Kentucky Academy of Technology Education

Intrusion, Inclusion, or Infusion?

Instructional Illuminations

By, Linda Payne, Henderson County Schools 

"Westward Ho!"
"Go west, young man!"
"California or bust!"
These are famous cries heard from the pioneers of the 1800s on their treks across the rugged terrain of the mid-west in search of a better land and future. In the classrooms of today teachers and students are pioneers (of a sort) in the land of technology. However, the cries of many teachers are much different than those of the 1800's. Being the leaders of students who are growing up in a world filled with technology is both frightening and exciting at the same time.
When televisions and VCRs became the latest technologies added to the classrooms, teachers seemed to clamor to get them. Why are computers and other digital devices in the classroom any different? Why aren't all teachers fighting to get their hands on laptops for their students to use during lessons, CPS systems to help review classroom lessons, or projectors and interactive whiteboards to present lessons in classrooms?

 

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Kids vs. Nutrition

Core Connections

By, Alisha McClure, North Calloway County Elementary

Have you ever driven by the local McDonald's in the middle of the day and cringed at the number of cars in the drive-thru lane? If you said yes, then this unit is for you and your class. Nutrition is a very important aspect of every person's life, especially a child's. Parents teach their children the same eating habits they were taught. If they were raised not to care about nutrition, then odds are that their children won't care either. Since so many parents neglect to instill the importance of being healthy in their children, teachers often have to take the role of dietician along with their regular teaching duties.

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Rivers of the World

Core Connections

Did you know that throughout history cities have flourished or died because of rivers? Did you know that only 3% of the earth's water is fresh? Did you know that the Mississippi River has 250 tributaries? Whether you teach history, science, math or geography there is much to be learned from the world's rivers. A cross-curricular thematic unit on rivers is a great way to get your students interested in charting the flow of rivers and the growth of cities or taking an environmental stand to save our world.

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