This week we are looking at websites and web pages for one
more genre to evaluate. I can't speak for all of my students, but the Internet
is every bit as valuable as books for my topics this term. Since I am focusing
on plagues and the Dust Bowl these I didn't waste my searching time; I went
right to the good stuff. (Benefit of being a teacher, I already know the good
sites.)
Center for Disease Control, "Plagues."
 |
| Image from CDC |
If you want
information on diseases, don't waste time searching. Go straight to the Center
for Disease Control. Those people know their diseases and know how to share it.
I especially appreciate the condensed information found on the one-page web
page regarding plagues. One significant picture, clear headings, and dependable
links: perfect. If the page had one short coming it is a lack of links to
additional information for historical data. What I have to keep in mind is that
the CDC isn't really in the business to explain historical diseases, but to
deal with current diseases. Compared to print sources, I know that the CDC site
will have the most up-to-date information. I was surprised they didn't link to
Ebola, but a quick search on the site solved that issue. In addition to having
up-to-date info on Ebola, I found some amazing infographics on the disease. I
think I have a new learning activity in the works for next semester's English
10 class!
 |
| Image from Library of Congress, of couse |
And now the really good stuff:
THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS! (I just love that place. I think we
should go on a field trip so we can all appreciate it.)
The Library of Congress, "The Dust Bowl"
Great page
of resources for teaching about the Dust Bowl. This page offers several primary
sources and a teacher's guide. The images are from various sources, including
the Farm Security Administration. The FSA is credited with collecting some of
the most important images of the Great Depression on the Dust Bowl. Included in
the collection are not only poignant photographs, but also some interviews, a
poem, and a map. Altogether making a sampling that can be used as class
assignments or individually. In addition to multiple sources at the website,
the sources are also offered free in an iBook. The iBook is easily downloaded
and shared with students. Although students wouldn't care, there are lists of
Indiana standards and Common Core standards for instructional use. The Library
of Congress offers several other primary source sets including "Jim Crow and Segregation" which my students will use as we continue to study the
Civil Rights Movement.
Next week: POETRY! We will be working with poems next week. I have two to focus on, one was recommended by Mr. Stoker, the other is by Langston Hughes. (Does life get any better than Langston Hughes poetry?)
