Sketching in Nature
Science students will discover the beauty of communing with nature by utilizing a Nature journal during field observations. Nature journaling is a useful skill, independent of whether students consider themselves artists. Sketching from nature is one way to provide open-ended, inquiry-based learning while also bringing art into the process of learning science. This article includes two exercises, contour drawing and an observation activity, to get teachers started in the process of "sketching na
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.
Golden rectangle (grades 6-8)
This virtual manipulative can help students visualize the golden rectangle. It shows how a set of golden rectangles is generated by using the golden ratio (the ratio of the longer side to the shorter side of a golden rectangle) to create smaller golden rectangles within an initial rectangle. The size of the initial rectangle can be varied, and the center of the spiral generated by the applet can be seen. Instructions for using this online manipulative are included on the site, as is a link to th
Science Sampler : The scientific method -- Is it still useful?
Many scientists and science educators contend that a structured scientific method does not exist, while others might argue that the scientific method is too simplistic in its approach to scientific inquiry. This article addresses the dilemmas surrounding the scientific method, and provides suggestions that will enable you to ?meld the method with process skills.?
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.
The Need for Ocean Literacy in the Classroom - Part I : An overview of efforts to promote ocean lite
Society is largely ocean illiterate and a basic understanding of the key concepts needed for sound decision making on matters related to sustainability and the health of humankind is lacking. At present, a network of approximately 100 members of the ocean science and education communities are working together to make understanding the ocean part of the formal K-12 curriculum. The emergent consensus among the members of the group has resulted in a definition of ocean literacy that is supported by
How to obtain particles to accelerate
Where do the particles come from that are accelerated in a particle accelerator? In this portion of a particle physics tutorial, three sources of particles are described for students. The first source is electrons, which come from heated metals. The second is protons, which are available from ionized hydrogen. Antiparticles are the third source. They are collected by magnetic fields after particles smash targets. Copyright 2005 Eisenhower National Clearinghouse
Divide fractions using area models. Adjust the numerators and denominators of the divisor and dividend and see how the area model and calculation change.
Observe images of advection fog
This Earth science resource presents six photographs depicting examples of advection fog along various coastal areas in the United States. The introduction explains how advection fogs form and provides a brief explanation of how they differ from radiation fogs. Students are instructed to click on each labeled image to see an enlarged version of it. Each enlarged version includes a caption that describes the location of the fog relative to local landmarks in the picture. Copyright 2005 Eisenhower
How is electricity generated? This reading, part of a series about the future of energy, introduces students to the production of electricity using a generator. Students read about the movement of electrons called current electricity. Static electricity is also discussed. Students follow as the generation of electric current is described using magnets in a generator. Copyright 2005 Eisenhower National Clearinghouse
TOPEX/Poseidon - Overview
This resource presents basic information about how the TOPEX/Poseidon satellite works, what factors affect ocean topography and how ocean circulation affects the Earths climate. Remote imagery, diagrams, and links to related topics are included.
Copernican revolution : turning points in science
his publication focuses on the evolution of the heliocentric theory of the universe. Resources provided here will facilitate understanding of the early concepts of the universe; the thinking that led to hypotheses in astronomy; the observations and experiments that yielded information allowing for theorizing; reaction to and acceptance of the investigators' findings; and the impacts of the theory on humanity.
Adolescents are passionately interested in ethical questions suggesting adolescence may be a critical period for including bioethics in science education. Knowledge arises when the mind interacts with content; an understanding of ethical issues develops as an evolving process around real-life situations. The question is what role should teachers play in the acquisition of this knowledge?
Blue Planet: Sea Vent Photo Gallery
These nine "sea vent" inhabitants were captured on film with a Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution high definition underwater imaging system from the Deep Submergence Vehicle Alvin. A description of each animal is provided. The vent is in the Pacific about 1,000 miles south of San Diego, California.
Tour of the Basics
Animated tour of the basics of DNA, genes, chromosomes, and heredity. Program can be downloaded so that it can be used without an Internet connection.
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.
This website reviews several types of pollination and includes many photographs of flowers which depend on each type. It give a brief description of why each flower is appealing to its pollinator.
Students solve and reduce fractional equations by playing Soccer Shootout. Levels of difficulty range from Easy to Super Brain and users can practice the addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of fractions. Fractions with like and unlike denominators are included. Students play against the computer and are provided with the correct answer when a wrong one is entered.