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Jamestown Hangs in the Balance

Only by luck and happenstance did Britain’s first permanent settlement in the New World survive By James Horn
Arriving at the English colony of Jamestown in late May 1610, Sir Thomas Gates was appalled by what he discovered. The fort’s palisades had been torn down, the church ruined, and empty houses “rent up and burnt.” Only 60 or so colonists remained alive of the more than 200 who had crowded into the fort the previous fall, and these were “Lamentable to behold.” Those able to raise themselves from their beds to meet Gates and his men “Looked Like Anatomies” [skeletons]. They cried out, “We are starved We are starved.” Yet Gates could do little to relieve them...(more)

Using Memoirs to Open Doors to Research

By Alicia Johnson
I begin each year with a media unit to introduce students to the power of words. They love looking at ads, analyzing them, and creating one of their own. Following our media unit, we do a autobiography/biography unit. My eighth graders take their writing SOL (Standards of Learning) test in March, so they need to begin writing right away. The best way to encourage my students to begin writing is to have them write about themselves!

We begin by reading the autobiographical writings of others. This is enjoyable for my students because they love to read true stories. In the course of studying autobiographies, we discuss memoir writing. One of my favorite memoirs is "My Dog Skip" by Willie Morris. It includes many elements that my eight grade students enjoy. It takes place during the World War II era. Willie is a young boy who is struggling with shyness, popularity issues, bullies and young love. He receives an adorable puppy one year for his birthday. He names the little terrier "Skip" and they develop a bond that many people only dream about...(more)

THE IMPORTANCE OF FIELD TRIPS

DAVIS, Larry E., Natural Sciences
The challenges of teaching science to undergraduates are many, especially in small undergraduate institutions. These challenges include finding effective ways to teach basic scientific principles and providing students opportunities to "do geology", at a time when prices are soaring and college budgets are shrinking. A common institutional cost cutting measure is to reduce or limit travel, which often means the loss of field trips....(more)

How To Organize Educational Tours

Learning does not stop at the classroom door. More often, real life experiences contribute more to learning than what is only learned inside the school. This is one of the reasons why educational tours are organized and are considered as part of the curriculum.

If you are a planning to organize educational tours for your school, here are the steps that you should remember:

How To Benefit from Visiting Museums and Galleries

The importance of visiting museums and galleries can be summed up in two concepts: heritage and stimulation. These two invaluable things are essential for the continued growth of any individual. Without them, you're pretty much going to feel stuck in a rut, bored out of your mind from the routines of the modern world.

Flight Delay Information

http://www.fly.faa.gov/flyfaa/usmap.jsp

What Not to Wear: How to Speed Through Airport Security

With 24 million people expected to clog the airports during the Thanksgiving holiday period and the chance a protest banning body scanners will take off, travelers are looking for time saving tips when it comes to airport security. Now more than ever is the time to ask yourself "what should I wear?" Follow the easy wardrobe tips below to ensure you have a hassle free trip over the holidays... (more)

Mobiata Travel Apps

http://www.mobiata.com/applications

Student Travel Groups Discover Something New Around Every Corner in New York City

It’s the city that never sleeps, which is why there is so much for youth travel groups to see and do in New York City. From first-class museums and diverse neighborhoods to beautiful parks and top-notch restaurants, New York City has everything to keep your student travelers busy, and there’s always more to explore—even locals stumble upon something new every day. What will your young students find on their trip to the Big Apple?...(click to read more)

The TSA goes Mobile- Smart Phone App

The TSA Blog- TSA goes Mobile...so to help travelers get the information they might need quickly and easily, we launched the MyTSA mobile web app and iPhone app to put the information you need right at your fingertips.

3-1-1 for Carry Ons

Make Your Trip Better Using 3-1-1

TSA and our security partners conducted extensive explosives testing since August 10, 2006 and determined that liquids, aerosols and gels, in limited quantities, are safe to bring aboard an aircraft... (click to read more)