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.
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
Water Science for Schools
This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) water resources site provides comprehensive coverage of water related issues, and includes several interactive quizzes and activities for children. Here you will find information on many aspects of water, along with pictures, data, maps, and an interactive center. Topics include: Earths water, Water basics, Water use, Water Questions and Answers, Activity center, Picture Gallery, Glossary, and Related Water Links. A special topics section tackles current proble
Energy Transformation on a Roller Coaster
This webpage offers a discussion of work, energy, and force on a roller coaster as it goes through a loop in the track. It includes an animated image of the roller coaster with appropriate data for each point in the track. A multiple choice practice question using the relevant equations is also available.
Create a Graph
Students will learn how to create area, bar, pie, and line graphs. They are provided with information about what each type of graph shows and what it can be used for. Students are given an example of each type of graph, but they can create graphs using their own data in the interactive tool.
Blue Planet: Sea Vent Photo Gallery
These nine "sea vent" inhabitants were captured on film with a Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution high definition underwater imaging system from the Deep Submergence Vehicle Alvin. A description of each animal is provided. The vent is in the Pacific about 1,000 miles south of San Diego, California.
Energy : An Introduction
This article presents an introduction to the forms and changes in energy. This lesson discusses potential and kinetic energy as well as introducing the 1st and 2nd law of thermodynamics.
Nucleic Acids : DNA and RNA
This lesson is an introduction to the structure and function of DNA including the process of DNA replication. A short multiple-choice quiz is included.
POP Goes Antarctica?
As students explore this Web site, they will learn how scientists work together to answer questions. This site follows several scientists to Antarctica where they are doing research on Persistent Organic Pollutants. A daily journal, glossary, and learning activities will help incorporate this into classroom lesson plans.
