Teacher Resources - MarcoGrams

Marco Polo and Thinkfinity
http://www.marcopolosearch.org/MPSearch/Basic_Search.asp
For quite a few years, the MarcoPolo program has provided no-cost, standards-based Internet content for the K-12 teacher and classroom, developed by national content experts. Online resources include panel-reviewed links to top sites in many disciplines, professionally developed lesson plans, classroom activities, and materials to help with daily classroom planning. Marco Polo has now been integrated into the Verizon Thinkfinity search engine, making it an even more accessible and powerful resource. Go directly to the search interface and select content and grade levels you're interested in. Also check out the New Resources page for the latest contributions from teachers and curriculum developers.

MarcoGram for April 2003
http://www.marcopolo-education.org/MarcoGrams/Apr2003.html
MarcoPolo is featuring lessons and resources on two forms of personal expression -- poetry and drama -- in conjunction with National Poetry Month and the 439th anniversary of William Shakespeare's birthday. Use the warm-up activities to help students explore, organize and communicate their thoughts through expressive poems or dramatic skits. Then scroll down for links to additional lessons and resources.

MarcoGram for April 2004
http://www.marcopolo-education.org/MarcoGrams/Apr2004.html
Let's Get Moving! Tackle the topic of physical activity right in your own classroom! It has been 50 years since the color television was developed, and the term "couch potato" was quick to follow. This month, the MarcoGram features lessons about athletes, sports and other forms of movement. Use the warm-up activities to remind students about the benefits of regular physical activity, then scroll down for links to more lessons and resources.

MarcoGram for April 2005
http://www.marcopolo-education.org/MarcoGrams/Apr2005.html
Born into very modest circumstances on April 15, 1452, Leonardo da Vinci became the quintessential Renaissance man – a consummate inventor whose boundless curiosity and imaginative creativity led him to spectacular achievements in the arts and sciences. Share with your students the spirit of invention that Leonardo so fully embodied with this month's MarcoGram. Use the activities to get started, then scroll down for more links and resources on this topic.

MarcoGram for April 2006
http://www.marcopolo-education.org/MarcoGrams/Apr2006.html
Poetry: The Art of the Word. Poetry is like a fine painting or an elegant sculpture. But instead of using a camera, paintbrush or a mound of clay, poets string words together to express emotion, memories, beauty and truth. Poems can be about any topic, from trees and stars to death and taxes. This month's MarcoGram celebrates National Poetry Month by exploring different kinds of poetry. Encourage your students to analyze existing poetry to gain inspiration for creating their own poetic art, no matter what topic, form or rhyme. Use the activities to jump-start the creative writing process, then scroll down for more lessons and links on this cross-curricular topic.

MarcoGram for August 2002
http://www.marcopolo-education.org/MarcoGrams/7-25-02.html
"MarcoGrams" are valuable curriculum e-mail newsletters that are distributed monthly to MarcoPolo educators across the country. This MarcoPolo content tool features motivating warm-ups for classroom discussion and links to the best K-12 interdisciplinary lessons and resources from their standards-based Partner sites.The theme this month is "Let Freedom Ring". MarcoPolo has collected several dynamic lessons and resources on freedom, including the freedom of speech, figuring population and immigration statistics, and the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.

MarcoGram for August 2003
http://www.marcopolo-education.org/MarcoGrams/Aug2003.html
Building a house from scratch can seem like a daunting task, but proper planning and cooperation can keep the project right on track. This month, MarcoPolo features lessons and resources to help you and your students examine different structures and buildings, and discover the rewards of working on a project from start to finish. Use the warm-up activities to explore concepts of design, construction and teamwork, then scroll down for links to more lessons and resources.

MarcoGram for August 2004
http://www.marcopolo-education.org/MarcoGrams/Aug2004.html
Greece steps into the world spotlight this summer as it plays host to thousands of athletes, trainers, judges and spectators who will meet in Athens for the 2004 Summer Olympic Games. While you're cheering for your favorite athlete, take some time out to learn more about the history and culture of the ancient Greek civilization. This month, MarcoPolo features lessons and activities about the Greek influence on mythology, mathematics, geography and the modern alphabet. Use the activities as a warm-up, then run, jump or dive right into the featured lessons and resources that follow.

MarcoGram for August 2005
http://www.marcopolo-education.org/MarcoGrams/Aug2005.html
Exploring East Asia: Ever since Marco Polo told of his travels along the Silk Road, the nations of East Asia have intrigued, dazzled and mystified the rest of the world. Isolated from other civilizations for centuries, East Asian cultures developed elaborate customs, belief systems and art that were independent of Western influences. Invite your students to explore the rich history and future hopes of this region with this month's MarcoGram. Use the activities to learn more, then scroll down for more links and resources.

MarcoGram for December 2002
http://www.marcopolo-education.org/marcograms/11-25-02.html
This month, MarcoPolo is featuring lessons and activities about reading, literature and creative writing for all grade levels and subject areas. Use the warm-up activities to encourage students to read, write and think creatively about the world as it appears both in and out of books, then scroll down the page for links to more lessons and resources.

MarcoGram for December 2003
http://www.marcopolo-education.org/MarcoGrams/Dec2003.html
During his lifetime, Alfred Nobel was known simply as the inventor of dynamite. After his death in 1896, he gained worldwide recognition when he requested in his will that his fortune be used to recognize those who "conferred the greatest benefit on mankind." Awarded each December, the Nobel Prizes in literature, physics, chemistry, medicine, peace and economics often are viewed as the most prestigious awards in the world. This month, the MarcoGram features activities, lessons and resources about Nobel Prize winners as well as the prize-winning fields of study.

MarcoGram for December 2004
http://www.marcopolo-education.org/MarcoGrams/Dec2004.html
It Takes a Village: Neighbors and Community Life: Children often are reproached for their seemingly relentless efforts to be accepted by their peers. While it's true that some kids go to almost comical extremes to achieve this goal, they are merely acting on an inherent human desire to belong to a community. This month's MarcoGram celebrates the important role communities play in our lives. Use the activities to get your students thinking about what the concept of community means to them, then scroll down for more links and resources on this topic.

MarcoGram for December 2005
http://www.marcopolo-education.org/MarcoGrams/Dec2005.html
Disasters - How They Happen, How We Cope: Over the past year, Planet Earth has seen its share of disasters--starting with the Southeast Asian tsunami in December 2004, and continuing through 2005 with landslides, floods, earthquakes, wildfires, tornadoes, gas and oil explosions, train wrecks, plane crashes, boat accidents and the most active Atlantic hurricane season on record. While frightening for sure, disasters also have a way of bringing out the best in people, and because of our long history of dealing with disasters of all kinds, humans have developed many practical and effective ways to prepare for and recover from them. Introduce your students to some of these methods as you explore various types of disasters in this month's MarcoGram. Use the activities to get started, then scroll down for more links and resources on this topic.

MarcoGram for February 2003
http://www.marcopolo-education.org/MarcoGrams/Feb2003.html
The theme for February is American Politics: Then and Now. MarcoPolo is celebrating President's Day with lessons and resources about the people and ideas that shaped America's political history, from colonial times to today. Use the warm-up activities to introduce your students to American politics, then scroll down for links to more lessons and resources.

MarcoGram for February 2005
http://www.marcopolo-education.org/MarcoGrams/Feb2005.html
Theodor Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, once said: "Nonsense wakes up the brain cells. And it helps develop a sense of humor, which is awfully important in this day and age." If long winter days are beginning to wear on your students, nonsense is just what the doctor ordered! Serve up a batch of silly stuff from this month's MarcoGram and watch your students come alive. Use the activities to get started, then scroll down for more links and resources on this topic.

MarcoGram for February 2006
http://www.marcopolo-education.org/MarcoGrams/Feb2006.html
Spotlight on Italy: As the world prepares for the opening of the XXth Olympiad on February 10, this month's MarcoGram casts a spotlight on the nation hosting this year's Olympic Winter Games -- Italy. From its rich and colorful culture to its fascinating history, Italy and its people consistently have played a prominent role in the course of human events. Use the activities to get your students thinking about this remarkable country, then scroll down for more links and resources on this topic.

MarcoGram for January 2004
http://www.marcopolo-education.org/MarcoGrams/Jan2004.html
On a cold day in December 1903, Orville and Wilbur Wright changed history. Although their Wright Flyer stayed aloft for only 12 seconds and ultimately crashed on a subsequent attempt, they proved that man could build, fly and control an airborne machine. Now, 100 years later, there are about 30,000 airplane flights originating in the U.S. each day, transporting people and packages all over the world. The Wright brothers risked their lives to test their idea and ultimately changed the world. This month, MarcoPolo celebrates the spirit of making changes. Use the activities to encourage students to examine the kinds of changes that happen in and around their world, and then scroll down for links to more lessons and resources.

MarcoGram for January 2005
http://www.marcopolo-education.org/MarcoGrams/Jan2005.html
It Makes Good Sense: Our five senses help us to see, hear, smell, taste and touch. The strengths of these senses vary – some senses are more heightened than others, some can diminish with age and some might not be present at all. This month's MarcoGram pays tribute to the five senses that we often take for granted. Use the activities to get your students thinking about how the presence or absence of the five senses affect their daily lives, then scroll down for more links and resources on this topic.

MarcoGram for January 2006
http://www.marcopolo-education.org/MarcoGrams/Jan2006.html
Home Sweet Home Economics: In another era, home economics and "shop class" were designed to prepare young women for a life of homemaking and young men for a manufacturing career, respectively. But as gender roles and technologies have evolved, so have these classes, expanding to include nutrition and food science, family studies, consumer education and industrial arts. This month's MarcoGram reinforces the value and relevance of these practical courses through cross-curricular applications. Use the activities to get started, then scroll down for more links and resources on this topic.

MarcoGram for July 2003
http://www.marcopolo-education.org/MarcoGrams/Jul2003.html
The years after the First World War (then called the "Great War") were vivacious, fun and full of prosperity. But when the stock market crashed in October 1929, America entered a period of heartache, poverty and low morale. In July, MarcoPolo featured lessons and activities about the events that occurred during the Great Depression and continued through the end of the Second World War. Use the warm-up activities to examine how the United States pulled together to overcome difficulties and hardship to emerge a prosperous nation once again. Then, scroll down for links to more lessons and resources about this important period in American history.

MarcoGram for July 2005
http://www.marcopolo-education.org/MarcoGrams/Jul2005.html
Ready, Set, Goal! There really is no substitute for the feeling of a goal accomplished – in athletic competition or any endeavor. But goals don't just happen. It takes planning, hard work and commitment to turn dreams into reality. Using lessons and resources featured in this month's MarcoGram, students will reflect on their aspirations and discover some valuable tools to help them reach their goals, both big and small. Use the activities to get your students started on the path to achievement, then scroll down for more links and resources on this topic.

MarcoGram for July 2006
http://www.marcopolo-education.org/MarcoGrams/Jul2006.html
Go with the Flow: What Water Means to Us. Water is a lot like air – so ubiquitous and so thoroughly integrated into our lives that we hardly seem to notice it. Yet, as with air, we cannot live without it, so it makes sense to step back once in a while to observe, explore and appreciate its meaning to us. From the everyday routine to special moments in our
lives, water plays an irreplaceable role in sustaining, assisting, entertaining and even inspiring us. Celebrate these functions and more with this month's MarcoGram. Use the activities to wet your students' whistle, then scroll down for more links and resources on this topic.

MarcoGram for June 2003
http://www.marcopolo-education.org/MarcoGrams/Jun2003.html
Buon giorno! Parlez-vous français? ¿Usted habla español? It's not unusual for students to begin learning a second language as early as preschool, and many colleges require completion of foreign language courses for graduation. While many people may never become fluent in a second language, it still is important to understand common terms and phrases that are used in today's multicultural environment. In June MarcoPolo featured lessons about language, including lessons for ESL students. Use the activities to encourage communication through different languages, then scroll down for more lessons and resources to help students break the language barrier.

MarcoGram for June 2005
http://www.marcopolo-education.org/MarcoGrams/Jun2005.html
Keeping the Peace: Students spend a lot of time in school studying the causes, effects and statistics of war, but just as important is the examination of what happens when wars come to an end. While many people hope for true peace, it's often difficult to achieve and maintain. This month's MarcoGram challenges students to look beyond the battlefields to the ongoing quest for peace. Use the activities to get started, then scroll down for more links and resources on this topic.

MarcoGram for March 2003
http://www.marcopolo-education.org/MarcoGrams/Mar2003.html
This month, MarcoPolo encourages teachers and students to examine the interdependence of plants, animals and humans through the use of spoken, written and visual language. Explore the cost and benefit of conservation efforts; analyze the elements of forest fires; and combine first-hand observation with informational searching skills to produce poems, stories or scientific journal entries. Use the warm-up activities to help students explore life beyond the classroom walls. Then scroll down for links to more lessons and Partner-reviewed Web sites.

MarcoGram for March 2004
http://www.marcopolo-education.org/MarcoGrams/Mar2004.html
Albert Einstein's 125th birthday is celebrated on March 14th, also dubbed "Pi Day" by some clever mathematicians (March is the third month of the year, and the first three digits of pi are 3.14). Although Einstein was well known for his ability to solve difficult science problems, he felt he wasn't very good at mathematics. This month, the MarcoGram features different ways to understand and solve many types of problems. Use the warm-up activities to encourage students to address problems and generate creative solutions, then scroll down for links to more lessons and resources on this topic.

MarcoGram for March 2006
http://www.marcopolo-education.org/MarcoGrams/Mar2006.html
Transitions - Changing, Moving, Growing: It is said that the one thing that stays the same is change. Indeed, there is evidence all around to suggest that this old saying is right on the mark. Our minds and bodies are always in transition as we learn and grow. Nature is in transition as seasons change and the cycle of life rolls on. Human culture is in transition as technological progress and scientific discoveries alter the way we think, behave and relate to one another. Even national governments and economic markets are in transition as they adjust to ever-changing political and financial conditions. In this month's MarcoGram, students will take a closer look at the transitions that occur around and inside us. Use the activities to get them thinking about the purpose and the consequence of change, then scroll down for more links and resources on this topic.

MarcoGram for May 2003
http://www.marcopolo-education.org/MarcoGrams/May2003.html
Biography: The Story of a Life: This month MarcoPolo is featuring activities and lessons to help students examine their own life experiences, as well as those of famous personalities. MarcoPolo has selected several dynamic lessons to help your class celebrate Biographer's Day on May 16, the anniversary of the day in 1763 when Samuel Johnson met James Boswell, history's most famous biographer. Use the warm-up activities to encourage your students to gather, evaluate and synthesize biographical data from a variety of sources. Then, scroll down for links to additional lessons and Partner-reviewed Web sites.

MarcoGram for May 2004
http://www.marcopolo-education.org/MarcoGrams/May2004.html
The Lewis and Clark expedition was the first federally funded scientific expedition in the United States. Between May 1804 and September 1806, the explorers mapped the terrain; collected plants, animals and soil samples; and met many Indian tribes. Their discoveries set the stage for the growth of the country to what it is today. This month, the MarcoGram features activities to engage students in capturing the spirit of this famous expedition. Check out the warm-up activities, then scroll down for links to more lessons and resources suitable for use with students in any grade level or subject area.

MarcoGram for May 2005
http://www.marcopolo-education.org/MarcoGrams/May2005.html
Communication: Connecting People and Ideas - We humans communicate all the time, often without even thinking about it. We use our voices, our hands, our bodies and an array of high-tech gadgets to accomplish it. If we're good at it, it is noted on our report cards and resumes. Those who are exceptionally skilled at it frequently attain positions of great influence. Use this month's MarcoGram to take a closer look at the origins, forms and significance of human communication. Use the activities below to get your students thinking about how and why people communicate as they do, then scroll down for more links and resources on this topic.

MarcoGram for May 2006
http://www.marcopolo-education.org/MarcoGrams/May2006.html
Mathematics: A Universal Language. Children learn to count 1-2-3 around the same time that they learn to say A-B-C. There's a good reason for that -- just as letters are the building blocks of language, numbers are the building blocks of mathematics, and both are a form of communication. Through mathematics, we can express quantities, define shapes and describe logical arrangements. In this month's MarcoGram, students will discover how the language of mathematics influences our world and helps us in our daily life. Use the activities to get them thinking outside the box about math, then scroll down for more links and resources on this topic.

MarcoGram for November 2002
http://www.marcopolo-education.org/marcograms/10-25-02.html
Even though scientists strive for accuracy and truth in their research, they are often confronted with counterclaims and alternate viewpoints that point out possible inaccuracies. Reporters, policemen and lawyers are required to consider all angles of a story or event before drawing conclusions about what actually happened. This month, MarcoPolo is featuring lessons and resources to shed light on the problems of bias and perception, because what you think you see is not always what you will get. Use the warm-up activities to help students sharpen their analysis skills; then, scroll down for links to more lessons and Partner-reviewed Web sites.

MarcoGram for November 2003
http://www.marcopolo-education.org/MarcoGrams/Nov2003.html
Steeped in tradition, pow wows are one occasion when many American Indian tribes come together to celebrate their past, present and future. Today's pow wow dancers wear colorful costumes that represent their tribes, and members of the crowd are often invited to sing and dance along. This month, MarcoPolo celebrates American Indian and Alaskan Native Heritage Month with resources about the rich traditions of this thriving culture. Use the activities to introduce students to overarching traditions and concerns regarding American Indians and Alaskan Natives, then scroll down to find links to lessons and resources about specific tribes and other relevant discussion topics.

MarcoGram for November 2004
http://www.marcopolo-education.org/MarcoGrams/Nov2004.html
Believe It or Not! After being passed down through the generations, many traditional stories end up a combination of fact and fiction -- and you might not be sure what to believe. This month, the MarcoGram explores the truth about deception and how inaccurate information might cause problems further down the line. Use the activities to examine what's real and what's imagined, then scroll down for links to more lessons and resources.

MarcoGram for November 2005
http://www.marcopolo-education.org/MarcoGrams/Nov2005.html
In the U.S., we usually associate the first Thanksgiving with Pilgrims and Native Americans in the 17th century. However, our forebears in America were merely continuing a tradition begun long ago in another part of the world. Celebrations and festivals to give thanks for plentiful harvests were held by Greeks, Egyptians and Romans in ancient times. What's more, our annual turkey day isn't the only legacy of these early civilizations--far from it. In this month's MarcoGram, students will look at some of the ways our modern world was shaped and is still influenced by ancient cultures. Use the activities to get started, then scroll down for more links and resources on this topic.

MarcoGram for October 2002
http://www.marcopolo-education.org/marcograms/9-25-02.html
This month, MarcoPolo encourages students and teachers to brush up on financial literacy with lessons and resources for all grade levels and subject areas. Students can learn how interest rates affect mortgages and spending power; discover the cultural differences between rich and poor countries; examine the effects of the Great Depression; use coins to create art and music; and explore how advances in technology affect the production of manufactured goods.

MarcoGram for October 2003
http://www.marcopolo-education.org/MarcoGrams/Oct2003.html
This month, MarcoPolo features lessons about making some hard-earned cash -- and spending it responsibly. Use the warm-up activities to encourage greater awareness about finance and economics, then scroll down for links to more lessons and resources.

MarcoGram for October 2004
http://www.marcopolo-education.org/MarcoGrams/Oct2004.html
As Election Day approaches, many Americans are paying close attention to the issues that affect them as individuals and as a nation. This month, the MarcoGram presents activities and lessons to help students understand the roles and responsibilities of the president and other elected officials, as well as the democratic process that gets them into office. Use the warm-up activities to introduce your students to the issues surrounding this year's election, then scroll down for more links and resources on this topic.

MarcoGram for October 2005
http://www.marcopolo-education.org/MarcoGrams/Oct2005.html
A Celebration of Food: "Did you know that October 10-14 is National School Lunch Week? What better time to learn about and discuss a favorite topic of students – food! Yes, food is a great common denominator among us; it's something we all need and enjoy every day. So, to celebrate food, glorious food, you'll find a few of our favorite food-related lessons in this month's MarcoGram. Use the activities to get started, then scroll down for more links and resources on this topic. Bon appetit!"

MarcoGram for September 2002
http://www.marcopolo-education.com/MarcoGrams/8-25-02.html
The human body is a complicated machine that requires all systems, including muscular-skeletal, respiratory, digestive, nervous and circulatory, to function as an integrated unit. This month, explore how to keep your body healthy with proper nutrition, and learn about the effects of aging and disease on society. MarcoPolo has collected several robust lessons and resources on human body systems, nutrition, disease and aging. Use the warm-up activities below to introduce health and nutrition to your students, then scroll down for links to more lessons and resources.

MarcoGram for September 2003
http://www.marcopolo-education.org/MarcoGrams/Sep2003.html
To kick off the school year, the MarcoPolo Content Partners have selected some of their favorite lessons to feature in this month's MarcoGram. Find out what MarcoPolo has in store for you this school year by reading the tips and suggestions, then scroll down for a list of favorite lessons and links to Partner-reviewed Web sites for further exploration.

MarcoGram for September 2004
http://www.marcopolo-education.org/MarcoGrams/Sep2004.html
For many teachers and students, the beginning of the year is in fall, not January. It's time to get back into the groove and start the learning cycle all over again. This month, the MarcoGram examines things that operate on some sort of cycle, including nature, the economy, literature, mathematics and history. Use the warm-up activities to examine the occurrence of cycles, then scroll down for more lessons and resources.

MarcoGram for September 2005
http://www.marcopolo-education.org/MarcoGrams/Sep2005.html
We the People: Celebrating Constitution Day. This school year, for the first time ever, all schools that receive federal funding are required by Congress to hold a "Constitution and Citizenship Day" on September 17 or the closest school day. To help you prepare, we’ve rounded up some of our newest and most compelling lessons on the U.S. Constitution, its architects, its meaning and its magnitude in this month’s MarcoGram. Use the activities to get your students thinking about how the Constitution affects all American citizens, then scroll down for more links and resources on this topic. Plus, visit EDSITEment for a full-page feature on the Constitution, with lessons and activities for all grade levels.