SPACE DAY-- The Space Day Design Challenges invite students to solve real problems encountered in space. Now in its sixth year, the program challenges students in grades 4-8 to tackle a variety of problems encountered by those who live and work in space. Design challenges, created by Challenger Center for Space Science Education, are intended to engage students in meaningful learning experiences that use skills such as creative problem-solving, critical thinking and teamwork. Information about this year's challenge, which has a Mars theme, is available at www.spaceday.com.

GIVING QUARTER-- The United States Mint is offering free lesson plans for elementary school teachers based on its widely popular 50 State Quarters Program. More than 90,000 teachers used the lesson plans last year and the Mint reports that 78 percent say they intend to use materials again this year. The lesson plans are grade specific (K-1, 2-3 and 4-6) and come with student exercises and a guide to help teachers incorporate the lessons into their curriculums. The materials are available at www.usmint.gov under Mint Programs/Education Initiative.

GUIDE DISCOUNT-- "First Response Guide to Street Drugs," a new 78-page collection on the most commonly encountered illicit drugs, is designed to be a resource for teachers and other professionals. It contains detailed descriptions of commonly encountered illegal drugs, paraphernalia that can signal drug use, user symptoms and more. AFT members will receive a 50 percent discount on "First Response Guide to Street Drugs" if they mention their AFT affiliation when ordering. This brings the price of the book down to $10 per copy plus $3 shipping. For details, call toll free 877/255-1166.

KEEP THE PEACE-- Free peacemaking resources are available at the site www.celebratingpeace.com. It features teacher resources, including printable materials, an online art gallery for students, coloring pages, a peacemaker club for youngsters and much more. Teachers also can receive site update e-mails by signing the guestbook.

VIDEO BONUS-- Teachers who have a creative way to use videos in the classroom can receive $50 by submitting their ideas to Video Placement Worldwide, an online distributor of free videos. Selected ideas are published in the group's "TeacherTips" Newsletter. To submit your idea, visit www.vpw.com.

EARTH SENSE-- The Green Frog News is a free educational Web site featuring downloadable and reproducible science and environmental newsletters, coloring pages and experiments for students. Each topic-specific issue contains material from such notable organizations as the United States Geologic Survey/Earthquake Research Center, Grand Canyon Education Center, the Miami Museum of Science, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and many others. Check out an issue of the newsletter at www.thegreenfrognews.com.