Algebraic thinking: a basic skill
The resources highlighted here aim to reflect students' growing mathematical capacity over the span of the middle school years. The activities and lessons, intended as supplementary materials, range from introduction to the fundamentals of algebra to work on linear functions. Uniformly, they take into consideration the preference of the middle school student for concrete models, visual representations, and interactive tasks.
Hunting Bears with a Microscope
In this online activity, students use lichens and tardigrades (water bears) to investigate their use as bioindicators of key air pollutants. When lichens are exposed to some kinds of air pollutants, especially to sulfur dioxide, the lichens are injured and die. The lichen coverage in a specified area should be a good indicator of the level of air quality. The diversity of the tardigrade species on the lichens will be used to develop another level for bioindication of air quality. Sections of thi
Addition and Subtraction Face-Off! Game
Students place markers on the numbers 2-12. Students toss two 6-sided dice, find the sum and remove a marker from that number, if there is still one. The first player to remove all markers wins the game. This game can be used as addition practice or as an introduction to the probability of the different outcomes of rolling two dice. This game was developed by a Monmouth University student for the Probability Fair. These games help students acquire proficiency in addition and subtraction facts.
Genetic Disease WebQuest
Students take on different roles to learn about DNA and genetic diseases, including how a genetic disease causes a person to get sick, how we test for and treat a genetic disease, and how we help people to make better decisions regarding all the complicated issues involved with genetic diseases. This webquest, designed for high school and undergraduate students, is an ideal introduction to the concepts of bioinformatics, genetic diseases, and potential careers in science fields. The activity can
Reading for Philosophical Inquiry
In this introduction to philosophical thinking, we will read some essays specially chosen from four main areas of interest: (1) the philosophy of life, (2) the philosophy of religion, (3) ethics, and (4) metaphysics and theory of knowledge. Although our approach is not comprehensive, it is reasonably representative of some of the more significant areas of philosophical inquiry. The readings are intended to illustrate the interrelations between these subject areas of philosophy and, as well, to p
Introduction to Methods for Health Services Research and Evaluation
Introduction to Methods for Health Services Research and Evaluation provides an introduction to basic methods for undertaking research and program evaluation within health services organizations and systems. In addition to basic methods, the course also provides "the state of the art" in research and evaluation through the review of major completed studies. This course is recommended for students who will be carrying out policy research, social science research, or program impact evaluation with
The Secret World of Sharks and Rays
Woldwide, there are more than 370 species of sharks, which vary greatly in size, shape, preferred habitat, and prey. This film from the PBS Nature series explores their worlds and those of their close cousins, the rays. (49:36)
Theory of functions of a real variable
I have taught the beginning graduate course in real variables and functional analysis three times in the last five years, and this book is the result. The course assumes that the student has seen the basics of real variable theory and point set topology. The elements of the topology of metrics spaces are presented (in the nature of a rapid review) in Chapter I. The course itself consists of two parts: 1) measure theory and integration, and 2) Hilbert space theory, especially the spectral theorem
Semi-Riemann Geometry and General Relativity
This book represents course notes for a one semester course at the undergraduate level giving an introduction to Riemannian geometry and its principal physical application, Einstein’s theory of general relativity. The background assumed is a good grounding in linear algebra and in advanced calculus, preferably in the language of differential forms.
This book covers the following topics: The principal curvatures; rules of calculus; Levi-Civita Connections; bundle of frames; connections on prin
Introduction to Computer Science I
Computer Science 50: Introduction to Computer Science I is a first course in computer science at Harvard College for concentrators and non-concentrators alike. More than just teach you how to program, this course teaches you how to think more methodically and how to solve problems more effectively. As such, its lessons are applicable well beyond the boundaries of computer science itself. That the course does teach you how to program, though, is perhaps its most empowering return. With this skill
Cosmic Survey: What are Your Ideas About the Universe?
Lesson plans and activity composed of a three-part questionnaire that launches students on discussions about where objects in space are located, and when they were formed- an introduction to the concepts of structure and evolution of the universe. This astronomical image-sorting activity lays the groundwork for discussions about the size, scale and history of the universe. Use it as a front-end assessment of how students understand the universe. Recommended for teachers of Grades 6-12 and inform
California Fires MODIS imagery and TOMS Aerosols from October 2003
This animation sequences through the MODIS imagery of the devastating Californian fires from October 23, 2003 through October 29, 2003. Then the animation resets to October 23, 2003 and zooms out to see the TOMS aerosol sequence. It clearly shows that the California fires had an impact on air quality as far east as Maine.
China Dust Storm Pollutes Air in the Eastern United States in April 2001 (Flatmap)
A large dust storm develops over China on April 6 and 7, 2001. This animation shows the dust moving over China, Russia, Japan, the Pacific Ocean, and Canada, settling over the United States.
Transient Aerosol Features: North Atlantic Ocean from March to April 1988
Aerosol index over the North Atlantic from March 20, 1988 through April 9, 1988 as measured by the Nimbus-7 Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS)
Aerosols from Nimbus 7 TOMS: Transatlantic Dust Event in 1983
Saharan dust storms raise dust that is carried in the upper atmosphere across the Atlantic Ocean. That dust can land as far west as the Caribbean and the Americas. This dust can carry potentially hazardous bacteria and fungi.
Transatlantic Dust from North Africa (WMS)
Desert storms in northern Africa raise dust that is carried in the upper atmosphere across the Atlantic Ocean. The dust, which may carry potentially hazardous bacteria and fungi, can land as far west as the Caribbean and the Americas.
Continental Effects of 2004 Alaskan Fires (WMS)
Wildfires started by lightning burned more than 80,000 acres in Alaska in June 2004. The effects of these fires can be seen across North America with the Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS) instrument on the Earth Probe spacecraft. TOMS detects the presence of UV-absorbing tropospheric aerosols across the globe.
Aerosol Index over the Atlantic Ocean: July 1, 1988 to September 29, 1988
Aerosol index measurements indicating dust blowing westwards from Africa across the Atlantic Ocean during the period July 1, 1988 to September 29, 1988. as measured by Earth Probe TOMS
Sea Surface Temperature Anomalies during El Nino-La Nina Event of 1997-1998 (WMS)
The El Nino-La Nina event in 1997-1999 was particularly intense, but was also very well observed by satellites and buoys. A strong upwelling of unusually warm water was observed in the Pacific Ocean during the El Nino phase, followed by unusually cold water in the La Nina phase. The Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) instrument on the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations NOAA-14 spacecraft observed the changes in sea surface temperature shown here.
Infrared Astronomy: More Than Your Eyes Can See
This lithograph uses images of the well-known constellation of Orion to illustrate how a common astronomical object appears in both visible light and in the infrared. The back of the lithograph tells the history of infrared light and explains the benefits of infrared astronomy.
