What Do You Want to Know About New York

A Weblist of Resources Containing Information About New York State
This project was developed as part of the NYS Virtual Learning Space Grant 2002

Created by Tracy Standhart - Instructional Technology Consultant
standhartt@schenectady.k12.ny.us
NYNET Resources for Teachers / Schenectady City School District

Introduction
This web list provides a variety of sites available for student and/or teacher use. Many of the sites can be used in conjunction with lessons in a number of curricular areas and at various grade levels. To access an internet activity using the sites listed on this page click on the link below.

Elementary	Middle School	High School
Fun Fact Find for Kids	What's So Great About New York State?	Evaluation of an Empire

The Internet activities listed above are currently under construction and will be readily available upon completion.

Facts and History

1. NYS Department of State Kid's Room
History, facts, coloring pages and even NYS puzzles can be found on this web site.
http://www.dos.state.ny.us/kidsroom/nysfacts/factmenu.html

2. Fifty States and Capitals
Facts, facts, and more facts. Look here for some quick answers.
http://www.50states.com

3. Map NY
An interactive site that allows you to click on a New York State county to access government services.
http://www.nysegov.com/map-NY.cfm

3. NY State Data Center
Need census information? Here's the place to find it.
http://www.empire.state.ny.us/data_home.html

4. New York State Historical Maps
     On this site there are many maps that provide a written description as well as bibliographic information.
      Photographs of maps have been gathered from a number of institutions. Many of the images in this
      collection are copyrighted. Permission to publish must be obtained from the library that holds the
      original map.
      http://www.sunysb.edu/libmap/nymaps.htm

5. Rediscovering New York: History and Culture
    A program of the New York State Archives, Rediscovering New York History & Culture aims to
     improve the coverage and content of New York's documentary heritage and make it accessible to all.
      http://www.archives.nysed.gov/services/programs/rediscovering/rediscoveringv2.htm

6. New York History Net
   A site dedicated to providing a rich history of New York's rich resources and history. This site has
    everything from a listing of NY exhibits to a website about NY Historical Roadside Markers.
     http://www.nyhistory.com/index.htm

Government

1. New York State Senate
Learn about your state representatives and keep up to date on senate activities and operations.
http://www.senate.state.ny.us/

2. About the New York State Senate
    What does the NY State senate seal mean? Find out on this site. Take a tour of the capitol building, view a
     historical timeline and learn more about the NY Senate.
     http://www.senate.state.ny.us/sws/about/index.html

3. New York State Assembly
    Learn about the NY State Assembly. Search by zip code to find out who your assembly member is, view
     this month in history section, keep up to date on current news, and much more.
     http://www.assembly.state.ny.us/

4. NY State Assembly's Kid's Page
Coloring pages, word searches, and a tour of the Assembly can be found on this site.
http://www.assembly.state.ny.us/kids/

5. Governors of New York
Information about a few Governors who hold distinctive places in history.
http://www.state.ny.us/governor/govhistory.htm

Tourism

1. I Love New York State Tourism Website
    Do you know what the state fish is? Find it on the NYS tourism website. You can find just about anything on
     this site, including:   state facts, history, events in the state, maps, state regions, geography,
     accommodations and even the weather in various parts of the state.
     http://www.iloveny.com/main.asp

2. New York State for Kids
Activities, fun facts, coloring pages and contests are a part of this great site for younger students.
http://www.iloveny.com/kids/index.asp

3. The Tourism Trail
The Tourism Trail connects seven regionally or nationally unique attractions located in Rural Central New
     York State. The National Baseball Hall of Fame and the Soccer Hall of Fame are just a couple of the
     attractions listed.
     http://www.tourismtrail.com/

Famous People

1. Famous People from NY
Class Brain brings you a list of famous New Yorkers with links to bibliographical information about each.
http://www.classbrain.com/artstate/publish/article_537.shtml

2. Famous New Yorkers
Just pick a name from the list and Google will get the web sites you need with the information you need.
http://www.classbrain.com/artstate/publish/article_537.shtml

Educational Projects and Assessments

1. The Branches of NYS Government
This PowerPoint presentation provides information, activities, and assignments as a strategy for teaching
     and learning about the three branches of New York State government.
     Click here for the project information page.
     http://www.schenectady.k12.ny.us/users/title3/Future%20Grant%20Projects/Projects/NYGov/NYgovt_files/frame.htm

2. Are We There Yet?
This project will give students an opportunity to use primary documents to practice for the fifth grade
     DBQ’s. Questions are linked to sites guiding the students to information that will help them find the
     answers.
     Click here for the project information page.
     http://www.schenectady.k12.ny.us/users/title3/Future%20Grant%20Projects/Projects/arewethereyet/Final%20Project/

3. Diggin' for NY State Facts
This Treasure Hunt was designed to bring students on a journey to discover some of NY State’s historical
     Treasures.
     Click here for project information page.
     http://www.schenectady.k12.ny.us/users/title3/Future%20Grant%20Projects/Projects/nyfacts/nyfacts.htm

4. Adopt an Entry Student Research Project
Encourage your class to become part of a state research project that will give them the opportunity to be
part of the Encyclopedia of New York State.
http://encyclopedianys.syr.edu/features/adoptanentry.html

5. New York History Day
National History Day is a program that allows students to explore local, state, national, or world history
through a research project that relates to an annual theme.
http://www.nyshistoryday.org/index.htm

6. New York State Academy for Teaching and Learning - Social Studies
A variety of projects and learning experiences that have gone through the NYSATL Peer Review Process.
http://www.nysatl.nysed.gov/SocStudies/index.html

7. Document Based Questions
A brief course on using historical records in the classroom.
http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/ciai/dbq/ssindex.html

8. Regents Exam Prep Center
High School Students can review for their regents tests by visiting this site containing various tools for
insuring success on the NYS regents.
http://www.regentsprep.org/

9. New York State History Quiz
Test your knowledge about New York with this slide show created with both questions and answers.
http://encyclopedianys.syr.edu/NYS%20Quiz4/sld001.htm

10. Erie Canal History Quiz
A quiz celebrating the 175th Anniversary of the Erie Canal.
http://encyclopedianys.syr.edu/features/erie-q.htm

11. Preparing for the Grade 5 Social Studies Assessment
This website is intended to serve as a resource for K-5 teachers who are preparing their students for the
Grade 5 NY State Social Studies Assessment.
http://www.dcboces.org/teachers/grade5socstassess/index.htm

Teacher Notes

Process

Students and teachers at elementary, middle, and high school will find resources for teaching and learning on this page. Teachers may wish to use this site as a basis for introducing internet resources to their students. Others may use it as a resource for developing a teacher made activity or evaluation. Students may use this as a resource to locate information about New York State in conjunction with assignments or activities provided to them by their teachers. Parents can use this site as a valuable means to help their children learn more about the various aspects of New York State.

NYS Learning Standards, Performance Indicators and the National Technology Educational Standards

Students will meet the following NYS Learning Standards and Performance Indicators as a result of using this page of resources in conjunction with lessons given by instructors:

English Language Arts
Standard 1:Students will read, write, listen and speak for information and understanding

Intermediate

1. Listening and reading to acquire information and understanding involves collecting data, facts, and ideas; discovering relationships, concepts, and generalizations; and using knowledge from oral, written, and electronic sources.

Students:

interpret and analyze information from textbooks and nonfiction books for young adults, as well as reference materials, audio and media presentations, oral interviews, graphs, charts, diagrams, and electronic data bases intended for a general audience
compare and synthesize information from different sources

Math, Science and Technology
Standard 2:Students will access, generate, process and transfer information using appropriate technologies

Elementary

1. Information technology is used to retrieve, process, and communicate information and as a tool to enhance learning.

Students:

access needed information from printed media, electronic data bases, and community resources.

Intermediate

1. Information technology is used to retrieve, process, and communicate information and as a tool to enhance learning.

Students:

systematically obtain accurate and relevant information pertaining to a particular topic from a range of sources, including local and national media, libraries, museums, governmental agencies, industries, and individuals.

Social Studies
Standard 1:Students will use a variety of intellectual skills to demonstrate their understanding of major ideas, eras, themes, developments and turning points in the history of the unites States and New York

Elementary

2. Important ideas, social and cultural values, beliefs, and traditions from New York State and United States history illustrate the connections and interactions of people and events across time and from a variety of perspectives.

Students:

gather and organize information about the traditions transmitted by various groups living in their neighborhood and community
recognize how traditions and practices were passed from one generation to the next

3. Study about the major social, political, economic, cultural, and religious developments in New York State and United States history involves learning about the important roles and contributions of individuals and groups.

Students:

gather and organize information about the important accomplishments of individuals and groups, including Native American Indians, living in their neighborhoods and communities

Intermediate

1. The study of New York State and United States history requires an analysis of the development of American culture, its diversity and multicultural context, and the ways people are unified by many values, practices, and traditions.

Students:

interpret the ideas, values, and beliefs contained in the Declaration of Independence and the New York State Constitution and United States Constitution, Bill of Rights, and other important historical documents.

Students:

gather and organize information about the important achievements and contributions of individuals and groups living in New York State and the United States
describe how ordinary people and famous historic figures in the local community, State, and the United States have advanced the fundamental democratic values, beliefs, and traditions expressed in the Declaration of Independence, the New York State and United States Constitutions, the Bill of Rights, and other important historic documents

Students will meet the following National Technology Foundation Standards as a result of using this page of resources:

Basic operations and concepts
Students demonstrate a sound understanding of the nature and operation of technology systems.

Social, ethical, and human issues
Students practice responsible use of technology systems, information, and software.

Technology productivity tools
Students use technology tools to enhance learning, increase productivity, and promote creativity.

Technology research tools
Students use technology to locate, evaluate, and collect information from a variety of sources.
Students use technology tools to process data and report results.

Technology problem-solving and decision-making tools
Students use technology resources for solving problems and making informed decisions.
Students employ technology in the development of strategies for solving problems in the real world.

Credits

Susan A. Levine. "Ellis Island and Lady Liberty." Online images. Susan A. Levine Photographic Art.
20 May. 2003. http://www.lbdassociates.com/salphotos/index.htm
Used by permission from LBS Associates. These photos are copyrighted by LBD Associates and cannot be reproduced in any manner without their permission.

"Blenheim Covered Bridge." Online Image. New York State Covered Bridges. 20 May. 2003.
http://members.aol.com/covbr/ny_cov.html

"Empire State Plaza." Online Image. Albany Semester Program. 20 May.2003.
http://www.esc.edu/asp/asp.html

"Niagara Falls." Online Image. Niagara Falls Facts and Information. 20 May 2003.
http://www.personaltours.toronto.on.ca/niagara-info.html

"Capitol Building." Online Image. NYS Real Property Management and Development. 20 May. 2003.
http://www.ogs.state.ny.us/building/Facmod/capital.asp

"Baseball Hall of Fame." Online Image. 2002 Baseball Hall of Fame Induction of Ozzy Smith Road Trip.
20 May. 2003.
http://www.greatroadtrip.com/roadtrips/baseball-hall-of-fame/baseball-hall-of-fame-roadtrip.html

"Hot Air Balloons". Online Image. Search the Adirondacks. 20 May. 2003.
http://www.mediausa.com/ny/adirondacks.html

"Blue Arrow." Online Image. School Icons Club. 20 May.2003. http://www.schoolicons.com/eng/

"Clipboard." Online Image. Microsoft Design Gallery Live. 20 May. 2003. http://dgl.microsoft.com/?CAG=1