Literature-Based Movies for Health Class: Documentaries, Books, Films

Here's a list of movies to watch for health class. Topics cover obesity, nutrition, addiction, substance abuse, mental health, environment and more. Supersize Me (Morgan Spurlock) Although this film won the 2004 Oscar for Best Documentary, Supersize Me has been all but forgotten in many schools. After a lawsuit by two teenagers against McDonald's restaurants accusing the Golden Arches of causing their obesity, Morgan Spurlock decides to eat only McDonald's three meals a day for a month to see what happens to his health. Morgan is determined by a team of doctors to be in perfect health prior to the experiment and so any health trouble can be attributed to his diet. He eats only normal portion or meal sizes, but if asked, he must supersize the meal. He also limits the amount of exercise he gets to 2300 steps a day, the average amount of daily exercise that most Americans get. He journals the experiment and the results are astonishing. You must watch to believe.  Literature-Based Movies for Health Class: Documentaries, Book, Films

Ryan Gosling to Film in Detroit: How Do Film Tax Credits Impact Michigan?

Hollywood A-lister Ryan Gosling is back in Detroit to film "How to Catch a Monster." Gosling is seeking local toddler talent to play "Frankie," a feral child character in the film, says MLive. The superstar director picked Detroit as a location despite backer concerns over the stability of Michigan's film tax credits, says the Detroit Free Press. Thanks to hefty tax incentives, Michigan is fast-becoming the Midwest's movie-making hub. Other films, like Disney's "Oz: The Great and Powerful," which premiered in March, have been heralded as much-needed economic boosts for Michigan. But do film tax credits really benefit the state? Ryan Gosling to Film in Detroit: How Do Film Tax Credits Impact Michigan?

Ryan Gosling Films Detroit: Do Film Tax Credits Help or Hurt Michigan?

Hollywood A-lister Ryan Gosling is back in Detroit to film "How to Catch a Monster." Gosling is seeking local toddler talent to play "Frankie," a feral child character in the film, says MLive. The superstar director picked Detroit as a location despite backer concerns over the stability of Michigan's film tax credits, says the Detroit Free Press. Thanks to hefty tax incentives, Michigan is fast-becoming the Midwest's movie-making hub. Other films, like Disney's "Oz: The Great and Powerful," which premiered in March, have been heralded as much-needed economic boosts for Michigan. But do film tax credits really benefit the state?  Ryan Gosling to Film in Detroit: How Do Film Tax Credits Impact Michigan?

Free Earth Day Movies, Worksheets, Lesson Plans

Earth Day, formerly known as Arbor Day, celebrated on April 22, is fast approaching. This is a wonderful opportunity to explore resources for helping students and families understand concepts like environmentalism, ecology, recycling, renewable resources and nature. Free printable material seems like an oxymoron when we consider Earth Day. With our landfills packed with paper, more use of paper seems wasteful. Here are some websites which focus on free ideas, activities and lessons that will engage students in the pragmata of ecology. You'll find free printables on these sites, but more importantly, you'll find loads of lessons and ideas to reinforce the key concepts of Earth Day.Free Printable Earth Day Lesson Plans
 

Disney "Oz: The Great and Powerful" Made in Michigan

Since the 70th anniversary of Warner Bros., "The Wizard of Oz", there's been talk about remaking the film. Disney's Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland" gave Oz new impetus. Sam Raimi will film the Disney prequel "Oz: The Great and Powerful" in Detroit, Michigan (actually Dearborn). Raimi hails from the Motor City. He's alumni of Michigan State University. Sam Raimi has made such films as "Spider-Man", "The Evil Dead", "The Grudge", "Young Hercules", "Xena: Warrior Princess" and "Drag Me to Hell". Raimi produced "Priest" (2011) also.  The films stars James Franco, Mila Kunis and Rachel Weisz. Disney "Oz: The Great and Powerful" Movie to Film in Michigan

Jewish Passover Resources, Films, Books for Parents

Jewish families are celebrating the passover starting at sundown March 26, 2013. Passover or Pesach, goes until sundown April 1. In Jewish tradition, children are involved in religious activities. Here are resources for parents, homeschool families and educators to explore Passover with children. These materials help children understand the traditional significance behind the holiday. This article was written for Sukkot, but all the resources, websites and films are applicable for passover. If you click on each, you'll be taken to passover activities and movie links. Jewish Passover Resources for Parents, Homeschoolers, Educators

Movies Based on American Nobel Prize for Literature Laureate Books, Plays

Ever been to Barnes & Noble and observed the mural of famous authors over the coffee shop? Who are these literary figures? Many of them are winners of the Nobel Prize for Literature. Use this list to plan literature lessons for your American history or literature classes. This provides great learning opportunities for teachers to use in the classroom. If your students aren't already reading books by these American Nobel laureate authors, you might consider adding them to the curriculum. Many of these books listed have companion films. Here are suggested movies: Reds (incorporates life of Eugene O'Neill); Of Mice and Men, East of Eden, Grapes of Wrath (John Steinbeck), Cats (Broadway musical based on T.S. Eliot book "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats"), Mourning Becomes Electra (1947 from O'Neill's book), A Farewell to Arms, Snows of Kilamanjaro and For Whom the Bell Tolls (Ernest Hemingway), Elmer Gantry (Sinclair Lewis) Yentl (based on Isaac Bashevis Singer story "Yentl the Yeshiva Boy. Great film with Barbra Steisand and Mandy Patinkin) Lesson Plans for American Nobel Prize for Literature Laureates

Best Movies About St. Patrick and Irish History in America

When I mention St. Patrick's Day, what leaps to mind? Shamrocks, leprechauns, green beer, and parades? St. Patrick's Day may have morphed into partying, but Ireland and St. Patrick are steeped in history, tradition, and lore. Here are movie selections that explores Patrick and Irish history in America.  Best Movies About St. Patrick and Irish History in America

Edgy, Sensual Love Songs for Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is devoted to romance; what better way to initiate a romantic mood than with music? Here's a playlist of edgy, sensual music to warm the soul and ignite passion. These love songs and arias come from an array of genres. Many come from operas, Broadway musicals or movies. You can listen to them on Youtube. Edgy, Sensual Love Songs for Valentine's Day

Activities for Bored, Winterbound Kids: Book/Movie Party

If your weather is anything like mine this winter, there's a lot of cold, but little snow. For kids, winter's no fun without the snow-just chill and wet. When it's too cold to play outside and too boring to play inside, most kids' attention turns to mischief. Why not head off your little troublemakers off at the pass with a cheap (mostly free) afternoon of fun, compliments of your bookshelf? Use with companion movies if weather is really bad! Activities for Bored Kids: Movie, Book Party