Ms. Leidahl- 8H- Independent Reading-Multicultural fiction

For this assignment students are asked to choose a book from a multicultural fiction list. A list is available from the LMS, Ms. Hatcher. The students must write a 2 page critique following the guidelines of critique components and reader connection. In addition, the students will visit the Library Information Center for a booktalk session with Mrs. Hatcher and a review of the book selection list.

Some of the booktalk titles:

The Trap by John Smelcer- Native Amer. Literature

Heaven by Angela Johnson- African Amer. Literature

Becoming Naomi Leon by Pam Munoz Ryan- Latino Amer. Literature

Kira-Kira- by Cynthia Kadohata- Asian Amer. Literature

Shabanu Daughter of the Wind by Suzanne Staples- Islamic Culture Literature

When I Dream of Heaven: Angelina's Story by Steven Kroll- Italian Amer. Literature

Information Literacy Standards:

Skills: 3.1.1, 3.1.3, 4.1.2, 4.1.3

Disposition: 4.2.2

Responsibility: 2.3.1, 2.3.2

Self-Assessment: 2.4.1

Science Awareness Fair

On March 17 and 18th, the Gelinas Junior High School Library was transformed into a showcase for scientific research at the school’s annual Science Awareness Day. The science fair provided students a non-competitive environment in which to display their work. Topics spanned the scientific disciplines. Many of the students who participated in the event are enrolled in the school’s science research classes, a unique program to be offered at the junior high/middle school level. Over 220 students from Gelinas participated, and some will also present their work at the regional Long Island Science Congress next month. Students from Ward Melville High School’s InStar® research program and Stony Brook University’s Science Education program served as evaluators for the projects.

Information Center Resources for Science Fair projects:

• Sensational Science Projects with Simple Machines by R. Gardner
• Chemistry Science Fair Projects using French Fries, Gumdrops, Soap, and Other Organic Stuff by R. Gardner
• Sports Science Projects: The Physics of Balls in Motion by Madeline Goodstein
• Science Projects about Tempature and Heat by R. Gardner & Eric Kemer
• More Science Projects for All Students by Facts on File
• Electricity and Magnetism Science Fair Projects.. by R. Gardner
• Simple Earth Science Experiments with Everyday Materials by Louis Loesching
• Science Projects about Kitchen Chemistry by R. Gardner
• And many more.........................

Global Languages Week

Global Language Week is a good time to come in and explore the world around us through the library Information Center's collection.

New materials have recently been added that reflect a multitude of different cultures.

The Arts in Spain by John Moffitt

Asian Dance by Janet Descutner

Italian Dictionary for Beginners by H. Davies

The Oxford New Italian Dictionary

Art & Architecture of China by Sheila Holihan-Elliot

Biographical Dictionary of Chinese Women

African and Asian Dance by Andrew Solway

Cooking the North African Way by Mary Winget

Teens in Mexico by Brian Baumgart

Latino Americans in Sports, Film, Music, & Government by J. Limon

Want to borrow one of these titles?

Go to Gelinas Library Online Catalog located on this blog.

VRC Site of the Month: CultureGrams

CultureGrams has information on cultures of 182 countries and territories, maps, statistics, glossary and 50 US states with timelines.

Did you know . . . that Iceland has more internet users per capita than any other country? That Cambodia consumes the least electricity? Or that the United States is the global imports leader? Discover 50 of the world’s statistical extremes in CultureGrams Graphs and tables.

Click the picture above to get to the VRC and Culturegrams

Mrs. Hatcher- 7th gr. Cyber Bullying Discussion

Bullying is not just on the playground any more! Cyberbullying is a form of bullying in which the perpetrator chooses to torment his or her victim through a technological device (Cell phones and Computers)

Seventh grade Health classes have been visiting the Library Information Center for an ISAFE presentation on Cyberbullying with Mrs. Hatcher. The presentation included a discussion of recent news about "Facebook" regarding a cyberbullying lawsuit against the site, as well as recent
issues with "MySpace." Students also viewed a video called "Seven Ways to Block a Cyberbully" and completed its accompanying activity sheet.

For more information on this topic go to www.ConnectSafely.org or www.GetNetWise.org