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Star Wars Can Teach History?

x wingIt is one of the most beloved film franchises of all time, and now Star Wars has been examined and presented as a means to teach world history. A new book entitled Star Wars and History claims that the epic space story parallels many earthly historical events. Star Wars creator George Lucas has denied any intentional links to actual events, but admits that due to the films' overall narrative of good vs. evil and war and rebellion, it would be impossible to avoid any similarities.

Nonetheless, authors Nancy Reagin and Janice Liedl have created an interesting way to present world history to students via a pop-culture phenomenon that is almost universally loved. CNet sat down with Liedl for an interesting look behind the making of the book. Read the interview here.

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A Major Weakness in Our Education...

Students can spend 12 years in school (even more) and not know what they’re good at.

While they have hopefully mastered academics such as reading, math, and science, they likely have spent little to no time studying their own natural talents and strengths during that time. This is a major gap in our education system.

There has been a plethora of research on the development of individual strengths and talents and their use in the workplace, mainly by Gallup. The company had...

Hispanic Heritage Month Begins...

National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated each year from September 15-October 15th. It was originally established, in 1969, as Hispanic Heritage Week, by President Lyndon Johnson. In 1988, it became a month long celebration. Some people say we don't really need an Hispanic...

The Global Search for Education:...

“In the future we will see a broader range of topics covered by games that is more niche content.” – Doug Whatley  

We all know by now that games harness the power of play, and through play we develop a range of 21st Century knowledge and skills, including language, communication, creative problem solving, critical...

The Global Search for Education: How is...

“Digital games and simulations will continue to grow in cultural influence and shed their reputation for being merely violent or trivial, leading to their becoming a standard component of teaching and learning.” – Paul Darvasi 

When the pandemic struck, were educators ready for virtual learning?  “Digital games demand...

Staying Positive in This Unknown Time:...

As families and teachers, we are all concerned about how our children are dealing with what is happening in the world. Staying positive during this unknown time is such an essential part of how your children will learn to deal with times of uncertainty and conflict. As we begin navigating this new school year, it is important that we tell our children that “it is ok” and “we will get through this.” It is...

Teachers: A “New” Way to Respond to...

Teaching can be frustrating, stressful, and high-pressure. Teachers are always “on.”

They must constantly respond and interact throughout the school day with students. There is little room to breathe.

But that’s exactly what is needed.

The technique I’m about to share with you can be life-changing, professionally, and personally.

First, some context. Teaching can trigger the fight-or-flight response, sometimes many times in the course of a school day. What...

Classrooms are the Mirror of a Teacher’...

Recently, I was listening to a podcast featuring investor and philosopher, Naval Ravikant. He spoke about how success was simply an extension of one’s authentic self. For example, a business, a blog, a podcast ideally are reflections of that person’s passions, interests, and uniqueness.

Instantly, I connected that idea to teachers and education. A teacher’s classroom setup - the pictures and posters on the wall, the rock chair, the carpet on the floor, the yoga mats, the funny and...

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