PROJECT IDEA EXCHANGE "PIE" MONTHLY NEWSLETTER VOLUME 3: NO. 6 May 2004 http://pie.mcvts.net PROGRAM OF THE MONTH      As technology continues to progress, as travel becomes easier and more accessible, as world economies evolve, each day we become more and more of a global society. Seldom are there major issues in one country that do not impact others. In that spirit Sampson Ayensu Amoo of the T.I.Ahmadiyya Basic School 'A' of Ghana is seeking educational partners to take part in a global awareness project via postal mail. Sampson's students are teenagers that he describes as "gifted." Sampson is seeking to form long lasting educational partnerships that will benefit everyone involved. Quite recently, Sampson agreed to a partnership with Kathy Wilhemy, a teacher at the Perth Amboy Technical High School located on the eastern Atlantic coast of the United States. Kathy, a PIE member who is a Biology and Environmental Education teacher has also been searching for a partner dealing with global awareness concerns. Both teachers are quite excited with the possibilities that await their students and themselves.      If you are interested in joining this partnership of schools in Ghana and America, please contact Sampson (tutor70@Epals.com, kasatutor2000@yahoo.com), Kathy (wilhemyk@mail.mcvts.net) or Ernie Read (reade@mail.mcvts.net) to learn more about their plans. One other note, Sampson is interested in UNICEF's SNOWFLAKE program, so if you have a common interest, please contact Sampson. MEMBER NEWS Project Idea Exchange is proud to welcome the following new member to its steady growing worldwide membership. Sampson Ayensu Amoo, Science Teacher T.I.Ahmadiyya Basic School 'A' Kumasi-Ashant, Ghana PIE members can now be found in thirty-one countries on six continents. Please share PIE with others and encourage them to join. PIE "TIP OF THE MONTH"          The Earth's vegetation is what makes our planet so beautiful. As springtime continues in the northern hemisphere, what a great time to consider introducing your students to the world of gardening at a wonderful website entitled "Kidsgardening.com" (http://kidsgardening.com). This vast site provides the user with numerous links and featured articles exploring gardening along with abundant ideas for teachers to employ in order to engage their students in the various related areas of science. This site has something for all grade levels students, teachers and anyone interested in gardening. Two of my favorites segments deal with Pest Control and Exploring Classroom Hydroponics. If you think that gardening only fits a science class, take time to explore "Kidsgardening.com" and learn how teachers apply gardening to a variety of subject areas. DIRECTOR'S NOTES      Do have a lesson that really engages your students? Do you have an experience as a teacher that you wish to share? Do you have a project that you would like to share or are you searching for partner schools to work with? Have you taken a field trip, local or far, with your students that you would like to share? If you answered yes to any of these questions, I would really welcome hearing from you so that I can share all information and ideas with PIE members. If you wish, I can include your story, experience or project in a future newsletter. If you are looking for a partner classroom, let me share with you some possibilities. If you have any ideas for programs or just need some assistance please contact me (erreadiii@aol.com; reade@mail.mcvts.net).  I am always available to assist you in whatever manner possible! Until Next Month, Be Well, Happy and Safe! Ernie Read/ PIE Director PS-Sorry for being a few days late. We are finishing up the school year, and, as teachers, I am sure that you understand when I say that life this time of year ca be quite "busy." Thank you for your understanding and continued support as members of Project Idea Exchange.