EUMETCAL
The EUMETCAL website promotes education in meteorological computer-based technologies. The website now offers free access to the two EUROMET modules libraries: Satellite Meteorology and Numerical Weather Predication. The in-depth materials are available in English, French, Dutch, and Spanish. In the EUMETSAT link, users can find a Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) module dealing with rapidly developing storms, 1.6 and 3.9 micrometer channels, and calibration. The website also addresses EUMETCAL a
Talkelab Web Page: Tribology and Mechanics Lab
The Tribology and Mechanics Lab, headed by former IBM researcher Dr. Frank Talke, is located at the University of California at San Diego. The laboratory's work deals with magnetic tape and disk storage devices, specifically the head-tape and head-disk interfaces. Since both types of devices have moving parts, there are important mechanics issues that must be considered with the highly sensitive and precise head as it reads and stores information on media. A good introduction to each interface i
African Elephant Specialist Group
The African Elephant Specialist Group (AfESG) operates under the auspices of the Species Survival Commission of the World Conservation Union (IUCN). The AfESG is composed "of technical experts focusing on the conservation and management of African elephants. The broad aim of the AfESG is to promote the long-term conservation of Africa's elephants and, where possible, the recovery of their population to viable levels." The AfESG website contains useful information for conservationists, wildlife m
Grass Manual on the Web
This extensive source of information on grasses is derived from the _Manual of Grasses for North America_, a project that has received support from Utah State University and a host of other organizations including the Flora North America Association, National Science Foundation, US Forest Service, National Park Service, and more. This online Manual provides information about a multitude of species from Achnatherum aridum to Zoysia pacifica. Information options for most grass species include Map,
UCMP Evolution Forum for Teachers
This website originated during a short course on evolution for teachers in the year 2000 at the University of California's Museum of Paleontology. It allows instructors to access and share information related to the teaching of evolution. Links provide access to activities, tips and resources, and documentation provided by the speakers at the museum. Topics range from the evolution of eukaryotes to mass extinction at the K/T boundary.
Learning math : Measurement
This college level course, developed for elementary and middle school teachers, begins with the fundamentals of measurement, then examines standard units in the metric and customary systems. Online workshop sessions cover measurement of a circle, area and volume formulas, angle measurement, and indirect measurement encountered in trigonometry. The final session explores ways to apply these concepts to K-8 classroom teaching. Each of its ten sessions contains video programming, problem-solving ac
Looking at the sky through a glass ceiling : women in astronomy
This article looks at the involvement and acceptance of women in astronomy. Before introducing readers to three significant female astronomers from the 1900s and three from the present day, the article mentions the work of the first known female astronomer--Aglaonike from 200 B.C. Statistics are also provided concerning contemporary women's participation in astronomy. The three astronomers featured from the 1900s are Henrietta Swan Leavitt, Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin, and Jocelyn Bell Burnell. Eac
USA Today - How Weather Works
This is a very extensive site, providing backround information about virtually all aspects of weather. Topics include: the role of the sun; wind; storms and fronts; forms of water; flood and droughts; snow and ice; lightning, thunderstorms and tornadoes; hurricanes; the sky; weather prediction; climate change; weather extremes; and a bibliography of other resources. Within each topic are several brief articles about a specific weather-related phenomena, typically accompanied by excellent illustr
Linear Function Machine
This activity allows the user to explore simple linear functions. This Java applet requires a Java-capable browser. If you don't see the applet Java may not be functional in your browser or on your machine.
Scope on the Skies : Location, location, location
While traveling from home to distant locations, it is easy to feel both a sense of unfamiliarity as well as familiarity with the change in location, especially when considering the view of day and night skies. The position of celestial objects like the Sun, Moon, planets, and stars is directly related to viewing latitude. In the classroom, students can take virtual trips to different latitudes through the use of handheld manipulative models such as the Earth Space Simulator (See internet resourc
Science Sampler : Weathering database technology
Collecting weather data is a traditional part of a meteorology unit at the middle level, but making connections between the data and weather conditions can be a challenge for students. One way to help students make these connections clearer is to enter the data into a database. This allows students to quickly compare different fields of data and recognize which readings are associated with certain types of weather.
History topics: Babylonian mathematics
This website contains an overview of Babylonian mathematics, with links to in-depth analyses of Babylonian numerals and Pythagoras?s theorem in Babylonian mathematics. The history of zero covers Mesopotamia, Greece, India, the Mayan people in Central America, China, and Europe. Links also give access to bibliographies of mathematicians, such as Cardan, Ch'in, Bhaskara, and Brahmagupta. Examples of written numbers using the cuneiform symbols in the sexigesimal system are included. Other terms: al
Solar heating and cooling
This reading from a site about the future of energy introduces students to passive solar design for homes. The reading describes design elements that are used for passive solar heating and cooling. For example, reflective coatings can be applied to roofs, windows, and exterior walls to help cool houses. The reading recommends that those interested in passive solar design consult an architect. Copyright 2005 Eisenhower National Clearinghouse
Measuring the Height of a Building Using Shadows
What time of day is best to use a shadow to measure the height of a building by using triangles?
Who Needs Algebra? Everyone! : Northwest Teacher, volume 6 number 1
Learning algebra doesn't have to be painful, and researchers are finding that the process is easier if children are introduced to algebraic reasoning early on. This issue of NW Teacher points out that students who begin learning algebra at the elementary level have a stronger foundation for higher-level mathematics. Algebra also helps pave the way for college and increased career opportunities. This issue helps schools explore new ways of bringing algebra to all students.
Positive Linear Function Machine
This activity allows the user to explore simple linear functions; the function is determined by looking for patterns in the outputs.
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
Arithmetic and Algebra
More than 110 games or puzzles having to do with arithmetic or algebra, with extensive discussions and solutions. Most require a browser capable of displaying JavaScript or Java.
Discover areas of highest plant productivity in the ocean
This Earth science animation presents a series of monthly satellite images that track global levels of phytoplankton throughout a year. The introduction explains that the color-enhanced images indicate chlorophyll concentration in the oceans. In addition, the text briefly describes the significance of these concentration values. Students are encouraged to analyze changes in plant productivity that occur over the course of a year. Movie control buttons allow students to repeat, pause, or step thr
Magnetism
This webpage is part of the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) Windows to the Universe program. It describes the nature and configuration of magnetic fields, which are the result of moving electric charges, including how they cause magnetic objects to orient themselves along the direction of the magnetic force points, which are illustrated as lines. Magnetic field lines by convention point outwards at the north magnetic pole and inward at the south magnetic pole. The site fea
