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Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in his debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947 marking a milestone in baseball history. As a way of celebrating this momentous event and keeping the memory of Jackie Robinson alive, the Detroit Tigers invite Michigan schools to participate in the 19th Annual Jackie Robinson Art, Essay and Poetry Contest.
The contest is open to middle and high school students throughout Michigan. Students may enter the contest by submitting an original work of art, essay, or poem in honor of Jackie Robinson. The contest criteria are as follows:
ART: Create an artistic expression that captures the spirit of one or more of Jackie Robinson's Nine Values: Works of art may include a painting, drawing, or rendering.
ESSAY: Write an essay about a barrier that you have faced. Explain how you faced this barrier by using one or more of Jackie Robinson's Nine Values. Each essay should be at least 200 words long and not exceed 700 words in length, typewritten, single spaced, and limited to one page. Essays will be evaluated based on creativity, rhythm and flow of language, organization, attitude, personality, character, and the technique used to convey meaning. All essays must be factual and based on the student's real-life experience. Fictional stories will be disqualified.
POETRY: Write a poem that explores one or more of Jackie Robinson's Nine Values. Each poem should be typewritten, double-spaced and limited to one page.
Contest winners will be honored during a special on-field, pre-game ceremony before the Tigers game on Monday, April 20, 2015 as we celebrate Jackie Robinson Day at Comerica Park.
Download the 2015 official entry form »
Download the 19th Annual Jackie Robinson Art, Essay and Poetry Contest flier »
Download the contest details »
|Middle School Art
|Amanda Auten
|Britton Deerfield Schools
|View entry
|High School Art
|Jawan Davis
|Denby High School
|View entry
|Middle School Essay
|Ryan Chatterjee
|Reuther Middle School
|View entry
|High School Essay
|Joel Tedone
|Riverview Community High School
|View entry
|Middle School Poetry
|Annie Gibbs
|Reuther Middle School
|View entry
|High School Poetry
|Olivia Upham
|Oxford High School
|View entry
Breaking Barriers: In Sports, In Life is a national literacy and character education program in partnership with Scholastic. The program uses baseball-themed activities to provide students of diverse backgrounds in grades four through nine with strategies to deal with barriers and challenges in their lives, while at the same time conveying the significance of Jackie Robinson's breaking Baseball's color barrier in 1947. A major component of the program is a national essay contest in which students write about overcoming these obstacles using the values demonstrated by Jackie Robinson: commitment, citizenship, courage, determination, excellence, justice, persistence, teamwork, and integrity. This year two national winners are Michigan residents hailing from Canton and West Bloomfield, Michigan. The winners and their teachers were recognized in an on-field pregame ceremony at Comerica Park with Sharon Robinson, daughter of Jackie Robinson.
The Tigers were the first professional sports team to commit to the Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) Program and have dedicated a game to the program each season since 1992. This year, 40 students were chosen to be featured in an on-field pregame ceremony at Comerica Park. These students displayed the mission and goals of the program and represent 875 middle school students that participate in the G.R.E.A.T. Program throughout the metropolitan Detroit area annually. The students work with law enforcement agencies and educators to learn the importance of becoming responsible members of their communities by setting goals, resisting peer pressure, learning how to resolve conflicts and understanding how gangs negatively impact the quality of their life.
Through a grant awarded by the Detroit Tigers Foundation, Detroit Tigers, in partnership with the Detroit Free Press and their Newspapers in Education program, have created an educational supplement to combat illiteracy in Michigan.
2011 marks the eighth year of the partnership between the Tigers and Newspapers in Education. The program makes in-school appearances with Tigers players, Tigers mascot PAWS and Detroit Free Press Newspapers in Education personnel to read to students and discuss the importance of literacy.
Schools may also register to receive unique Tigers literacy materials and posters to encourage students to include reading as part of their everyday activities.
Check below for some of the materials created through this partnership.


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subset: commoncrawl


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|Temecula, CA
|High School:
|Temecula Valley HS
2012 All-Big West Second Team
Pagano appeared in 27 games and made 17 starts in the pitching circle in her last year at CSUN … finished 9-9 with a 3.41 ERA and 65 strikeouts in 121 innings of work … held opponents to a .269 batting average … earned Big West Pitcher of the Week after tossing a complete game in the Matadors' victory over UCLA … also earned notable victories over DePaul, New Mexico State and Cal State Fullerton … at the plate, Pagano batted .237 with 28 hits in 118 at-bats … added 12 runs, seven doubles, one home run, 10 RBIs, four sacrifice bunts and two stolen bases … batted .292 with 14 hits against Big West opposition … added seven runs and three doubles versus league opponents … tied a career high with three hits in a win over UC Riverside … had a season-high three RBIs in two different games … had seven multi-hit and three multi-RBI games … sported a .967 fielding percentage for the season.
The team's top pitcher in 2012, Pagano earned All-Big West Second Team honors in her third season with the Matadors … finished 8-19 overall with a 3.45 ERA, 111 strikeouts, 69 walks and a .289 opponent batting average in 188.2 innings of work … against Big West opposition, Pagano went 4-7 with a 2.25 ERA, 38 strikeouts, 12 walks and a .250 opponent batting average in 71.2 innings of work … recorded her first career shutout in an eight-inning, 1-0 victory over Iowa at the Cathedral City Classic … had a career-high eight strikeouts twice (BYU, Nevada) during CSUN's time at San Diego Classic II … picked up the win over Nevada and Fresno State and recorded her only save of the season (vs. Utah State) in the San Diego Tournament … earned two wins in Matadors' series victory at Pacific … tossed a two-hit shutout and also clubbed her first career home run, a grand slam, in the Matadors' 4-0 victory over Cal Poly … did not allow a run in seven innings of work in a 5-2 victory over Cal State Fullerton … she finished among the league leaders in ERA, strikeouts, appearances, innings pitched, and wins … at the plate, Pagano had a career-high 41 at-bats and finished with a .195 batting average … had a career-high three hits and four RBIs in game against New Mexico … finished the season with 10 RBIs, one of four Matadors to finish in double-figures … also scored four runs and had a sac hit at the plate … posted a .985 fielding percentage for the season.
Pagano appeared in 17 games for Northridge and made 10 starts in the circle for the Matadors ... finished the year 2-3 with a 4.20 ERA, one complete game and one save ... added 18 strikeouts and 18 walks in 51.2 innings of work ... earned first victory of the season with first career complete game against Pacific on April 16 in game two of a doubleheader ... earned first save of the year with one inning of relief work against Cal Poly on May 1 ... earned second win of the year against Cal State Fullerton in season finale ... numbers improved to 2-2 with a 3.02 ERA and 15 K's in 44 innings during Big West season.
Pagano appeared in 17 games, making eight starts, in the pitching circle in her first season at CSUN ... finished the year 1-4 with a 5.09 ERA, two saves and 24 strikeouts in 42.2 innings of work ... picked up first career win with six innings of work against North Dakota on Mar. 16 ... earned two saves in Matadors' trip to Bayer CropScience Classic in Fresno ... tossed three innings of one-hit relief work in Matadors' 4-3 win over Georgetown on Mar. 12 ... nailed down final inning in Matadors' 8-7 victory over East Tennessee State also on Mar. 12 ... two saves tied her second in the Big West.
Temecula Valley High School
Pagano was a four-year starter for the Golden Bears ... graduated in 2009.
Born on July 30, 1991 ... daughter of Sue and Mike Pagano ... has two sisters, Tiffany and Bridgette, and one brother, Nick ... sister Bridgette played softball at Long Beach State and sister Tiffany played softball at LMU ... favorites include the LA Dodgers, Dallas Cowboy MIles Austin, actor Denzel Washington and Brittany Spears ... says the best advice she has ever received is "no good is appreciated without the bad" ... says nobody knows how badly she wants to be a chef ... cannot imagine going a week without chocolate milk ... majoring in History with a minor in Psychology.


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Game No. 31 | Chattanooga vs. Appalachian State | McKenzie Arena | March 1, 2014
Thoughts on the game:
"It was a good win. I thought we guarded well in the second half and played well. They did a good job on Casey, we challenged him at half time to go to the offensive glass; he did that in spades. He had six offensive rebounds in the second half so it's a good team win. We talked about two things coming into the game; we wanted to honor Z Mason and send him out the right way, I think we certainly did that and he played his normal self with 24 and 13. And we wanted to go get the two seed. We accomplished both of those. We really haven't talked about seeding much at all during the season. We talk about playing in four-minute stretches and then looking up after nine of them (36 minutes) to see where we are. We felt we played 15 one-game seasons, and we felt we should look up and see where we were. We had the opportunity to get the two seed and that's the best we could do. We went after it and got it done. I'm proud of our guys, proud of the effort. We scrapped and clawed and played very hard, and I'm proud of them. Now we have a week off to get ready for next Saturday to get ready to go in Asheville."
How many turkeys (3 straight defensive stops did you have in the second half?
"Quite a few. I don't have the numbers in front of me, but I know we got at least three or four. We did a nice job rebounding…they're a physical team, a good rebounding team. We did a nice job. It's one thing to miss, it's another to rebound that miss and I thought our guys did a good job of cleaning up the misses and grabbing them with two hands."
Talk about the defense:
"One thing that helps us is they don't shoot it great, so we were able to sag in and do some different things. We played our match-up tonight which was pretty good. We fouled too much, but other than that we played well, and we rebounded misses which is what you have to do."
On Andrew Houts scoring tonight:
"It's good for him to score. We wanted to get him some points on the season and get him in the books. He works really hard in practice, does a good job preparing us on the scout team, so it's nice to see him rewarded."
About how the defense handled Tommy Spagnolo:
"We did a good job; the early jumper was a good shot. On the dunk he got a behind us in the press, we lost him behind us in the press. We didn't do a good job early in the game of setting our defense, we had to get back and set our defense. We did a better job as the game went along of setting our defense. He was definitely a focal point for us coming into the game because he has been playing so well, and we knew without Jay Canty playing or Mike Neal playing, they were going to go to Spagnolo a lot and we wanted to make sure that we did a good job. They did a nice job of taking advantage of some mis-matches on him. We got some guys caught on him that we didn't want caught on him, and they did a nice job of that and overall I think did a pretty good job. It's a matter of putting a body on him and not letting him cut freely and have space."
Thoughts on Z's last game at McKenzie
"He's had a great season for us, hopefully he'll be rewarded by the league. We will see how that goes. He's been tremendous. You hate to lose a good player, a good ambassador for the university. He just laid it on the line and has done a really nice job for our team this season. I'm proud of Z. He's worked really hard this season, he worked really hard and he deserves everything that he gets and he was extremely active tonight and really good. You always want to send your seniors out on a high note."
How much fun was tonight for you getting the standing ovation and watching other guys get points?
"It was good. The support we have from our fans and our students is great. Watching guys finish the game off is most exciting and use winning. It makes it fun cheering guys who don't get to play much. Watching guys like Alex and Andrew is just the cherry on top of a win."
How surprising is the season that the Mocs have had?
"Considering that we were picked seventh, I guess for a lot of people it was very surprising. We knew when we put the work in, we would set ourselves up to be in this position. So it's not a shock to us because we worked hard and got the two seed. It paid off."
What sort of benefits come with getting the 2nd season?
"Getting rest that first day is definitely good. It's tough to win four games back-to-back makes it tough. It definitely feels good to get that bye something I haven't had since I been here. It will help us a lot to get that rest."
How would you describe the defense tonight?
"We were good. We were aggressive on defense. We held them to like four field goals in the second half I think. Gives us credit to being locked in to the details, paying attention to the scout before the game and being ready to play. It makes it fun being in an atmosphere like that and going out with a win."
You held them to 14 points in the 2nd half… how much of that was getting offensive rebounds and keeping the ball out of their hands?
"It's deflating for sure to a defense to give up offensive rebounds and continuing to give possessions. It helped us a lot and for our defense. We held them to one shot on defense and got the rebound and pushed into our transition offense. That's something we were able to do and helped us get the W."
How much fun was tonight especially in the second half with guys like Andrew and guys who don't see a lot of minutes?
"It's great, they are working just as hard as we are in practice, lifting and conditioning. Any time they are out there it's just a great time. It's just good to see them get acknowledgement for the hard work that they do."
What was key to holding them to 14 points in the second half?
"We knew that they are a good offensive rebounding team and if we limit them to one shot we got a good chance. I think we did a great job of that and contesting the shot then getting the rebound."
Thoughts on your season this year coming off the surgery and how you think you did:
"I think I did ok. I just wanted to be there with my team. I knew they were working hard this summer, and I wanted to work hard as well on my rehab and get back with them."
How much fun was tonight at senior night and subbing Z out to that great ovation?
"That's great. We came in together and any time you can win period, it's a good night. Knowing it's one of your brother's last home game; you want to send him out in style."
What were some highlights in your mind that stick out from the season?
"All of Z's blocks. Every block he has you know it's a Z block. You can hear it and you can tell when it lands in the 15th row."


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Local tribute artist Rick Wade has performed for almost 20 years.
Four months ago, he received a phone call from someone special to his line of work.
Wade performs as famed singers Elvis and Conway Twitty.
Four months ago, a woman who called praised his Conway Twitty act.
The woman was Kathy Twitty, Conway Twitty's youngest daughter.
Now the two are coming together for a live concert on Saturday at Bill's Music Shop & Pickin' Parlor in West Columbia.
This will be the first time Twitty will perform with a Conway Twitty tribute artist, she said.
"He seemed like such a great guy who loves his family," Twitty said about when she first found out about Wade.
Twitty has retired from singing.
However, she will be singing with Wade, as well as singing some of her father's songs and some of her favorites, Wade said.
Also, she will tell stories about Conway.
"I wanted to show Dad through my eyes," Twitty said. "He was an extraordinary human being."
Wade will also perform his Elvis act.
"I'm a huge fan of Elvis, so it will be fun to see that, too," Twitty said.
There will be a pre-show meet and greet from 3 to 5:30 p.m.
Here fans can meet Twitty and some buy some of the merchandise from her Glitter Creations business, Wade said.
The main show will start at 7 p.m.
Tickets for both are $30, while tickets for only the main performance are $20.
This show wouldn't be possible without Wade's wife Melissa.
She contacted Twitty on Facebook, talking about her husband's work.
How Melissa spoke about Rick and Rick's talent stood out to Twitty.
It was Melissa's message that compelled Twitty to call.
"It was like wow," Wade said. "I never got like Lisa Marie Presley calling me telling me I did a good Elvis show."
Wade has performed as Elvis for the last 18 years, he said.
He got started when his dear friend Tommy Ingle, another Elvis tribute artist, became ill.
Ingle developed a brain tumor that left him blind and bedridden, Wade said.
Unable to perform his act, Ingle asked Wade to carry it on.
"I told him he was crazy," Wade said, who was a paramedic at the time.
Wade, eventually, complied.
Before Ingle passed away in 2004, Wade helped put on one final show in Ingle's honor.
"We rededicated his guitar back to him," Wade said. "He couldn't see the performance, but he could hear it."
Using the supplies Ingle left behind, Wade had to face his newfound career.
He started out at nursing homes and private events. He got his name out there, he said.
A few years ago, he incorporated Conway Twitty into his act.
"A lot of people said, 'You look like Conway more than you do Elvis,'" Wade said.
After hearing those comments enough, he started to delve into the world of Conway Twitty.
Now, he does both.
"Because I've done Elvis for so long, it's fun to do something new," he said. "Twitty is a scapegoat to Elvis."
Kathy toured and opened shows for her father for 10 years.
She's known as "daddy's girl," according to Wade.
Given the great love she has for her father, Twitty doesn't have any problem with the tribute artists.
"It's a wonderful thing," she said. "It brings back Dad in a different way."
She mainly upholds the ones who portray her father with respect and love.
Twitty went on her own to sing for 12 years.
Now, "I sing around the house," she said, laughing.
She loves being at home, she said.
In addition to fixing up figurines for her business, she spends time with her husband, her mother, her three children, her four grandchildren and her four teacup dogs.
Wade is also a family man.
Melissa and he have two sons – one who turns 3 today – and four daughters. Melissa assists with his business, too.
"I love to be able to spend time with my family," Wade said.
Bill's Pickin' is at 710 Meeting St., W. Columbia.
For more information on the concert, call 803-796-6477.
Stephanie Turner has a hand on all areas of production for the Aiken Standard, where she reports, edits and designs pages. She graduated in July 2012 with a journalism degree from Valdosta State University and lives with her family in Evans, Ga.
Rick Wade might perform as Elvis and Conway Twitty, but he use to be a big fan of bands like KISS, Journey and Foreigner.
In fact, his friends and he dressed up like KISS band members for a high school talent show. His art teacher helped with the props, and they used fire extinguishers to amp up their shows.
His mom was the main Elvis and Conway Twitty fan of the family.
Submitted Photo Kathy Twitty hugging her father, legendary performer Conway Twitty, at the grand opening of the entertainment complex Twitty City in 1982.×
Submitted Photo Conway Twitty performing with his daughters Kathy and Joni Twitty and Kathy's son Charlie watching from the audience.×
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Toledo man to bike across country to end street violenceWritten by Amanda Tindall | | firstname.lastname@example.com
From prison to a bike ride across the country, Charles Veley has spun his life into a positive direction since his teen and young adult years on the streets.
At 5:30 a.m. June 11, Veley will begin his bike trek from Toledo to Los Angeles, California, in hopes of changing a life or two as he stops in churches and community centers to share his life's story — a story riddled with trials along the way.
In a neighborhood filled with violence and death, Veley grew up fighting. His mother, who was a prostitute and addicted to cocaine, had a pimp who gave Veley his first gun.
"I was born in 1973. I had a father, but I never met him," Veley said. "I ended up in the foster care system because my mom was a prostitute and on crack. We got locked in the house when she was going out to prostitute, and my aunt called children's services. They came and kicked in the door. I use to wonder why God let me go through all these bad things. Now I get that they made me into the person I am now."
When Veley and his siblings were placed in the foster care system, he was 8 years old. His older sister Linda Veley was 9, and stayed with their grandmother.
"I was always like the mother because I was the oldest," Linda Veley said. "When we were separated, it was really sad. C.C. (Charles) and I were always close, but when we were separated, we just got even closer."
A year later, Veley went to jail for the first time. After sixth grade, he dropped out of school. At 17, he went to prison for eight years on a drug charge.
"I was riding with some friends. Didn't know where we were going. I was only 17 and didn't realize that we were going to rob somebody. Once we got there, chaos broke out. I ended up going to prison for eight years on a gun charge."
While in prison, Veley went through drug counseling training, received a certificate for drug counseling and earned his GED and his barber's license.
"Prison was a good thing for me," Veley said. "Without prison, I wouldn't be the man I am today. It was a real form of rehabilitation. After I was there, I did go to county jail, but I never went back to prison. That just wasn't my thing. As I grew older, I realized that jail, period, just wasn't for me."
He soon discovered a passion for cycling, and told his sister.
"He came over to my house," Linda Veley said. "He said, 'You know what? I think I'm gonna take a bike ride.' And I said 'A bike ride? Where you planning on going?' My main concern was if he was going to be OK when he's taking a bike ride that far. But what he's doing, it's a just cause. If you really look around, this stuff is happening every day. People being killed and murdered."
Veley said he's riding for three major issues — gun violence, weight loss and domestic violence. In this pursuit, he said he's not doing it for himself, but for the city of Toledo. He said he hopes the city will get behind him and support him.
Each of the issues has influenced Veley's life, or the lives of his family members, in some way. Charles, Linda and their mother all experienced domestic violence. But Veley said he still believes in people's ability to change.
"There's always someone out there who's willing to change," Veley said. "And you have men out there who don't put forth the effort to try to change somebody. Maybe if I change one or two people, then they can change one or two people."
Linda Veley claims her brother has already changed one life — her son, Christian Veley, who was killed last year, looked up to Veley and wanted to turn away from the violence and crime of the streets.
"I'm so proud of C.C.," Veley said. "He thinks that, if he can change, others are gonna want to do more. Growing up as we did, being molested, as we both were, being in foster care, it makes other people be like, 'Well, if someone can do something more, then I can.'"
The importance of being a father, and of taking care of kids, was something Veley said was difficult to learn after he was released from prison.
"I never met my father," Veley said. "And that's the thing — if I could ride across the country, he will hopefully hear my name and I would get a chance to meet him. That's the only thing I ever wanted in life was to meet him. I'm just mad that he can't see the type of man I am. So I want to change a life because no one ever helped me. I don't want to see anyone else go through that same cycle. Now, in this point in my life, I feel like I can change a life or two."
By the end of the bike ride, Veley said he plans on starting a program called the Y.E.S. Project, which stands for "Youth Excepting Society." Through the Y.E.S. Project, he plans on continuing the mission of his bike ride, sharing his story in schools and other public forums to influence young lives for good.
"I'm on this adventure all alone," Veley said. "I don't know what's ahead of me on this road, or what may come my way. But I do know that I'm going to change a life on this ride from here to there."
Follow his trek on Twitter at @cctherider2014 or Instagram at @cctherider.
Tags: bicycle, bike ride, Charles Veley, Christian Veley, cross country, domestic violence, gun violence, Linda Veley, los Angeles, Toledo, weight loss, Y.E.S. Project, Youth Excepting Society


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Nationally syndicated columnist Sharon Randall will speak at two events April 26 as part of a day of celebration for the 25th anniversary of Epilepsy Institute of North Carolina.
Randall will speak at a noon luncheon and at a 7 p.m. lecture at Forsyth Country Club. The cost to attend is $30 for the luncheon and $25 for the lecture. Information and reservations can be obtained by calling 336-722-1921 by April 19.
Randall is an award-winning columnist for Scripps Howard News Service in Washington, D.C. Her weekly column is distributed to some 400 newspapers, including the Winston-Salem Journal, reaching an estimated 6 million readers nationwide. It also appears quarterly in Carmel Magazine.
A frequent speaker for conferences and fundraisers, she receives thousands of letters and emails each year from readers who connect with her stories.
Born and reared in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North and South Carolina, Randall grew up in Landrum, S.C., and has lived for 35 years in "California of All Places."
She began her career at The Monterey County Herald in 1982, starting in the newspaper's library and ending as a feature writer and syndicated columnist. She wrote on topics ranging from violence in schools to the lives of cloistered nuns; profiled celebrities and locals; and reported on news events including the Loma Prieta earthquake, the Clinton inauguration, and the kidnapping of Polly Klaas.
Her work has been honored with numerous awards from the AASFE, APNEC of California and Nevada, and "Best of the West," along with a Casey Journalism Fellowship from the University of Maryland.
Randall began writing "Bay Window," a personal column about "everyday people and ordinary things," for The Monterey County Herald in 1991. The column became extraordinarily popular and was picked up for syndication by Scripps Howard in 1994. A collection of her columns, "Birdbaths and Paper Cranes," was published in 2001 by Sleeping Bear Press and re-released in paperback by Plume Penguin in 2002.
Selected by the Independent Book Sellers of America for the prestigious 2002 "BookSense 76" list, it includes an introduction by her son, actor Josh Randall.
From 1972, when her first child was born, until 1982, when her third child entered kindergarten, Randall was a self-described "full-time homemaker, Sunday School teacher, Little League scorer, and PTA volunteer." Her first husband, a longtime teacher and coach at Monterey High School, died in 1998, following a lengthy battle with cancer that she often wrote about in her columns.
Remarried in May of 2005, Randall divides her time between the Monterey Peninsula and "Las Vegas of All Places." As a winner of numerous professional awards, she proudly notes that she has also "scrubbed a lot of toilets, washed a lot of towels and burned a lot of cookies."
She credits her training as a writer to "15 years as a reporter, some 30 years as a wife and a mother, and more than 50 years as a daughter, a sister and a friend."
About the Epilepsy Institute of North Carolina
Founded in 1992 by the current Director, J. Christine Dean, M.D., and the late J. Kiffin Penry, M.D., the institute's approach to epilepsy is unique. The Epilepsy Institute of North Carolina (EINC) utilizes interdisciplinary efforts with a team of professionals providing optimum services to more the 6,000 patients from all parts of the United States and international countries.
EINC provides service to all ages, including children and senior adults. Services include diagnosis, treatment, long-term care, education, and pharmacy assistance programs. Medical and psychiatric services are available. Specialized services include investigational drug research, vagus nerve stimulator therapy, neuro-psychological testing and services, psychiatric intervention, EEG services, and social services consultations.
EINC Vision
The vision of the Epilepsy Institute of North Carolina (EINC) is that children and adults challenged with epilepsy and other neurological disorders have unlimited access to the diagnoses, treatment and on-going support necessary to live their lives as freely as possible from their medical challenges.
EINC Mission
EINC is committed to providing highly individualized medical, social, psychological and educational services to our patients with epilepsy and other neurological disorders. We are dedicated to enriching the quality of life of our patients and to providing unlimited access to the diagnoses, treatment and on-going support necessary to live their lives in the least restrictive setting possible.


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Game 3 will be held at the Allstate Arena at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 24. If necessary, the Wolves will host Game 4 at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 25, and Game 5 at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 27.
Despite Chicago holding the third seed in the Western Conference playoff bracket, they will start the opening round on the road because of the series being a 2-3 format. The higher seed in the series has the option of playing the first two or the last three games at home.
The Wolves dropped all four contests to the Rampage this season (0-3-0-1). but all four games were decided by one goal. Chicago has never faced San Antonio in the Calder Cup playoffs.
Game 1
AT&T Center
Thursday, April 19
7 p.m.
Game 2
AT&T Center
Saturday, April 21
7 p.m.
Game 3 (Home A)
Allstate Arena
Tuesday, April 24
7 p.m.
Game 4* (Home B)
Allstate Arena
Wednesday, April 25
7 p.m.
Game 5* (Home C)
Allstate Arena
Friday, April 27
7:30 p.m
*If necessary
For ticket information, visit chicagowolves.com or call 1-800-THE-WOLVES


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Premium Websites (databases):
Use your library card number to access these.
Opposing Viewpoints
Covers current events and social issues such as gun control and media violence, etc. Includes pro/con essays, topic overviews, statistical tables, charts, images, full-text periodicals, and links to hand-selected websites.
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text:
Welcome to the 2015 Mr. Met's Kids Club. This year's Kids Club is full of great benefits for all kids. With paid and free membership options and fantastic benefits for each, you can't go wrong.
Orange Membership: $29
Membership card and lanyard for Mr. Met's Kids Club Sundays
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Membership card and lanyard for Mr. Met's Kids Club Sundays
For more information or to place your order by phone, please call the Mr. Met's Kids Club Hotline at (718) 559-3115, Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET or contact us at email@example.com
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text:
Where can I find the code that is responsible for the calculations of what news items get to be on the frontpage according to the number of upvotes, submission time and comments?
How does it work exactly? Does it reset every 24 hours?
Or will a link submitted 3 months ago with the highest number of upvotes still get to be on the frontpage with new link?


text:
Bath & Vanity > Inspire > P2019-20
- Category: Bath & Vanity
- Room Type: Bathroom Lighting, Dining Room Lighting
- Finish: Antique Bronze
- Style: Traditional/Casual
- Family: Inspire
- Description: Harkening back to a simpler time, the Inspire Collection freshens traditional forms with flowing lines. Antique Bronze oval metal arms gracefully breeze over and support etched glass shades. Uniquely designed two-light fixture can create different looks as its versatility allows it to be mounted up or down.
- $75.90
Technical Details
- Width/Diameter: 15"
- Height: 8-1/2"
- Lamp Quantity: two
- Lamp Type: Medium Base
- Lamp Wattage (Max): 100
- Notes: Fixture can be installed facing upwards or downwards; Listed for damp locations


text:
The present invention relates to a system and method for moving samples, such as fluid, within a microfluidic system using a plurality of gas actuators for applying pressure at different locations within the microfluidic. The system includes a substrate which forms a fluid network through which fluid flows, and a plurality of gas actuators integral with the substrate. One such gas actuator is coupled to the network at a first location for providing gas pressure to move a microfluidic sample within the network. Another gas actuator is coupled to the network at a second location for providing gas pressure to further move at least a portion of the microfluidic sample within the network. A valve is coupled to the microfluidic network so that, when the valve is closed, it substantially isolates the second gas actuator from the first gas actuator.
1. A microfluidic device, comprising:
a microfluidic network, wherein the microfluidic network comprises several modules, including:
an enrichment module configured to accept a particle-containing fluid sample, and to create an enriched sample therefrom;
a microdroplet preparation module configured to receive the enriched sample and to create a microdroplet therefrom;
a cell lysing module configured to lyse the microdroplet of enriched sample;
a mixing module configured to mix one or more reagents and the enriched sample; and
a DNA manipulation module configured to receive the enriched sample mixed with one or more reagents;
wherein the several modules are operatively connected to one another by one or more channels; and wherein at least one of the several modules is isolatable by a valve; and wherein at least one actuator is configured to move a microdroplet of fluid from one of the several modules to another of the several modules.
2. The microfluidic device of
a lower substrate having a base and an oxide layer, wherein the oxide layer contains a plurality of resistive heaters; and
an upper substrate having a bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface is bonded to the oxide layer on the lower substrate, and wherein the bottom surface includes the microfluidic network.
3. The microfluidic device of
4. The microfluidic device of
5. The microfluidic device of
6. The microfluidic device of
7. The microfluidic device of
8. The microfluidic device of
9. The microfluidic device of
10. The microfluidic device of
11. The microfluidic device of
12. The microfluidic device of
13. The microfluidic device of
14. The microfluidic device of
15. The microfluidic device of
16. The microfluidic device of
17. The microfluidic device of
18. The microfluidic device of
19. The microfluidic device of
a flow-through member;
an enrichment chamber adjacent the flow-through member; a downstream channel connecting the flow-through member to the microdroplet preparation module;
an actuator configured to force enriched sample from the enrichment chamber to the downstream channel;
a valve disposed between the actuator and the flow-through member; and
a valve disposed between the flow-through member and the downstream channel,
wherein the enrichment module is configured to allow fluid of a particle-containing fluid to pass through the flow-through member thereby accumulating the enriched sample, comprising particles of the particle-containing fluid, in the enrichment chamber.
20. The microfluidic device of
a first surface adjacent the enrichment chamber; and
a second surface spaced apart from the enrichment chamber and adjacent a self-contained space, wherein the space contains an absorbent material.
21. The microfluidic device of
22. The microfluidic device of
23. The microfluidic device of
24. The microfluidic device of
25. The microfluidic device of
26. The microfluidic device of
a channel;
a positioning element situated in the channel;
a valve in communication with the channel; and
a gas actuator in communication with the channel, and configured to split a microdroplet from a fluid sample situated in the channel.
27. The microfluidic device of
28. The microfluidic device of
29. The microfluidic device of
a lysing zone;
a lysing mechanism within the lysing zone; and
a positioning element positioned upstream from the lysing zone.
30. The microfluidic device of
31. The microfluidic device of
one or more electrodes that communicate with a digital acquisition and control board, and configured to deliver a pulsed electric field to a microdroplet containing cells, wherein the microdroplet is in contact with the electrodes.
32. The microfluidic device of
33. The microfluidic device of
a lysing zone;
a lysing mechanism within the lysing zone;
an actuator disposed upstream of the lysing zone; and
a positioning element positioned downstream from the lysing zone.
34. The microfluidic device of
a first channel; and
a second channel, adjoined to the first channel.
35. The microfluidic device of
36. The microfluidic device of
37. The microfluidic device of
a reagent input module;
wherein the second channel of the mixing module is configured to accept reagent from the reagent input module.
38. The microfluidic device of
a reagent source channel, in communication with the second channel;
an input port configured to accept reagent, and to deliver a microdroplet of the reagent to the reagent source channel;
a valve in communication with the reagent source channel;
a gas actuator in communication with the reagent source channel via an opening, and
configured to split the microdroplet from the reagent when situated in the reagent source channel; and
a positioning element situated in the reagent source channel downstream from the actuator.
39. The microfluidic device of
40. The microfluidic device of
41. The microfluidic device of
42. The microfluidic device of
43. The microfluidic device of
a DNA manipulation zone configured to accept a microdroplet of mixed lysed sample and reagent from the mixing module;
a vent configured to prevent pressure from increasing in the DNA manipulation zone during introduction of the mixed lysed sample reagent therein;
a first valve; and
a second valve;
wherein the first and second valves are positioned to prevent materials from exiting the DNA manipulation zone, when closed, and wherein the DNA manipulation zone is configured with heat sources.
44. The microfluidic device of
45. The microfluidic device of
46. The microfluidic device of
47. The microfluidic device of
48. The microfluidic device of
49. The microfluidic device of
50. The microfluidic device of
51. The microfluidic device of
52. The microfluidic device of
53. A microfluidic cartridge containing the microfluidic device of
This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/014,519, filed Dec. 14, 2001 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,192,557. This application is also a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/953,921, filed Sep. 18, 2001 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,575,188, and claims priority of provisional application No. 60/307,638 filed Jul. 26, 2001. This application is also a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/819,105, filed Mar. 28, 2001 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,010,391. Each of the above-mentioned applications are incorporated herein by reference.
The present invention relates to methods and systems for processing samples using microfluidic systems. More particularly, the invention relates to moving fluid samples within a microfluidic system.
Microfluidic devices are typically formed of substrates (made of silicon, glass, ceramic, plastic and/or quartz) which include a network of micro-channels through which fluid flows under the control of a propulsion mechanism. The micro channels typically have at least one dimension which is on the order of nanometers to hundreds of microns.
Microfluidic devices process minute amounts of fluid sample to determine the physical and chemical properties of the sample. Microfluidic devices offer several advantages over a traditional macro-scale instrumentation. For example, in general, they require substantially smaller fluid samples, use far less reagent, and process these fluids at substantially greater speeds than macro-scale equipment.
Electric fields are used as a propulsion mechanism for some microfluidic devices. In such devices, a high voltage, on the order of kilovolts, is applied across electrodes within the device to thereby generate an electric field in the micro channels. The field imposes a force on ions within the fluid, thereby propelling the ions through the micro channel. The fluid itself may also be propelled by the motion of ions moving within the fluid.
Gas pressure is also used to propel fluid through micro channels. In some devices, a source of pressurized gas, external to the microfluidic device, is connected to the microfluidic device to supply a gas pressure, which propels the fluid. Gas pressure may also be generated by a heated chamber within the microfluidic device itself to propagate fluid within a micro channel.
In general, the invention relates to a system and method for moving samples, such as fluids, within a microfluidic system. In one aspect, the invention relates to the use of a plurality of gas actuators for applying pressure at different locations within the microfluidic system to thereby supply force for moving samples. For example, in one embodiment, a first gas actuator provides a gas pressure sufficient to move a first sample from a first location to a second location of the microfluidic device. A second gas actuator provides a gas pressure to move another sample from a third location to a fourth location of the microfluidic device.
In another example, a plurality of gas actuators cooperate to move the same fluid sample. A first gas actuator provides a gas pressure sufficient to move the microdroplet between first and second processing zones of the microfluidic device, and a second gas actuator provides a gas pressure to move the microdroplet to a third processing zone.
In preferred embodiments, the plurality of actuators are integral with a microfluidic network through which the microfluidic samples flow. For example, a plurality of gas actuators can be fabricated in the same substrate which forms the microfluidic network. One such gas actuator is coupled to the network at a first location for providing gas pressure to move a microfluidic sample within the network. Another gas actuator is coupled to the network at a second location for providing gas pressure to further move at least a portion of the microfluidic sample within the network.
In other aspects, the invention relates to the use of valves with the plurality of actuators. For example, in one embodiment, a valve is coupled to a microfluidic network so that, when the valve is closed, it substantially isolates the second gas actuator from the first gas actuator. Such valves can control the direction of the propulsive force of the actuators by preventing the expanding gas from traveling in certain directions, while permitting it to expand in the desired direction. They also extend the range over which an actuator can propel a microdroplet, by preventing the gas from dissipating in certain areas upstream from the microdroplet.
The present invention is described below in reference to the following drawings, in which:
The present invention relates to microfluidic systems and methods for processing materials, such as samples and reagents. More specifically, the invention relates to microfluidic systems and methods for moving fluids within a microfluidic system. In the embodiment described below, the fluid includes particles which tend to move with the fluid. The fluid component of the particle-containing fluid is a gas or, preferably, a liquid. The particles of the particle-containing fluid are preferably whole cells, such as bacterial cells or cells of an animal, such as a human. However, they may include intracellular material from such cells. For example, a system of the invention may be used to process a sample of bacterial cells to determine whether the bacteria are pathogenic.
A. System Overview
Computer 127 preferably performs high level functions, such as supplying a user interface that allows a user to select desired operations, notifying the DAQ 126 as to the selected operations, and displaying for the user the results of such operations. These operations include, for example, subjecting a sample to process steps within the various process zones of the microfluidic device. The computer 127 may be a portable computer to facilitate transport of the microfluidic system. Laboratory robot 154 is controlled via cable 131 from computer 127 so that microfluidic processor loading and processor operation can be conveniently and automatically controlled from a single computer. Alternatively, the robot may be controlled by a separate computer.
Computer 127 is connected to DAQ 126 via connection 128, which provides data I/O, power, ground, reset, and other functional connectivity. Alternatively, a wireless link 132 between the computer 127 and the DAQ 126 may be provided for data and control signal exchange via wireless elements 132(a) and 132(b). Where the data link is a wireless link, for example, the DAQ 126 may have separate power source, such as a battery.
In general, DAQ 126 controls the operation of microfluidic device 110 in accordance with the high level instructions received from computer 127. More specifically, to implement a desired operation requested by computer 127, DAQ 126 supplies the appropriate electrical control signals to cartridge 120 via contacts 125.
Cartridge 120 provides electrical and optical connections 121 for electrical and optical signals between the DAQ 126 and the microfluidic substrate 110, thereby allowing DAQ 126 to control the operation of the substrate.
The chip carrier cartridge 120 is shown being inserted into (or removed from) an interface hardware receptacle of the DAQ 126 having electrical and optical contacts 125 standardized to mate with corresponding contacts 121 of the chip carrier cartridge 120. Most contacts are for electrical signals, while certain ones are for optical signals (IR, visible, UV, etc.) in the case of optically monitored or optically excited microfluidic processors. Alternatively (not shown), the entire DAQ 126 may be a single ASIC chip that is incorporated into the Chip Carrier Cartridge 120, wherein contacts 121,125 would become conductive pathways on a printed circuit board.
B. Microfluidic Device
The upper substrate 130 depicted in
The microfluidic network includes a plurality of zones. The number of zones, as well as the overall topology of the microfluidic network, will depend upon the particular application which the microfluidic device is designed to perform. The zones of the microfluidic device may have any cross-sectional shape, such as generally arcuate or generally polygonal. For example, a zone may include channels, chambers or other substantially enclosed spaces. By "substantially enclosed" it is meant that materials enter or exit the zones only through predetermined pathways. Examples of such pathways include channels, microchannels and the like, which interconnect the various zones. The zones preferably have at least one micro-scale dimension, such as less than about 250 μm or, more preferably, less than about 75 μm.
The channels and chambers of the microfluidic network are etched in the bottom surface 136 of the upper substrate 130 using known photolithographic techniques. More specifically, transparent templates or masks containing opaque designs are used to photo-define objects on the surface of the substrate. The patterns on the templates are generated with computer-aided-design programs and can delineate structures with line-widths of less than one micron. Once a template is generated, it can be used almost indefinitely to produce identical replicate structures. Consequently, even extremely complex microfluidic networks can be reproduced in mass quantities and at low incremental unit cost. Alternatively, if a plastic material is used, the upper substrate may be formed using injection molding techniques, wherein the micro-channels are formed during the molding process.
The lower substrate 132 may include a glass base 138 and an oxide layer 140. Within oxide layer 140, resistive heaters 142 and electric leads 144 are formed using photolithographic techniques. The leads 144 connect to terminals 146 which are exposed at the edge of the substrate to permit electrical connection to cartridge 120, thereby permitting DAQ 126 to control the heaters. More specifically, to activate a heater 142, DAQ 126 applies a voltage across a pair of terminals 146 (via cartridge 120) to supply current through leads 146 and heater 142, thereby heating the resistive heater element 142.
Metal heater elements 142 are positioned so that, when the upper and lower substrates are bonded together, the heaters reside directly beneath certain regions of the fluid network of the upper substrate so as to be able to heat the contents of these regions. The silicon oxide layer 140 prevents the heating elements 142 from directly contacting with material in the microfluidic network.
The oxide layer 140, heating elements 142, and resistive leads 144 are fabricated using well-known photolithographic techniques, such as those used to etch the microfluidic network.
The substrate also includes process modules 156, 158, 160, 166 and 162 for processing the sample and reagent materials. Within these process modules, a sample may be subjected to various physical and chemical process steps. For example, enrichment module 156 prepares a fluid sample having a relatively high concentration of cell particles, lysing module 160 releases intracellular material from the cell particles, and mixing module 166 mixes the resultant sample with certain reagents. As another example, an amplification process module 162 may be used to amplify and detect minute quantities of DNA within a sample.
Various modules of microfluidic device 110 are connected, such as by channels 164, to allow materials to be moved from one location to another within the device 110. Actuators 168, 170, 172 associated with the microfluidic device provide a motive force, such as a gas pressure, to move the sample and reagent material along the channels and zones. For example, a first actuator 168 moves material downstream from process module 156 to process module 158. Upon completion of processing within process module 158, a second actuator 170 moves material downstream to mixing process module 160. Subsequently, actuator 170 or an additional actuator moves the material to mixing module 166, where the material mixes with a reagent moved by actuator 172. Finally, actuator 172, or another actuator, moves the mixed material to module 162. Because each actuator is preferably responsible for moving materials within only a subset of the modules of device 110, sample materials can be controlled more precisely than if a single actuator were responsible for moving material throughout the entire device. The various functional elements, of microfluidic device 110, including the actuators, are preferably under computer control to allow automatic sample processing and analysis. Actuators 168, 170, 172 are connected to contacts 112.
C. Multiple Actuators
The various actuators of microfluidic device 110 cooperate to move material between different locations of microfluidic device 110. For example, actuator 168 moves material, such as an enriched sample, between an enrichment zone 931 and a microdroplet preparation module 158. Actuator 170 prepares a microdroplet from the enriched sample and, in so doing, moves the microdroplet to a lysing zone 950. Actuator 170 is used to move material from the lysing zone 950 to mixing module 166. It should be noted, however, that another actuator may be disposed intermediate between lysing zone 950 and microdroplet preparation zone to move the lysed sample downstream to the mixing module 166.
Actuators of device 110 may also cooperate in moving two amounts of material simultaneously. For example, as described above, actuator 172 and actuator 170 cooperate to mix reagent and lysed microdroplets. Such cooperative actuators can be controlled independently of one another to ensure proper mixing. For example, if one material is known to be more viscous, the motive force moving that material can be increased independently of the motive force moving the other material.
The multiple actuators and modules of microfluidic device 110 are preferably operatively connectable and isolatable by the valves of microfluidic device. For example, a closed state of either of valves 915, 216 operatively isolates microdroplet preparation module 170 from enrichment module 156. Thus, one or more actuators can be used to move materials between predetermined locations within microfluidic device 110, without perturbing or contacting material present in an operatively isolated module. The ability to operatively connect and isolate desired modules is advantageous in microfluidic devices having many process functions. Further, these valves also control the direction of the propulsive force of the actuators by preventing the expanding gas from traveling in certain directions, while permitting it to expand in the desired direction. This also extends the range over which an actuator can propel a microdroplet, by preventing the gas from dissipating in certain areas upstream from the microdroplet.
The following demonstrates the cooperative operation of such multiple actuators in an example embodiment having a plurality of processing modules, namely an enrichment module 156, a microdroplet preparation module 158, a cell lysing module 160, a mixing module 166 and a DNA manipulation module 167.
1. Enrichment Module
a. Structure of Enrichment Module
Referring to
The enrichment module includes an enrichment chamber 931 (
The flow through member is also connected to the sample input module 150 via the sample introduction channel 929 to allow fluid to flow into the enrichment zone. Valve 913 is connected to this sample introduction channel to control the in-flow and outflow of fluid from the input port.
Space 400 is formed during the fabrication of upper substrate 130. As discussed above, microfluidic features, such as zones and channels, are fabricated at surface 136 of substrate 130. Space 400, however, is fabricated at a surface 137, which is preferably disposed on the other side of substrate 130, opposite surface 136. Thus, even when surface 136 is mated with lower substrate 132, fluid can exit enrichment zone 931 via flow through member 900.
Flow through member 900 and absorbent material 402 do not require adhesives or other fasteners for positioning within substrate 130. Rather flow through member 900 and absorbent material 402 may be formed of a shape and size that substantially corresponds to space 400. Friction then holds flow through member 900 and absorbent material 402 in place once they are positioned in space 400. Any residual gap at locations 404 between flow through member 900 and substrate 130 should be small enough to prevent particles from exiting enrichment zone 931 through the gap 404. Naturally, adhesive or other fastening means may be used to secure flow through member 900 or absorbent material 402.
In an alternative embodiment, a flow through member is formed integrally with a substrate by using microfabrication techniques, such as chemical etching, that introduce pores or other pathways into the substrate. The pores provide fluid passage between enrichment zone 931 and an outer portion of the substrate.
b. Operation of Enrichment Module
To enrich a sample, the device 901 operates as follows. Referring to
Thus, flow through member 900 provides the only path for fluid to exit the enrichment channel. Fluid passes through surface 941 and exits enrichment zone 931 via second surface 943, while particles accumulate within the zone. Enrichment zone 931 can therefore receive a volume of fluid that is larger than the volume of the enrichment chamber 931. Thus, as fluid flows through the chamber, the concentration of particles within the chamber increases relative to the concentration in the particle-containing fluid supplied at the sample input. Where the particles are cells, the concentration or number of cells in zone 931 preferably becomes great enough to perform a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of polynucleotides released from the cells in a downstream processing module.
Enrichment zone 931 thus prepares an enriched particle sample from particles of particle-containing fluids received therein. The enriched particle sample has a substantially higher ratio of particles per volume of fluid (PPVF) than the corresponding ratio of the particle-containing fluid received by the enrichment zone. The PPVF of the enriched particle sample is preferably at least about 25 times, preferably about 250 times, more preferably about 1,000 times greater than the PPVF of the particle-containing fluid.
After a sufficient volume of particle containing fluid has been received by enrichment zone 931, valve 913 is closed thereby blocking further flow of fluid into the enrichment zone, and preventing material in zone 931 from returning to the sample introduction port 180. Valves 915, 919 are then opened, preferably upon actuating heat sources associated therewith. When opened, valve 919 allows actuator 168 to push enriched sample, and valve 915 allows the enriched sample to move downstream.
Actuator 168 provides a motive force that moves the enriched particle sample from enrichment zone 931. Actuator 168 is preferably a gas actuator, which provides a gas pressure upon actuation of a heat source 975, which is in thermal communication with a volume of gas 977. Actuation of heat source 975 raises the temperature and, therefore the pressure, of gas 977. The flow through member and the fluid therein substantially prevents gas from escaping the enrichment zone. Thus, the resulting gas pressure moves the enriched particle sample downstream from the enrichment zone 931.
The gas actuator may include elements to facilitate alternative pressure generation techniques such as chemical pressure generation. In another embodiment, the actuator may decrease a volume of gas associated with an upstream portion of the enrichment zone to thereby create a pressure differential across the sample that moves the sample from the enrichment zone. An example of such an element is a mechanical actuator, such as a plunger or diagram.
Rather than generating a positive pressure upstream from the enrichment zone, the gas actuator may decrease a pressure downstream from the zone relative to a pressure upstream. For example, the gas actuator may include a cooling element in thermal contact with a volume of gas associated with a downstream portion of the zone. Contraction of the gas upon actuating the cooling element creates a gas pressure difference between the upstream and downstream portions of the enrichment zone to move the enriched particle sample from the enrichment zone. Alternatively, a mechanical actuator may be used increase a volume of gas associated with a downstream portion of the enrichment zone to thereby decrease the pressure of the gas and move the enriched particle sample from the enrichment zone.
The enriched particle sample is preferably moved downstream with essentially no dilution thereof, i.e., the concentration of the enriched particles is not substantially decreased upon movement from the enrichment zone 931. Thus, removal of particles from the enrichment channel of the present invention does not require diluting or otherwise contacting the particles with a fluid different from the fluid of the particle-containing fluid introduced to the enrichment channel. In contrast, in systems that concentrate substances by surface adsorption, removal of the adsorbed substances requires an elution fluid, which contacts and thereby dilutes the substances.
Upon removal from the enrichment zone of the present invention, the enriched particle sample is preferably received by downstream channel 937. Downstream channel 937 leads to other processing modules, which perform further processing of the enriched particle sample. In the embodiment of
2. Microdroplet Preparation Module
a. Characteristics of a Microdroplet
A microdroplet 802 is a discrete sample having a predetermined volume between, for example, about 1.0 picoliter and about 0.5 microliters. Thus, microdroplets prepared by microdroplet preparation module provide a known amount of sample for further processing. The volume of the microdroplet prepared by the microdroplet preparation module is preferably essentially independent of the viscosity, electrical conductivity, and osmotic strength of the fluid of the microdroplet.
Microdroplet 802 is preferably defined by upstream and downstream boundaries each formed by a respective gas liquid interface 804, 806. The liquid of the interface is formed by a surface of a liquid forming the microdroplet. The gas of the interface is present in the microfluidic channels of microfluidic device 901.
b. Structure and Operation of the Microdroplet Preparation Module
Referring to
As explained above, actuator 168 of the enrichment zone pushes the enriched sample into the microdroplet preparation zone 800. The enriched sample moves until reaching positioning element 979. In general, a positioning element inhibits the downstream progress of a microfluidic sample to thereby position the sample at a desired location. However, as explained more fully below, the positioning element does not permanently inhibit progress of the sample. Rather, it allows the microfluidic sample to continue downstream at a predetermined later time.
The leading edge of microfluidic sample 808 that reaches positioning element 979 is positioned downstream from an opening 820 of gas actuator 170. Accordingly, a first portion 821 of microfluidic sample 808 is disposed upstream from opening 820 and a second portion 822 of microfluidic sample 808 is disposed downstream from opening 820.
Referring to
Continued actuation of gas actuator 170 overcomes the inhibitory effect of positioning element 979, thereby driving microdroplet 802 to a location downstream of microdroplet preparation zone 800 while the second portion 822 of the microfluidics sample moves upstream from microdroplet 802 to cell lysis module 160.
3. Cell Lysis Module
Referring back to
As shown in
As explained above, actuator 170 of the microdroplet preparation module 158 drives a microdroplet into cell lysis module 160. As the microdroplet moves into module 160, vented positioning element 200 positions microdroplet 802 in a lysing position with respect to electrodes 954. More specifically, as the microdroplet arrives in lysing module 160 it passes the opening of positioning element 200, because second positioning element 206 inhibits the microdroplet from flowing into vent 202. When the rear end of the microdroplet passes the opening of barrier 200, the propulsion gas from actuator 170 dissipates through vent 202, thereby substantially equalizing gas pressure upstream of microdroplet 802 with a pressure downstream of microdroplet 802. Thus, the microdroplet stops movement at a lysing position just downstream from barrier 200. Preferably, in the lysing position, substantially all of microdroplet 802 is disposed between an upstream edge 212 and a downstream edge 214 of electrodes 954.
After microdroplet 802 is placed in the cell lysing position, a pulse circuit of DAQ 126 supplies a pulsed voltage signal across electrodes 954. In response, electrodes 954 generate a pulsed electric field in the vicinity of the electrodes. Because the microdroplet is position in this vicinity, cells within the microdroplet are subjected to the pulsed field. Preferably, substantially all of the cells, such as greater than about 75%, of the microdroplet are subjected to an electric field sufficient to release intracellular material therefrom. The lysing module thus prepares a lysed microdroplet comprising a predetermined amount of sample.
A preferred pulse circuit is shown in
Intracellular material present in lysed microdroplet is accessible to further process steps. For example, DNA and/or RNA released from cells is accessible for amplification by a polymerase chain reaction. As used herein, the term lysing does not require that the cells be completely ruptured. Rather, lysing refers to the release of intracellular material. For example, rather than rupturing the cells, the electric field may increase the porosity of cell membranes by an amount that allows release of intracellular material without permanent rupture of the membranes.
Other lysing mechanisms may also be employed to release intracellular material from cells. For example, material may be released by subjecting cells to other forces including for example osmotic shock or pressure. Chemicals, selected from the group of surfactants, solvents, and antibiotics may be contacted with the cells. Mechanical shear methods may also be used to release intracellular materials.
The lysed microdroplet may be moved downstream to mixing module 160 for further processing. To move lysed microdroplet downstream, valve 216, which is disposed upstream of lysing zone 950, is closed. Valve 204 is also closed to prevent gas from exiting lysing zone 950 via vent. Actuator 170 is then actuated, as described above, to provide a gas pressure sufficient to move lysed microdroplet downstream of lysing zone 950.
In an alternative embodiment, a lysing module 300, as shown in
Lysing zone 302 operates as follows. The microfluidic sample 306 enters lysing zone 302 and moves downstream until a downstream interface 316 of the microfluidic sample 306 encounters positioning element 312. The positioning element 312 preferably increases a surface tension of the downstream interface of the microfluidic sample 306, thereby inhibiting further downstream movement and positioning a portion of the microfluidic sample in a lysing position with respect to electrodes 308. The lysing position is defined as the location of the portion of the microfluidic sample disposed downstream of actuator 314 and upstream of positioning element 312. Preferably, actuator 314 and positioning element 312 are disposed adjacent electrodes 308 such that substantially all of the material present in the lysing position is subjected to the electric field upon actuating electrodes 308.
Actuation of electrodes 308 in the embodiment described above, provides an electrical field sufficient to release intracellular material from cells present in the portion of the microfluidic sample in the lysing position. Once a sufficient amount of intracellular material has been released, actuator 314 is actuated to prepare lysed microdroplet 304 from the microfluidic sample 306. Actuator 314 preferably provides a gas pressure sufficient to move the lysed microdroplet 304 to a downstream portion of a microfluidic device such as mixing module 166.
4. Mixing Module and Reagent Input Module
Referring back to
a. Reagent Input Module
Reagent input module 152 is essentially the same as microdroplet formation module 158, however, it is specifically designed for formation of a microdroplet of reagent having a predetermined volume which will yield a desired ratio of reagent to sample when mixed with the microdroplet from cell lysing module 160. Module 152 includes an input port 420, a valve 422, and an actuator 172, each of which joins a reagent source channel 428. An overflow channel 424, which also joins reagents source channel 428, may also be provided. Actuator 172 may include a second positioning element 432 to prevent liquid from entering therein.
Reagent materials, which preferably comprise at least one liquid, are introduced via input port 420, such as with a pipette or syringe. Examples of suitable reagent materials include substances to facilitate further processing of the lysed cell sample, such as enzymes and other materials for amplifying DNA therein by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The reagent material moves downstream within reagent source channel 428 until a downstream portion of the reagent material contacts a positioning element 426. Any additional reagent material that continues to be received within reagent source module preferably enters overflow channel 424. When the introduction of reagent is complete, valve 422 is closed to prevent reagent from exiting reagent source channel via reagent source port 420.
b. Mixing Module
Mixing zone 958 of the mixing module includes adjoined first and second channels 410, 412. Materials moving downstream toward mixing zone 958 contact one another and preferably mix therein. Because of the micro-scale dimensions of mixing zone 958, the sample and reagent materials preferably mix by diffusion even in the absence of other sources of mass transport, such as mechanical agitation. It should be understood however, that agitation forces, such as acoustic waves may be applied to enhance mixing within mixing zone 958.
c. Operation of Mixing Module and Reagent Input Module
Reagent source module 152 and mixing module 166 preferably operate as follows. When a lysed sample from lysing zone 950 is ready to be mixed with reagent material, actuator 172 is actuated to prepare a microdroplet of reagent. The microdroplet of reagent is prepared from the portion of reagent material downstream of an opening 430 of actuator 172 and upstream of positioning element 427. Thus, assuming that the dimensions of the reagent source channel 428 are constant, the volume of the microdroplet of reagent is determined by the distance between the positioning element 426 and the actuator opening 430.
The microdroplet of reagent moves downstream toward channel 412 of reagent mixing zone. Meanwhile, a sample of lysed material, such as a lysed microdroplet, is moved downstream from lysing zone 950 toward channel 410 of mixing zone 958. Actuator 170 may provide the motive force to move the lysed microdroplet downstream. Alternatively, as discussed above, another actuator may be disposed upstream of lysing zone 950 but downstream of actuator 170 to provide the necessary motive force.
The sample and reagent material enter a downstream channel 438 of mixing zone 958, where the materials contact and mix. Because both the lysed sample and reagent material are mixed in the form of microdroplets, mixing zone 958 prepares an amount of mixed material having a predetermined ratio of sample to reagent. The volumes of microdroplets prepared within microfluidic device 110 are preferably independent of physical properties, such as viscosity, electrical conductivity, and osmotic strength, of the microdroplets. Thus, mixing zone 958 prepares an amount of mixed material having a sample to reagent material that is also independent of the physical and chemical properties of the mixed materials. A vent 440, which is downstream of the various zones of the microfluidic device 110 ensures that downstream pressure buildup does not inhibit downstream movement of samples within microfluidic device 110.
5. DNA Manipulation Module
The mixed lysed cell sample and reagent are received within a DNA manipulation zone 971 of DNA manipulation module 162. Module 162 can perform, for example, restriction, digestion, ligation, hybridization and amplification of DNA material. In one embodiment, DNA manipulation zone 971 is configured to perform PCR amplification of nucleic acids present within the lysed cell sample. Vent 440 prevents pressure from increasing within zone 971 as the lysed cell sample and reagent are being introduced thereto. Valves 972 and 973 of DNA manipulation module 162 may be closed to prevent substances therein from exiting, such as by evaporation, during PCR amplification. The DNA manipulation zone is configured with heat sources under control of computer 127 to allow thermal cycling of DNA manipulation zone during amplification, as understood by one of skill in the art.
System 901 also includes a detector 981 to detect the presence of amplified polynucleotides produced by PCR. Detector 981 is preferably an optical detector in optical communication, such as by a fiber optic, with zone 971. A light source, such as a laser diode, introduces light to DNA Manipulation zone 971 to generate fluorescence indicative of the amount of amplified polynucleotides present therein. The fluorescence arises from fluorescent tags, included in the reagent and associated with the polynucleotides upon amplification.
C. Preferred Positioning Elements
Preferred positioning elements are discussed below.
1. Non-Wetting Positioning Elements
A positioning element 979 may be formed by a non-wetting material disposed to contact a microfluidic sample. The physico-chemical properties of the non-wetting material are chosen upon considering the type of liquid forming the microfluidic sample. For example, where the microfluidic sample is an aqueous sample, the positioning element preferably comprises a hydrophobic material. An exemplary hydrophobic material includes a non-polar organic compound, such as an aliphatic silane, which can be formed by modifying an internal surface of microfluidic device 901. For microfluidic samples formed of organic solvents, the non-wetting material may comprise a hydrophilic material.
When microfluidic sample 808 encounters positioning element 979, the liquid of the microfluidic sample experiences an increased surface tension at downstream interface 810, which increased surface tension inhibits continued downstream motion of microfluidic sample 808. Increasing the gas pressure difference between upstream and downstream portions of the microfluidic sample overcomes the resistance and moves the microfluidic sample downstream.
2. Capillary Assisted Positioning Elements
Referring to
The volume of the microfluidic sample encountering the CAFB preferably has a larger volume than a volume of the loading zone 704 to ensure that the microfluidic sample will advance fully to opening. For fluids that have similar surface tensions and interface properties as water, the depth d1 of the loading zone 704 is preferably about 50% or less of the respective depths d2, d3 of the feed and stop zones.
The tendency of a microfluidic sample to move in a given direction is governed by the ratio between the mean radius of curvature (MRC) of the front of the microfluidic sample and the MRC of the back of the microfluidic sample. These curvatures depend upon the contact angle of the fluid of the sample and the dimensions of the zone in which the microdroplet is moving. A MRC r1 of a microdroplet interface in the loading zone is preferably smaller than a MRC r2 of a droplet interface within the feed zone or a MRC r3 of a droplet interface within the stop zone. The MRC r2 is preferably larger than the MRC r3. Thus, the radius of curvature of the downstream microdroplet interface increases upon encountering the stop zone thereby inhibiting further downstream movement. Preferably, the contact angle of the fluid with the wall is substantially constant throughout the capillary assisted loading zone.
3. Vented Positioning Elements
Referring to
An open state of a valve 512 allows passage of gas between zone 510 and vent 508. A closed state of valve 512 prevents such passage of gas. Valve 512 is preferably thermally actuated and includes a mass 514 of thermally responsive substance (TRS).
An actuator 518 is disposed upstream of positioning element 500. Actuator 518 is preferably a gas actuator and may include a heat source 520 to heat a gas associated with actuator 518. Actuator 518 may include a positioning element 522, such as non-wetting material, to substantially prevent fluid from the microfluidic sample from entering therein.
Positioning element 500 preferably operates as follows. Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
4. Active Fluid Positioning Elements
Referring to
In operation, microfluidic preparation module 652 receives the microfluidic sample 666, which moves downstream because of a motive force provided by the second actuator 660. The motive force is preferably an upstream gas pressure, which is greater than a downstream gas pressure acting upon the microfluidic sample 666. The microfluidic sample moves downstream until a downstream portion 670 thereof encounters active positioning element 654, which preferably comprises a sensor 672 having electrical leads 674. The leads 674 are in electrical communication with I/O pins of the microfluidic device to allow signals from sensor 672 to be received by a DAQ.
Sensing element 672 is preferably a pair of electrical contacts. To sense the presense of the liquid, DAQ 126 applies a small voltage across leads 674 and measures the resultant current. As the liquid of the microfluidic sample contacts the first and second contacts, the current passing therebetween changes, thereby indicating to DAQ 126 that the liquid has arrived at sensor 672.
Upon recognition that the liquid has arrived at sensor 672, the DAQ instructs second actuator 660 to decrease a downstream motive force acting upon the microfluidic sample 666. For example, DAQ may reduce a current flowing through a heat source 676 associated with second actuator 660 thereby reducing a temperature of a gas therein. The temperature reduction reduces the gas pressure acting upon a upstream portion 678 of microfluidic sample thereby inhibiting the downstream motion of the microfluidic sample 666. The microfluidic sample is positioned such that a first portion 680 is located downstream of actuator 656 and a second portion 682 is located upstream of actuator 656.
To prepare microdroplet 668, DAQ 126 actuates actuator 656 to provide a motive force which prepares the microdroplet 668 from the first portion 680 of microfluidic sample 666. Microdroplet 668 moves downstream while the second portion 682 of the microfluidic sample 666 moves upstream from actuator 656. During microdroplet preparation, valve 658 may be closed to substantially isolate the actuator 656 from second actuator 660 and other upstream portions of the microfluidic device.
The active positioning element preferably operates as a closed loop element that provides feedback from sensor 672 to the DAQ. The feedback is indicated when a microfluidic sample has reached a predetermined position within the microfluidic device. Upon receiving the feedback, the DAQ changes the state of the actuator providing the motive force to move the microdroplet.
While the above invention has been described with reference to certain preferred embodiments, it should be kept in mind that the scope of the present invention is not limited to these. Thus, one skilled in the art may find variations of these preferred embodiments which, nevertheless, fall within the spirit of the present invention, whose scope is defined by the claims set forth below.
Patent Citations
Non-Patent Citations
Referenced by
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Wondo and his Native American heritage
Wondo and his Native American heritage
Chris Wondolowski does more than score goals and sign Designate Player contracts. He's also one of the faces of Nike's N7, a foundation dedicated to improving the lives of Native Americans.
Grab a copy of Thursday's edition of the USA Today or click the image or this link to find out more.


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Thursday, April 4, 2013
The Episcopal Church in South Carolina has filed to remove the state lawsuit filed against it to the U.S. District Court, citing statutory and constitutional issues that need to be addressed by the federal court. The Episcopal Church is also a defendant in the suit and has consented to the removal to the federal court.
The suit, originally filed in South Carolina Circuit Court in Dorchester County by a group that is breaking away from The Episcopal Church, now moves entirely to the federal court system, according to Thomas S. Tisdale, Jr., Chancellor of The Episcopal Church in South Carolina, which is remaining part of The Episcopal Church.
"We have carefully examined the claims made against The Episcopal Church in South Carolina, and inherent in all these claims are federal statutory and constitutional issues that must be decided in a federal court rather than in South Carolina state court," Mr. Tisdale said.
The plaintiffs, who include a group representing itself as "the Diocese of South Carolina" along with 35 parishes, now have 30 days to respond to the notice of removal. They could seek to have the case remanded to state court, and a federal judge would then have to decide where the case will be heard.
"The federal court, we believe, is the appropriate forum for all the issues involved in these matters to be decided," Mr. Tisdale said.
The breakaway group filed the state suit January 4 seeking control of diocesan and parish property as well as the name, seal and other marks of the Diocese of South Carolina. On January 23, at a hearing held without notice to Episcopal Church leaders , Circuit Court Judge Diane S. Goodstein issued a temporary restraining order that barred anyone other than the breakaway group from using the diocese's official names. To comply with a similar consent order issued thereafter, the local Episcopal Church diocese has been using a working name, "The Episcopal Church in South Carolina."
Mr. Tisdale said that the case involves issues of trademarks, names, false advertising and other matters that are governed by the federal trademark law known as the Lanham Act. It also raises broader issues under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution governing free exercise of religion.
Other legal action
Meanwhile, in a separate case already before the U.S. District Court, the attorneys for the breakaway group filed a motion on Thursday, March 28 asking the court to either dismiss the case or issue a stay that would put the federal complaint on hold until the state courts can rule on their Circuit Court suit.
Their motion involves a federal lawsuit filed March 5 against Mark Lawrence by the Right Reverend Charles G. vonRosenberg, who is recognized by The Episcopal Church as the bishop of the diocese. Bishop Lawrence announced in October that he and the diocese were "disaffiliating" from The Episcopal Church. In December, the Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church, the Most Reverend Katharine Jefferts Schori, announced that Lawrence had renounced his orders and was removed from the ordained ministry of the Church. Local Episcopalians elected vonRosenberg as their bishop at a special convention held January 26.
The federal suit asks the court to stop Bishop Lawrence from continuing to hold himself out as bishop of the diocese, saying his actions violate the Lanham Act, confusing and misleading worshipers and donors and harming the reputation of the diocese.
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Ribbed Cowlneck Sweater Dress: Fall's "it" knit! Comfortable sweater knit with warm, cozy cowl neck features a zipper at the hem that you can wear closed or zipped open for a little extra oomph.
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I belong to an excellent list serv called the "Tech Lady Mafia." One of its members, Shawna Hein, 28, a user experience designer from Berkeley, recently expressed annoyance on the list at the widespread use of the word "girls" to describe women long past elementary school age.
"I first started thinking about it when Girl With A Dragon Tattoo came out," says Hein by phone. "It's a whole action series where the main character is a bad ass, and yet she's called a girl. You never see an action hero with boy in his name."
It's hard to imagine Robert Downey Jr. signing up to play "Iron Boy."
Hein, who went to Oberlin with Lena Dunham, says she was equally perplexed by her former classmate using the diminutive term Girls for her successful TV show, and troubled that a series of dinners for women in technology in the Bay area was entitled, "Girl Geek Dinners."
"Every time I see the word 'Girl' used in scenarios that are supposed to empower women, it really grates on me," she says. "When I saw the launch of 'Girls Who Code,' I was pleasantly surprised to discover it was actually aimed at youngsters."
My own take on the use of "girl" and "boy": If you're not talking about a child or a love interest, these terms are best avoided.
Hein is far from the only person thinking about the language people should be using to describe women (and the terms women are using to self-describe). Ann Friedman had a terrific piece in the New Republic on the reclamation of the term "lady."
But now, "lady" splits the difference between the infantilizing "girl" and the stuffy, Census-bureau cold "woman." (Both still have their place—just not in the witty conversation that young feminists want to be having.) It's a way to stylishly signal your gender-awareness, without the stone-faced trappings of the second-wave. It's a casual synonym for "woman," a female counterpart to "guy," commonly used in winking conversation between one in-the-know woman and another. A scan of my phone reveals dozens of text messages that begin, "hey lady." General David Petraeus's paramour, Paula Broadwell, reportedly concluded an e-mail to a friend, "GREAT to see you, pretty lady"—a more grown-up way of signing off "xo."
If your head hurts every time you have to think about how to generically refer to a person based on the presence or absence of the Y chromosome, you're in luck. For those not immersed in the study of gender semantics, Hein has created a handy guide for which term to use when. Enjoy, um, folks:
Related on Forbes:
Is Television The Best Place For Women In Hollywood?
Why Millennial Women Are Burning Out At Work By 30
Who's Afraid Of Post-Feminism? What It Means To Be A Feminist Today
How HBO's 'Girls' Gets Everything About Millennial Life, Like, So Totally Wrong


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I have to admit, November is not my favourite month. It's dark, gloomy and rainy. It does not have the crisp air and the brilliant colours of Fall, nor does it offer the magical snow and cheer of December. It's the filler of the seasons, the sad and gloomy middle child, the second book in a trilogy that should have just been skipped.
So, what is to be done? Should one give in to the gloom and muddle through the month, waiting for December to arrive while mourning the end of October? Fear not, my Seasonal-Affective-Disorder friends! I'd like to propose some key things to get you through the month – and also hear your tried-and-true ways of keeping your spirits up as the cold November rain pours down.
First up, soup. A fresh, warm bowl of soup can do wonders. The science is still out on why this is, but I suspect it has something to do with the ability of blended, warm vegetables to stimulate serotonin uptake and coat receptors, thus increasing mood (and, as we all know, everything we say here at the Gumboot is always verified and evidence-based). Whether the effects are nature- or nurture- based, there's just something about soup that soothes the soul. Soup is also versatile, and allows you to let your creative juices flow in the kitchen. There are a myriad of varieties, and most can be made using seasonal, local vegetables and adapted to your personal taste preferences. My absolute favorite at the moment is Carrot Parsnip Ginger soup. I very much invite you to try it out.
Second, get involved! With the weather getting colder, think about donating some time volunteering in your community or sorting through and donating extra clothes or blankets you may have to a homeless shelter – often, awareness of the need for such items only increases around the holidays. New Fountain Emergency Shelter is one such shelter that accepts such donations. Another great cause for the men-folk to get involved in is Movember, a month-long celebration of the moustache, highlighting men's health issues (specifically prostate cancer). Across Canada, there are already 25, 174 registrants who have raised over a million dollars towards prostate cancer research so far!
Third, stay active. It's easy to stop being active when the weather turns nasty. Make a commitment to yourself to get out and be active – a surefire way to keep your mood in check, and keep illness at bay. It might be a good time to try out an indoor activity you've always wanted to try, like rock climbing, yoga, or swimming.
And lastly, if all else fails, all you will need is three crucial items: a good book, a comfy blanket (not the one you're donating), and a cup of tea.
So, there you have it. My top picks on how to get through November. What are yours?


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HOME MLB Texas Rangers Gear Texas Rangers Ladies Texas Rangers Ladies T-Shirts Texas Rangers Ladies T-Shirts Ladies (195 items) Product ID: 1093409
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Sure, flashy jewelry and rhinestone-encrusted hats are a great way to display your Texas pride, but when it's time to keep things nice and simple, stick to what you know. The Old Faithful shirt by Nike is one of those tops that you can always rely on. This tri-blend tee features "Texas Rangers" lettering surrounding a team logo printed on the front. Plus, with its flattering slim fit and playful V-neck collar, it's designed to keep you feeling fabulous. Got a last-minute Rangers game to head to? Don't worry, chick — this tee will cover all your bases!
- 50% Polyester/25% Cotton/25% Rayon
- Imported
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- Tagless collar
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Manufacturer direct items are shipped directly from the manufacturer. These items are not available for international or expedited shipping.
Customized items can be personalized with options such as your name, your favorite number, and/or designs. Some options may be limited by league rules.


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Looking for a fun instructional video about the Constitution to use in your classroom? Check out:
- Constitution Day 2014: The Bill of Rights
- Constitution Day 2013: The Legislative Branch
- Constitution Day 2012: The Presidency
- Constitution Day2011: Freedom of Expression
- Constitution Day 2010: The Judicial Branch
Preamble Kit
To Sign or Not to Sign! Download your very own classroom poster of the United States Constitution to hang in your classroom. Use our lesson plan and have a classroom Signing (or not) party.
- Printable Poster
- To Sign or Not to Sign lesson
- Preamble Challenge Lesson Plan
- Preamble Challenge Instructions
- Preamble T-Shirt Printout
Civics Renewal Network
The Civics Renewal Network is an alliance of 26 organizations committed to working together to increase the visibility of civics education. These organizations share the belief that understanding the Constitution plays a vital role in helping young people become responsible and engaged citizens.
Meet your Constitution Day teaching needs with fun, engaging, and easy-to-use games and lesson plans from iCivics.
- Run your own firm of lawyers that focus on the Bill of Rights in the special edition of iCivics' most popular game, Do I Have a Right?
- Explore the Constitution article by article; discovering the duties and powers of the three branches, the amendment process, and the role of this document as the supreme law of the land.
- Take a closer look at the debates over power in the young American system of government with this mini-lesson. Students discover the compromise between the Federalists and Anti-federalists that led to the creation of the Constitution.
Lesson Plans
In honor of Constitution Day, all educational institutions receiving federal funding are required to hold an educational program pertaining to the U.S. Constitution; this year we are asking all schools around the country to join in a National reading of the Preamble called The Preamble Challenge!
- Preamble Challenge Lesson Plan
- To Sign or Not to Sign lesson
- Bill of Rights Lesson
- Founders Library-Think Like a Founder
- Separation of Powers
Activities and Resources
Looking for some simple and fun ways to get your kids interested in the Preamble. Try one of our Constitution Day craft activities to learn the words, make a prop or just have a little fun with the Constitution.