every state participate.

Karen Biddinger F. V. Evans Elementary Marlton, New Jersey

All in One Place

NEA Today is a valuable treasure trove of ideas and information. The listing of so many Web sites is one of the magazine's most valuable assets. After reading the articles, it's time to surf the Web.

But... there are some problems. This month's edition gets left in the car, it sits in the living room and coffee rings obscure the addresses, the magazine makes a dandy hat during a sudden rainstorm, and finally, Oregon is a paper-is-fuel state and much as we hate to say it, sometimes the issue ends up in the fireplace.

Enter the Scio District Web!!! Each NEA Today edition's Web sites are listed and pre-linked for easy access for all employees and any member of the public who can find the Teachers' Services section of the Main Web.

We refresh the page after each issue. You can find our link page at www. scio.k12.or.us/SHS/teacherserevices/ NEA_Today.htm.

Craig Hamnquist Scio High School Scio, Oregon

Truly Multimedia

Last year my fifth graders, a high school senior, and myself designed a Web site featuring a multimedia mural the students had created with a scalptor-in-residence, Raymond Moose, the previous year.

The mural is permanently installed and reflects the culture of Southeastern pre-Columbian Native Americans, focusing on a North Carolina tribe, the Cherokee.

TALK TO US

Have a nifty classroom tip or lesson plan that uses technology? E-mail a description (under 200 words, please!) to wiredclassroom@list.nea.org.

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Or send your responses by regular mail to NEA Today, or by Fax to 202/822-7206, or through the Web at www.nea.org/cet

Those published here will receive a sp5-ding NEA Today mug!