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
Geological Time Scale
This information about geologic time and the geologic time scale defines the terms relative time (chronostratic) and absolute time (chronometric). Relative time can be thought of as the physical subdivisions of rock found in the Earths stratigraphy and absolute as the measurements taken upon those to determine the actual time that has expired. Absolute time measurements can be used to calibrate the relative time scale, producing an integrated geologic or geochronologic time scale. A feature of t
Who Gets the Job?
Each job candidate can see the other two candidates' black or red dots but not his own. Whoever can figure out the color of his own dot gets the job.
Barbie bungee
In this lesson, students model a bungee jump for a Barbie doll. They collect data in a table (number of rubber bands and jump distance), then create a scatterplot of the data, find its line of best fit, and write an equation of that line. Students go on to analyze the equation, noting its slope in relation to the data collected, and the meaning of the y-intercept. Since the distance to which the doll will fall is directly proportional to the number of rubber bands, the lesson provides a scenario
Function machine (grades 6-8)
Applying a machine metaphor for functions, this virtual manipulative allows the learner to examine the relationship between input (domain) and output (range). The learner inputs numbers from one to four and the virtual machine generates output information in a table. The learner is challenged to find the output for values five through seven and enter them in the table. Errors are noted automatically. Using a new function button, different types of functions are randomly offered for investigation
Healthy proteins from the evil weed
This article discusses how a genetically modified version of the tobacco plant offers the promise of a new method for manufacturing therapeutic proteins that is both inexpensive and safe.
Dividing Fractions
Divide fractions using area models. Adjust the numerators and denominators of the divisor and dividend and see how the area model and calculation change.
Seed Dispersal: Lemurs
Trees in Madagascar's forests have evolved traits that promote the dispersal of their seeds by lemurs. This two-minute radio program focuses on the interaction between forest plants and lemurs--the main seed dispersers in the forests. A guest scientist explains why lemurs ingest seeds that are large relative to their body size. He also notes that the fruits of Madagascar's trees have evolved to be strong smelling but drably colored in accordance with lemurs' keen sense of smell and poor vision.
Sounds of the Sun: Inside
A solar physicist explains the significance of the solar sounds that play in the background of this two-minute radio program. The sounds were detected by the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) spacecraft. The physicist addresses why the sun's sounds are not audible on Earth. Scientists analyze solar sound waves to learn more about our turbulent sun. The radio program, which is from the Pulse of the Planet show, is available here in text and audio formats. Copyright 2005 Eisenhower Nationa
Zookeeper
Teachers can direct students to this material to help them investigate a career as a zookeeper. Having students review this page can be an excellent precursor to a job-shadowing activity. The discussion board's set of questions and answers can be a helpful resource for an activity in which students produce a number of pertinent questions that should be asked of a zookeeper when investigating this field of work.
Units and Cylinder Volume
Find the volume and surface area of a cylindical storage tank with a radius of 15 feet and a height of 30 feet.
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
Using Variables to Solve Word Problems
Susan puts only dimes and quarters in her coin bank ...
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew : Information Sheets: Epiphytes - adaptations to an aerial habitat
Since epiphytes have no contact with the soil, the major difficulties they encounter are shortages of water and nutrients. Many have similar adaptations to desert plants, enabling them to collect, absorb and store water and restrict its loss. Some epiphytic mosses and lichens, in contrast, shrivel and stop growing when water is short, but when it becomes available they are able to absorb it rapidly and resume growth.
Astronomy
This page contains links to one pagers on historical instruments of astronomy with photos of the following : Astronomy Slides, Celestial Globe, Cometarium, Globe, Gregorian Telescope, Kepler's Laws Demonstration, Orrery, Planetarium, Planisphere, Stereoscopic Pictures of the Moon, Tellurian, and Transit.
Ice Cube of Exotic Microbes
This article describes a permafrost subglacial lake discovered beneath Antarctica. The lake offers scientists a chance to test their sterile drilling techniques before exploring elsewhere in search of exotic microbes. Techniques that avoid contaminating a drill site with microbes, suggests the author, would prove useful for future drilling into Mars polar caps in search of life.
Sunlight and the Earth : Climate and Weather
These web pages trace the processes involved in the suns impact on weather. This is an exploration of the importance of radiation and reflection of light, both visible and infra-red, and the greenhouse effect. Convection and the role of water vapor are also considered. Global-scale air flows are described, explaining why wind in the continental US usually blows from the west, while near the equator it comes from the east.
Waves and Wave Motion : Describing Waves
This module introduces the history of wave theories, basic descriptions of waves and wave motion, and the concepts of wave speed and frequency.
Amusement Park Physics: What Are the Forces Behind the Fun?
This interactive exhibit, part of the Exhibits Collection, explores how the laws of physics play a role in the design of amusement park rides. Activities in the exhibit invite visitors to design a roller coaster and determine the outcomes of bumper car collisions. The exhibit also includes related Web sites.
Project Atmosphere Canada: Teacher's Guide
This teacher's guide from Project Atmosphere Canada is designed to promote an interest in meteorology among young people, and to encourage and foster the teaching of the atmospheric sciences and related topics in Canada. Topics include weather hazards such as hurricanes and thunderstorms; the use of radar and satellites in weather prediction; weather phenomena such as El Nino, wind patterns, high and low pressure, and clouds; sunlight, water vapor, and the upper atmopshere; and others. Each modu
