History on Tap

The application for this year’s Portsmouth Schools Foundation Innovator Grants has been sent out.  Awards of up to $500 will be distributed to Portsmouth Public School teachers, staff, or parents.  The applications are due by noon on Friday, October 9, 2009.  Projects can be done in teams.  Here’s the application in case you need it.

PSF Grant Application

I just checked out a new resource from HBO Archives.  It’s the March of Time newsreel series, which was produced from 1935-1967.  The films are free, but you do have to register.  (It only takes a couple of minutes.)  There are many newsreels covering different topics, some of which are relevant to our curriculum.  (Moreso for middle and high schools.)  There are a lot of reels from the 1930′s (covering topics like the CCC, TVA, King Cotton, child labor, etc.)  A few reels from the 1940′s, 50′s, and 60′s are also posted.  HBO is still working on restoring and posting footage, so the list will certainly grow. 

Clips vary in length, but could be an interesting primary source addition to your lessons.  I’ve watched several already and they are very interesting and give a good insight to the mindset of the time.

Target is offering 5,000 field trip grants of up to $800.  Applications can be completed on line between August 5 and November 3, 2009.

If you’re interested in applying, visit http://sites.target.com/site/en/company/page.jsp?contentId=WCMP04-031880&ref=sr_shorturl_fieldtrips for an application.  Good luck!

If you’ve got a great idea for your classroom, make sure you check out the Portsmouth Schools Foundation Innovator Grant!  You can receive up to $500 to purchase materials for your activity.  Applications are due on October 10th, and winners will be announced at Convocation on October 21st. 

Innovator Grant application