Accelerators
What is the purpose of particle accelerators? On this web page, part of a particle physics tutorial, students read that accelerators solve two problems. The accelerators provide an increase in momentum to produce particles of small wavelength, and the fast-moving particles can create new particles when smashed together. A photograph of the inside of a particle accelerator is provided. Copyright 2005 Eisenhower National Clearinghouse
Hurricanes 1: The Science of Hurricanes
This lesson is the first of a two-part series on the science of hurricanes and the kinds of technology being used to identify and track them. In this segment, students examine different scientific aspects of hurricanes, all in an effort to begin to understand the nature of motion, particularly how changes in speed or direction of motion are caused by forces.
Mathematics Museum
Like any museum, this website called the Mathematics Museum provides some interesting visuals and explanations of various aspects of its subject, in this case mathematics. For example, the Fractal 3D Gallery includes video footage of 3D fractals and an FAQ section that provides some basic information on fractals. The Kodawari house includes some interesting math games and instruction for children as well as more advanced mathematics. Visitors can browse images created using Mathematica software
Observe an animation of volcanic islands forming over a hot spot
In this Earth science animation, middle and high school students see how the Hawaiian Islands have formed over a hot spot. The animation consists of two coordinated video clips that offer different views of the volcano-creating process. Labels and descriptions are provided within the clips. An introductory paragraph explains how a string of islands forms as a lithospheric plate moves over a stationary hot spot, as depicted in the animation. Students are encouraged to use the movie control button
Ten preparation steps for a successful group presentation
This resource informational piece, part of a series about the future of energy, introduces students to the process of making a successful group presentation. It lists 10 steps for students to follow when making presentations. These include: research and gather information, focus the group's efforts, create a story line, and self-evaluate, among others. Students are given guided questions and checklists for each of the 10 steps to self-evaluate whether they have successfully completed the step. A
Climate Discovery Teacher's Guide: The Little Ice Age Case Study
In this unit, students explore how scientists study climates of the past by modelling their methods through inquiry activities and investigating real data. The lessons address the difference between weather and climate, direct and indirect evidence of climate change, and natural indicators of climate such as tree rings. They will also examine what conditions were like in the 'Little Ice Age', a period of unusually cool conditions that occurred between 1300 and 1850 A.D. A lesson on glaciers uses
Energy-mass conversion
How do physicists make new particles? In this page of a particle physics tutorial, students are introduced to the concept of converting kinetic energy to mass. Students read that low-mass particles placed into an accelerator can be smashed together to produce more massive particles through the conversion of energy to mass. They see an example in which two pieces of fruit are accelerated and smashed, and additional types of fruit are produced. Copyright 2005 Eisenhower National Clearinghouse
Setting the Stage for Good Group Dynamics in Semester-Long Projects in the Sciences
Many studies show students benefit from working cooperatively. Rarely published in STEM literature are guidelines to help educators effectively incorporate research teams in the classroom. We explain how to create a positive learning experience by explaining group dynamics, and by using group contracts and team-building activities. We also share templates for evaluating group projects.
DiscoverySchool.com : Animal Instincts
Hosted by DiscoverySchool.coms Lesson Plans Library, this Animal Instincts lesson plan was created for fifth and sixth graders by Virginia elementary school teacher Jessie Kraft. The lesson teaches students about differences between instincts and learned behavior, the role instincts play in survival, and the relationship between environment and behavior. The site contains sections on Objectives, Materials, Discussion Questions, Evaluation, and more. Additionally, the site includes academic stand
DiscoverySchool.com : Adapting to the World
DiscoverySchool.com presents this lesson plan based on Adapting to the World, a Discovery Channel documentary that includes a segment on the domestication of dogs. Designed for grades 6-8, the lesson covers the evolution of dogs from wolves and the creation of specific breeds for specific tasks. The lesson plan works quite well without viewing the program, thanks to well-outlined activities and substantial set of print and online resources. The Web site also includes a helpful glossary and ideas
14 Writing Strategies
That a relatively small piece of writing such as Albert Einstein's three-page paper of relativity could be so important certainly illustrates the significance of writing to science. A science class is not complete unless it helps students learn to think like scientists, and writing is an essential part of such thinking. This article enumerates fourteen writing strategies that will encourage critical thinking skills and provide legitimate, purposeful writing practice by promoting solid science le
Dinosaur Detectives
This lesson plan will help students learn that discoveries about dinosaurs have a long history and that each paleontologist adds his or her work to a body of fossil evidence used to support theories about dinosaurs. In it, students will use the internet to explore the discovery of fossils and dinosaurs. The website includes the lesson plan, extensions, guidelines for evaluation, and MCREL standards alignment.
Spaghetti Bridge
Civil engineers design and construct structures such as buildings, dams, and bridges. We can explore the field of engineering by making a bridge using spaghetti. This bridge is then tested based on the weight it can carry without breaking.
Fossils, Rocks, and Time
This on-line book, published by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), discusses the use of fossils in determining the age of rocks. The publication covers how to place events in correct temporal order, a description of the geologic time scale, the use of fossils to indicate rock ages, the law of fossil succession, index fossils, and radioactive dating.
Bitesize for Maths I
Provides online explanations and sample test problems for British math examinations. Topics covered include algebra; data handling; numbers; and shape, space, and measures. Users get immediate feedback after submitting their answers. Even though this is a British site, the sample problems/answers provide good practice for American math students.
Fascinating pickle facts
Each of this feature's nine paragraphs describes a fact about food produced through fermentation around the globe. The facts present a mix of history and science. For example, one paragraph explains how pickles were instrumental in Spain's discovery of America, while another reveals why modern-day outdoor fermentation vats are intentionally left uncovered. Another paragraph summarizes how osmosis and the bacteria involved in pickling can make vegetables more vitamin-rich. In addition, historical
Describing Data Using Statistics
Investigate the mean, median, mode, and range of a data set through its graph. Manipulate the data and watch how the mean, median, mode, and range change (or, in some cases, how they don't change).
Box and Whisker Plots
Construct a box-and-whisker plot to match a line plots, and construct a line plot to match a box-and-whisker plots. Manipulate the line plot and examine how the box-and-whisker plot changes. Then manipulate the box-and-whisker plot and examine how the line plot changes.
Energy and work
What is the difference between energy and work? This reading, part of a series about the future of energy, introduces students to the connection between energy and work. The page defines work and gives several examples of the relationship between work and energy. Copyright 2005 Eisenhower National Clearinghouse
Variation about the mean
This workshop session, part of a free online course developed for elementary and middle school teachers, explores the mean in depth. Participants work together to investigate the mean as the balancing point of a data set and come to understand how to measure variation from the mean. Video segments, interactive practice, problem sets, and discussion questions involve participants in active exploration.
