Search results for 'life of fred'

Master storyteller Jim Weiss brings a classic adventure to vivid life in this unabridged audio performance.

When a tornado whisks young Dorothy away from Kansas with her faithful dog Toto, she finds herself in the mysterious Land of Oz, where unknown dangers and strange creatures await her. Can she find a way back home? Can her new friends the Cowardly Lion, the Scarecrow, and the Tin Man find courage, brains, and a heart? Searching for answers from the mysterious Wizard of Oz, and pursued by the forces of the Wicked Witch of the West, Dorothy and her companions must work together to complete their dangerous quest.

Jim Weiss’s fresh performance of this American classic introduces a new generation of listeners to the magic, wonder, and adventure of the Land of Oz. If your only experience with The Wizard of Oz is the movie, you will be astounded and delighted to find that L. Frank Baum's book is full of adventures, characters, and charm far beyond the wonder that the big-screen version conveyed. 

The National Parenting Center says: "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is a magical audio recording that captures the essence of the beloved classic story in a unique and captivating way…[Jim Weiss's] reading adds a wonderful touch to the listening experience, enhancing the magical quality of the story and immersing the listener in the enchanting world of Oz…appeals to a wide range of ages, from younger children who may be hearing the story for the first time to older children who may have read the book or seen the movie and are looking for a new way to experience the story."

The Essential Algebra for Advanced High School and SAT is a 241-page math book in the Mathematical Reasoning series and is an ‘essential’ resource for building the foundation of ongoing excellence in mathematics. This book offers an in-depth approach to teaching math skills focusing on important algebraic concepts that are vital to a student’s success in advanced high school mathematics. This book is broken down into ten algebraic concepts:

• Understanding Terms and Order of Operations
• Understanding the Family of Real Numbers
• Rationals and Irrationals
• Working with Terms and Polynomials
• Polynomial Division, Factoring, and Rational Expressions
• Solving Equations and Inequalities
• Ratio, Proportion, and Percent
• How Algebra is Used in Geometry
• Understanding Functions
• Working With Quadratic Equations and Functions

Algebra is essentially the language of all advanced mathematics courses. It is generalized arithmetic, so the rules that apply when we are working with number and fraction operations—including the knowledge of factors and multiples—also apply when we are working with algebra.

Without this knowledge and these skills, students often struggle or even fail in advanced mathematics courses. Imagine a good high school student who sees a problem like 3•x•y•4 and hesitates to write 12xy because he or she is unsure of the rules that govern multiplication. Or they don't understand how to add 2x to 1/4y to combine it into one entire fraction. Or why –62 is different than (–6)2. It is easy to see that not having a strong understanding of the foundational rules of algebra can stop even the smartest students from succeeding in advanced high school math courses.

The lessons within this book teach fundamental arithmetic principles that govern algebra so that students can apply them, as needed, in advanced mathematical courses and in life. The book begins with the definition of a "term" and the facts of when you can cancel and when you cannot. It discusses the importance of factors and multiples and integer rules. It teaches addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of fractions – not by doing the problems up and down like they are mostly done in elementary school, but by doing them sideways just like they are done later in algebra and in higher-level math. This helps make everything so much easier down the road!

The explanations are clear and followed with basic step-by-step procedures to show students how to master and apply those fraction concepts, negative number operations, exponent rules, work with square roots, and doing real life percent problems with charts and tables, just like those on the SATs. Concepts are purposefully repeated in different settings, so students will keep re-applying what they learn throughout the book. The language is friendly to put students at ease and increase their confidence while learning concepts that are often confusing.

This book reviews the necessary reading strategies needed to translate word problems, but it is not the primary focus of the book. The book Understanding Algegra I  (also part of the Mathematical Reasoning series) devotes large sections to many types of word problems and many useful strategies if deeper study of this topic is desired.

In the last two chapters of the book, students are asked to apply the algebra they have just learned to an overview of problems in geometry. Also included is review of some important techniques that students frequently struggle with involving both linear and quadratic equations.

This book also includes an appendix of topics used as a review, but also includes new information that can be considered enrichment for students who may want to learn more. Teaching support and answers are also included.

Supercharge reading comprehension and analysis skills with this 64-page language arts resource designed for ages 7-11. Critical Thinking for Reading Comprehension teaches the identification and evaluation of text and image-based evidence using short, high-interest activities.

In simple, understandable terms, 'Critical Thinking' is the identification and evaluation of evidence to guide decision-making. The activities in this book diverge from traditional reading comprehension exercises, emphasizing the development of critical thinking through "low read" excerpts that require careful reading and analysis to identify supporting evidence and solutions. After just a few activities, most students will come to understand the importance of reading for understanding and evidence-based decision-making. Students will develop vital life skills while enjoying the fun of uncovering the right answers.

To maximize the learning experience, teachers should work through the first few activities with students and encourage students to describe their evidence and rationale for each answer. This approach builds confidence and reinforces the significance of critical thinking in making decisions, setting students up for success. Embark on an enriching journey that will empower young minds to excel!

What is life like on a space station? Shine a light behind the page and see . . . What do the astronauts do in space? What do they eat? Where do they sleep? What do they wear? Each page-turn will take you another step forward on this exciting tour of a space station.

By Laura Driscoll, Illustrated by Catalina Echeverri

For the child who says, "I want to be a police officer when I grow up!" And for any child who wants a gentle behind-the-scenes look at being a police officer.

 Police officers help to keep people safe. Did you know that there are many different ways to be a police officer? Join Eva as she meets Officer Green and the other officers at Town Safety Day.

With this story blending narrative with nonfiction elements, readers meet police officers who protect people, investigate crimes, and even work with trained dogs.

I Want to Be a Police Officer is part of a new I Can Read series that introduces young readers to important community helpers. This Level One I Can Read is perfect for children learning to sound out words and sentences. Whether shared at home or in a classroom, the short sentences, familiar words, and simple concepts of Level One books support success for children eager to start reading on their own.

For anyone looking for books about community helpers for kids, the I Can Read My Community books are a great choice. The books are bright and upbeat and feature characters who are diverse in terms of gender, race, age, and body type. Kids ages 3-6 will enjoy finding out more about the people who do so much to help all of our communities.

Give third grade students important life skills by teaching them about money and financial concepts, and how to apply math to the world around them!

This dynamic teaching resource provides reproducible cut-out math manipulatives, reference sheets, and visual aids to support students as they explore real-world lessons and hands-on activities related to earning money at a job, making and following a budget, using credit cards, paying taxes, buying things at a store, and more.

Financial Literacy Lessons and Activities for Grade 3 is based on national and state standards and enriches any math curriculum in the classroom or home.

What’s Inside

Financial Literacy Lessons and Activities Grade 3 is based on current national and state standards, and each of the 10 units includes:

• Teacher overview with a suggested teaching plan, discussion questions, and vocabulary
• Real-world story that introduces each unit’s theme in the context of real life
• Cross-curricular activities including vocabulary, reading comprehension, and social studies
• Math application that presents scenarios using money-based word problems
• Hands-on activities such as partner and whole-class games and role playing that bring the concepts to life

Valuable teaching tools include these reproducible worksheets:

• Cut-out math manipulatives such as play money
• Reference sheets and visual aids such as number charts and balance sheets
• Glossary of vocabulary words

Give second grade students important life skills by teaching them about money and financial concepts and how to apply math to the world around them!

This dynamic teaching resource provides reproducible cut-out math manipulatives, reference sheets, and visual aids to support students as they explore real-world lessons and hands-on activities related to using money, buying groceries, collecting allowances, paying at a restaurant, raising money to help others, and more.

Financial Literacy Lessons and Activities for Grade 2 is based on national and state standards and enriches any math curriculum in the classroom or home.

What’s Inside

Financial Literacy Lessons and Activities Grade 2 is based on current national and state standards, and each of the 10 units includes:

• Teacher overview with a suggested teaching plan, discussion questions, and vocabulary
• Real-world Story that introduces each unit’s theme in the context of real life
• Cross-curricular activities including vocabulary, reading comprehension, and social studies
• Math application that presents scenarios using money-based word problems
• Hands-on activities such as partner and whole-class games and role playing that bring the concepts to life

Valuable teaching tools include these reproducible worksheets:

• Cut-out math manipulatives such as play money
• Reference sheets and visual aids such as number charts and balance sheets
• Glossary of vocabulary words

His Life and Times with 21 Activities

By Brandon Marie Miller

Drawing heavily from the original letters and papers of Thomas Jefferson and his contemporaries, this resource chronicles the world of the Founding Father who wrote the Declaration of Independence. From his early critiques of the colonial policies of Great Britain and King George III to his governmental roles as the first secretary of state, the minister to France, and the third president of the United States, Jefferson’s groundbreaking achievements are described in historical context. The contradictions in Jefferson’s character—most notably the fact that he owned 600 slaves in his lifetime despite penning the immortal phrase "all men are created equal"—are also explored, giving kids a full picture of this skilled politician. Creative activities that invite children to experience Jefferson's colonial America include designing a Palladian window, building a simple microscope, painting a “buffalo robe,” and dancing a reel.

His Life and Times, 21 Activities

By Kerrie Logan Hollihan

Hands-on activities and insightful historical information reveal the fascinating life of Theodore Roosevelt, America’s 26th president, who was also well known as a writer, a ranchman, a politician, a solider, an explorer, and a family man. Combining a rich biography, including information about his childhood, with relevant and engaging projects, this book offers a glimpse at Roosevelt’s work and times—how a sickly, undersized boy grew into a physically fit, energetic, and courageous man; how his wealth did not shield him from human tragedy; how as a leader of a young, vigorous nation, he steered a middle course between big business and working-class needs; and how his love of nature led him to protect millions of acres for posterity. Readers will create a Native American toy, explore the effects of erosion, go on a modern big-game hunt with a camera, and make felted teddy bears. The text includes a time line, online resources, and a reading list for further study—making this the ultimate reference on a great American president.

His Life and Ideas, 25 Activities

By Richard Panchyk, Foreword by Buzz Aldrin

Galileo, one of history's best-known scientists, is introduced in this illuminating activity book. Children will learn how Galileo's revolutionary discoveries and sometimes controversial theories changed his world and laid the groundwork for modern astronomy and physics. This book will inspire kids to be stargazers and future astronauts or scientists as they discover Galileo's life and work. Activities allow children to try some of his theories on their own, with experiments that include playing with gravity and motion, making a pendulum, observing the moon, and painting with light and shadow. Along with the scientific aspects of Galileo's life, his passion for music and art are discussed and exemplified by period engravings, maps, and prints. A time line, glossary, and listings of major science museums, planetariums, and web sites for further exploration complement this activity book.

Her Life and Times, 21 Activities

By Kerrie Logan Hollihan

One of England’s most fascinating monarchs is brought to life in this hands-on study for young minds. Combining projects, pictures, and sidebars with an authoritative biography, children will develop an understanding of the Reformation, Shakespearean England, and how Elizabeth’s 45-year reign set the stage for the English Renaissance and marshaled her country into a chief military power. Providing 21 activities, from singing a madrigal and growing a knot garden to creating a period costume—complete with a neck ruff and a cloak for the queen’s court—readers will experience a sliver of life in the Elizabethan age. For those who wish to delve deeper, a time line, online resources, and a reading list are included to aid in further study.

With 21 Activities

By Ronald A. Reis

Taking a comprehensive, nuanced, and inclusive approach to Christopher Columbus, this illuminating biography with activities for young readers places him in the context of the explorations that came before, during, and after his lifetime. It portrays the “Admiral of the Ocean Seas” neither as hero nor heel, but as a flawed and complex man whose significance is undeniably monumental. Providing kids, parents, and teachers with a fuller picture of the seafaring life and the dangers and thrills of exploration, author Ronald Reis details all four of Columbus’s voyages to the New World, not just his first, and describes the year that Columbus spent stranded on the island of Jamaica without hope of rescue. A full chapter is devoted to painting a more complete and complex portrait of the indigenous peoples of the New World and another to the consequences of Columbus’s voyages—the exchange of diseases, ideas, crops, and populations between the New World and the Old. Engaging cross-curricular activities, such as taking nautical measurements, simulating a hurricane, making an ancient globe, and conducting silent trade, elucidate nautical concepts introduced and the times in which Columbus lived.

His Life and Times with 21 Activities

By Janis Herbert

Providing a fresh perspective on one of the most beloved presidents of all time, this illuminating activity book tells the rich story of Abraham Lincoln’s life and details the events of his era. Highlighting Lincoln’s warm, generous spirit and impressive intellect, the guide teaches children about his fascinating life story, his struggles at the onset of the Civil War, and his relevance in today’s world. Activities include delivering a speech, holding a debate, drawing political cartoons, and making a stovepipe hat or miniature Mississippi River flatboat. Lively sidebars, abundant photographs and illustrations, and fun projects help to kick the dust off old Honest Abe. Also included are selections from some of Lincoln’s most famous speeches and documents, as well as a resource section of Web sites to explore and sites to visit, making this a comprehensive Lincoln biography for young readers.

Explore the future of advanced computing technology with KAI — short for Kosmos Artificial Intelligence! Build and program an intelligent, six-legged, app-enabled robot that uses machine learning to react to the gestures and sounds that you make. Machine learning is the process by which computers use data to recognize patterns, learn, and make predictions, and it is a key aspect of artificial intelligence.

Using the app and your smart device’s camera and microphone, record physical gestures and sounds, assigning them to KAI’s five functions: walk forward and backward, turn left and right, and stop. The AI will learn to recognize each gesture or sound, even if they differ in small details. The more data you collect, the better the AI will learn from it. 

Use the data collected to create an AI model in the training screen of the app, where the AI takes your data and recognizes patterns in it. The learning curve shows you how accurately the AI model is learning, and you can use the sliders to adjust the number of times it will analyze the data and how quickly the training should run to get better results. Then put your AI model to the test in play mode by controlling your robot remotely. Just perform the same gestures or sounds that you did when collecting data, and your robot will perform the assigned function! You can also control KAI directly using the remote-control function in the app or by using your smart device as a gyroscope, tilting it in the direction you want it to move in. 

Mechanically, KAI is a fascinating robot that can walk on six legs and rotate its upper body around 360 degrees, allowing it to turn toward any direction on the spot. Composed of 25 red LEDs, its face display can be programmed via the app to show different expressions and scrolling messages.  

A full-color, 64-page manual provides step-by-step illustrated assembly and programming instructions, teaches lessons in AI and robotics, and includes a fun, comic-book-style story that brings KAI to life. Read about the history and future of AI and its real-world applications. The app requires a tablet (recommended) or smartphone running iOS or Android. Please check the app stores for compatibility and device requirements.

• Build your own six-legged robot from more than 100 pieces
• Collect data via your smart device's camera and microphone
• Train your AI model to more accurately recognize patterns in the data
• Control your robot remotely using gestures and sounds
• Remote-control mode allows you to manually control your robot
• Display emotions and messages on the robot’s LED face display
• Includes a lesson in creating your own AI using household items (paper and cups)

Choo choo! TrainBots coming through! 

All aboard! Put on your engineer’s cap and build your own steampunk-style train robot with amazing steam effects. You can build your TrainBot in two different configurations: a rolling train and a walking robot. Turn it on and watch it go, with cool water vapor “steam” billowing from its chimney, lit up in a fiery orange glow. This retro-futuristic model is packed with modern technology, including an electric motor, LED lights, circuit board, and an innovative ultrasonic atomizer that transforms tap water into the fine mist that rises from the chimney. Learn about how the ultrasonic atomizer works, about the differences between fog, smoke, and steam, and about the steampunk craze. The experiment manual includes step-by-step assembly instructions as well as a fun, comic-book-style story that brings the TrainBots to life.

• Build your own funky, steampunk-themed robots that emit a safe, cool steam that mimics a real-life locomotive.
• Two robots to choose from: a rolling train or a walking robot; move a few pieces to go back and forth between each configuration quickly and with ease.
• An LED light illuminates the water vapor for a dazzling steam engine effect.
• Includes an electric motor, circuit board, and ultrasonic atomizer that helps teach kids about ultrasonic and sound waves as well as phases of matter.
• Manual includes a fun, comic-book-style story that adds to the play value of the kit and brings the models to life.

By William Anderson

Dive into the world of the author of the beloved Little House series! 

From her pioneer days on the prairie to her golden years with her husband, Almanzo, and their daughter, Rose, Laura Ingalls Wilder has become a friend to all who have read about her adventures. This expertly researched, behind-the-scenes account of Laura’s life chronicles the real events that inspired her to write her stories, and also describes her life after the last Little House book ends.

Their Journey of Discovery with 21 Activities

By Janis Herbert

His Life and Times with 21 Activities

By Brandon Marie Miller

George Washington comes alive in this fascinating activity book that introduces the leader to whom citizens turned again and again—to lead them through eight long years of war, to guide them as they wrote a new Constitution, and to act as the new nation’s first executive leader. Children will learn how, shortly after his death in 1799, people began transforming George Washington from a man into a myth. But Washington was a complex individual who, like everyone, had hopes and fears, successes and failures. In his early 20s, for instance,Washington’s actions helped plunge Great Britain and France into war. He later fought for liberty and independence, yet owned slaves himself (eventually freeing them in his will). This book weaves a rich tapestry of Washington’s life, allowing kids to connect with his story in 21 hands-on projects based on his experiences and the times in which he lived. Children will learn how to tie a cravat, write with a quill pen, follow animal tracks, sew a lady’s cap, plant a garden, roll a beeswax candle, play a game of Quoits, and make a replica of Washington’s commander-in-chief flag. The text includes a time line, glossary, websites, travel resources, and a reading list for further study.

An Activity Guide to Life in the New World

By Laurie Wiin Carlson

Young adventurers can learn about the settling of America while enjoying activities like stitching a sampler, pitching horseshoes, making an almanac, churning butter, and more.

A History with 21 Activities

By Janis Herbert

History explodes in this activity guide spanning the turmoil preceding secession, the first shots fired at Fort Sumter, the fierce battles on land and sea, and finally the Confederate surrender at Appomattox. Making butternut dye for a Rebel uniform, learning drills and signals with flags, decoding wigwag, baking hardtack, reenacting battles, and making a medicine kit bring this pivotal period in our nation’s history to life. Fascinating sidebars tell of slaves escaping on the Underground Railroad, the adventures of nine-year-old drummer boy Johnny Clem, animal mascots who traveled with the troops, and friendships between enemies. The resource section includes short biographies of important figures from both sides of the war, listings of Civil War sites across the country, pertinent websites, glossary, and an index.

His Life and Ideas with 21 Activities

By Brandon Marie Miller

Capturing the essence of this exceptional individual through his original writings and hands-on activities from his era, this resource tells the rich story of one of America’s most celebrated Founding Fathers. Beginning with his time as a young printer, this engaging narrative details how Benjamin Franklin became a celebrity with the publication of Poor Richard: An Almanack and how he founded the colonies’ first lending library, volunteer fire company, and postal service. Additionally, his life in science is also highlighted, from his 1751 book Experiments and Observations on Electricity to his proof a year later that lightning was an electrical discharge. Activities range from designing and printing an almanac cover and playing a simple glass armonica (a Franklin invention) to experimenting with static electricity and building a barometer. The text also features a time line, glossary, Web and travel resources, and reading list for further study.

His Life and Ideas with 21 Activities and Thought Experiments

By Jerome Pohlen

Best known for his general theory of relativity and the famous equation linking mass and energy, E = mc², Albert Einstein had a lasting impact on the world of science, the extent of which is illuminated—along with his fascinating life and unique personality—in this lively history. In addition to learning all about Einstein’s important contributions to science, from proving the existence and size of atoms and launching the field of quantum mechanics to creating models of the universe that led to the discovery of black holes and the big bang theory, young physicists will participate in activities and thought experiments to bring his theories and ideas to life. Such activities include using dominoes to model a nuclear chain reaction, replicating the expanding universe in a microwave oven, creating blue skies and red sunsets in a soda bottle, and calculating the speed of light using a melted chocolate bar. Suggestions for further study, a time line, and sidebars on the work of other physicists of the day make this an incredibly accessible resource for inquisitive children.

From Slavery to Freedom with 21 Activities

By Mary Kay Carson

The heroic struggles of the thousands of slaves who sought freedom through the Underground Railroad are vividly portrayed in this powerful activity book, as are the abolitionists, free blacks, and former slaves who helped them along the way. The text includes 80 compelling firsthand narratives from escaped slaves and abolitionists and 30 biographies of "passengers," "conductors," and "stationmasters," such as Harriet Tubman, William Still, and Levi and Catherine Coffin. Interactive activities that teach readers how to navigate by the North Star, write and decode a secret message, and build a simple lantern bring the period to life. A time line, reading list, glossary, and listing of web sites for further exploration complete this activity book. The Underground Railroad for Kids is an inspiring story of brave people compelled to act in the face of injustice, risking their livelihoods, their families, and their lives in the name of freedom.

Revised for the twenty-fifth anniversary of its publication, Alfie Kohn's landmark challenge to carrot-and-stick psychology features updated reflections and research in a major new afterword by the author.

Our basic strategy for raising children, teaching students, and managing workers can be summed up in six words: Do this and you’ll get that. We dangle goodies (from candy bars to sales commissions) in front of people in the same way that we train the family pet.

Since its publication in 1993, this groundbreaking book has persuaded countless parents, teachers, and managers that attempts to manipulate people with incentives may seem to work in the short run, but they ultimately fail and even do lasting harm. Drawing from hundreds of studies, Kohn demonstrates that we actually do inferior work when we are enticed with money, grades, or other incentives—and are apt to lose interest in whatever we were bribed to do.

Promising goodies to children for good behavior, meanwhile, can never produce anything more than temporary obedience. Even praise can become a verbal bribe that gets kids hooked on our approval.

Rewards and punishments are two sides of the same coin—and the coin doesn’t buy much. What is needed, Kohn explains, is an alternative to both ways of controlling people. Hence, he offers practical strategies for parents, teachers, and managers to replace carrots and sticks.

Seasoned with humor and familiar examples, Punished by Rewards presents an argument that is unsettling to hear but impossible to dismiss.