Catalyst

Essay Contest for Students

2009-03-12T08:57:00.000-07:00

Teachers:

EnergyNet is hosting the Dear Governor Quinn Essay Contest. Students will be asked to write a Persuasive Essay to the Governor sharing their ideas of how Illinois Can Save Energy By Involving Students. Essays are due by April 10.

The Grand Prize Winner and a friend will to to Springfield to tour the Governor's Mansion and Springfield sites.

Visit the EnergyNet Web Site for details.

Valentines for the Earth

2009-01-27T14:08:00.000-08:00

Teachers:

Back by popular demand - EnergyNet will again host the Valentines for the Earth contest. EnergyNet students are invited to create a special Valentine's Day surprise for the Earth. You might choose to:

Make a card (either an electronic card or one made of reused or recycled material)
Write a song or a poem
Offer a gift of service to the Earth

Please send your Valentines Day Gifts electronically to EnergyNet by February 6th. We may share them with some very important people!

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-18T14:57:00.001-08:00

Wishing all of you a Peaceful, Happy and Beautiful holiday.

Professional Development Grant Available

2008-12-12T14:07:00.000-08:00

NEA Foundation Accepting Applications for Student Achievement and Learning & Leadership Grants Programs

Grants of $2,000 for individuals and $5,000 for groups are available as follows:

The Learning & Leadership Grants program provides opportunities for teachers, education support professionals, and higher education faculty and staff to engage in high-quality professional development and lead their colleagues in professional growth. Grants to individuals fund participation in professional development experiences such as summer institutes and action research. Grants to groups fund collegial study, including study groups, action research, lesson study, and mentoring experiences for faculty or staff new to an assignment.

The Student Achievement Grants program provides grants of $5,000 each to improve the academic achievement of students by engaging in critical thinking and problem solving that deepen knowledge of standards-based subject matter. The work should also improve students' habits of inquiry, self-directed learning, and critical reflection. Proposals for work resulting in low-income and minority student success with honors, advanced placement, and other challenging curricula are particularly encouraged. Grant funds may be used for resource materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, software, and scholars-in-residence.

Deadlines: February 1, 2009 ; June 1, 2009; and October 15, 2009

The Best and The Brightest

2008-10-30T10:57:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity to attend a Leadership Seminar led by Dr. Robert Cooper and John Wright. Dr. Cooper told a story of a teacher who kept asking her administrator to give her all the gifted children. She was certain that if she had gifted students she could do great things with them. One year it happened.

I was surprised that the teacher's educational strategy for these gifted students was to implement project-based learning - the same thing we're doing with EnergyNet. The students were motivated and on task. As the teacher predicted, they excelled on the standardized tests. The teacher reminded her administrator that she'd said all along if she was given the gifted students she knew she could really increase their natural abilities.

Now it was the teacher's turn to be surprised. "Gifted, those students aren't gifted." she replied. "Well of course they are, I saw their IQ scores."

"Those weren't their IQ scores, they were their locker numbers" replied the administrator.

According to Dr. Cooper, the teacher was so embarrassed that she reverted back to her original style of teaching. What a heartbreaking story.

Are your students the best and the brightest?

Who Would You Like to See in Person?

2008-09-19T09:00:00.003-07:00

What speakers would you like to hear? What topics are of the most interest to you?

I am considering putting together a program where a series of regional presentations by national speakers could be made available to teachers at no cost. The first step is to hear from you about the topics and speakers that most interest you.

EnergyNet Featured in Illinois Country Living

2008-09-19T09:00:00.001-07:00

EnergyNet and the work of the team at GCMS High School in Gibson City is featured in this month's Illinois Country Living magazine. Illinois Country Living is published by the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives. Check it out!

Web Meeting: Energy Efficiency in Schools

2008-09-17T12:15:00.001-07:00

Join the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Thursday, October 2^nd at 1:00 PM ET for a 1-hour Internet Networking Web Meeting to learn how school districts across the country are increasing energy efficiency through ENERGY STAR^®.

Who should attend: Facilities, EHS, IT, and Finance managers interested in reducing schools’ energy costs and establishing or enhancing a sustainability program for new schools and buildings.

Participants will learn about:

The newly updated ENERGY STAR Building Upgrade Manual, a strategic guide designed to help building owners and managers plan and implement energy saving upgrades. By using the Building Upgrade Manual, organizations can maximize energy savings through five upgrade stages based on the success of ENERGY STAR partners.
How Council Rock School District in Pennsylvania won the 2008 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Award for Energy Management. Director of Business Administration Robert Schoch, and Energy Manager Mike McGarvey will discuss how their district used ENERGY STAR tools and resources to improve energy performance by 30 percent and earn the ENERGY STAR for 17 schools. Mr. Schoch will also discuss how the district used a strategic approach and educated students about the importance of energy efficiency.

There is no charge to participate, and all you need to join us is a high-speed Internet connection and a telephone line. Participants will have an opportunity to ask questions following the presentation.

Visit https://energystar.webex.com/energystar and click on the session titled “ENERGY STAR Quarterly K-12 Networking Meeting” under “Training Center.”
Click on the link for “Registration.”
Complete the contact information on the next page.
Save the confirmation e-mail with the information needed to participate in the presentation, which will be sent to the e-mail address you have specified. Please check your spam e-mail filter if the message does not appear in your inbox.
Click on the link provided in this e-mail and join us at least 15-minutes prior to the start of the presentation.

If you have any questions about this presentation or the registration process, please contact Assaba Massougbodji at amassougbodji@cadmusgroup.com.

20 Grants for Education

2008-09-17T08:10:00.001-07:00

Friends:

The following grants are available. If I can be of help to you as you put together your proposals, please contact me.

Carol

1. Low-Cost Laptops for Illinois Elementary Schools
:::Description:::
Teachers can apply for up to $5,000 to start Low-Cost Laptop projects in Illinois elementary school (K-6) classrooms. All applicants must have a plan to provide every student in at least one classroom with a computer, and secure a match for any grant award.

:::Deadline:::
5pm, Friday, October 10, 2008
For an application, or more information on Lt. Governor Quinn's commitment to improving technology in Illinois schools, please visit www.illinoisconnect.org

Contact Ryan Croke, at ryan.croke@illinois.gov with questions related to this grant announcement.

2. Public and School Libraries Invited to Apply for We the People Bookshelf Grant Opportunity
In spring 2009, NEH and ALA will select four thousand public and school (K-12) libraries to receive books and bonus materials along the theme of "Picturing America...."
Deadline: January 30, 2009
Posted: September 15, 2008

3. Produce for Kids and PBS Kids Partner for School-Based Healthy Eating Campaign
Grants of $500 will be awarded to teachers whose original, innovative, and creative classroom projects encourage kids to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables....
Deadline: November 1, 2008
Posted: September 12, 2008

4. Application Process Open for Target Field Trip Grants
Grants of up to $800 will be awarded to educators, teachers, principals, para-professionals, and/or classified staff planning field trips to art museums, cultural events, civic experiences, or environmental sites....
Deadline: November 1, 2008
Posted: September 5, 2008

5. National Education Association Foundation Accepting Grant Applications
Grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded to teachers, education support professionals, and higher education faculty and staff working to improve student learning in public schools, colleges, and universities....
Deadline: October 15, 2008 ; February 1, 2009; and June 1, 2009
Posted: September 4, 2008

6.Lowe's Toolbox for Education K-12 Grant Program Opens Fall 2008 Cycle

Grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded to nonprofit K-12 schools and their associated parent groups working to enhance school facilities and grounds....
Deadline: October 17, 2008
Posted: August 9, 2008

7.Best Buy Invites Applications for K-12 Technology Education Program
Awards of up to $10,000 will be given to K-12 schools in the United States and Puerto Rico working to incorporate interactive technology in the classroom....
Deadline: October 12, 2008
Posted: August 8, 2008

8. Kids In Need Foundation Accepting Applications for Teacher Grants
Grants of up to $500 will be awarded to K-12 teachers working to provide innovative learning opportunities to their students....
Deadline: September 30, 2008
Posted: August 3, 2008

9.National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Invites Applications for Equity in Mathematics Grants
A grant of $8,000 for materials and lessons will be awarded to an individual teacher or small group of teachers working to improve math achievement in a grade six through eight class....
Deadline: November 14, 2008
Posted: July 19, 2008

10.Staples Foundation for Learning Supports Job Skills and Education Programs
Grants will be awarded to nonprofits working to provide job skills and/or education for all people, with an emphasis on disadvantaged youth; public schools without 501(c)(3) status and organizations located in Alaska or Hawaii do not qualify....
Deadline: October 24, 2008
Posted: July 12, 2008

11.Seeds for Education Grant Program Invites Applications
Wild Ones' Lorrie Otto Seeds for Education Fund will give grants of up to $500 for the purchase of native plants and seeds to nonprofits, schools, and nature centers working to plant and maintain natural landscapes with native species....
Deadline: November 15, 2008
Posted: June 15, 2008

12.Do Something Announces "Increase Your Green" School Competition
Awards of up to $1,500 will be given to middle and high schools working to reduce the environmental impact of their school during an eight week competition where students will showcase how their school saved energy, reduced waste, and raised awareness....
Deadline: December 15, 2008
Posted: June 8, 2008

13.Lexus and Scholastic Announce Launch of Environmental Challenge Education Program
Grants and scholarships of up to $75,000 will be awarded to teams of five to ten middle or high school students and one teacher-advisor working to address an environmental issue....
Deadline: Various
Posted: September 25, 2007

14.Digi-Block Announces Call for Kohlberg Grant for Professional Development Proposals
Educators focused on mathematics for students in pre-K to 6th grade will be awarded grants to attend professional development workshops led by Dr. Elon Kohlberg....
Deadline: Rolling
Posted: April 22, 2007

15.Airborne Expands Teacher Trust Fund Program for School Art and Music Programs
Grants totalling $250,000 will be provided to elementary and middle schools in fifteen states for the 2006-07 school year to fund art and music programs that are in jeopardy of being lost or have already been eliminated....
Deadline: Rolling
Posted: December 26, 2006

16.Earthwatch Educator Fellowships Available to Sponsor Participation in International and U.S. Conservation Expeditions
Elementary, middle, and high school educators and administrators will receive project costs to work alongside leading field scientists on some of the most important environmental issues facing the planet today....
Deadline: Rolling
Posted: November 27, 2006

17.Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership Offers Funding for Education Projects in the South and Midwest
Up to $5,000 is available for programs that promote awareness and understanding of Japan in the southern U.S., through teacher training and related programs....
Deadline: Rolling
Posted: April 21, 2006

18.Lowe's, International Paper, and National Geographic Launch Outdoor Classroom Grant Program
Up to $20,000 will be awarded to schools or school districts for proposed outdoor learning environments for K-12 students in the United States....
Deadline: Rolling
Posted: September 12, 2005

19.State Farm Good Neighbor Service-Learning Grants Available for Global Youth Service Day Projects
Grants of up to $1,000 will be awarded to teachers, professors, and others in the U.S. or Canada working to coordinate service-learning projects in schools or universities....
Deadline: October 15, 2008
Posted: September 10, 2008

20. EnergyNet Available to Illinois Schools

Free teaching materials and implementation support is available to K-12 teachers throughout Illinois. Apply online.

Friends Don't Let Friends Miss Opportunities!

2008-09-11T13:57:00.000-07:00

The State of Illinois has provided funds to offer EnergyNet FREE for a limited number of Illinois schools. Do you know of a peer who would enjoy implementing the program in their classroom? Send them to our Registration Page.

Friends don't let friends miss opportunities!

Welcome To A New School Year

2008-09-03T14:55:00.000-07:00

Welcome to EnergyNet! We are excited to begin a new school year and have some big plans! Shortly we'll unveil a new web site for you and your students. It will include Blogs, Podcasts and Guest Speaker presentations.

This year we'll focus on reducing the use of electricity, increasing the use of renewable resources and enlisting your students help in making their homes more efficient.

Put on your seat belts, we're in for an exciting ride!

Is It Better To Be Smart Or Persistent?

2008-07-16T11:01:00.000-07:00

Alina Tugend of the New York Times quoted Professor Carol Dweck of Stanford and others in an interesting article entitled "The Many Errors in Thinking About Mistakes." Professor Dweck said

"Studies with children and adults show that a large percentage cannot tolerate mistakes or setbacks ... those who believe that intelligence is fixed and cannot change tend to avoid taking chances that may lead to errors." She goes on to say that "Often parents and teachers unwittingly encourage this mind-set by praising children for being smart rather than for trying hard or struggling with the process."

I have found in my work that our "A" students tend to have the toughest time with risk. They would much prefer a straightforward assignment with clear instructions rather than a problem solving activity. Their view of success tends to be the grade rather than the understanding. This makes sense as that process has served them well in the educational arena. The problem is that the world of work and of life is not made up of straightforward assignments with clear instructions.

Educators, what has been your experience?

BP Amoco Grant Awarded

2008-07-16T10:58:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Maudie Walls of Garvey School in Chicago. Ms. Walls received a BP Amoco grant to support her EnergyNet work.

Congratulations Maudie!

Inventor of LED

2008-07-16T09:55:00.000-07:00

U of I Inventor Inducted Into Hall of Fame

Nick Holonyak, the inventor of the first practical light-emitting diode (LED) in the visible spectrum, is on a list of inductees to the National Inventors Hall of Fame.
Professor Holonyak is an Electrical and Computer Engineering and Physics Professor from the University of Illinois.

Are High Gas Prices A Problem For Your Family? Share these gas saving suggestions

2008-07-16T08:55:00.000-07:00

You know how much harder it is to get around when you have
a heavy backpack- right? Well, the same is true of your
family's car. Reduce the weight the engine has to pull by
doing these 3 things:

Check the tire pressure. Tires that are under inflated reduce gas mileage. Be sure your tires are properly inflated.
Remove extra items. The less weight you drive around,the less gas you'll use.
Wash your car. Surprising but true - a clean car use less energy.

Did You Know? ?

American car horns beep in the tone of F.