Sounds of the Sun
The sounds of the sun are the focus of this two-minute episode of the radio program Pulse of the Planet. The episode is available here in text and audio formats, the latter of which features time-compressed sun sounds. The episode's host and his guest, a solar physicist, explain the dynamics that cause our sun to oscillate and produce sound waves. The sound data was collected by the space-based Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO). In analyzing the sun's sounds, scientists detected jet stre
Sound Waves Underwater : True or False
This interactive quiz from the NOVA Web site features an array of interesting facts about the nature of sound underwater.
The baby's brain : infant vision
In this feature, the user explorers how a baby's sense of sight develops. By dragging a slider bar to each of six different age markers, the user can see how the same image looks for babies as they get older. There is also a paragraph-long explanation of vision at each of the six ages shown: newborn, 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, 6 months, and adult. These explanations reveal what a baby can and cannot see at each age. They also discuss how a baby's brain and eyes mature, providing improved focus
Genetics
This online tutorial from the TheTech Museum of Innovation focuses on genetics. The interactive topics will initially introduce the user to the DNA, chromosomes, and the make up of human genes. Further topics will examine forensic science, the history of forensics, fingerprinting, and cloning background research and community response to cloning. Finally, the resource provides connections to gallery exhibits, science labs, and a design challenge that engages the learner to write a persuasive let
Antarctic Extreme Jeopardy
This Antarctica activity challenges students to research and create the answers and questions for a game of classroom Jeopardy. They will include hazards to humans, polar gear, and the cold facts. This site also includes a series of inquiry-based questions to get students thinking about Antarctica and guidelines for conducting additional research, illustrated activity directions, and a worksheet that helps students craft their Jeopardy-style answers and questions.
Water reclamation plant
In this video clip, students see how wastewater is treated at a water reclamation plant. One of the plant's operators gives Bob the Vid Tec (a children's programming host) a tour of the plant, describing along the way what happens at each step in the water treatment process. For example, the operator explains that microorganisms are used to consume human waste in the biological nutrient removal step. Bob also talks with another plant operator about why kids should learn about wastewater treatmen
Science News For Kids
This resource is meant to enhance the usefulness of Science News in the middle-school classroom and offer recreational reading and activities for students interested in science. It is comprised of six zones: a weekly brainteaser for those who enjoy solving and inventing puzzles, entertaining science-fiction composition exercises for those interested in writing, and weekly science fair profiles and tips. The GameZone contains a small selection of logic and memory games, implemented as Java applet
Tessellate!
This Java applet enables students to create tessellations, which are patterns on a plane that do not overlap. The student selects a hexagon, rectangle, or triangle to distort by dragging edges and the newly formed corners. Users can select colors for the pattern, and a button displays information in a second window. The window lists the coordinates of the vertices, angle measures, side lengths, area, and perimeter for the shape. From the applet page, What, How, and Why buttons open pages that ex
Science 101 : How Do Microscopes Work?
Microscopes allow scientists to examine everyday objects in extraordinary ways. They provide high-resolution images that show objects in fine detail. This articles includes details on how microscopes work and how they enhance the scientific process.
Observe the retreat of ice sheets from North America
In this Earth science animation, middle and high school students observe the retreat of ice sheets in North America for the past 18,000 years. Students are instructed to observe the animation carefully to see how the sea level changes as the ice sheets retreat. The animation presents images in 1,000-year increments from 18,000 years ago to the present. Movie controls allow students to repeat, pause, or step through the animation, which can give students more time to analyze how the shape of the
Water reclamation plant (RealVideo)
In this video clip, students see how wastewater is treated at a water reclamation plant. One of the plant's operators gives Bob the Vid Tec (a children's programming host) a tour of the plant, describing along the way what happens at each step in the water treatment process. For example, the operator explains that microorganisms are used to consume human waste in the biological nutrient removal step. Bob also talks with another plant operator about why kids should learn about wastewater treatmen
Scope on Safety : Waste not, want not
Planning chemical use and disposal is critical to a safe laboratory environment. It is irresponsible to simply go out and purchase laboratory chemicals without considering why they are needed and how they will be disposed of when they are no longer needed. An OSHA-based Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) should be adopted by the science department as the first step in this vital process. The procedures and operations for the purchase, use, storage, and recycling of hazardous chemicals are addressed in
Aerodynamics : What Causes Lift?
How does an airplane stay aloft when upside down? This media-rich essay from the NOVA Web site offers an explanation based on Newtons third law of motion.
Solar two
What is a method of active solar energy production? This article, part of a series about the future of energy, describes the use of large reflector power plants in the Mohave Desert. Students are introduced to the use of large solar reflectors to heat molten salt and produce energy for homes. Students view four photographs of different aspects of the solar complex. Copyright 2005 Eisenhower National Clearinghouse
Graphing for Area
Middle School, difficulty level 2. Graph six points and find the area of the resulting hexagon.
Problems with a Point
A collection of problems designed to help students in grades 6-12 learn new mathematical ideas by building on old ones. Varying in difficulty and approaches, these problems are useful for teachers, students, parents, math clubs, home-schoolers, and others. Problems are classified by topic, time required, suggested technology, required mathematical background, and habits of mind that students develop or use as they work. Synopses of the problems are keyword searchable. Answers and solutions are p
Density Balloon
What happens to the density of a balloon as it is heated and cooled? This material is part of a series of hands-on science activities designed to arouse student interest. Here students use a hair dryer to heat a helium-filled Mylar balloon, causing it to rise, and let it cool, causing it to drop. The activity includes a description, a list of science process skills and complex reasoning strategies being used, and a compilation of applicable K-12 national science education standards. Also provide
Enough to Go Around : Edible Vaccines
A great feature from the Why Files, this Web site introduces the research of plant biologist Charles Arntzen of Arizona State University, a pioneer in the development of edible vaccines. Written in entertaining and readable Why Files style, this easy-to-navigate Web site explains how edible vaccines are made, how they work, how they may significantly increase vaccination rates in developing countries, and so on. Relevant links to archived Why Files stories and other sources are provided.
Measurement
Measurement is best learned through direct applications or as part of other mathematical topics. A measurable attribute of an object is a characteristic that is most readily quantified and compared. Many attributes, such as length, perimeter, area, volume, and angle measure, come from the geometric realm. Other attributes are physical, such as temperature and mass. Still other attributes, such as density, are not readily measurable by direct means.
Life Science
The life sciences investigate the diversity, complexity, and interconnectedness of life on earth. Students are naturally drawn to examine living things, and as they progress through the grade levels, they become capable of understanding the theories and models that scientists use to explain observations of nature.
