LEARN
LEARN was created to increase middle school science teacher knowledge of and interest in the atmospheric sciences. The original project began in 1991 with funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF). Much of the instructional and science content foundation for the LEARN workshops came from the teaching modules developed by LEARN teachers in collaboration with more than 60 National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) scientists. The modules (Ozone in Our Atmosphere, Atmospheric Dynamics
Waves, sound and light
Teachers can give demonstrations and students can conduct virtual physics experiments related to waves using the Shockwave simulations at this site. Simulations are designed to explore sound wave frequencies, echoes, a phased array, ultrasound, interference patterns, the doppler effect, and more. Students will need teacher assistance as there is little explanatory material with the simulations.
BBC historic figures : Isaac Newton
This concise biography includes an image of Newton and related links in the right navigation bar including: one to an article Newton papers revealed; The Newton Project; and to a lengthier biography, Isaac Newton.
Fascinating pickle facts
Each of this feature's nine paragraphs describes a fact about food produced through fermentation around the globe. The facts present a mix of history and science. For example, one paragraph explains how pickles were instrumental in Spain's discovery of America, while another reveals why modern-day outdoor fermentation vats are intentionally left uncovered. Another paragraph summarizes how osmosis and the bacteria involved in pickling can make vegetables more vitamin-rich. In addition, historical
Living in Space
NASA's Living in Space Web site allows kids of all ages the opportunity to learn how astronauts cope with zero gravity conditions in space. Everything from eating, dressing, working, and having fun is explained through descriptions, photographs, movies, audio files, and more.
Sounds of the Sun
The sounds of the sun are the focus of this two-minute episode of the radio program Pulse of the Planet. The episode is available here in text and audio formats, the latter of which features time-compressed sun sounds. The episode's host and his guest, a solar physicist, explain the dynamics that cause our sun to oscillate and produce sound waves. The sound data was collected by the space-based Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO). In analyzing the sun's sounds, scientists detected jet stre
Sound Waves Underwater : True or False
This interactive quiz from the NOVA Web site features an array of interesting facts about the nature of sound underwater.
The baby's brain : infant vision
In this feature, the user explorers how a baby's sense of sight develops. By dragging a slider bar to each of six different age markers, the user can see how the same image looks for babies as they get older. There is also a paragraph-long explanation of vision at each of the six ages shown: newborn, 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, 6 months, and adult. These explanations reveal what a baby can and cannot see at each age. They also discuss how a baby's brain and eyes mature, providing improved focus
Genetics
This online tutorial from the TheTech Museum of Innovation focuses on genetics. The interactive topics will initially introduce the user to the DNA, chromosomes, and the make up of human genes. Further topics will examine forensic science, the history of forensics, fingerprinting, and cloning background research and community response to cloning. Finally, the resource provides connections to gallery exhibits, science labs, and a design challenge that engages the learner to write a persuasive let
Antarctic Extreme Jeopardy
This Antarctica activity challenges students to research and create the answers and questions for a game of classroom Jeopardy. They will include hazards to humans, polar gear, and the cold facts. This site also includes a series of inquiry-based questions to get students thinking about Antarctica and guidelines for conducting additional research, illustrated activity directions, and a worksheet that helps students craft their Jeopardy-style answers and questions.
Water reclamation plant
In this video clip, students see how wastewater is treated at a water reclamation plant. One of the plant's operators gives Bob the Vid Tec (a children's programming host) a tour of the plant, describing along the way what happens at each step in the water treatment process. For example, the operator explains that microorganisms are used to consume human waste in the biological nutrient removal step. Bob also talks with another plant operator about why kids should learn about wastewater treatmen
Science News For Kids
This resource is meant to enhance the usefulness of Science News in the middle-school classroom and offer recreational reading and activities for students interested in science. It is comprised of six zones: a weekly brainteaser for those who enjoy solving and inventing puzzles, entertaining science-fiction composition exercises for those interested in writing, and weekly science fair profiles and tips. The GameZone contains a small selection of logic and memory games, implemented as Java applet
Factoring Special Products
Choose the correct steps to factor a polynomial involving perfect-square binomials, differences of squares, or constant factors. Use the feedback to diagnose incorrect steps.
Observe solar eclipses
This Earth science animation helps students compare three types of solar eclipses: total, partial, and annular. The introduction explains how the type of eclipse is determined by variations in distance and alignment between the Earth, sun, and moon. The animation follows the events of all three eclipses concurrently. Movie controls allow students to repeat, pause, or step through the animation, which can give students more time to compare the eclipse sequences. Copyright 2005 Eisenhower National
This Planet Really Rocks
This ThinkQuest Junior site contains information and activities about rocks and minerals. Included is information about what a rock is, the major characteristics with examples of sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks, the rock cycle, the differences between rocks and minerals, how to identify minerals (color, luster, streak, cleavager, hardness, and specific gravity), and the Mohs Scale. Facts about common minerals and their properties, how rocks and minerals are important, and their uses
Observe an animation showing evidence of the carbon cycle
In this visual resource about the carbon cycle, students are presented with an animation and accompanying text that focus on carbon and plants. The text addresses how plants fit into the larger carbon cycle, including how carbon enters and leaves the biosphere, and it explains what students are viewing in the animation. The animation shows false color images on a flat map of the world. When the viewer clicks on the image (or the play button), the animation plays, and color patterns reveal change
Static Charged Two by Fours
How can you move a wooden two-by-four without touching it? This material is part of a series of hands-on science activities designed to arouse student interest. Here students use static electricity to attract and move a wooden two-by-four. The activity includes a description, a list of science process skills and complex reasoning strategies being used, and a compilation of applicable K-12 national science education standards. Also provided are content topics, a list of necessary supplies, instru
Observe the retreat of ice sheets from North America
In this Earth science animation, middle and high school students observe the retreat of ice sheets in North America for the past 18,000 years. Students are instructed to observe the animation carefully to see how the sea level changes as the ice sheets retreat. The animation presents images in 1,000-year increments from 18,000 years ago to the present. Movie controls allow students to repeat, pause, or step through the animation, which can give students more time to analyze how the shape of the
Water reclamation plant (RealVideo)
In this video clip, students see how wastewater is treated at a water reclamation plant. One of the plant's operators gives Bob the Vid Tec (a children's programming host) a tour of the plant, describing along the way what happens at each step in the water treatment process. For example, the operator explains that microorganisms are used to consume human waste in the biological nutrient removal step. Bob also talks with another plant operator about why kids should learn about wastewater treatmen
Scope on Safety : Waste not, want not
Planning chemical use and disposal is critical to a safe laboratory environment. It is irresponsible to simply go out and purchase laboratory chemicals without considering why they are needed and how they will be disposed of when they are no longer needed. An OSHA-based Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) should be adopted by the science department as the first step in this vital process. The procedures and operations for the purchase, use, storage, and recycling of hazardous chemicals are addressed in
