Each month we will share a resource that you can use in your classroom. It may be a brand new team building activity we have developed, or a classroom learning activity; really whatever we come up with to share with you. This month we've created a worksheet designed to help you introduce or review the concept of metamorphosis. It includes a spiritual application page that uses metamorphosis as an spring board to discuss God's perspective on change and growth. The worksheet can be downloaded right here.

This resource helps meet the following state mandated academic standards: 
 
OK PASS: Life Science Grade 2  2:1, 2:2; Grade 4 3.2
AR Cirriculum Frameworks: LS.3.1.2 - LS.3.3.3 
MO Science LO 1.B. 2 a & b  
KS: Science 3.1.2; 3.2.1  
TX TEKS: Science 3.8 D; 4.6 A; 5.5; 5.6 C

Dowload the handout file:  metamorphosis.pdf (130.12 kb)

Welcome to the Field Guide Five. Each month in this section we choose a different category from which we'll share five resources. This issue we're bringing you "Five Podcasts for Growth." These and many more podcasts are found by going to iTunes or following the links listed below. Just a quick disclaimer: some of these sites do not completely reflect our worldview; however we feel there are valuable resources in each.

Hardcore History podcast
In "Hardcore History" the very unconventional Dan Carlin takes his "Martian," outside-the-box way of thinking and applies it to the past. This is a difficult-to-classify show that has a rather sharp edge. It's not for everyone. But the innovative style and approach has made "Dan Carlin's Hardcore History" a New Media hit. This has quickly become Sam's favorite podcast.

Andy Stanley Leadership podcast
The Andy Stanley Leadership podcast is a conversation designed to help leaders go further faster. Andy Stanley is a pastor, communicator, author, and the founder of North Point Ministries in Alpharetta, GA.

WNYC's Radio Lab podcast
A favorite of many of the NLR staff, on Radio Lab, science meets culture and information sounds like music. Each episode of Radio Lab is an investigation - a patchwork of people, sounds, stories, and experiences centered around one big idea. Hosted by Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich, Radio Lab is produced by WNYC public radio.

How Stuff Works podcast
This is a collection of nine podcasts covering a variety of topics from tech stuff to history and even random knowledge. Of the nine "The Stuff You Should Know" podcast is on top of Sam's list.
 
Ted Talks (Video) podcasts
Newly discovered by Sam this summer, but not fully explored - this podcast looks to be very interesting. According to the iTunes write up: Each year, the TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) conference hosts some of the most fascinating people: Trusted voices and convention breaking mavericks, icons and geniuses. These podcasts (also available in an audio format) capture the most extraordinary presentations delivered from the TED stage.

Last Child in the Woods; Saving our Children form Nature Deficit Disorder
by Richard Louv
 
Our team of staff loves Last Child in the Woods. This widely read book has made quite a splash, and is the guiding force behind the influential Children and Nature Network. Whatever you think of the group's politics, we love the book because it provides research to back up what we've felt in our gut for quite a while; kids today are increasingly disconnected from the Creation, and that disconnection has real developmental consequenses.

The Contest
Send us a picture of your class doing an activity from The Field Guide! We'll feature you on the blog and put your name in a drawing for 12 great books for educators at the end of the year. Just send your pictures to TheFieldGuide@newliferanch.com.

Sometimes working with students feels like being in a dense forest. You are surrounded by magnificent and beautiful creations of God, but you can just barely make out the trail that got you there, and you don't quite know which direction to go. That's why we created The Field Guide. This online resource is designed to give you some tools to help you strike down the path God has for you and your students.

Take a few moments to look through this first edition and let us know what you think. We love hearing from you and look forward to seeing many of you at New Life Ranch this year. If you want to receive future monthly editions of The Field Guide by email use the link below to subscribe. We are excited to see what we can all learn together!