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The Brain From Top to Bottom - The Canadian Institute of Neuroscience

Grades
7 to 12
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This website offers detailed brain science information. It is an interactive tour through the brain and its numerous functions. An awesome feature to this site is that it has three...more
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This website offers detailed brain science information. It is an interactive tour through the brain and its numerous functions. An awesome feature to this site is that it has three different levels of knowledge and comprehension difficulty. The beginner level is roughly an eighth or ninth grade level while the intermediate level may be more appropriate for older high school students or advanced placement science classes. Brain topics on the site range from sleep and dreams to how the body brain connections work to move the body.
This site includes advertising.

tag(s): body systems (40), brain (54), human body (93)

In the Classroom

Try using this site as a research site for students working on individual or small group projects about the brain. Have students create their own mini site about a different organ of the body. Another idea, have students create a tiered report much like the format of this website. For instance, if the students are studying the respiratory system, have them create the reports that appeal to adults, peers and elementary students with a focus of explaining the functions of the system. For either of the above ideas, try using Weebly reviewed here

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Scitable - Nature Publishing Group

Grades
9 to 12
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This academic online resource offers free articles on genetics, registration to participate in online discussions with other high-school scholars and older students, and the opportunity...more
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This academic online resource offers free articles on genetics, registration to participate in online discussions with other high-school scholars and older students, and the opportunity to collaborate on projects related to genetics. Vetted by Science Magazine, the source is of the highest academic quality.

tag(s): genetics (76)

In the Classroom

Biology students can browse through the topics related to genetics to find research material or to determine how to focus a project. Teachers can create packets of materials to share with their class or with the other members of the Scitable community around the world. Check with your school to see about its policy for registering and creating a class community on such a site. This site is especially appropriate for AP science students.

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Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine - pcrm.org

Grades
4 to 12
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View excellent information from an organization of doctors dedicated to publishing the truth about the way our nation eats. Learn about fast food, issues with various types of foods,...more
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View excellent information from an organization of doctors dedicated to publishing the truth about the way our nation eats. Learn about fast food, issues with various types of foods, and characteristics of different types of diets. View issues of the day, current notes, and videos of hot topics.
This site includes advertising.

tag(s): fitness (49), myplate (18), nutrition (134)

In the Classroom

When discussing foods, biomolecules, or the food groups or portion control, use this site as a tremendous resource that discusses not only scientific facts but how nutrients act in the body. Use this information and search for other information to validate or dispute the information. Create a healthy discussion about web resources and credibility. Encourage students to pick a nutrition issue they would like to know more about and research to create a multimedia presentation (blog or wiki post, podcast, or video) or conventional (bulletin board, poster, or pamphlet) display of the information. Have students make a multimedia presentation using one of the many TeachersFirst Edge tools reviewed here.

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Wikispecies - Wikimedia Foundation

Grades
6 to 12
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Looking for a Wikipedia type resource for living things? Use Wikispecies to learn more about the variety of species of animals and plants on the Earth. This growing database contains...more
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Looking for a Wikipedia type resource for living things? Use Wikispecies to learn more about the variety of species of animals and plants on the Earth. This growing database contains information and the classification of a large number of species. Find information about the taxonomy and location. Find relevant links to obtain more information.

tag(s): animals (278), classification (21), plants (141), species (15)

In the Classroom

Use this site to determine the taxonomy and review the taxonomic categories of plants and animals. Though not a complete resource yet, it is valuable when paired with other resources such as Wikipedia.

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Science Daily - ScienceDaily LLC

Grades
6 to 12
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Looking for collection of current science research articles? This is your one stop shop! Science Daily is current, searchable, and interesting! Encompassing many, if not all, areas...more
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Looking for collection of current science research articles? This is your one stop shop! Science Daily is current, searchable, and interesting! Encompassing many, if not all, areas of science, this site could make your classroom science research easy. The major categories are: Health & Medicine, Mind & Brain, Plants & Animals, Earth & Climate, Space & Time, Matter & Energy, Computers & Math, and Fossils & Ruins.
This site includes advertising.

tag(s): animals (278), brain (54), climate (80), computers (105), data (146), earth (185), energy (131), fossils (39), matter (47), medicine (54), news (229), planets (111), plants (141), space (212), time (91)

In the Classroom

Use this site as a research tool or to provide practice reading informational texts in the content areas. Choose an article relevant to what you are teaching, post it on your website or wiki, and have your students discuss what the article means and how it made them think. Since the articles are heavy with text, you may want to have students work in small groups to read the article you have selected for them, and use a tool such as Mindmeister (reviewed here) or bubbl.us (reviewed here) to create a concept map of the important ideas and their details for the article. Each article has several related links. Have each group choose a different one to explore, and create a concept map to share on your interactive whiteboard or projector so all can benefit from the related articles. Once created, the concept maps can be posted as links or embedded on your teacher website or wiki for review and to share with parents. If the text of the articles is simply too challenging without some "before reading" help, show students how to preview it using WordSift, reviewed here.
 This resource requires PDF reader software like Adobe Acrobat.

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Re-Energy - GreenLearning

Grades
7 to 12
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Integrate clean air technology into your physical science units. Re-Energy.ca highlights five basic forms of renewable energy; solar electricity and heat, wind power and energy, and...more
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Integrate clean air technology into your physical science units. Re-Energy.ca highlights five basic forms of renewable energy; solar electricity and heat, wind power and energy, and biomass energy. All the necessary background information needed to better understand renewable energy and with a list of valuable links, resources and videos. Included are detailed construction plans for renewable energy models such as a solar oven or wind turbine. The site also addresses larger environmental issues such as global climate change and is dedicated to educating the public on ways to reduce the consumption of natural resources.

tag(s): climate change (87), design (82), electricity (60), energy (131), engineering (117), heat (15), natural resources (35), sustainability (44)

In the Classroom

The projects outlined are in simple steps to show students how to create their own renewable energy technologies. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to get hands on experience with engineering, design, and sustainable energy technologies. It also could be a resource for science fair projects.

If you live in Canada, you can participate in a solar oven design challenge. Teachers from other countries may want to have their class host an on-line collaborative project to compare and contrast the performance of their home made solar ovens

The website provides a unit plan meant to be completed in 11 class periods. You can download free complete lesson plans with detailed instructions. A student planning worksheet outlines research procedures, project guidelines, timeline for completion dates and evaluation criteria they are expected to meet.
 This resource requires PDF reader software like Adobe Acrobat.

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Science IQ - Science IQ. com

Grades
8 to 12
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This website features answers to new science questions everyday. If the simple answer is not enough for you, there are helpful links, and suggested additional reading if you would like...more
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This website features answers to new science questions everyday. If the simple answer is not enough for you, there are helpful links, and suggested additional reading if you would like a greater understanding of the concept. Even more information is available through using the categorized science facts found on the left side of the screen. Questions are also searchable by keyword. Subjects include: physics, astronomy, chemistry, biology, mathematics, geology, engineering, and medicine.
This site includes advertising.

tag(s): area (52), carbon (15), carbon footprint (5), chemicals (39), coal (6), earthquakes (44), energy (131), engineering (117), fossil fuels (9), fossils (39), glaciers (17), machines (14), matter (47), moon (70), natural resources (35), ozone (7), ph (2), planets (111), prime numbers (26), pythagorean theorem (18), questioning (32), space (212), square roots (15), stars (65), sun (69), volume (34)

In the Classroom

Try using this site's questions on a weekly or daily basis in science or math class to start discussions and provoke student thinking. Allow students to view the question on your interactive whiteboard or projector. Then brainstorm possible answers. Once enough thoughts have been seeded, share the real answers. Or, allow students to work at the answer as the lesson continues for a few days and reveal the correct answer as a finale to the lesson.

This site could also be used as a learning station for the question of the day or the week.

Comments

This is a great resource to begin a class. It really helps students to apply science to the natural world. Gia, , Grades: 7 - 12

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Science Bob Experiments - Steve Galgas

Grades
6 to 11
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This website has a list of exciting and simple experiments. The instructions are clear, concise, and printable! Topics include Newton's Law, making a film canister rocket, a levitating...more
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This website has a list of exciting and simple experiments. The instructions are clear, concise, and printable! Topics include Newton's Law, making a film canister rocket, a levitating orb, how to make Slime, optical illusions, bend water with static electricity, and many more for a variety of different sciences. Experiments make good use of cheap, recyclable and other easy to find items. Many experiments have video clips of people doing the experiments.

tag(s): chemicals (39), electricity (60), experiments (52), magnetism (36), newton (20), optical illusions (10), rockets (11), sounds (43), volcanoes (55)

In the Classroom

Print out instructions and have student work through the experiments when relevant to topics. Also, some experiments could be used as demonstrations. Assign cooperative learning groups specific experiments to try out and create a video to share with the class. Share the videos on a site such as TeacherTube reviewed here.
 This resource requires PDF reader software like Adobe Acrobat.

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Linnaeus 2007 - linnaeus2007.se

Grades
9 to 12
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Read about Linnaeus' life and achievements on this fascinating site. Follow the link to Linnaeus' blog. (He did send his information to others to comment upon. Would he not find ...more
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Read about Linnaeus' life and achievements on this fascinating site. Follow the link to Linnaeus' blog. (He did send his information to others to comment upon. Would he not find today fascinating?)

tag(s): classification (21), scientific method (47), scientists (62)

In the Classroom

View the many articles about Linnaeus and discover the use of the scientific method in what he has shared with the world. Research other taxonomists to determine how organisms were classified then to uncover the similarities and differences among them.

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Plant and Soil Sciences eLibrary - University of Nebraska at Lincoln

Grades
4 to 12
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Find a vast array of lessons and resources on plant and growing technologies on this diverse site. Lessons include Case Studies that can be examined as an introduction to many ...more
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Find a vast array of lessons and resources on plant and growing technologies on this diverse site. Lessons include Case Studies that can be examined as an introduction to many Biology and Ecology topics.

tag(s): agriculture (49), ecology (99), erosion (14), plants (141)

In the Classroom

Find specific lessons on a topic such as Erosion. Use the simple and effective lesson plans and activities to learn about the processes and effects of erosion on the land. Research additional information such as losses attributed to erosion, natural events that disrupt human and other animal populations, and other related environmental problems. Use Google Maps or Google Earth, reviewed here, to map out the case studies presented in the resource. Create placemarks in either application that provide information about erosion, the causes, and the problems created. Research additional items to include in maps or Earth such as images, videos, or news articles that can be viewed to understand the problems. You might consider having students use a tool such as Middlespot, reviewed here, an innovative website for bookmarking in a unique, visual way. Add search material from anywhere on the web by dragging and dropping elements around the screen. Students would use this to help them keep track of their findings. Use with food and fiber activities that identify how many grown products are used not only as food but for building and other materials.

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Central Park Conservancy - Central Park Conservancy

Grades
4 to 12
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This site, created by the Central Park Conservancy, provides some interesting features about the park which includes history and films and famous photographs taken in the park. There...more
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This site, created by the Central Park Conservancy, provides some interesting features about the park which includes history and films and famous photographs taken in the park. There is tour and event information, so whether you're planning a virtual field trip or an actual field trip to Central park, this site is worth your viewing.
This site includes advertising.

tag(s): animals (278), environment (238), national parks (27), plants (141), trees (18), virtual field trips (80)

In the Classroom

Use this resource to plan a trip to the park. Or, create a virtual field trip by designating specific places on the website that students have to visit. Have students locate different buildings, art, and trees in the park. It could be a great way to do a virtual leaf collection (in this case - tree collection) with the site's tree database. Have students find at least ten different trees and then create a presentation providing different information about those trees, including their locations in the park. Assign small groups to explore one facet of this site and create a multimedia presentation using one of many TeachersFirst Edge tools reviewed here. Some tool suggestions are (click on the tool name to access the review): PBWorks (wiki), Site123 (blog/webpage), Renderforest (newscast video), and Genially (poster/bulletin board).Use the site to help teach geography content such as latitude and longitude by having the students create a map to "escape the park."

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Life Sciences Learning Center: Animations - University of Rochster Medical Center

Grades
7 to 12
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View animations about complex cellular processes either online or by downloading to your computer. Click on the picture to view and follow the simulation. Click on "Download movie"...more
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View animations about complex cellular processes either online or by downloading to your computer. Click on the picture to view and follow the simulation. Click on "Download movie" to download the movie for MAC or PC. There are several topics, some of which include "Bacterial Homeostasis and Tooth Decay," "DNA and Genetic Disorders," "Cellular Respiration," and others.

tag(s): animation (61), cells (80), dna (44), genetics (76), photosynthesis (20), respiration (10)

In the Classroom

Use this resource to review concepts that have been learned in a biology class such as photosynthesis, cellular respiration, protein synthesis, or electrophoresis. Give students time to view the animations and create study notes for each part of the process that is happening. For example, have teams of students create the script for the scene unfolding in each slide of the movie. Team members could share the work using a tool such as Google Docs, reviewed here, to create the script. Create a glossary of terms that need to be known to understand the process. Create a concept map either using conventional or digital means to outline the major points of the process and the similarities or differences that occur between each of the processes. Use a tool such as bubbl.us, reviewed here.

Provide time for students to generate questions from the information they still do not understand or to create quiz questions to check for understanding following the viewing of the resource. You might want them to use Vevox, reviewed here, to create online polls or surveys with their classmates to see who has the answers to the questions they still have.

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Discover Life - The Polistes Corporation

Grades
K to 12
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Use the free online tools at this site to identify species and view album pictures of a variety of living things. Search by keyword or by browsing through the categories. ...more
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Use the free online tools at this site to identify species and view album pictures of a variety of living things. Search by keyword or by browsing through the categories. Check out all living things, where a group of organisms can be selected and a variety of categories chosen from there (such as overview, divisions, phylogeny, links to other sites, and references.) Use the ID Nature guide to identify and categorize organisms based upon observable characteristics. Click on a pattern and then "Search" to change the possible organisms, links, and scientific names. Use the global mapper to locate species

tag(s): animals (278), classification (21), species (15)

In the Classroom

Need information on a vast array of animal species? Look no further. Use as a research guide, for identification purposes, and to view great quality images on a variety of species. This resource is a great tool for any environmental unit. Consider using information to appreciate the diversity of a specific genus in a variety of areas around the world, using as an initial resource in learning about animals and then further identifying habitat issues using other resources. Use as an initial activity in the unit to identify the common characteristics of a specific classification group to begin class discussions. Students can identify the characteristics of a species, identify then those that belong to a specific genus, etc. Continue backwards for a greater understanding of classification in general. Create a concept map of the progress and be sure to link the specific pages of the site for reference. Use a tool such as bubbl.us (reviewed here) to create and share the concept maps.

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Earth Sky - Earth Sky Communications

Grades
9 to 12
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Looking for real science from real-life scientists? This is the spot for you. EarthSky is loaded with current interviews in all different content areas. Topics include water, energy,...more
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Looking for real science from real-life scientists? This is the spot for you. EarthSky is loaded with current interviews in all different content areas. Topics include water, energy, health, agriculture, biodiversity, earth, space, and human. Another nifty feature of this website is that you can add the RSS feed to your blog or Google account to keep up with new interviews.

tag(s): biodiversity (30), ecology (99), energy (131), scientists (62)

In the Classroom

Have students select an interview to listen to on their own time. Once they have listened to it, have them research the subject. Have students share their findings with the class. Or, add the RSS feed to the class website so that students can access the interviews at their convenience.
 This resource requires PDF reader software like Adobe Acrobat.

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Science Friday Kids' Connection - NPR

Grades
6 to 12
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Science Friday includes a live science show, chat rooms, and a science desk for questions. Science links and mentors are also available. There are experiments to try, and an online...more
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Science Friday includes a live science show, chat rooms, and a science desk for questions. Science links and mentors are also available. There are experiments to try, and an online library for users. The site features podcasts of broadcasts of the PRN Science Friday shows, and a weekly video. They can be listened to on the site or downloaded through iTunes. Broadcasts can also be listened to live from links on the site. This hands-on site was designed for the user to have a science experience like no other.
This site includes advertising.

tag(s): agriculture (49), air (106), animals (278), anthropology (9), archeology (24), chemicals (39), child development (23), climate (80), climate change (87), computers (105), ecology (99), ecosystems (71), electricity (60), energy (131), engineering (117), environment (238), experiments (52), genetics (76), habitats (87), insects (67), light (52), magnetism (36), medicine (54), mental health (33), nuclear energy (19), nutrition (134), oceans (146), paleontology (27), planets (111), plants (141), podcasts (72), psychology (67), radio (20), reproduction (6), sociology (22), space (212), stars (65), transportation (32), water (101), weather (163)

In the Classroom

Use Science Friday as a springboard and resource for research projects, or as an end of the week fun discussion. Play a podcast, and have students discuss the meaning and any possible misunderstandings. You could set up a computer in your classroom with a Science Friday podcast or video set up and ready to go for students to cycle through or for those who finsh their work early.

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How To SMILE - National Science Digital Library

Grades
K to 12
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This site is a compilation of many math and science resources along with a social networking component. Currently there are almost 2000 activities, lessons, and videos and the site...more
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This site is a compilation of many math and science resources along with a social networking component. Currently there are almost 2000 activities, lessons, and videos and the site is constantly growing. There are several ways to use the site both as a registered user or without registration. Without registering for the site you can search and access lessons and information through the different search methods such as keywords, subjects, source institution, and more. Free registration allows the site to become much more personalized. After registering, you can make lists of resources for any different topic, share lists or searches with others, add comments, or add your own resources. Most activities on the site are free; however, there are some searches that deliver lessons that are paid - these are clearly indicated and not frequent enough to discourage use of this site. Searches can also filter out any paid activities and return only free items. Teachers may also want to subscribe to the site's blog and newsletter to receive updated information as it is added to the site.

In case you are wondering about the title, SMILE is the Science and Math Informal Learning Educators pathway of the National Science Digital Library (NSDL).

tag(s): resources (87), social networking (68), STEM (259), video (256)

In the Classroom

This is a perfect way to organize and sort lessons by topic or age range for future classroom use or to share with fellow teachers. Create a community list of lessons to use within your district. Share this site with other teachers in your building or district as a resource for STEM lessons. Share the video clips on your interactive whiteboard or projector.

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Innovative Technology in Science Inquiry - Concord Consortium

Grades
6 to 12
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ITSI-SU is a portal for using and creating interactive web-based labs and simulation activities. Brought to you by the research staff of the Concord Consortium, this free online programing...more
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ITSI-SU is a portal for using and creating interactive web-based labs and simulation activities. Brought to you by the research staff of the Concord Consortium, this free online programing uses an assortment of data collection tools from molecular modeling software and web-based simulations to computer sensors (which would need to be purchased if not already in the classroom). Interactives are standards based, thorough, and created with "backward design" in mind. Each activity begins with an inquiry question and a picture with real world relevance. One of the strengths of this program is that it can be used "as is," however all existing activities can be modified by the teacher using them. Any teacher can create new activities of their own as well. Once these activities are created and saved, they can be accessed by other teachers under the "DIY:Other activities area" of the Activities. This added value is something that is rarely found in online lab software. One warning for using this program: it is Java based so modules have to be downloaded. The download takes time and requires tat you "allow" it. Some school computers may block such downloads.

tag(s): modeling (8), problem solving (225)

In the Classroom

There are different levels of use of this site with incremental time and effort. The most basic users will need to create an account. Once the account is created, the user can create classes in the "Home" section of the site. This can be found on the left side of the screen. Beside "My Classes" choose "add a class." Here you will create different sections of students. Name your courses what you wish, but remember the sign-up word. You will give this to students when they create their accounts, and it will automatically enroll them into your class. Once they have signed up, their names will show up in the "My Students" section. Once the class is named, choose the activities you would like to have in your ITSI-SU class. Save your choices and the sign-up word will be shown in green print on the screen. Again, save this word. (You can go back into class information to find it if you forget, but you can save yourself time by remembering it.) From this point, basic users need only to show the site to the students and perhaps make some instructions for signing up for their students. Modules are ready to go. As the teacher, you can view the students' work and answers once they have completed the activity they are assigned. More adventurous users can modify activities by following onscreen instruction or even creating their own.

The only thing that could snag the use of this program is that the Java download may be prevented by your district's web filtering software. Please try this first ("preview activities"). One other concern is that downloading the Java app to every computer in a class of twenty students or more can pull a lot of bandwidth in a network. If your school's internet is not exactly top of the line, try running six computers with students working in groups to accommodate the internet capabilities. Have other students sit at their seat and work on preparing materials, so all students are learning and being productive. This program should be tried for the first time by the teacher to avoid any "tech" complications. Teachers who must request software installation by tech staff may want to try this tool at home so they can explain and convince administration of its educational value.

A great way to use this programing, on the smallest scale, is to share the initial lab question and picture to start a classroom discussion. Have students speculate about the possible answers to the question and possible "whys." Have students ask questions about the picture and attempt to explain its relevance to the question, and coincidentally the activity. From this point, you can have students log in to the site and create accounts. Either as individuals or have groups of students create a group log in, name, and password. (Student passwords are available to the teacher at any time from the teachers homepage. Please warn students of this when they are choosing passwords so that they choose something school-appropriate.) Another way to use this portal is to pick a modeling lab as an ongoing science enrichment project for students.
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National Phenology Network - USA National Phenology Network

Grades
8 to 12
4 Favorites 0  Comments
  
What is Phenology? It is the study of cycles in nature from bird and animal migration to changing of leaf colors. Many of our actions on the planet are affected ...more
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What is Phenology? It is the study of cycles in nature from bird and animal migration to changing of leaf colors. Many of our actions on the planet are affected by phenology. This site invites the general public to become observers. Identify the variety of plants and animals in your region and submit data after registering. You can also help in recoveringand recording historical data by entering scanned observation cards into a database.

tag(s): environment (238), food chains (17), resources (87)

In the Classroom

Identify global issues and their consequences through participation on this site. Learn about seasonal changes with animals and plants, adaptations of organisms, and the interrelationships among organisms. Ask students the following questions: Could using herbicides and pesticides at other times of the year yield a better result? What cycles would you need to look at? What natural resources can be managed more efficiently if we followed cycles? What animal or plant cycles have been affected by environmental changes? Students can enter the information from the scanned cards for a community service project or a graduation project. By looking at data such as when insects emerge and when migrating songbirds arrive, students could also learn about the interdependence of plants and animals, and possibly more importantly, the consequences when that interdependence is interrupted by human activity. Challenge cooperative learning groups to investigate a specific topic on this website and make a multimedia presentation using one of many TeachersFirst Edge tools reviewed here. Or challenge student groups to make an infographic that depicts the impact of a specific human activity.

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Gizmos - Virtual Labs & Simulations - Explore Learning

Grades
3 to 12
1 Favorites 0  Comments
This is a collection of interactive activities that teach mathematical concepts from algebra up through calculus, and well-written instructional modules that introduce scientific concepts,...more
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This is a collection of interactive activities that teach mathematical concepts from algebra up through calculus, and well-written instructional modules that introduce scientific concepts, primarily in physics and life sciences from grades 3-12. Each module includes interactive elements that let students experiment with the topic concept. The presentation and subject matter are excellent for these high-interest interactives. A free acount gives you 20-40 free Gizmos, lesson materials, to teach with,

tag(s): earth (185), engineering (117), equations (119), forensics (12), life cycles (21), measurement (125), numbers (119), probability (96), scientific method (47), space (212)

In the Classroom

There are lesson plans and teacher guides associated with the free modules. Bookmark this to incluce in your regular units for some high-interest, student-centered activities. Use these interactives for yur blended classroom. Introduce them in class, have the students explore at home, then come to class the next day with questions, impressions, etc.

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DNA From the Beginning

Grades
9 to 12
2 Favorites 0  Comments
This is an extensive, well-designed site which lets viewers create their own personalized study of genetics and DNA. Students can proceed at their own pace through an extensive set...more
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This is an extensive, well-designed site which lets viewers create their own personalized study of genetics and DNA. Students can proceed at their own pace through an extensive set of topics, each with explanation, animations, visual materials, and quizzes.

tag(s): dna (44), genetics (76)

In the Classroom

The content is "real world" and could also be a great review or brush-up for teachers who haven't encountered this material in a while.

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