Atmosphere
What is this atmosphere that surrounds the Earth? This instructional tutorial, part of an interactive laboratory series for grades 8-12, introduces students to the structure, effects, and components of the atmosphere. Here students investigate the composition of the atmosphere; effects of temperature, pressure, and ozone; the greenhouse effect; and how Earth compares with other planets. Interactive activities present students with opportunities to explore ideas and answer questions about the atm
Observe an exploded star at different wavelengths
This Earth science resource enables students to observe and compare the appearance of the Crab Nebula under different wavelengths. The introduction explains how the nebula is the remains of an exploded star (supernova). It also reveals how temperature variations in the nebula are detected by different wavelengths. Students are instructed to move the cursor across the spectrum to see images of the nebula captured using radio and microwaves; infrared, visible, and ultraviolet light; and gamma rays
Ready, Set, Escape
During this project, students will be asked to design a device that will measure out a time period of exactly 3 minutes. They will be asked to brainstorm ideas using the different materials provided. Students will observe and explain the effects of conservation of energy.
Star life cycle
This instructional tutorial, part of an interactive laboratory series for grades 8-12, introduces students to the life cycle of stars. The tutorial's introduction compares human life stages with those of stars, and it describes the makeup of space. In the following sections, students investigate protostars, the equilibrium process of stars, what constitutes a star, and what happens in the late life of a star when the helium and carbon present in it start to be consumed. Photographs and diagrams
Geometry Construction Reference
The basics of compass and straightedge construction, with notes about The Instruments and What is a construction? Construct the perpendicular bisector or the midpoint of a line segment; given a point on a line, construct a perpendicular line through the given point; given a point not on a line, construct a perpendicular line through the given point; construct the bisector of an angle; an angle congruent to a given angle; a line through a given point, parallel to a given line; an equilateral tria
Drift Seeds And Drift Fruits : Seeds That Ride The Ocean Currents
This essay explores seed dispersal by water and describes some of the physical adaptations that evolution has produced in the seeds and fruits that travel this way. There is a background essay, discussion questions, state and national standards, and links to related Teacher's Domain resources.
PhysLink
Physics, astronomy and science news, community, education and reference. Job board, directories, forums, chat, education reference, fun and more.
Nanomedicine : Problem Solving to Treat Cancer
Students rarely have the opportunity to delve into the unknown and brainstorm solutions to cutting-edge, unsolved science problems that affect thousands of people. To counter this trend, the following activity was developed to expose students to issues and problems surrounding cancer treatment using an inquiry-based approach. Through this activity, students step into the role of ?real? scientists and brainstorm possible treatment options by working collaboratively, utilizing problem solving stra
Lord Julian Hunt on advantages of nuclear power 3
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The Squeeze is On
Students will learn about the force of compression and how it acts on structural components through a hands-on group project. Using everyday products such as paper, toothpicks, and tape they will construct a structure that will support the weight of a cinder block for 30 sec.
Engineering and the Human Body
The Engineering and the Human Body unit covers the broad spectrum of topics that make-up our very amazing human body. Students are introduced to the space environment and learn the major differences between the environment on Earth and that of outer space. The engineering challenges that arise because of these discrepancies are also discussed. Then, students dive into the different components that make up the human body: muscles, bones and joints, the digestive and circulatory systems, the nervo
Lights Out!
This lesson introduces the concept of electricity by asking students to imagine what their life would be like without electricity. Two main forms of electricity, static and current, are introduced. Students learn that electrons can move between atoms, leaving atoms in a charged state.
The Beat Goes On
In this activity, students learn about their heart rate and different ways it can be measured. Students construct a simple measurement device using clay and a toothpick, and then use this device to measure their heart rate under different circumstances (i.e., sitting, standing and jumping). Students make predictions and record data on a worksheet.
Which Roof is Tops?
When you walk or drive around your neighborhood what do the roofs look like? What if you lived in an area with a different climate, how would that effect the style of roof that you might find. This is an introductory activity to explore the advantages of different roof shapes for different climates or situations.
Engineer a Coin Sorter
Students learn about the engineering design process and how it is used to engineer products for everyday use. Students individually brainstorm solutions for sorting coins and draw at least two design ideas. They work in small groups to combine ideas and build a coin sorter using common construction materials such as cardboard, tape, straws and fabric. Students test their coin sorters, make revisions and suggest ways to improve their designs. By designing, building, testing and improving coin sor
What to Wear? What to Drink? Weather Patterns and Climatic Regions
How does our climate affect us? How do we decide what to wear each day? What factors determine if our clothing choices are comfortable? What is the source of our water? Students explore characteristics that define climatic regions. They learn how tropical, desert, coastal and alpine climates result in different lifestyle, clothing, water source and food options for the people who live there. They learn that a location’s latitude, altitude, land features, weather conditions, and distance from l
Extinction Prevention via Engineering
Species extinction is happening at an alarming rate according to scientists. In this lesson, students are asked to consider why extinction is a problem that we should concern us. They are taught that destruction of habitat is the main reason many species are threatened. The lesson explores ways that engineers can help save endangered species.
Form vs. Function
Students model and design the sound environment for a room. They analyze the sound performance of different materials that represent wallpaper, thick curtains, and sound-absorbing panels. Then, referring to the results of their analysis, they design another room based on certain specifications, and test their designs.
Rock Cycle
Through five lessons, students are introduced to all facets of the rock cycle. Topics include rock and mineral types, material stresses and weathering, geologic time and fossil formation, the Earth’s crust and tectonic plates, and soil formation and composition. Lessons are in the context of the related impact on humans in the form of roadway and tunnel design and construction, natural disasters, environmental site assessment for building structures, and measurement instrumentation and tools.
