NEWSDAY IN EDUCATION

Multimedia Program

GM bankruptcy's impact

Expository Writing--ELA Standards 1, 3 and 4

Once a symbol of America's manufacturing supremacy, General Motors has been forced into bankruptcy. Today's lesson looks at the impact this has on our economy and Long Islanders. View the lesson plan

After sheriff takes over LIE patrol, ticket counts drop

Cautionary Essay--ELA Standards 1, 3 and 4

America's roads are dangerous places, with thousands killed each year. In a cost-cutting move, law enforcement agencies were re-assigned and that resulted in a drop off of driving tickets. Today's lesson looks at the correlation between driving tickets, police enforcement and public safety. View the lesson plan

Red-light cameras could come to Nassau by summer's end

Editorial Writing - All Four ELA Standards

Over 41,000 people died in motor vehicle accidents in 2007. Today's lesson looks at the use of automatic cameras installed at traffic lights as a method to reduce intersection infractions and improve driver safety. View the lesson plan

LI air rescue team watches as shuttle lifts off

Expository Writing--ELA Standards 1, 3 & 4

The exploration of space has fascinated mankind from the first moment our ancestors looked up at the stars. Long Island has been involved with our nation's space effort from the inception of NASA in the 1950s. Today's lesson looks at the latest space shuttle mission and contributions Long Islander are making towards its success. View the lesson plan

Further mishandling possible in homicide case, cops say

Expository Writing--ELA Standards 1, 3 & 4

Violence against women is terrible and preventable but it requires diligence and serious consideration by our law enforcement institutions. Today's lesson looks at the actions of the Nassau County Police Department in their handling of the abuse and murder of a 24 year old mother of two, Jo'Anna Bird. View the lesson plan

U.S. swine flu cases double, half in Queens

Editorial Writing - All Four ELA Standards

The outbreak of Swine Flu that has shut down Mexico City has now reached Long Island. This might be the pandemic health officials have feared since the first Swine Flu outbreak in 1976. Today's lesson looks at the spread of this disease and how "connected" the entire world really is, especially in areas of health and well being. View the lesson plan

New college grads flocking to national service programs

Expository Writing--ELA Standards 1, 3 & 4

Finding a career and choosing your "life's work" has always been a difficult task but in our present ailing economy, graduating college seniors are facing even more pressures. Today's lesson looks at opportunities that exist for the 2009 graduating class. View the lesson plan

Experts: Obama both tough, reassuring on GM, Chrysler

Expository Writing--ELA Standards 1, 3 & 4

The feeling today is that there are some companies that are too big to fail. Their bankruptcy would cause such severe harmful consequences that the federal government needs to step in to hold off the dire economic damage. Today's lesson looks at how President Obama is trying to "save" GM and Chrysler from folding and disrupting the lives of millions of workers. View the lesson plan

Despite efforts, LI's heroin scourge marches on

Cautionary Essay--ELA Standards 1, 3 and 4

Heroin is a very dangerous addictive drug that destroyed hundreds of thousands of lives during the 1970's and 80's. Today's lesson looks at the largest drug bust in Suffolk County history and how this indicates that the new "drug of choice" may be that same killer. View the lesson plan

New tax benefit could pay for LIRR commute

Expository Writing--ELA Standards 1, 3 & 4

The media has been preoccupied with how the Federal government is "bailing out" large corporations and Wall Street. Today's lesson looks at how local small businesses and the average worker might also benefit from the economic stimulus being injected into our faltering economy. View the lesson plan

Nassau, unions reach tentative deal to avoid layoffs

Expository Writing--ELA Standards 1, 3 & 4

These tough economic times create situations that require a change in the way people think. In the past, negotiations between workers and their bosses resulted in pay increases and greater benefits. That is not the case now. Today's lesson looks at the deal Nassau County has struck with their major unions and how this may symbolize a new way of thinking about unions, negotiations and the economic realities we all face. View the lesson plan

How to save in our new frugal world

Cautionary Writing--ELA Standards 1, 3 & 4

The climate change Long Islanders are enduring concerns both the weather and the economy. Today's lesson looks at the ways we all can prepare ourselves for the rigors of a recession and a grim economic forecast. View the lesson plan

Threat needs a new strategy

Editorial Writing--All Four ELA Standards

Too many innocent people die at the hands of drunk drivers. Today's lesson looks at the recent death of a police officer by a DWI suspect who was behind the wheel with a "conditional" license. View the lesson plan

Pilot of downed plane says "It was a crew effort"

Editorial Writing--All Four ELA Standards

The "Miracle on the Hudson" illustrates that courage, cooperation and professionalism can avert a catastrophe. Today's lesson looks at the flight of U.S. Air 1549 and its landing in the Hudson River to examine what "lessons" can be pulled from this event in the icy river. View the lesson plan

Senate votes to give tax break to new car buyers

Expository Writing--ELA Standards 1,3, & 4

The Great American Pastime is not baseball, but shopping and when that stops, the entire economy suffers. Today's lesson looks at a how Americans are changing their shopping and savings habits and the efforts of our government to get American "rolling" again. View the lesson plan

LIPA 3-month arrears hit $50 million in December

Expository Writing--ELA Standards 1,3, & 4

Electricity powers every facet of our life, providing us with light, heat, refrigeration and cooking. But as the economy sours, so does the ability of many Long Islanders to pay for the watts that LIPA supplies. Today's lesson looks at the troubles people have in paying their electric bill and the problems LIPA has in collecting. View the lesson plan

Obama speech eyes change, responsibility

Expository Writing--ELA Standards 1,3, & 4

The inauguration of President Obama is a turning point in American history, highlighted by a feeling of hope and renewal. Today's lesson looks at the major event of the day, the swearing in and inauguration speech delivered by the new 44th President of the United States.View the lesson plan

Convoy makes case for jobs

Editorial Writing--All 4 ELA Standards

The dire economic straits our nation is in has put the fate of many workers in the hands of politicians. The bail-out plan being touted by the federal and state government will directly affect the paychecks of Long Islanders. Today's lesson looks at the efforts of Long Island construction workers to put pressure on our politicians to create new jobs and a better future for our local economy.View the lesson plan

LI contractor charged in crane collapse that killed 7

Expository Writing--ELA Standards 1,3, & 4

Accidents do happen, but when they cause death and destruction, they become opportunities where lessons can be learned from those mistakes. Today's lesson looks at a deadly crane accident in New York City and the arrest of a businessman who is being held responsible for the deaths that occurred. View the lesson plan

Healthier Holiday Eating

Cautionary Writing--ELA Standards1,3, & 4

Holiday celebrations are wonderful for your spirit but tough on your waistline. Today's lesson looks at ways you can stay fit and healthy during the holiday season. View the lesson plan

Paterson: Cuts needed; slowing growth rate not enough

Editorial Writing--All Four ELA Standards

The financial woes that plague our nation are reflected in the New York State 2009 budget proposal presented by Governor Paterson. Today's lesson looks at his plan to reduce spending and its impact on Long Islanders. View the lesson plan

Guardian Angels begin patrolling Patchogue streets

Editorial Writing--All Four ELA Standards

Guardian Angels have come to Patchogue to patrol the streets during this holiday season. Today's lesson looks at this effort to combat racially motivated violence that has marred this town's reputation. View the lesson plan

Wal-Mart worker died of asphyxiation, autopsy finds

Cautionary Writing--ELA Standards 1, 3 and 4

Black Friday is traditionally one of the busiest shopping days of the year--and now one of the most dangerous. Today's lesson looks at a fatal shopping stampede which marred Black Friday at a store in Nassau County. View the lesson plan

Hard Times; Obama urges stimulus package, announces economic team

Expository Writing--ELA Standards 1, 3 and 4

The world's economy is in crisis and the President-elect Barack Obama is attempting to help, even before he enters the White House. Today's lesson looks at his attempts to aid the situation and the impact of our failing economy on students. View the lesson plan

Levy apologizes to family of Patchogue stabbing victim

Expository Writing--ELA Standards 1, 3 and 4

The death of a Hispanic man at the hands of a mob of teenagers in Patchogue, NY has sparked a debate on racism and violence. Today's lesson looks at a speech delivered by Suffolk County Executive Levy on the ways this crime might heal the community. View the lesson plan

Hate-crime death highlights racial tensions in Suffolk

Editorial--All Four ELA Standards

It is ironic that with the election of the first black president, a hate crime dominates local Long Island news. Today's lesson looks at the death of a Hispanic man at the hands of a teenage gang. View the lesson plan

Centereach family survives carbon monoxide fumes

Cautionary Essay--ELA Standards 1, 3 and 4

Cooler temperatures bring hard-to-detect dangers into our homes. Today's lesson looks at how the safety we feel "at home" might be a false sense of security. View the lesson plan

Healthier Schools

Cautionary Essay--ELA Standards 1, 3 and 4

Schools have a unique opportunity to teach students about healthy food and behaviors. Today's lesson looks at ways districts are making decisions based on nutrition, health and safety concerns. View the lesson plan

Fights close Hempstead High again

Editorial Writing--All Four ELA Standards

If high school is a microcosm of our society, then the violence that erupted at Hempstead High School is symbolic of the problems that face our nation. Today's lesson looks at two days of fights that plagued a Long Island school. View the lesson plan

Basement beatings suspect arraigned

Expository Writing--ELA Standards 1, 3, & 4

Determining how to raise a child is the right of every parent. Corporal punishment as a method of discipline, while once accepted, is now considered a matter of child abuse and assault. Today's lesson looks at an incident of domestic violence as an example of parenting gone wrong. View the lesson plan

Preservation of Long Island's Natural Environment $18M deal struck for Dick Cavett's Montauk property

Editorial Writing--All Four ELA Standards

In the conflict between development and land conservation on the East End, two recent projects symbolize the crossroads Long Islanders face. This week's lesson looks at an effort to preserve the environment in Montauk and also plans to turn the Calverton Pine Barrens into a mega ski resort. View the lesson plan

Babies rescued from car sinking in Connetquot River

Creative Writing--All Four ELA Standards

In an instant our daily ordinary lives can be changed by disaster, error or heartbreak. In today's lesson a "freak" accident might have ended in horror, except for the brave actions taken by two unsuspecting heroes. View the lesson plan

Boy, 11, drowns in Brentwood pool

Cautionary Writing--ELA Standards 1, 3, & 4

There is only sadness at the death of a child. It has become way-to-common that during the summer months there are stories of pool accidents and drowning. Today's lesson looks at death in the backyard of a Brentwood home. View the lesson plan

Arm woes eyed but Mars Lander still set for big dig

Expository Writing--ELA Standards 1, 3, & 4

The Martian Phoenix Lander sits on the frozen polar surface of another world, as a symbol of Man's intelligence and curiosity. Today's lessons looks at this historic achievement and its attempt to find signs of life. View the lesson plan

Foster mom charged in child's death from pain patch

Cautionary Writing--ELA Standards 1, 3, & 4

For the majority of Americans, the answer to every ache and pain comes from a pill, a prescription or a patch. Prescription drugs are themselves a health problem and medical emergency. Today's lesson looks at death of one small child due to the misuse of a painkiller. View the lesson plan

Cablevision chief: Deal will 'bolster' Newsday

Expository Writing--ELA Standards 1, 3, & 4

Media in all its modern forms act as a window to the world. Our knowledge and opinions about life is greatly influenced by what we read, watch, hear, experience and discuss with others. Today's lesson looks at the purchase of Newsday by Cablevision, centralizing much of Long Island's news media into one giant "picture window" for millions of readers, viewers and web users to see through. View the lesson plan

An Energy Lifestyle: Gas prices and opinions

Editorial Writing--All 4 ELA Standards

The economic impact of high energy prices affects the attitudes of Long Islanders, causing some to wait for hours for cheap gas while allowing others to invest in energy efficiency and conservation. Today's lesson looks at how energy needs will shape Long Island lives in the future. View the lesson plan

Oyster Bay gay couple denied marriage license

Editorial Writing--All 4 ELA Standards

The struggles for equal rights for gays involving the right of marriage has many similarities to America's recent history of racial prejudice and protest. Today's lesson looks at a non-violent protest at the Oyster Bay Town Hall, by one couple looking to change a New York State law. View the lesson plan

Olympic torch protesters disrupt Paris relay

Persuasive Writing--ELA Standards 1, 3, & 4

The Olympics have grown from a sporting event to a global symbol, focusing the world's media attention upon not only the athletes but the nations which play host to the games. Today's lesson looks at the world-wide protests that have marred China's attempts to shine upon the Olympic stage. View the lesson plan

Cops seek driver in Farmingville laborer hit-and-run

Editorial Writing--ELA Standards 1, 2, 3, & 4

The Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor welcomes all to America's shore. But in recent years, anti-immigration sentiments have tarnished the inscription written there;
"Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,"
Today's lesson looks at the hatred and violence directed at some aliens, who have made one Long Island town the "epicenter" of intolerance towards illegals. View the lesson plan

Revenue shortfall delays LIRR service improvements

Editorial Writing--ELA Standards 1, 2, 3, & 4

Mass transit is the only way to move millions of people around busy city centers. Long Islanders have battled rush hour congestion for decades and depend upon the Long Island Railroad and other forms of mass transit to get to work each day. Today's lesson looks at new problems facing L.I. commuters. View the lesson plan

What could Bear Stearns deal mean to consumers?

Expository Writing--ELA Standards 1, 3, & 4

Economic instability has shaken one of the largest brokerage firms in America and has plunged our nation closer to a recession, or worse. Today's lesson looks at the collapse of Bear Stearns, once one of the top five brokerage houses on Wall Street. Its demise will touch all our lives in a negative way. View the lesson plan

Paterson expected to stick to Spitzer's agenda

Expository Writing--ELA Standards 1, 3, & 4

Politics and scandal are very often connected, for the power that comes with high elected office often intoxicates. The problems that face New York State Governor Eliot Spitzer might lead to his resignation and the elevation of Lieutenant Governor David Paterson. Today's lesson looks at the man who might soon assume the leadership of one of our nation's largest states. View the lesson plan

Two sisters flee ferocious Amityville blaze

Creative Writing--ELA Standards 1, 2, 3, & 4

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, over 400,000 homes catch fire each year. In today's lesson the ordeal of one family is examined to uncover the lessons that can be learned about fire safety and survival. View the lesson plan

Obama photo spurs firestorm with Clinton

Expository Writing--ELA Standards 1, 3, & 4

In a world connected by a 24 hour news media machine and the instant global reach of the internet, a single photo can cause a tremendous impact. Today's lesson looks at how an image can carry more weight than the reality behind it. View the lesson plan

Reaching 100 Is Easier Than Suspected

Expository Writing--ELA Standards 1, 3, & 4

People live longer today. There are over 55,000 Americans who are over 100 and that number is expected to grow. Today's lesson looks at the ways you can improve your chances of reaching the century mark. View the lesson plan

Super Bowl and Business

Expository Writing--ELA Standards 1, 3, & 4

Our nation's obsession with football has allowed businesses to reach hundreds of millions of people with their commercials. The competition between the advertisers is just as fierce as the action on the playing field and actually more money and prestige is at stake. Today's lesson looks at the extremes businesses will go to for their "name" to reach the fans, and their "hands" to reach into the viewer's pockets. View the lesson plan

Kidney donation a 'bittersweet' sister's gift

Persuasive Writing--ELA Standards 1, 3, & 4

Organ donation transplant techniques are quite common and effective. The problem is finding the donors, for many in our society feel uneasy about donating their organs to others, even after their death. Today's lesson looks at the several stories that illustrate power of giving. View the lesson plan

Demographics at heart of South Carolina primary

Expository Writing--ELA Standards 1, 3, & 4

On the holiday to commemorate the work of Martin Luther King and his struggle against racism, skin color and prejudice still dominates the news. Today's lesson covers several stories that illustrate the continued struggles that divide America. View the lesson plan

Long Island chiropractor questioned in steroid probe

Expository Writing--ELA Standards 1, 3, & 4

Performance enhancing drugs have united the sports arena and the entertainment world in scandal. An Olympic star is facing prison time. Baseball officials and players will soon testify to Congress. High profile music celebrities are under investigation. And now a Long Island chiropractor is injected into this world of steroids and Human Growth Hormones. Today's lesson explores the scope of the current steroid investigations. View the lesson plan

GM Envisions Driverless Cars

Creative Writing--ELA Standards 1, 2, 3, & 4

Just as technology has made our lives different, the introduction of computerized controls into our cars will revolutionize our driving. Today's lesson looks at the future and how electronics will change the way we drive, work, play and live. View the lesson plan

Students will eat healthy school food

Expository Writing--ELA Standards 1, 3, & 4

Schools should fill their students with knowledge and feed their imaginations. Today's school lunches are now lessons themselves in good health and money management. A Minnesota study reports that nutritious school lunch programs can be delicious to both the palate and wallet. View the lesson plan

Family of murdered Denice Fox pleads for justice

Persuasive Writing--ELA Standards 1, 3, & 4

The horror of violent crime extends beyond the capture of the criminal, for sometimes the trial itself prolongs the torment for those associated personally with the act. This is evident in the murder of Denice Fox and the sentencing of her killer, Evan Marshall. Today's lesson looks at the sentencing of this admitted killer and how many feel justice was avoided. View the lesson plan

Study Sees Rise in Men Not Washing Hands

Persuasive Writing--ELA Standards 1, 3, & 4

In a world that is constantly getting smaller, the risk of pandemics and infection is greater than ever. Today's lesson looks at a simple yet effective way to ward off illness and follow your mother's advice: WASH YOUR HANDS! View the lesson plan

Federal Quarantine for TB Traveler

Creative Writing--ELA Standards 1, 2, 3, & 4

Air travel has connected the world and brought the entire planet into easy reach. It also has helped spread some of the most deadly diseases known to man. Today's lesson looks at how one man might have infected hundreds with a dangerous form of tuberculosis. View the lesson plan

New York's South Brother Island to be a sanctuary

Persuasive Writing--ELA Standards 1, 3, & 4

Two hundred years ago, the entire metropolitan area was a pristine wilderness of fields, farms and flora. Today there are only small pockets of "nature" left, amid the sprawling metropolis we call home. Today's lesson looks at two pieces of land where Mother Nature reigns free and how their future development could not be more different. View the lesson plan

Judge slaps Vick with 23 months for dog fighting

Expository Writing--ELA Standards 1, 3, & 4

The brutality of dogfighting was exposed with the arrest and conviction of NFL star Michael Vick. He has lost his fortune, freedom and the respect because of his involvement in "Bad Newz Kennels," a place of unspeakable horrors and cruelty. Today's lesson looks at the road which led Vick from NFL playing fields to fighting pits and now federal prison. View the lesson plan

Drug-resistant MRSA developing into medical crisis

Cautionary Writing--ELA Standards 1, 3, & 4

A new stain of bacteria is roaming our hospitals, schools, day care centers and gyms. MSRA is a superbug, resistant to most drugs and easily transmitted. Today's lesson looks at this new killer that quietly claims tens of thousands of lives every year. View the lesson plan

Rough reception for Ahmadinejad at Columbia

Editorial Writing--ELA Standards 1, 2, 3, & 4

President Bush has labeled Iran and their leaders as members of the Axis of Evil. Many feel our two nations are marching towards a destructive and possibly nuclear war in the coming months. Today's lesson looks at Iranian President Admadinejad's visit to New York and his message to the American people. View the lesson plan

Feds join Hempstead noose investigation

Expository Writing--ELA Standards 1, 3, & 4

A noose hanging from a tree is a very powerful symbol of racism and hate. It refers to the thousands of lynchings that haunt us from our nation's prejudiced past. Lately this symbol of hate has been the center of civil rights demonstrations in Jena, LA, where thousands marched to support the Jena 6. Today's lessons is centered upon a noose was found inside the Hempstead Police Station. View the lesson plan

Trespassing at Kings Park Psychiatric Center risky

Expository Writing--ELA Standards 1, 3, & 4

Halloween has grown into a consumer holiday, with sales of costumes, candy and decorations rivaling the Christmas season. In searching for the macabre and scary, some thrill seekers visit "haunted" buildings and graveyards. Today's lesson examines the lengths people go through to experience the spirits of the underworld. View the lesson plan

Couple found guilty in slave case

Persuasive Writing--ELA Standards 1, 3, & 4

Slavery has existed throughout history, yet it is shocking to see it as it manifests itself today in, in both the tawdry sex trade and the homes of affluent. Today's lesson looks at the verdict handed down to a Muttontown couple, found guilty of torturing and abusing slaves in their Gold Coast mansion. View the lesson plan

Childhood Dangers

Cautionary Writing--ELA Standards 1, 3, & 4

Being a kid is never easy but it seems that with our modern technology and a global economy, things got more dangerous. Today's lesson looks at some "new" boogiemen that lurk in the dark corners of our digital world. View the lesson plan

Heat keeps Baldwin marathoner from finish line

Expository Writing--ELA Standards 1, 3, & 4

Though the calendar reads fall, this season's abnormal temperatures has the nation still basking in summer. For the runners at the Chicago marathon, this October classic became a mid-summer style nightmare. Today's lesson looks at heat-related illnesses and the stopping of the annual Chicago running event. View the lesson plan

$4.00 a gallon in 2008

Persuasive Writing--ELA Standards 1, 3, & 4

Some feel that love makes the world go round, but for the rest of us the key to getting around is oil and that just got a whole lot more expensive. Today's lesson looks at the rising price of oil and how that will touch all of us. View the lesson plan

130 dogs rescued from puppy mill arrive on LI

Persuasive Writing--ELA Standards 1, 3, & 4

Dogs are often called "Man's best friend." But in a recent case, a commercial breeder in Virginia was anything but a friend to the over 1,000 animals he held in overcrowded, brutal and filthy conditions. Today's lesson concerns the rescue of these animals and efforts to find them loving homes on Long Island. View the lesson plan

When 'desk rage' strikes the office

Cautionary Writing--ELA Standards 1, 3, & 4

The stress of the business world can cause strife with your co-workers and in your own life. Today's lesson looks at the effects of tension in the workplace and what you can do to ease the turmoil. View the lesson plan