Join Richmond City School Students in Saving the Wood Thrush

Lucille M. Brown Middle School

What do you know about the Wood Thrush? Do you know this small bird has one of the most beautiful songs of any North American bird? Do you know how to imitate the Wood Thrush’s flute-like two note trill that sounds like a yodel? Do you know why the Wood Thrush is rapidly declining in numbers? Some very engaging students at Lucille M. Brown Middle School in the City of Richmond certainly do and they intend to involve us all in Saving the Wood Thrush.

Dinosaur Train One Hour Special: “Dinosaurs A to Z”

Don’t know your Apatosaurus from your Zigongosaurus? Meet all 26 species that make up the rollicking, rock-and-roll Dinosaur Train hit song “Dinosaurs A to Z” in the all-new, one hour “Dinosaurs A to Z” special premiering Monday, May 14 at 9:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on WCVE PBS.

Thinking Like a Scientist: Answering the “Why” Questions

Do you have an inquisitive child? Do they explore the world around them? Do they amaze you with all the questions they have? Do they sometimes ask a few too many questions? Well here is a proven scientific method that will help you answer all those wonderful, inquisitive, yet sometimes draining, ‘why’ questions.

Learning through Nuclear Science

Teachers explore Nuclear Science

Nuclear science is part of our everyday lives – from the energy that powers our world to applications in medicine and food safety.

This summer, Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Engineering is again collaborating with the Virginia Section of the American Nuclear Society, and other professional societies, to conduct a four day Science Teacher Workshop on the “Science of Nuclear Energy and Radiation.” Now is the time for teachers in grades 6 through 12 across the US to apply for the 2012 summer program.

Meteor Showers and the Largest Full Moon of the Year

eta Aquarids

The eta Aquarid meteor shower will be visible in the early morning sky on Sunday May 6. The meteors are bits of dust left behind by Halley’s Comet, which last passed this way in 1986. Viewing should be best just before dawn. This shower’s radiant point doesn’t rise over our horizons until around 2:00 or 3:00 a.m. The meteors are few and far even then, but the wee hours are a time for catching earth-grazing meteors in this shower.

Out and About with Ready To Learn

Children’s Book Week

Join our Ready To Learn team at the Main Branch of Richmond Public Library to celebrate Children’s Book Week (May 7-13, 2012) with a story-telling/paper-folding magic show, free at your neighborhood library! Storyteller Megan Hicks will be on hand along with crafts and lots of fun for the family.

Impact That Goes Beyond ABC and 123

Sesame Street

For more than four decades, children and caregivers have counted on Sesame Street for their ABCs, 123s, and other academic skills, such as vocabulary, math, and science. American children who frequently view Sesame Street as pre-schoolers achieve high school grade point averages that are almost 16% higher than those who don’t grow up watching the show. Not only are average grades better, but grades are also better in each of the core areas of English, math, and science.

Community Idea Stations Reduces Workforce due to State Funding Pressures

The Community Idea Stations today announced plans to reduce their workforce by 18% before the end of June.  This action is necessary due to the elimination of funding specific to public broadcasting from the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Budget.  The Community Idea Stations’ share of State funding amounted to just over $700,000 this fiscal year.  Beginning July 1 there are no funds for either Community Service Grants or Education Services Contracts.