Free Science Internet Resources - December 2011

 

https://www.training.nih.gov/sts_main_page

The Scientists Teaching Science program is an OITE resource that provides NIH trainees with both an introduction to best practices in science education and an extended, in-depth examination of pedagogy; or the art and science of teaching.

http://disney.go.com/planetchallenge/

Disney's Planet Challenge (DPC) is a project-based learning environmental competition for classrooms across the United States.

http://scispark.com/new-this-month/science-around-you/

Online postings that address high-interest topics and can be used as discussion starters in science and social studies classes and afterschool science clubs

http://www.essentiallearningproducts.com/lesson-plans-and-activities

A monthly newsletter that offers skill-building activities, lesson plans, and teaching ideas in core subjects for preK-8 teachers

http://www.flinnsci.com/pr/msfax2012.asp

Middle School Science demonstrations to excite students about challenging science concepts

http://scido.wikispaces.com/

An online workspace where teachers flesh out and implement the ideas generated during the weekly Twitter science teachers’ chat, #SciChat.  The wikispaces includes member-contributed resources such as lesson plans, podcasts and vodcats, and resource-sharing sites.

https://gustavus.edu/events/nobelconference/2011/teachers/

Master teachers from 11 high schools developed science lesson plans based on the research of conference speakers.

http://museumofvision.org/education

A curriculum guide for students in grades 6-8 that explores the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle for the whole body, including the eyes.

http://www.scientificamerican.com/section.cfm?id=bring-science-home

20 science activities for parents and kids to do together - Designed for children ages 6-12.  Each activity includes background information, procedures, and additional resources.

http://www.osa-foundation.org/educationposters.

“Make Waves – Discover Science” poster series -  Each poster includes a guidebook with definitions, suggested activities, additional resources, and career profiles to help K-12 teachers incorporate the topic into the classroom.

http://dailyclimate.org/

Use this website to incorporate the latest environmental health and science news and research into high school science lessons.

http://middleschoolscience.com/

Teachers can access lesson plans, activities, links, and ideas to enhance the teaching of science in grades 5-8.

http://bit.ly/q6mmjL

Spellbound, How Kids Became Scientists - A video series that tells the story of scientists whose childhood curiosity about everyday things helped them launch careers in the lab, win Nobel Prizes, and make other achievements. Their curiosity, mentors, role models, and other early childhood experiences may point to approaches that can be used today, and tomorrow, in encouraging young people into careers in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.

https://sites.google.com/a/saplinglearning.com/freesources/

Organized lists of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics resources for high school students - including interactive games, videos, lessons, and other multimedia experiences

http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/time/moon/hemispheres.html

“The Moon around the World” highlights the many aspects of the Moon through animations, fact pages, images and interactive games.

http://www.usasciencefestival.org/2012festival/schoolprograms/stem-advice-corner

The USA Science and Engineering Festival’s monthly blog for middle and high school students, teachers, and parents

http://www.sas.com/govedu/edu/curriculum/index.html

A collection of web-based curriculum resources in core subjects such as science, math, language arts, social studies and Spanish targeted for teachers and students in grades 6-12.  Resources include interactive tools, inquiries, web lessons, virtual labs, and video and audio tutorials in each subject.

http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/eyes/

A web-based visualization tool that allows space enthusiasts of all ages to explore the solar system in 3D

http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/education/index.cfm?page=16

K-12 educators will find tools, resources, and ideas for teaching Earth science, space science, mathematics, and robotics.  The website also includes information for students about science, technology, engineering, and math programs and opportunities.

http://quest.nasa.gov/space/teachers/rockets/act8.html

Hands-on science activity from NASA Quest challenges student teams to build a balloon rocket and use it to carry a paperclip payload.   Students learn about the processes involved in scientific experimentation.  This site includes student data sheets, background information, procedures, discussion questions, assessments, and extensions.

http://actor.epa.gov/actor/faces/ToxCastDB/Home.jsp

EPA database that can help K-12 educators learn about chemical safety and the effects of various toxins on humans and the environment.

http://epa.gov/climatechange/kids/index.html

A student’s Guide to Global Climate Change.  Information is presented via video, animations, interactive graphics, and “expeditions” in which students can learn how climate change will affect places worldwide.

http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/edu/curriculum/welcome.html

A collection of resources for grades 6-12 that engages students in the voyages and discoveries presenting standards aligned lessons exploring the reasons for modern ocean exploration, background information for teachers on key topics and links to resources and lesson plans from the Ocean Explorer website.

http://publications.nigms.nih.gov/insidelifescience/

“Inside Life Science” takes readers inside the science of health.

http://publications.nigms.nih.gov/thenewgenetics/

“The New Genetics” is a science education booklet explains the role of genes in health and disease, the basics of DNA and its molecular cousin RNA, and new directions in genetic research.

http://usda.gov/documents/final_Brochure_update_2_3_2010.pdf

This initiative invites K-12 educators to create People’s Gardens in their communities and schools and to register them in the project database.

http://youthgo.gov/

A website designed to inspire students to become the next generation of conservation leaders and assume the stewardship of our nation’s public lands. 

http://education.usgs.gov/lectures.html

A collection of selected videotaped lectures that were given at USGS facilities - All of these lectures should be suitable for viewing by the general public and upper level students (grades 8 through university). Most videos are in MP4 format and are typically 60-90 minutes long (60 minute lecture plus question/answer).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evs46vOg0gA

A video produced by the U.S. Dept. of Education spotlights the successful teacher-training program.

All Links have been verified and are working as of December 4, 2011.

© Lisa Michalek

The Lesson Guide