Have Internet? Get books
We Give Books is an online initiative created by the Penguin Group and the Pearson Foundation to provide children's books via the Internet. Most books are suitable for students up to age 10. Visit www.wegivebooks.org to check out the selection.
One timely book for Black History Month is The Hallelujah Flight, written by former New York City middle school teacher Phil Bildner. The book tells the story of an African-American pilot during the Great Depression. Check out the following link for a teaching resource to go along with the book, http://bit.ly/UODvLa.
History in the making
The American Physical Society features interesting profiles of history makers — 25 physicists from underrepresented groups.
Learn about Dr. Beth Brown, the first African-American woman to earn an astronomy doctorate from the University of Michigan; or Albin Gonzalez, who is using physics to help patients beat cancer.
Check out the profiles and free poster at www.aps.org/programs/minorities/profiles.cfm.
Make a difference
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is offering one free "Make a Difference Middle School Kit" to teachers. The kit includes four posters, a CD-ROM and other materials. Some individual items from the kit may be ordered in quantities up to 30. Visit www.epa.gov/osw/education/ordermad-ms.htm.
How green is your garden?
Proven Winners, a plant and gardening company, is offering a 36-page Gardener's Idea Book. The site also offers a monthly gardening tips newsletter filled with information timed for each season in the garden. For your idea book, visit www.provenwinners.com/winners-circle.
Get organized
Office Depot is offering help to get organized in 2013 with a free calendar. Print this coupon at http://bit.ly/Zywj5X .
The "Freebies" column offers free opportunities for you and your students. We do not screen for subtle or not-so-subtle plugs.