NewsHour Extra: Frequently Asked Questions

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We've compiled a list of the most Frequently Asked Questions that show up in the e-mail bag and organized them for students and teachers.




Where do I find lesson plans? Lesson plans are organized by topic and can be found on these archive pages: U.S. World Science Health Arts/Media In addition, you can use the search function at the top of every page -- just click the "lesson plan" button.		How do I find a story on a certain topic? The best way is to search for what you're looking for. There is a search function at the top of every page. You can also browse by topic: U.S. World Science Health Arts/Media


How can I use video in the classroom? Almost all of the video on NewsHour Extra is from the nightly PBS broadcast, the NewsHour with Jim Lehrer. Starting November 19, 2007, the NewsHour began streaming in FLASH all segments that we have the rights to stream. This is a much better quality than the previous video, which was Windows Media and RealPlayer. However, our video archives in the Windows format date all the way back to February 7, 2000. You can search for specific topics on our video page. There are also links to the video from the Online NewsHour homepage and the transcript pages (if we had the rights to it). You can find transcript pages on our Recent Programs Page, or navigate by Topics or Regions. Please tell us if you have problems using our video-- we can't help you if we don't konw there's a problem!		What is the difference between the NewsHour and NewsHour Extra? There are actually three different NewsHours to keep straight! But of course they're all related. The first is the NewsHour with Jim Lehrer. That's the TV news program that runs on PBS every weekday. Here's some more information about the program. Then there's the Online NewsHour. That's the web site for the program. The Online NewsHour has all the transcripts from the show listed chronologically on the Recent Programs Page, or by Topics or Regions. There are also "indepth coverage" packages that include maps, slideshows, timelines, etc. Finally, there's NewsHour Extra, the site for students and teachers. Educators can find lesson plans and an active teacher community at our Teacher Page.


I've heard about a project called the.News -- video for the classroom, where is that? the.News is a non-commercial, daily in-school newscast being developed by MacNeil-Lehrer Productions. Visit the.News site for more information.		My teacher told me to print out a worksheet, what's that? On every NewsHour Extra story, there is a student worksheet in the resources section in the right-hand column. The worksheet has reading comprehension questions and discussion questions.


I've heard I can write lesson plans and get paid for my work! NewsHour Extra's lesson plans are all written by teachers. Please send your name, subject area and grade level to extra@newshour.org The editor who works with teachers, Annie Schleicher, will get back in touch with you and explain how we can work with you.		How do I write a essay or student voice for this site? Writing a Student Voice for NewsHour Extra is a great way to speak your mind, jumpstart a journalism career, as well as impress friends, teachers and family! Click on the link that says "Student Voices" under the NewsHour Extra logo. There are directions there, including a Tips and Story Ideas page that will help get you going!


What is the Daily Buzz and how can I use it in the classroom? The Daily Buzz is a quick look at an event or issue in the news that might have to do with a celebrity or pop culture, but also illustrates something about how the world works, whether that be law, business, economics, politics, etc. Teachers can use the Buzz as a discussion starter or quick activity before the bell rings. Some teachers use it for reading comprehension since it is so short.		What is the Daily Buzz? The Daily Buzz is a quick look at an event or issue in the news that might have to do with a celebrity or pop culture, but also illustrates something about how the world works, whether that be law, business, economics, politics, etc. We try to make them fun and welcome your ideas!


Is there a place my students can ask questions to experts? There's an Online NewsHour feature called Insider Forums where your students can ask questions and become part of a weekly user-generated interview program.		Where can I find video? Almost all of the video on NewsHour Extra is from the nightly PBS broadcast, the NewsHour with Jim Lehrer. Starting November 19, 2007, the NewsHour began streaming in FLASH all segments that we have the rights to stream. This is a much better quality than the previous video, which was Windows Media and RealPlayer. However, our video archives in the Windows format date all the way back to February 7, 2000. You can search for specific topics on our video page. There are also links to the video from the Online NewsHour homepage and the transcript pages (if we had the rights to it). You can find transcript pages on our Recent Programs Page, or navigate by Topics or Regions. Please tell us if you have problems using our video-- we can't help you if we don't konw there's a problem!


What are the resources that come with each story? Each story has a “Student Work Sheet” with Reading Comprehension and Discussion Questions. There is also a “Classroom Activity” that includes the answers to those questions, as well as Initiating Questions to be used as a warm-up activity to get your students thinking about the topic.

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