Ozone depletion interactive lab
What is the process by which CFCs destroy ozone? This informational piece, part of an interactive laboratory series for grades 8-12, explores the destruction of the ozone layer by chlorofluorocarbons. Here students view a four-step animation that shows how ultraviolet light breaks chlorine free from a CFC molecule. The chlorine then destroys an ozone molecule. Additional steps show how the process can be continuous. Copyright 2005 Eisenhower National Clearinghouse
Tessellation Tutorials
A complete guide to templates and tutorials for making tessellations is available here. Includes scholarly information on tessellations and their connections to math, geography and history. Some lessons feature ClarisWorks, Geometer, HyperCard, HyperStudio, LogoWriter, PCPaintbrush or PCPaint software programs. This site also includes a forum for teacher feedback and examples of student work.
Number line bounce (grades 6-8)
This online number line game for summing numbers challenges the student to find a sequence of operations with four numbers that results in a given target number. The numbers are illustrated as bouncing balls on a number line. Each bounce can be in either a positive or negative direction. The student can use a guess-and-check approach to solving the problem or a more sophisticated strategy. After finding a correct sequence and reaching the target number on the number line, the student forms the n
Using technology to support Limited-English-Proficient (LEP) students' learning experiences
This article examines the challenges and rewards related to using technology as a tool to increase learning for limited English-proficient (LEP) students. The article is based on the belief that students' content, linguistic, and technology skills should be developed in tandem. Strategies and standards for technology use are featured along with suggestions for enhancing LEP students comfort level in content classes. Access and equity and the redefinition of teacher roles are also discussed. Impr
Assessment in Math and Science: What's the Point?
This 8-part video workshop covers all aspects of science assessment: embedded and authentic assessment techniques, integrated math/science assessment, and extensive information about assessment reform initiatives. This material is intended for K-12 teachers and is periodically offered as a free satellite broadcast through Annenberg/CPB channel. Supplemental materials, such as a workshop guide, are available for free downloading.
Soil as Living Skin
In this two-minute radio program, a soil scientist introduces listeners to reasons why soil is crucial to the planet. The scientist lists functions of soil that include nutrient cycling and water filtration, and he also uses living skin as an analogy for soil. The program, part of the Pulse of the Planet radio show, is available here in text and audio formats. Copyright 2005 Eisenhower National Clearinghouse
1900 Air Pollution
Examine this graph from FRONTLINE/NOVA: Whats Up with the Weather? Web site to see dramatic increases in three greenhouse gases over the last two hundred years.
Shape builder
This interactive applet operates in one of two modes: auto draw and create shape mode, allowing the user to explore the area and perimeter of non-standard shapes. Immediate feedback is given on answers entered.
Observe forest fires as seen from space
This Earth science resource shows students how atmospheric scientists use infrared imaging to detect and locate forest fires. The introduction explains how visible-light images recorded by satellites are unable to distinguish smoke from clouds. In contrast, infrared imaging, which detects heat, can detect hot spots that indicate the location of forest fires. The resource provides two different sets of satellite pictures. Students are instructed to toggle between the visible-light and infrared im
What's so great about the Nobel Prize?
The entry in the Expert Voices blog, Connecting News with National Science Education Standards, highlights three winners of the Nobel Prize in Medicine. Links to related teaching resources are provided.
Manipula math with Java : the sum of outer angles of a polygon
This interactive applet allows users to see a visual demonstration of how the sum of exterior angles of a polygon sums to 360 degrees. Students can draw a polygon and have the applet show the exterior angles. Then users decrease the scale of the image, gradually shrinking the polygon down almost to a point, while the display of the exterior angles remains and shows how the angles merge together to cover the whole 360 degrees surrounding the minuscule polygon. Copyright 2005 Ohio State University
Mathematics Education in the Middle Grades: Teaching to Meet the Needs of Middle Grades Learners and
In September 1998, the Math Science Education Board National held a Convocation on Middle Grades Mathematics that was co-sponsored by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the National Middle School Association, and the American Educational Research Association. The Convocation was structured to present the teaching of middle school mathematics from two points of view: teaching mathematics with a focus on the subject matter content or teaching mathematics with a focus on the whole chi
Image Tool
This activity allows the user to measure angles and explore the concept of scale as it pertains to maps, images, and drawings.
Ready to Teach (RTT) interactives library
This web site offers access to four interactive software tools designed to help teachers and students of algebra visualize and experiment online with key concepts related to linear and piecewise functions. Copyright 2005 Eisenhower National Clearinghouse
How high? : measurement (grades 6-8)
With this virtual manipulative, the student investigates conservation of volume with a virtual simulation of pouring a liquid from one container to a container of the same shape, but of a different size. There are four cylinder shapes to choose from: rectangular prism, cylinder, cone, and pyramid. The left container is partially filled with liquid and the base dimensions of the two cylinders are given. The student uses a slider to estimate how high the liquid will rise when poured into the secon
National Geophysical Data Center: Relief Globe Slides
This set of 20 slides contains 14 global views of the Earth in full color shaded relief, showing land and undersea topography. The planet is seen from vantage points over the poles and each major ocean and land mass. Also included are a rectangular Mercator projection view of the whole Earth, as well as displays of crustal plates and their relation to world seismic activity. The images are computer-generated from a digital database of oceanic bathymetry and land topography.
Electromagnetic waves
These pages, part of From Stargazers to Starships, explain electromagnetic waves and sunlight. Information inlcudes physiological and spectral color, spectral lines, the electromagnetic field work by Maxwell, the discovery of radio waves by Hertz, and photons and Einsteins relation. Stargazers also has detailed lesson plans accompanying these sections.
Earths Atmosphere : Composition and structure
This module explores the composition of the earths atmosphere, how temperature and pressure vary in the atmosphere, and the scientific developments that led to an understanding of these basic concepts. It includes tables and graphs of data related to these factors.
Using History and Biographies in Science
This article describes the use of history and biographies in the development of the educational modules available through Vision Learning, Inc. It includes suggestions for using these resources in the classroom.
T.P. Away
What's a quick way to unroll a roll of toilet paper? This material is part of a series of hands-on science activities designed to arouse student interest. Here students use Bernoulli's principle and an electric leaf blower to force air over the top of the toilet paper to quickly unroll it. 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 c
