On the Web

NEA Today, Mar 2008

SCIENCE SOUND BYTES GO DOWN EASY

The American Chemical Society (ACS) has launched Bytesize Science, an educational and entertaining podcast for young listeners. Bytesize Science translates cutting-edge scientific discoveries from ACS' 36 peer-reviewed journals into stories for young listeners about science, health, medicine, energy, food, and other topics.

New installments are posted every Monday and are available free of charge. The archive includes items on environmental threats to orcas, a scientific explanation for why some people love chocolate, unlikely new uses for compact discs, and a hairy tale about "hairy roots."

Don't have an iPod? Listen to episodes with your Web browser. Go to http://feedfcfeedbunwr.com/bytesizescience.

FREE WEB TOOL CONNECTS TEACHERS AND FAMILIES

SchoolNotes is a free service that teachers can use to post information online, such as homework assignments, resource !links, and even "flash-card" quizzes. Parents and students can be notified automatically when the teacher updates the Web page. SchoolNotes complements school sites by allowing teachers to share information on the Web without worrying about HTML or FTP because, there is no programming required.

Always available, this free community service allows parents, teachers, and students to access school information from home, work, school, or anywhere the Internet is available. Find out more at www.tchoolnotos.com.

HARNESSING THE POLITICAL POWER OF YOUTH

ServiceVote is a campaign to engage young people in the political process, beginning with voting. ServiceVote 2008 challenges youth to think critically about how they can affect jissues by getting involved in the political process and provides opportunities to participate in the presidential election. The Web site features up-to-date news and information on the various races, the presidential candidates, and the defining (issues; opportunities for peer interaction and dialogue through a discussion forum where youth can post videos, images, and (audio files; and resources to take action through service in the election and in the policy process. Help youth get involved at www.sevicevote.org.