Published: November 1, 1990

Contests For Students

MADD
The National Youth Programs of Mothers Against Drunk Driving invites students in grades 1-12 to enter its 1991 poster contest. Students in grades 4-12 may also enter an essay contest on the theme "Driving Straight into the '90s.'' Entries will be accepted in English or Spanish. Prizes will be awarded in the following categories: grades 1-3, 4-6, 7-9, and 10-12. First-place winners will receive a plaque and a $1,000 savings bond. Other prizes will be awarded. Deadline for entry: February 1. Contact: MADD National Youth Programs, P.O. Box 541688, Dallas, TX 75354-1688; (214) 744-6233. Teachers should also contact their local MADD chapter to find out if there's a local contest in their area.

LANGUAGE ARTS

Getting Published
Highlights for Children invites students ages 2-12 to submit stories, pictures, poems, riddles, and jokes for publication. Entries must include a note from a parent, guardian, or teacher stating that the work is original. Riddles and jokes do not need to be original or have a note of authenticity with them. No deadline; submissions accepted year-round. Contact: Highlights for Children, 803 Church St., Honesdale, PA 18431.

Promising Writers
The National Council of Teachers of English invites 8th grade students to enter the 1990 Promising Young Writers Program. Faculty members from each school should nominate students who demonstrate exceptional writing ability. Winners will receive a certificate of achievement. Deadline for entry: January 15. Contact: PYWP, NCTE, 1111 Kenyon Road, Urbana, IL 61801; (217) 328-3870.

MATHEMATICS

Math Competition
The University of NebraskaLincoln's Department of Mathematics and Statistics will administer the American Mathematics High School Examinations for students in grades 7-12 on February 26. Examinations will be taken at the student's school. Winners will receive tokens of recognition and will qualify to enter other competitions. Winning schools will receive books and subscriptions to journals for their libraries. Deadline for entry: December 7. Contact: E. Walter Mientka, University of NebraskaLincoln, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Lincoln, NE 68588; (402) 472-2257.

MUSIC

Student Composers
Broadcast Music Inc. invites students under age 26 to enter the Student Composer Awards contest. There are no limitations on instrumentation, length of work, or style. One entry per student allowed. Prizes range from $500 to $2,500. Deadline: February 10. Contact: Student Composer Awards, Ralph Jackson, BMI, 320 W. 57th St., New York, NY 10019; (212) 586-2000, ext. 221.

Musical Youth
The National Parent-Teacher Association invites K-12 students to enter the Annual National PTA Reflections Program in the music category. Original musical scores, with or without words, will be accepted. Entries must focus on the theme "If I Had a Wish.'' Students will be judged in the following categories: grades K-3, 4-6, 7-9, and 10-12. Entries must first be submitted to a local PTA. Three awards from $100 to $300 will be given at each grade level. Other prizes will be awarded. Deadline for entries: January through March for state contests, April 5 for the national contest. Contact: Annual National PTA Reflections Program, 700 N. Rush St., Chicago, IL 60611-2571.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Photograph A Wish
The National Parent-Teacher Association invites K-12 students to enter the Annual National PTA Reflections Program in the photography category. Students should take photos based on the theme "If I Had a Wish.'' Original snapshots, instant photos, and 35mm pictures in black-and-white or color will be accepted. Students may submit more than one print for the competition, which will be judged in the following categories: grades K-3, 4-6, 7-9, and 10-12. Materials must first be submitted to a local PTA. Three awards from $100 to $300 will be given at each grade level. Other prizes will be awarded. Deadline for entries: January through March for state contests, April 5 for the national contest. Contact: Annual National PTA Reflections Program, 700 N. Rush St., Chicago, IL 606112571.

SCIENCE

Contests In Space
The National Science Teachers Association is sponsoring 13 contests for students in grades 6-12 under the Space Science Student Involvement Program. The contests include the Space Station Proposals Contest for grades 9-12, the Moon-Based Proposal Contest for grades 6-8, the Mars Settlement Art Contest for grades 6-12, the School Newspaper Contest for grades 6-12, and the Aerospace Internships for grades 9-12. Awards vary. Deadline: March 15. Contact: NSTA-Space Science and Technology, 5110 Roanoke Place, Suite 101, College Park, MD 20740.

Senior Scientists
The Westinghouse Foundation invites high school seniors to enter its annual Science Talent Search. Students should submit a written report describing an independent science research project, as well as school records and faculty recommendations. Approximately 40 winners will receive science scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $40,000. Deadline: December 10. Contact: Science Service Inc., 1719 N St., N.W., Washington, DC 20036; (202) 785-2255.

SOCIAL STUDIES

Geography
The American Express Travel Related Services Company Inc. and the American Express Philanthropic Program invite students in grades 7-12 to enter the American Express Geography Competition by writing a paper on one of the following themes: "The Geography of Travel and Trade,'' "Managing the Environment in a Changing World,'' or "Geographic Patterns of Cultural Diversity.'' The first-place winner in each category will receive a $15,000 travel award. Other prizes are also available. Teachers sponsoring winning students will receive a $1,500 travel award. Students may enter individually or in teams, and they must be sponsored by a teacher and school principal. Deadline: February 28. Contact: The American Express Geography Competition hotline, at (800) 395GLOBE, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. (EST).

Historical Maps
The Commission on the Bicentennial of the United States Constitution invites students in grades 4-12 to enter its National Historical/Pictorial Map Contest. Students will design a map of the United States as it was during the 1607-1803 period, focusing on the theme "The Bill of Rights and Beyond.'' Entries will be judged in grade categories 4-6, 7-8, and 9-12 on historical accuracy, creativity, and imagination. National winners will receive $5,000. Other prizes will be awarded. Registration forms due by December 15. Contact: Center for Civic Education, 5146 Douglas Fir Road, Calabasas, CA 91302; (818) 340-9320.

DEADLINES

Following is a list of application deadlines for grants, fellowships, and honors available to individuals. Asterisks (

STUDY AND RESEARCH

Late November. General.
The U.S. Education Department is sponsoring the Christa McAuliffe Fellowship Program for 1991 to help teachers further their education or develop educational programs. Approximately 80 fellowships, ranging from $16,250 to $32,500, will be awarded. Contact your state department of education or Janice Williams-Madison, Division of Discretionary Grants, National Programs and Activities, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, USED, 400 Maryland Ave., S.W., Washington, DC 20202-6439; (202) 401-1059.

December 1. Technology.
The International Technology Education Association is offering a $3,000 Professional Development Scholarship to technology-education teachers in a graduate degree program in technology or industrialarts education. Contact: ITEA, 1914 Association Drive, Reston, VA 22091; (703) 8602100.

December 1. Overseas Study.
The U.S. Education Department's Fulbright-Hays Seminars Abroad Program is offering short-term seminars on social sciences and humanities topics in the language of participating countries. Those eligible include social sciences or humanities faculty members from colleges, universities, and community colleges; social studies curriculum specialists at local or state education agencies; junior and senior high school social studies teachers and department heads; 4th, 5th, and 6th grade teachers who specialize in social studies subjects; and teachers of foreign languages. Contact: FHSA, USED, Center for International Education, 400 Maryland Ave., S.W., Washington, DC 20202-5332; (202) 708- 7283.

December 1. Female Teachers.
The American Association of University Women invites female public school teachers to apply for its 1990-91 Eleanor Roosevelt Teacher Fellowships Program. Applicants should have demonstrated a commitment to broadening educational opportunities for girls through work in the classroom, community, and school. They must currently be teaching full time, have at least five consecutive years of teaching experience, and be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Awards range from $1,160 to $10,000. Winners must agree to teach for at least five years after the fellowship is completed. Minority teachers who want to further the success of minority students in schools in low-income communities are encouraged to apply. Contact: AAUW Educational Foundation, 1111 16th St., N.W., Washington, DC 20036.

December 7. Teaching Awards.
The Foundation for Excellence in Teaching invites nominations of teachers in the Chicago-area's Cook, Lake, and DuPage Counties for its annual Academy of Educators fellowship program. Ten teachers of grades preK-5 will receive a paid fall-term sabbatical to study tuition-free at Northwestern University, a $2,500 stipend, an Apple computer, and specialized training through a series of professionaldevelopment seminars. Contact: FET, 8 S. Michigan Ave., Suite 2310, Chicago, IL 60603-3318; (312) 407-0006.

December 14. Fellowships.
The W.K. Kellogg Foundation invites applications for the 1991 Kellogg National Fellowship Program. The foundation will select up to 50 fellows; each will receive a 3-year, $35,000 grant to pursue an individualized learning plan that will enhance leadership skills. Fellows will also participate in seminars and other activities offered by the foundation. Applicants must be U.S. citizens in the early stage of their careers. For more information, dial the foundation's 24-hour application line: (616) 969-2005.

January 1 And April 1. Graduate Student Travel Award.
The National Science Foundation invites applications for its Minority Graduate Student Travel Award. The award, which is intended to help graduate students develop contacts with postdoctoral mentors, is limited to students within 18 months of receiving their degrees. Up to $3,000 per student is available. Contact: Biological, Behavioral, and Social Sciences Minority Postdoctoral Fellowship Officer, NSF, 1800 G St., N.W., Washington, DC 20550; (202) 357-9880.

January 2. Research.
The National Academy of Education invites applications for its 1991 Spencer Fellowship program. Fellowships will be awarded to people in education, the humanities, or the social and behavioral sciences who received a Ph.D., Ed.D., or equivalent degree no earlier than Jan. 1, 1985. Up to 30 recipients will be awarded $30,000 each for one academic year of research or $15,000 for two years of halftime work. Contact: National Academy of Education, Stanford University, School of Education, CERAS 507-G, Stanford, CA 94305-3084; (415) 725-1003.

January 7. Summer Fellowships.
The Council for Basic Education invites applications for its 1991 National Fellowships for Independent Study in the Humanities program. Applicants must be K-12 teachers with at least five years of full-time teaching experience. At least half of their teaching must be devoted to the humanities. Applicants must propose a plan for a six-week independent study project. Up to 170 awards of $3,000 each will be awarded. Contact: CBE, Independent Study in the Humanities, Dept. T, P.O. Box 135, Ashton, MD 20861.

February 1. Arts.
The Kennedy Center is offering Fellowships for Teachers of the Arts. Teachers will work with artists to learn new techniques in their specialties; they will also receive tickets to cultural events in the Washington, D.C., area. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and full-time teachers with five years of teaching experience and spend at least half their time with preK-12 students. Fellowships include a $2,000 stipend and housing for three weeks. Contact: Kennedy Center Teacher Fellowships, Alliance for Arts Education, The Kennedy Center, Washington, DC 205660004; (202) 416-8800.

PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS

November 19. Civics Education.
The Commission on the Bicentennial of the U.S. Constitution, under its Bicentennial Educational Grant Program for 1991, invites applications for awards to support improved teaching of the Constitution in grades K-12 and to develop programs that will strengthen students' understanding of the document's importance. The commission seeks proposals that focus on the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and subsequent amendments. Grants will be awarded to local educational agencies, private elementary and secondary schools, private organizations, individuals, and state and local public agencies. Contact: Anne Fickling, Educational Grant Program, CBC, 808 17th St., N.W., Suite 800, Washington, DC 20006; (202) 653-5110.

December 15. Humanities.
The National Endowment for the Humanities offers grants to support national and regional summer institutes, state and local collaborative projects, masterwork study, conferences, special projects, and other activities that improve the teaching of the humanities. Public and private elementary and secondary schools are eligible. Grants vary. Contact: NEH/ESEH, Division of Education Programs, Room 302, 1100 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20506; (202) 786-0377.

March 1. Humanities.
The National Endowment for the Humanities offers grants of $2,000 to $2,750 for teachers to participate in the 1991 Summer Seminars for School Teachers program. Groups of 15 teachers will be selected for four to six weeks of intensive study of major texts in the humanities. Sessions will take place at academic sites in the United States and abroad. Contact: NEH, Division of Fellowships and Seminars, SSST, Room 316, 1100 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20506; (202) 786-0463.

HONORS

Science Teaching Achievements Recognition (STAR) Awards will be given for the development of new ideas for improving science education in grades K-12. Winners receive cash awards of $1,000, $750, or $500.

CIBA-GEIGY Exemplary Middle/Junior High School Science Teaching Award will honor one teacher who has excelled in either the design and use of science teaching plans and materials or the development of a department, school, or community program for the improvement of science instruction. The winner will receive $1,000, plus NSTA convention expenses of up to $500.

CIBA-GEIGY Exemplary Elementary Science Teaching Award will be given to one teacher with outstanding performance in using science materials, designing teaching plans, and creating science programs on an individual, school, and communitywide basis. The winner will receive $1,000, plus $500 for expenses, to attend the combined Council for Elementary Science International/NSTA convention.

Science Screen Report recognizes teachers who have creatively used commercially available science films or videotapes. One award of $1,000 will be given, plus NSTA convention expenses of $500.

Gustav Ohaus Programs for Innovations in Elementary, Middle/Junior High, High School, and College Science Teaching honor innovations that improve science teaching at the school and college levels. Two cash prizes of $1,000 each, and $500 for each of the five division winners, will be awarded.

Sheldon Exemplary Equipment and Facilities Award honors novel designs or approaches to using science equipment and facilities at the K-12 levels. Two $1,000 awards, plus $500 for NSTA convention expenses, will be awarded.

Videodiscs Awards offer new equipment to winners in three categories: best concept for an instructional videodisc, best plan for integrating videodiscs into the curriculum, and best example of integrating videodiscs into the curriculum.

Distinguished Service to Science Education honors teachers who have made significant contributions to the advancement of science education and teaching through leadership and scholarship. Partial NSTA convention expenses will be awarded.

Robert H. Carleton Award for National Leadership in the Field of Science Education recognizes an individual who has made an outstanding national contribution to science education and the NSTA in particular. Partial NSTA convention expenses will be awarded.

Outstanding Elementary and Science Technology Award honors a teacher who has demonstrated success in the use of supplementary materials to integrate science with other subjects. Winner will receive $1,000, partial expenses to a NSTA area convention, and a one-year subscription to Science Weekly.

Distinguished Teaching Award recognizes elementary, middle/junior high, high school, and college teachers who have made extraordinary contributions to the field of science teaching. Each award consists of a formal citation and a token of recognition.

The Jack Fishleder Photography Award honors K-12 science teachers. Awards of $750 will be given to a winner in the following two categories: a photo documentation that illustrates exemplary science instruction and learning and a photograph of a scientific or natural phenomenon that can be utilized for instruction in the classroom.

For all of the above, contact: NSTA Awards Program, 1742 Connecticut Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20009; (202) 3285800.

December 15. General.
Reader's Digest invites nominations of K-12 teachers and school principals for the American Heroes in Education award. Individual educators, or teams of up to six teachers and principals, may apply for the $5,000 awards. Each winner's school receives an additional $10,000. Contact: Beth Jones, RD, AHE, Pleasantville, NY 10572; (914) 238-1000, ext. 5474.

December 14. Music.
Chamber Music America is offering the Gruber Award for Excellence in Chamber Music Teaching to a teacher who has successfully engaged students ages 6-18 in performing chamber music. The winner receives $1,000. Contact: CMA, 545 Eighth Ave., New York, NY 10018; (212) 2442772.

December 28. General.
The Dolores Kohl Education Foundation seeks nominations for approximately 12 awards of $1,000 each to public and private preK-12 educators who have demonstrated excellence in teaching. To obtain a nomination form and procedure guidelines, contact: DKEF, 165 Greenbay Road, Wilmette, IL 60091; (708) 256-3000.

January 15. Gifted And Talented.
The Intertel Foundation Inc. invites applications for its 1991 Hollingworth Award Competition. Eligible are school district- or university-approved research proposals on the education or psychology of gifted children; both individuals and educational organizations may apply. One award of $2,000 will be made. For an application, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Roxanne Cramer, Chairman, Hollingworth Award Committee, 4300 Sideburn Road, Fairfax, VA 22030.

Deadline Varies. Arts.
The National School Boards Association, in cooperation with the Kennedy Center's Education Department/Alliance for Arts Education, will honor a local school board for outstanding support of the arts in education. Local school boards may nominate themselves. Nominations should be sent to the local board's state association, which will set a submission deadline. One nomination from each state will be submitted for the national award. Contact: NSBA, Office of Public Relations and Communications, 1680 Duke St., Alexandria, VA 22314; (703) 838-6722.

GRANTS AWARDED

Following is a list of grants that have been awarded by foundations and corporations to school districts, educational associations, and individuals:

INDIVIDUALS

Tandy Corp.
1800 One Tandy Center, Fort Worth, TX 76102.
$50,000 divided among 11 recipients of Tandy Educational Grants, awarded twice a year to educational institutions or organizations employing the winners. Applicants submitted proposals on "Using Computers to Enhance Language Skills.''

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co.
One State Farm Plaza, Bloomington, IL 61710.
$5,000 grant to an educational organization selected by Sharon Edwards, the August winner of the monthly State Farm Good Neighbor Award, which recognizes teachers who exhibit a good-neighbor philosophy in education. Edwards is a 1st grade teacher in Amherst, Mass.

ORGANIZATIONS

Citibank
8750 Doral Blvd., Miami, FL 33178-2402.
$1,000 to Cities in Schools of Miami Inc., to assist in the operation of the Dade County Public Schools Corporate Academy/ Burger King Academy.

Charles Stewart Mott Foundation
1200 Mott Foundation Building, Flint, MI 48502-1851.
$164,000 to the National Committee for Citizens in Education to pay operating expenses, promote school improvement, and develop materials and train community leaders on school improvement.

Hasbro Children's Foundation
32 W. 23rd St., New York, NY 10010.
More than $1 million to the College for Human Services in New York City to implement in four elementary schools nationwide a model program that organizes each semester around a purpose rather than around isolated academic disciplines.

Howard Hughes Medical Institute
6701 Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, MD 20817.
$699,500 to be dispersed to four organizations in an effort to involve elementary, middle, and high school students from the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area in scientific discovery.

Faye McBeath Foundation
1020 N. Broadway, Milwaukee, WI 53202.
$30,000 to the Greater Milwaukee Committee to develop an educational brochure to encourage families to participate in the arts and cultural activities in the community.

$44,450 to Learning Enterprise of Milwaukee to support the development of an enrichment program and resource lab for economically disadvantaged preschoolers served by the organization.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

President Bush recently appointed Janis Gabay, the 1990 National Teacher of the Year, to the Commission on Presidential Scholars.

The New York State Education Department and the Association of Public Broadcasting Stations recently awarded the Utilization of Television in Education Award to Thomas Collins of Chateaugay (N.Y) High School, for his creative use in the classroom of the television series, Art History: A Century of Modern Art.

Maris Aldrich of Helena (Mont.) High School was recently named the National Student Activity Adviser of the Year by the National Association of Secondary School Principals.

TEACHING TOOLS

Following is a list of free or inexpensive resources teachers can order:

Arts In English
The National Council of Teachers of English offers Teaching English Through the Arts, a booklet suggesting ways high school teachers can integrate arts into English studies. The booklet costs $5.95 for members and $6.95 for nonmembers. When ordering, mention the booklet's stock number: 50810-0015. Contact: NCTE, 1111 Kenyon Road, Urbana, IL 61801; (217) 328-3870.

Educational Software
R.R. Bowker publishers offers the 1991 version of Only the Best: The Annual Guide to Highest-Rated Educational Software Preschool-Grade 12. The 136-page guide includes information on 247 computer programs, with details on cost, appropriate grade levels for use, and program objectives. The book costs $29.95, plus shipping and handling. Contact: Ordering Dept., R.R. Bowker, P.O. Box 762, New York, NY 10011; (800) 521-8110.

Environmental Education
The Sierra Club's National Environmental Education Committee offers a free subscription to Sierraecology, a quarterly newsletter highlighting environmental education information of interest to teachers, including resource materials, classroom activities, and workshops. Contact: Ellen Byrnes, Sierra Club, 730 Polk St., San Francisco, CA 94109; (415) 776-2211.

Iditarod Races
The Iditarod Trail Committee offers curriculum materials on the Iditarod Sled Dog Race, a 1,200-mile race from Anchorage to Nome, Alaska, held on the first Saturday of March each year. The classroom packets, which will be sent out in January, include information about the race, mushers, a map showing checkpoints of the trails, and suggested lesson plans. The information packet costs $2. Contact: ITC, P.O. Box 870800, Wasilla, AK 99687; (800) 5456874.

Signing Bear
Honey is a 2-foot bear designed as a creative and entertaining way to teach hearing-impaired children, using sign language. The bear costs $75, plus $5 shipping and handling. Contact: Quiet Bears, P.O. Box 6542, Ventura, CA 93006; (805) 6470609.

Storyteller's Calendar
Stotter Press offers a 1991 Storyteller's Calendar created by a storyteller to link folk art and narratives. The calendar costs $10, plus $2 for shipping and handling. Contact: Stotter Press, P.O. Box 726, Stinson Beach, CA 94970; (415) 435-3568.

Sharon K. Williams

TUNE IN
Fall This fall, PBS will air a number of educa- tional programs for school and family viewing. For a copy of the fall 1990 PBS Tune In Guide, contact your local PBS station. November 27 The 1990-91 NASA Education Satellite Videoconference series consists of four 90-minute briefings by NASA personnel on various aerospace topics. The first pro- gram aired October 2, but additional video- conferences will be shown on November 27, January 29, and April 2, at 2:30-4 p.m. (EST) on channel 19. For complete pro- gram information, contact: Aerospace Edu- cation Services Program, Oklahoma State University, Department of Aviation and Space Education, 300 N. Cordell, Stillwa- ter, OK 74078-0402.

TO THE READER
Each issue will include in the "Extra Credit'' section some or all of the following categories: deadlines for grants and fellow- ships, adventures, teaching tools, work- shops, honors and awards, and other use- ful information. Similar items of interest to teachers are welcome. Please send them (with appropriate contacts and phone num- bers) to "Extra Credit'' Editor, Teacher Magazine, Suite 250, 4301 Connecticut Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20008.

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