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Canku Ota
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(Many Paths)
An Online Newsletter Celebrating Native America
 
 
 
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Favorite Web Sites
 
 
collected by Paul and Vicki
 
HUMMINGBIRDS.NET
Welcome to HUMMINGBIRDS.NET, a place to learn about attracting, watching, feeding, and studying the hummingbirds that breed in North America.

http://www.hummingbirds.net/index.html
Edgar Heap of Birds | Brett Graham | Enrique Chagoya
On view in the the museum’s Gallery of the Art of the Pacific, Africa, and the Americas are contemporary works introduced among the traditional and historical art. Curator of Contemporary Art, James Jensen has selected works by Edgar Heap of Birds, Brett Graham, and Enrique Chagoya that form a set of “interventions,” introducing the voices of contemporary artists of Native American (Cheyenne), Maori, and Mexican descent, respectively, each commenting about the impacts of non-native cultures on the indigenous peoples of the respective regions.

http://honolulumuseum.org/art/exhibitions/15478-edgar_heap_birds_brett_graham_enrique_chagoya/
Edgar Heap of Birds
The Artworks of Hock E Aye Vi Edgar Heap of Birds include multi-disciplinary forms of public art messages, large scale drawings, neuf series acrylic paintings, prints, works in glass and monumental porcelain enamel on steel outdoor sculpture.

http://heapofbirds.ou.edu
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Star-Spangled Banner
“Oh, say can you see by the dawn’s early light / What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming? / Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight, / O’er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?” These lyrics, written by Francis Scott Key in 1814, became the opening words to our National Anthem by Congressional resolution on March 3, 1931. Learn what they mean, and how they came to be written with these Star-Spangled Banner web picks.
Ben's Guide: Star-Spangled Banner
For elementary grades, Ben Franklin tells the story of how Francis Scott Key was held overnight by the British during the bombing of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812. In the morning light, when Key saw the huge American flag still flying over the fort, he knew that the Americans were victorious. The poem that he scribbled down in gratitude that morning became the lyrics to our national anthem more than one hundred years later.

http://bensguide.gpo.gov/j-star-spangled
History.com: On This Day in History: Key Pens Star-Spangled Banner
"On this day [September 13] in 1814, Francis Scott Key pens a poem which is later set to music and in 1931 becomes America's national anthem, 'The Star-Spangled Banner.' The poem, originally titled 'The Defence of Fort McHenry,' was written after Key witnessed the Maryland fort being bombarded by the British during the War of 1812." Visit to view a short video, and then peruse the related links at the bottom, including "8 National Anthem Backstories," and "9 Things You May Not Know About 'The Star-Spangled Banner.'"

http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/key-pens-star-spangled-banner
Library of Congress: Star-Spangled Banner
Visit this Library of Congress archive to view a copy of the first printed edition of the Star-Spangled Banner sheet music that combines both words and music. The words, as we've learned today, were written by Francis Scott Key. The tune, however, was not original. It was a well-known drinking song called "To Anacreon in Heaven."

http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/treasures/trm065.html
National Museum of American History: The Star Spangled Banner
"On September 14, 1814, U.S. soldiers at Baltimore's Fort McHenry raised a huge American flag to celebrate a crucial victory over British forces during the War of 1812. The sight of those 'broad stripes and bright stars' inspired Francis Scott Key to write a song that eventually became the United States national anthem." This Smithsonian site is my pick of the week because of the depth of its coverage. Begin with the War of 1812, then learn about the flag, the song, and the legacy.

http://amhistory.si.edu/starspangledbanner/default.aspx

U.S. Flag: Francis Scott Key
In 1812, Francis Scott Key was a young Georgetown lawyer living just a few miles from the federal buildings in Washington, D.C., when war broke out over Britain's attempts to regulate American shipping while Britain was at war with France. Learn about the turn of events that landed Key on a British ship in the Baltimore harbor on September 13, 1814 as the British attacked Fort McHenry.

http://www.usflag.org/history/francisscottkey.html

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DNA
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is a long, spiraling molecule that carries the genetic codes that enable cells to reproduce. Although DNA was first isolated by Friedrich Miescher in 1869, it’s double helix structure wasn’t discovered until 1953 by James Watson and Francis Crick. For their groundbreaking work, Watson and Crick shared the 1962 Nobel Prize in Physiology/Medicine with Maurice Wilkins.
Chem4Kids: DNA
DNA "is special, because it holds the code for every cell in your body. That's right. Every cell in your body uses DNA as an instruction manual. If you want to take away the importance of that statement, you can say that DNA is just a long spiral chain of nucleotides. But it's more. So much more." Continue your biochemistry lesson by following the Next Stop button at the bottom of the article.

http://www.chem4kids.com/files/bio_dna.html
DNA from the Beginning
DNA from the Beginning is "an animated primer of 75 experiments that made modern genetics," published by the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, a not-for-profit research and education institution. Each primer includes a description, an animated slideshow, a related video and links to related sites. The first one explores Gregor Mandel's groundbreaking work in how various human traits are passed from generation to generation.

http://www.dnaftb.org
DNA Interactive
DNA Interactive is my pick-of-the-day, a great site to explore the exciting history of DNA science. Visit to examine the Timeline of DNA discovery, jump into the Code for a more in-depth lesson, or click on Manipulation to learn about the tools developed to work with DNA strands. With free registration, teachers can pick up lesson plans and worksheets. My favorite clicks are the PDF templates for making an origami DNA model in either color or black and white. You'll find them in the Teacher's Guide.

http://www.dnai.org
Learn.Genetics
Learn.Genetics is a genetics education outreach program from the University of Utah. In addition to their jargon-free resources for students, they have printable classroom guides for teachers. Don't miss the interactive Build a DNA Molecule activity, the DNA Extraction Virtual Lab, and my personal favorite: How to Extract DNA From Anything Living. Using a blender, detergent, meat tenderizer, alcohol and a source of DNA such as peas or chicken livers, you can isolate long, stringy DNA molecules in a test tube. Look for step-by-step instructions in the Virtual Labs section.

http://learn.genetics.utah.edu

National Institute of Health: Genetics Home Reference
"The information in DNA is stored as a code made up of four chemical bases: adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and thymine (T). Human DNA consists of about 3 billion bases, and more than 99 percent of those bases are the same in all people." Produced by the U.S. National Library of Medicine, Genetics Home Reference is a consumer guide to understanding genetic conditions such as Down syndrome, sickle cell disease, and cystic fibrosis. It includes an introduction to hundreds of conditions, a primer on genes, chromosomes, and DNA, along with a glossary.

http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/handbook/basics/dna

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Engineering for Kids
Engineering is the application of math, science, and other practical knowledge in order to invent, design, and build. It is also the “E” in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) that has become a hot educational focus in the last few years. There are more than two million engineers in the U.S., and demand is growing. What do engineers do? Is it any fun? How hard is engineering school? I found answers to all these questions and more. Follow me.
DiscoverE
Formerly known as the National Engineers Week Foundation, DiscoverE promotes engineering education to K-12 students and the general public. From 10 Reasons to Love Engineering (starting with "Love your work, and live your life too!") to information about education and career opportunities, DiscoverE is a treasure trove of hands-on activities, videos, games, and advice.

http://www.discovere.org
Engineer Girl
Designed "to bring national attention to the exciting opportunities that engineering represents for girls and women," Engineer Girl features interviews, fun facts ("Mary Anderson invented the windshield wiper in 1903, years before Henry Ford industrialized automobile production."), videos, quizzes, a scholarship section, and a look at some women who were engineering pioneers of the 20th century.

http://www.engineergirl.org
Engineering Games
Engineers love solving puzzles and playing games. Here is a collection of games categorized as Engineering Games, Logic Games, Robot Games and Electricity Games. You'll find yourself building a wind turbine, flying an airplane, learning about electrical circuits, or putting simple machines to work.

http://engineering-games.net
Engineering: Your Future
Everything here makes an engineering career look fun and exciting. Start with a look at the engineering alphabet from aerospace engineering to transportation engineering, and move on to learn how to choose the right engineering college. Don't miss the list of "many fascinating people" who have been engineers or have an engineering background. Still undecided? Assess yourself with two quizzes designed to determine your success in engineering. "Do you like to work with computers and play video games?" "Do you like mazes and puzzles?" Those who answer "yes" are good candidates for a career in engineering.

http://www.egfi-k12.org

Try Engineering
With resources for students, parents, and teachers, TryEngineering is a project of IBM, IEEE, and Teachers Try Science. It has lesson plans, interactive games, and information about 3500 universities that offer engineering degrees. Start by exploring the diversity of engineering fields (chemical, civil, computer, electrical, mechanical, etc.) and then get answers to questions like "What can I do with an engineering degree?", or "What areas of engineering are most in demand?"

http://tryengineering.org

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Susan B. Anthony
Susan Brownell Anthony (1820-1906) was a tireless leader of the women’s rights movement, fighting over fifty years for women’s suffrage (the right to vote), equal education, property rights and even dress reform. In 1851, she met Elizabeth Cady Stanton, who became a lifelong friend, and the two formed a partnership devoted to winning the right to vote.
Famous Trials: Susan B. Anthony Trial
The Nineteenth Amendment giving women suffrage was passed fourteen years after Anthony's death. "She would, however, once have the satisfaction of seeing her completed ballot drop through the opening of a ballot box. It happened in Rochester, New York on November 5, 1872, and the event and the trial for illegal voting that followed would create a opportunity for Anthony to spread her arguments for women suffrage to a wider audience than ever before." In addition to details about the trial, Famous Trials has an Anthony biography, and 100-year timeline of women's struggle for the vote.

http://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/anthony/sbahome.html
Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond: Susan B. Anthony
On October 10, 1978, President Carter signed the bill that created the Susan B. Anthony dollar coin. It was minted four times: in 1979, 1980, 1981 and again in 1999. The coins are often called "Suzy Bucks" or "Carter's Quarters." Learn more about why they were created and why they are no longer in production at this Federal Reserve Bank page, which also includes a timeline of Anthony's achievements.

https://www.richmondfed.org/~/media/richmondfedorg/publications/education/historical_figure_bookmarks/pdf/anthony.pdf
PBS: Not for Ourselves Alone
"On November 2, 1920 over eight million American women voted for the first time in American history ... The two women who had fought longest for women's rights, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony, did not live long enough to cast a [legal] ballot themselves." Start with the excellent video (by clicking anywhere on the front page) and then peruse the sections listed in the horizontal menu at the bottom of the page. Be sure to visit Resources (which includes classroom topics, biographies, and original documents), Where Are We Now?, and Kids.

http://www.pbs.org/stantonanthony/
Stanton and Anthony Papers Online
Although much of this site from Rutgers University goes beyond what you need for a school report, there are several sections worth visiting. First (under Studies) are Anthony and Stanton biographies, along with a timeline of their work. Next (also under Studies) is Child Bibliography, where you'll find a reading list of sixteen books about women's suffrage appropriate for elementary and middle-school students. The Frequently Asked Questions page is also great, with answers to some basic questions such as "Why was the vote so important?"

http://ecssba.rutgers.edu

Susan B. Anthony House
The Susan B. Anthony House, in Rochester, New York, was Anthony's home "during the most politically active period of her life, and the site of her famous arrest for voting in 1872." The virtual tour is a treasure trove of little-known facts. Other educational clicks are Biography (the most extensive biography of all of today's sites), Timeline, Dollar Coin, and Links (a good collection of women's history web sites.)

http://susanbanthonyhouse.org/index.php

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Valentine’s Day Poems
This week I set out to find if there’s more to kid-friendly Valentine’s Day poems than “Roses are red. Violets are blue.” The answer, thank goodness, is a resounding “Yes!” As proof, I present the following batch of sites. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Apples4theteacher.com: Valentine's Day Poetry
Apples4theteacher.com houses several dozen poems that can be read aloud or included in homemade valentines. Although not all the rhymes are attributed, some of the well-known authors include Henry Wadsworth Longfellow ("I shot an arrow into the air, it fell to earth, I knew not where."), Robert Louis Stevenson, and Winifred Sackville Stoner, Jr. (known for penning the rhyme "In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue.")

http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/valentines-day/poems-rhymes/
Brownielocks: Silly Valentine Poems for Kids
Brownielocks presents a compilation of poems (attributed to a variety of authors) and a link to another page of original valentine rhymes written by Brownielocks herself. "I've sent texts. / And I've called. / But you just don't comprehend. / I want you to be my Valentine, / and not just a Facebook friend." You'll find the link to the second page near the bottom of the page, titled "Valentine Limericks or Rhymes."

http://www.brownielocks.com/valentinepoems.html
Childfun: Valentine's Day Songs, Poems & Fingerplays for Kids
These Valentine's Day poem activities are perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergartners. "H-E-A-R-T. Sung to: Bingo. To show you like your special friends / Just give them each a heart. / H-E-A-R-T / H-E-A-R-T / H-E-A-R-T / Each heart says I like you!" Below the poems and songs are links to Valentine's Day crafts and party games.

http://www.childfun.com/holidays/valentines/songs-poem-fingerplays/
Love Poems: Valentine Poems
"Celebrate St Valentines Day with Shakespeare, Keats, Shelley and Lord Byron love poems. What can be more romantic than a Valentine poem or message using the words of a great poet?" Although most are probably too sophisticated for elementary students, these classic love poems will make great Valentine's Day reading in high school English class or to spark a conversation around the dinner table at home. "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate." William Shakespeare, Sonnet 18.

http://www.love-poems.me.uk/valentine_index.htm

Poem Source: Kid Valentine Poems
Not just another compilation site, Joanna and Karl Fuchs share their original poetry with us at PoemSource.com Some of these poems are for kids to give to family members (moms, dads, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins) and others are for giving to kids. "Valentine I see you / A lot when we're at school / And every time I see you / I think you're very cool." The Fuchs generously allow personal use of any of their poems, but do ask for attribution that includes their URL. For more of the Fuchs' Valentine's Day rhymes, follow the link to the main valentine page near the bottom of this kid-specific page.

http://www.poemsource.com/kid-valentine-poems.html

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Canku Ota is a free Newsletter celebrating Native America, its traditions and accomplishments . We do not provide subscriber or visitor names to anyone. Some articles presented in Canku Ota may contain copyright material. We have received appropriate permissions for republishing any articles. Material appearing here is distributed without profit or monetary gain to those who have expressed an interest. This is in accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107.
 
 
 
Canku Ota is a copyright © 2000 - 2016 of Vicki Williams Barry and Paul Barry.
 
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