Synergy: Body Image

Body image is a person’s perception of their own body. These feelings are impacted by other personal and environmental issues. Possessing a positive body image is important in healthy individuals.

Read the recently published young adult book, then learn more at the websites:

THE (OTHER) F WORD: A CELEBRATION OF THE FAT AND FIERCE edited by Angie Manfredi is an anthology of prose, poetry, and art celebrating body image. Each work in the collection explores a different aspect of body image acceptance. Designed for people of all sizes, the book encourages confidence and courage.

The JED FOUNDATION YouTube channel features videos that promote emotional health and positive body image. Of particular note is an interview with model and positive body activist Hunter McGrady sharing her experiences and what she wished she’d known when she was 16.

JED Foundation https://bit.ly/2XjMNXz
Hunter McGrady https://bit.ly/2MiKgGQ

ARC courtesy of Amulet Books.

Website Review: Sixty Symbols

SIXTY SYMBOLS is a website and YouTube channel exploring physics and astronomy symbols.

Sponsored by The University of Nottingham, the project began with sixty symbols and has expanded to include dozens more. In addition to the sixty original symbols, the website also has sections focusing on the planets, large hadron collider, and scientists. The project also links to related topics connected with chemistry, mathematics, and more.

Librarians will find that students enjoy both the topics and the approach. Rather than relying on humor or animation, most of the videos are simply straight-forward explanations of key science concept by professors and other scholars. Of particular note are the videos by Stephen Hawking.

To visit the website, go to http://www.sixtysymbols.com/.
To visit the YouTube channel, go tohttps://www.youtube.com/user/sixtysymbols.

Website Review: National Geographic Wild

NATGEOWILD is a YouTube Channel focusing on the animal kingdom.

Sponsored by National Geographic, the engaging animal videos will be of interest to all ages. Browse the playlists for video collections such as Dead by Dawn, Live Safaris. Dr. Oakley, Animal Fight Night, Untamed, Australia’s Deadly Monsters, and the Incredible Dr. Pol. The community section provides information about new and upcoming videos.

Librarians will find these videos to be a fun way to introduce a science or writing unit. Involve youth in selecting their favorite video to jumpstart an inquiry. Or, explore the playlists to connect videos to specific science units. Pair the videos with nonfiction books connected to specific topics such as “world’s weirdest” and “world’s deadliest”.

To visit the YouTube channel, go tohttps://www.youtube.com/user/NatGeoWild

Website Review: C.G.P. Grey

C.G.P. GREY is a popular YouTube Channel featuring short, fast-paced animated videos on popular topics.

Each short video explores a specific problem or question such as who owns the state of liberty or how do machines learn?

Librarians will find youth enjoy the fast-paced style. Keep in mind that some videos contain humor and satire appropriate for older students. Of particular note is a video that explores the differences between the United Kingdom, Great Britain and England. The fast-paced, humorous approach will be popular with sharp AP students.

To visit the youtube channel, go tohttps://www.youtube.com/user/CGPGrey.

Website Review: Animated Math

ANIMATED MATH also known as 3BLUE1BROWN is a website and YouTube channel providing videos and math poetry on advanced mathematics topics.

Although too tough for most teens, this website is perfect for advanced math students looking for ways to enhance their learning. Created by Grant Sanderson, the video section introduces the latest videos and the math poetry area presents a dozen poems.

Librarians will find this website to be an effective way to promote advanced mathematics in a high school setting. Of particular interest is the math poetry section. Go directly to the YouTube channel to explore playlists connected with particular topics.

To visit the website, go to https://www.3blue1brown.com/.

Website Review: Jared Owen Animations

JARED OWEN ANIMATIONS is a YouTube Channel sharing fascinating 3D animations.

From science to architecture and history, Jared Owen has produced fascinating 3D animations that illustrate concepts, address questions, look inside equipment, and visit locations around the world. Users can see a series of animations related to Apollo Spacecraft, look inside a lightsaber, and visit Buckingham Palace.

Librarians will find the animations useful in computer science classes teaching 3D animation. In addition, collaborate with social studies and science teachers to weave the animations into the curriculum.

To visit the YouTube channel, go tohttps://www.youtube.com/user/captainranic

Website: Simple History

SIMPLE HISTORY is a YouTube Channel providing animated history videos.

Each short video visualizes a different aspect of history including culture, technology, and key events. Playlists are available on world history and wonders of the world. Users will find multiple videos on topics such as World War I and World War II.

Librarians will find dozens of engaging history segments to jumpstart an interest in a wide range of history topics. Work with the history teacher to weave the videos into the curriculum.

To visit the website, go tohttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC510QYlOlKNyhy_zdQxnGYw

Website: BBC

The BBC YouTube channels contain endless informational and educational video programming.

BBC supports dozens of YouTube channels. Best known is the BBC News channel, however there are many other channels useful for educational activities.

BBC Ideas is a channel contains short videos to “feed your curiosity.” CBBC is popular with youth. Check out their videos dealing with the issue of bullying. Students will find their “Horrible Histories” hilarious. CBeebie is a channel designed for young children. Finally Children in Need is focused on changing the lives of disadvantaged youth.

Librarians will want to mine the many BBC channels for short videos that can be woven into the curriculum. Use the news channel to provide a more global perspective on social issues.

To visit the channels, go to https://www.youtube.com/user/BBC/channels.

Technology Review: 101 Videos

101 VIDEOS from National Geographic on YouTube explore natural and historical phenomena from around the world.

Containing nearly 60 short videos, this National Geographic series focuses on fascinating topics from around the world.

Each three to seven minute segment explores a different topic. Recent programs include Ancient Rome, Ancient Egypt and The Protestant Reformation. Science topics include Climate, Lunar Eclipse, the Sun, and the Human Body.

Librarians will find this series provides an excellent introduction to key topics from the curriculum. Mine the resource for history and science topics. Suggest that teachers use the videos as springboards to classroom activities. Or, use each video at a library learning station to draw attention to nonfiction books connected with the theme.

To visit the website, go to https://goo.gl/GMEkKQ.

Technology Review: Best of YouTube

BEST OF YOUTUBE is a YouTube page that connects with YouTube’s automatically generated channels containing the latest news, information, and entertainment videos.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed when visiting the YouTube website. However, YouTube has created a series of auto-generated pages to help users locate its most popular content. Across the top of the Best of YouTube page are links to these pages.

The Popular on YouTube page contains dozens of playlists to help users locate videos by category such as animals, politics, sports, games, hobbies, and movie trailers. Playlists are often added for special events such as national elections, Olympic sports, and disasters.

In addition to the Popular channel, YouTube has other automated channels such as News, Music, Gaming, Sports, and TV Shows. The Spotlight channel is of particular note because it focuses on new and trending topics from around the world. The Live channel is useful on days when you want to keep up on a constantly changing news story. Finally, the Education channel keeps users up-to-date on popular videos across the curriculum.

Librarians will find that many of the playlists aren’t related directed to the curriculum. However, these auto-generated pages are a quick way to locate current information on topics such as politics, technology, science, social issues, and news events.

A Popular on YouTube page is available for many countries around the world. Do a Google search and you can find the links to the United Kingdom, India, Canada, Australia, and others. It’s interesting for students to compare what’s popular in each country.

To visit the Best of YouTube, go to https://www.youtube.com/channels.

Technology Review: YALSA YouTube Channel

The YALSA YOU TUBE CHANNEL is sponsored by ALA’s Young Adult Library Services Association.

This popular channel contains videos created by and for library staff working with teens. These engaging video segments explore practical teen services topics.

The Playlists Page contains over a dozen categories including Snack Breaks, Free Webinars on Demand, Teens & the Future of Libraries, and Top Teen Nominees Trailers.

Librarians working with teens will find this channel contains many useful resources related to library administration, professional development, and leadership topics.

To visit the channel, go to https://www.youtube.com/user/YALSA1957.

Technology Review: ALA YouTube Channel

The AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION maintains a YouTube channel containing news and information for librarians and library users.

Sponsored by ALA, the channel focuses on original programming aimed at library professionals and other ALA members. Programming includes professional development resources, publicity and advocacy tools, news, and information. Many of the videos are associated with popular initiatives such as Spark Advocacy and Libraries Transform.

Dozens of play lists are available including ALA Vlogs, Annual Conference video sets, and a financial learning series.

Librarians will find this channel useful in planning for administrative activities including marketing activities. However, there are also many useful resources for their own professional development.

To explore the channel, go tohttps://www.youtube.com/user/AmLibraryAssociation.

Technology Review: VSAUCE

VSAUCE is a network of science education channels on YouTube.

The project involves three science video channels.

VSAUCE 1: THINK focuses on fascinating science facts and the world of mystery. Each video investigates an interesting question.

VSAUCE 2: FIND explores everyday topics that involve human creation.

VSAUCE 3: PLAY covers the real-world science of fictional worlds.

Librarians will find this video network to be an excellent way to promote science. Mine the videos for topics that align with the science curriculum. Or, use them to motivate learners and readers.

To visit the website, go to http://www.vsauce.com.

Technology Review: PBS Digital Studios

PBS DIGITAL STUDIOS is a YouTube Channel containing educational programming on a wide range of topics.

This video channel features short-form videos showcasing the best of Internet and PBS. From philosophy and technology to history and science, the programming incorporates topics across the curriculum. The project features content housed at a number of YouTube channels including Deep Look, PHS Idea Channel, The Art Assignment, It’s Okay to be Smart, CrashCourse, Space Time, Physics Girl, BrainCraft, Cross Science, and more.

Librarians will find this website to be a useful starting point for locating educational videos. Spend some time aligning videos across the curriculum. Or, feature selected videos in a showcase along with selected books and other resources.

To visit the website, go to https://www.youtube.com/user/pbsdigitalstudios.

Technology Review: Full Time with Mya

FULL TIME KID WITH MYA is a series of videos from PBS.

This adorable YouTube Channel features videos on topics such as crafts, songs, and learning experiences. From science experiments and math tricks to how-to videos, young Mya shares ideas for children, parents, and teachers. The short, focused videos are quick to watch.

Librarians will find these videos to be a fun way to introduce youth to video production. Get children involved with creating their own short videos on topics of their choice.

To watch the videos, go to https://www.youtube.com/user/FullTimeKid/.

Tech Review: YouTube Kids

YOUTUBE KIDS is an app that offers adults the chance to set up a safe environment for youth to experience YouTube video content.

The app is designed to make age-appropriate recommendations for youth based on viewing and searching history. Initially, the system can be set for “preschool”, “school age”, or “all kids” levels. The search bar can be shown or hidden.

Users are presented with access to content in four categories: Shows, Music, Learning, or Explore. From music by The Piano Guys to science videos from National Geographic Kids, users are presented with endless video options for children. Clicking a channel provides users with access to short video content. The basic keyword search displays content of interest to children. For instance, a search for frogs displays animated stories, science programs, and other interesting videos.

Librarians will find this to be a useful tool for in-school tablets. It would also be a good suggestion for parents of young children.

To download the app through Google Play or the App Store, go to https://kids.youtube.com/.

Website Review: Batterypop

BATTERYPOP is an excellent video website for kids.

It can be difficult to locate quality educational videos on the major video sites like YouTube. Instead, try this child-focused website. Although many of the videos are focused on entertainment topics, there are also lots of educational videos available.

The Shows section features web video series. Seek out series focused on educational topics such as ROCKALINGUA, a musical Spanish language series and ANTS, a nature series.

The Channels section provides videos from related organizations such as such as UMIGO, a math adventure series. This area also links to the National Film Board of Canada’s videos for children.

The Gamezone section contains resources for gaming fans. Youth who enjoy Minecraft will find lots of videos of interest.

Videos are also organized by topic. Be sure to check out the Science and Math area for lots of STEM connected videos. The Crafts area contains ideas that could be adapted for library makerspaces.

Librarians will find this to be a valuable starting point for connecting youth with age-appropriate videos.

To visit the website, go to http://www.batterypop.com/about-batterypop.

Tech Review: ASAP Science

The ASAP SCIENCE YouTube channel brings STEAM alive for young adults.

From their Science Wars Acapella Parody to lessons on music science, both students and teachers alike will grow to love this group of science geeks. Their goal is to make science fun and accessible through the use of music and fascinating science facts.

Although best known for their YouTube channel, the group has also published a book titled ASAP SCIENCE. Addressing timely questions about binge-watching TV, power naps, and brain freeze, their examples are aimed directly at the young adult audience.

Librarians will find their videos to be great resources to encourage STEAM projects that emphasize music.

Keep in mind that the group often weave in “adult” and “potty” humor into their works to attract the interest of young adults. However, high school students will find this approach hilarious. Before using a particular video with a class, be sure to watch it first.

Go to their YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/AsapSCIENCE.

To get their book, go to http://asapscience.com/book/.

Website Review: MinutePhysics YouTube Channel

The MINUTEPHYSICS YouTube Channel website provides fascinating, focused science videos.

Each fast-paced, one-minute video introduces a topic and provides lots of examples. The illustrator uses simple marker drawings mixed with interesting photographs to bring each concept to life.

By weaving in facts with humor, even the most reluctant student will enjoy the experience. Because the videos move very quickly, most students will need to view the clips multiple times to catch all the details.

Librarians will want to mine the YouTube channel and match the videos with the science curriculum. Use the search tool to find specific topics of interest.

To visit the website, go to https://www.youtube.com/user/minutephysics.

Website Review: American Museum of Natural History YouTube Channel

The AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY YouTube channel contains hundreds of fascinating videos on a wide range of topics.

Dozens of playlists feature video collections of interest to students such as Kid Science, Nature’s Fury, Bison, Dinosaurs, Space, and more.

The videos range from very short clips to longer viewing experiences. Some of the videos provide an inside looking into how museum exhibits are created and the science behind the exhibits.

Use the search tool to seek out topics of interest within the AMNH YouTube channel.

Librarians will want to mine the channel for videos that can be directly connected to the science curriculum. Also, seek out STEAM related videos such as those related to science, math and origami.

To learn more, go to https://www.youtube.com/user/AMNHorg.