Best 3rd grade VC programs

So you're a third grade teacher and trying to pick the best VC program for this year? Here are what I consider to be your best choices.

Social Studies: Regions
If you're studying regions, here are some great options.

1. Musical Geography of America, Cleveland Institute of Music. Also advertised for 5th grade, but we had a 3rd grade class do this last year and it was excellent. Highly recommended.
2. Geography from the Intrepid.Sea.Air.Space Museum is also excellent for 3rd grade region studies. We had a class do this last year who loved it!
   
3. Geography: Baseball Coast to Coast from the Baseball Hall of Fame would work well too. It's advertised for 4th & up, but I'm sure they could tailor it as needed.
4. I just found this one from NY. Regions of the U.S. from McClure Productions. Haven't seen it yet but it sounds excellent!
5. For my local teachers: If you want to connect to a class in a specific region to discuss their area, let me know and I can find a class for you! Another project idea would be to hook up a couple local 3rd grade classes and give clues about a region and try to guess which was presented.... These options would all be free.
   

Language Arts

1. Of course, don't forget the possibility of participating in Read Across America in March 2006. That would be free.
2. For my local teachers: We have some good ASK programs coming up that you'll want to consider. Remember we send you the books.
   ****Stellaluna by Janell Cannon; Grade Level: 2-3, Topic: Bats.
   Date: November 3, 2005: 9:30-10:30; 10:45-11:45; and 1:00-2:00 p.m.
   You'll interview an expert.
   ****Ice Bear and Little Fox by Jonathan London, Grades 2-3. Topic: Polar Bears
   Date: March 16, 9:30-10:15 and 10:30-11:15 a.m. (3 slots each time).
   You'll interview an expert.
   ****The Hard Times Jar by Ethel Footman Smothers, Grade Level: 3
   Topic: Poverty, value of education, economics
   Date: Still working on scheduling, 2nd semester. This one will also be available to Michigan classes through TWICE but hasn't been announced officially yet.
   You'll interview the author.
   ****Searching the Noonday Trail by Johnny Tuitel. Grade Level: 3-4. Topic: Cerebral Palsy. Date: Still working on scheduling, 2nd semester. This one will also be available to Michigan classes through TWICE but hasn't been announced officially yet.
   You'll interview the author.
   

Science
Of all the possibilities we've correlated to the Michigan Grade Level Content Expectations for 3rd grade, I'd say choose one of these providers:

1. COSI Toledo, one of our absolute favorite providers because of the hands-on experiments you do during the program.
2. Lake County Waste Management District for their environment programs. The presenter is an incredible storyteller and connects very well with the students. Plus they are free!
3. If you are studying adaptations, try the Animal Adaptations program from the Columbus Zoo or the Cincinnati Zoo, my two favorite zoos.

To my local teachers, email me or visit www.remc11.k12.mi.us/dl to schedule any of these videoconferences.