Relevant, real-world connections

Learning is enhanced through connections to student interests and to the world beyond the classroom. The following DLC resources support this specific element of powerful teaching.

DLC Library

netTrekker d.i.: Reference Tools: Ask an Expert Sign in for access to this resource: Scroll down to Ask an Expert. Connect students with professionals and specialists in various careers and fields to help them establish connections between what they are studying in school and the real world of work.

Grolier: NEWSNOW Sign in for access to this resource: Access point for world news and current events, as reported by the Associated Press and dozens of newspapers from around the world (some in English, some in native languages). Feature stories include study guides, leading questions, and activities.

SIRS: Database Features Sign in for access to this resource: Provides a host of links to various special features (Leading Issues, Natural Disasters, Focus on Terrorism, Today's News) that bring real world events and perspectives into the classroom.

Facts on File: Issues & Controversies Sign in for access to this resource: In-depth investigations of today's top issues. The For Educators section provides a host of resources and strategies for bringing current events and issues into the classroom.

Facts on File: Today's Science Sign in for access to this resource: Science news written especially for students. Features include Science in the Headlines, Editorial Cartoons, Hot Topics, Biographies, Image Gallery, and more.

Facts on File: World News Digest: Editorial Cartoons Sign in for access to this resource: Editorial cartoons can help students better understand, visually, what is going on in the world. Many editorial cartoonists present political points of view, both liberal and conservative, while others tend to illuminate current events without taking sides.

Teaching Resources

ExploreLearning Gizmos: Many of the interactive simulations (Gizmos) model real-world situations that would be difficult or impossible to replicate in a classroom, enabling students to manipulate variables and view the results.

Mathcasts: Developed to help students prepare for the 10th grade Math WASL, nearly all of these short screencasts (animated, narrated demonstrations of math concepts and problem solving strategies) are based on real-world scenarios.