Draw a Monarch Butterfly
This OLogy activity helps kids to learn about scientific illustrations by walking them through the steps for drawing a monarch butterfly. The activity begins by introducing kids to the importance of scientific illustration and why scientists prefer drawings to photographs. A photograph of a monarch and a printable monarch butterfly outline are included. In addition, students need color photographs, other research materials, paper, an eraser, and a variety of pencils. The process of creating the
Using the Internet to Promote Inquiry-Based Learning
This site is an e-paper that describes a structured approach to inquiry-based learning using the World Wide Web as a primary information resource. Specifically, the paper addresses an 8-step process that begins with an essential question and ends with a product produced by students, typically completed in a cooperative setting. The paper also discusses the skills required by both student and teacher to make inquiry-based learning with the internet a successful endeavor. Finally, the paper discus
How to Improve Critical Thinking Using Educational Technology
Critical thinking is one of education's central goals and most valued outcomes, but it can difficult to teach effectively. The Reason! project has developed the Reason!Able software as part of a general method aimed at enhancing critical thinking skills. This paper describes the challenges involved, the theoretical basis of the Reason! project, the Reason!Able software, and results of intensive evaluation of the Reason! approach.
Geometry Formulas and Facts
This excerpt from the CRC Standard Mathematical Tables and Formulas covers geometry, excluding differential geometry. It is a reference for advanced students, and covers the material in quick, condensed sections of notes. Notes and diagrams are organized into sections and subsections, starting with coordinate systems, plane transformations, lines, and polygons in two-dimensional geometry. The section on three-dimensional geometry covers coordinate systems in space, space symmetries, directions,
GeoMaths - Revision Topics
This site, part of the University College London's GeoMath site, provides a review of basic math skills, including basic equations and functions, areas and volumes, and coordinates and graphs. The notation is linked throughout to a glossary of terms, and several examples are geologically based and have realistic scenarios. This resource is part of the Teaching Quantitative Skills in the Geosciences collection. http://serc.carleton.edu/quantskills/
GeoMaths MathHelp Material
This site provides students with mathematics self-study material which is embedded within the context of the geosciences. The material consists of many MathHelp "notebooks" covering specific mathematical topics related to a relevant geological context, such as plate velocity or cliff erosion. The notebooks contain explanations, illustrations, and examples. A mathematical glossary is also constantly available, providing a brief explanation of mathematical keywords and links to the relevant notebo
GeoMaths - 2nd Level Modules
The highest level of math on the University College London's GeoMath site, this covers skills such as complex numbers, partial differentiation, matrices, advanced vectors, and probability. Each section features a menu of topics and links to a glossary. Many have geology-based examples, using the mathematical skill within a realistic scenario. This resource is part of the Teaching Quantitative Skills in the Geosciences collection. http://serc.carleton.edu/quantskills/
Functions of 2 Variables: Partial Derivatives
Brandeis hosts several pages demonstrating the involvement of calculus in biology. This site gives a short explanation of the partial derivative of two variables, using illustrations and various levels of magnification to demonstrate. This resource is part of the Teaching Quantitative Skills in the Geosciences collection. http://serc.carleton.edu/quantskills/
Allies and Aliens
In the learning module Allies and Aliens students assume the role of agents from planet Earth who must assess varying degrees of prejudice and misinformation as they visit Web sites from other planets. Because most kids don't think to look for bias or false information online and subtle forms of racism may be difficult to recognize, Allies and Aliens uses the pretense of an evaluation mission to keep players from guessing its true purpose right away. The mission is divided into two parts. On Day
Florida Shipwrecks: 300 Years of Maritime History
This is a travel itinerary featuring 13 historic shipwrecks in waters near Florida, a convergence point for maritime trade routes. Learn about the historical significance of these 13 shipwrecks. See photos and an essay on Florida maritime history.
General Science
The course focuses on the underlying concepts of science. Content coverage includes the scientific method, measurement in science, the human body, the nature of matter, humans and technology, and safety in science. The content will be presented in themes which in turn will draw upon students' understanding of themselves and their everyday experiences. The self-paced structure of the course will allow students to work through the material at a pace suitable to their individual needs. The course i
21H.224 Law and Society in US History (MIT)
As events of the last few years have shown, the Supreme Court has played a crucial role in American political life. There is practically no issue of social significance in the American past that did not at some point end up in the nation's courtrooms, yet much of the workings of the constitution remain obscure. This subject is designed to introduce students to the main themes and events of American constitutional law since 1787. It introduces terms and concepts of law and legal history, focusing
11.943J Urban Transportation, Land Use, and the Environment (MIT)
This course is aimed at the aspiring planning practitioner, policy-maker, or industry decision-maker with an interest in urban transportation and environmental issues in Latin America. The course will focus on current transport-related themes confronting many cities in the region, including: rapid motorization and suburbanization and subsequent impacts on transportation infrastructure and quality of life; public sector management and improvement of privately-owned and operated transit systems; a
Modeling Research Skills
The fifth lesson in the Family, History and Memory module centers on developing students' research skills. Using the book The Diary of Anne Frank as a starting point, it guides students through the necessary steps for conducting good-quality research and developing a subsequent presentation. Students work as a group to develop their presentation. The lessons can be delivered as a module or as individual units.
Learning Styles
The aim of this lesson is to help students identify their personal learning styles so they can study and learn more effectively. It is the ninth lesson in the study skills series and it introduces adult learners to the concept of learning styles. Students will have an opportunity to reflect on different ways of learning and to validate different abilities and capabilities, both their own and those of others. The lessons are designed as a package with key skills reinforced in each subsequent less
Exam Skills
The aim of this lesson is to help students acquire skills that help them prepare for examinations in a focused and organized way. Students devise strategies for reviewing material and developing a revision timeline, and learn to identify the areas of study on which they should concentrate to prepare for tests. They review helpful tips and learn to use past examinations as a guide for future ones. It is the seventh lesson in the study skills series and is intended to support adult learners who ar
Civil Disobedience Action Plan
This lesson acquaints students with historical and current concepts of civil disobedience. They will also consider issues that affect their own lives in relation to civil disobedience.
Active Learning
The aim of this lesson is to enable students to take control of their learning in a positive way. It is the third lesson in the study skills series and is intended to support adult learners who are embarking on a course of study and need to acquire skills which will help them to be successful. The lessons are designed as a package with key skills reinforced in each subsequent lesson so that a study culture is developed over time. They can be delivered sequentially or used individually, as a whol
Inaugurations
This site profiles Presidential inaugurations of the past using primary sources from the American Memory historical collections of the Library of Congress. Through images, film, and personal recollections users can view the pomp and circumstance of Inaugurations.
Early Congress Proclaims Holidays
One of the most lasting historical effects of Congressional decision-making is the establishment of national holidays. This lesson highlights early examples of Congress declaring special days of thanksgiving and remembrance.
