Science – a potpourri of links

Science – a potpourri of links

NASA Quest
http://quest.nasa.gov/index.html
NASA Quest includes a full suite of online resources such as profiles of NASA experts; stories about their work days; live interactions with NASA experts; streamed programs; Lesson plans and student activities; collaborative activities; photo sections; a place where teachers can meet; searchable QNA area with over 3,000 previously asked questions; and an e-mail service in which individual questions get answered. Find lessons using the topical menu: Aerospace technology and design, Solar System, Deep Space Science (beyond the planets), or Human Space Exploration.

The Science Lab
http://www.the-science-lab.com/index.html

Preventing Mad Cow Disease in California - A Webquest
http://www.interactworks.info/madcow/madcowquest.htm
Mad Cow Disease is a fatal brain illness with unusually long incubation
periods measured in months to years, and is caused by an unconventional
transmissible agent. The student role in this WebQuest is to act as a
Public Health Officer who has been directed to address the perceived
threat of Mad Cow Disease affecting citizens in California. The task is
to craft a persuasive public service announcement that effectively
communicates the facts about Mad Cow Disease and educates individuals on
the actual risk for exposure. Created by Interactworks.

Weather Scope: An Investigative Study of Weather and Climate
http://www.k12science.org/curriculum/weatherproj2/en/ Weather Scope is a new educational project that uses online real time data investigations and hands-on activities to guide student discovery of the science behind the factors that affect weather and climate. After completing this project, the students will learn how to how to record weather data and represent it in graphs and maps, how to compare weather in different places and different times, and ultimately be able to identify and explain the factors that affect temperature and current weather conditions, and possibly forecast future ones. Weather Scope is recommended for students grades 5 through 8 and can be implemented on the 9-12 grade level. (Also in SPANISH
http://www.k12science.org/curriculum/weatherproj2/es/). Aligned to
National Science Standards.

Low Life Labs (Science Museum of Minnesota) http://www.robotsandus.org/
Low Life Labs is an imaginary environment where cockroaches, ants, and similar creatures are studied. Robots are then built using the knowledge
gleaned from these creature's natural adaptations to their environment.
Divided into four sections: Moving, Sensing, Thinking, and Being; each area allows users to manipulate various types of simulations. Rollover the main pages to get directions and explanations or to use the tools. Truly excellent! Requires Quicktime and Java.

Biothreats in our Midst http://www.interactworks.info/biothreats/index.html
This activity is designed to teach students about anthrax exposure and
helps them gain a better understanding of terrorism. Sections divided
into Language Arts, Science, Mathematics, and Social Studies. A "flashy
interface" but a simple format lies beneath. Each section suggests an
activity or two. You must then use the "Links" to locate the information
required to complete the activity. Requires Flash. From the Naval School
of Health Sciences.

e-Mission: Operation Montserrat http://emissionhq.com/
e-Mission: Operation Montserrat is based on a real historical event. The volcano on the normally tranquil island of Montserrat has come to life. As flaming pebbles and lava begin their devastation, emergency response teams learn a hurricane is approaching. Using real-time hurricane and seismic data, teams of student specialists assist Mission Control in saving the residents from certain destruction. Students to apply their science and math skills to an authentic crisis situation. During the two-hour e-Mission, student specialists serve as members of a team: volcano, hurricane, evacuation, or communication. You must apply and be selected to participate in the actual e-Mission. Doesn't say how many are selected; but there are enough resources on the site to make it worthwhile.

Putting DNA to Work (Koshland Science Museum)
http://www.koshlandsciencemuseum.org/exhibitdna/index.jsp
Fifty years ago scientists first described the structure of DNA. Today
humans have put DNA to work in a wide variety of applications. This
exhibit explores a few of those applications including Inherited
Diseases, DNA/Criminal Justice, Improving Crops, and Infectious Disease.
In the following sections, learn more about the basics of where DNA is
found, how similar DNA is between humans and other species and how
traits are inherited from one generation to the next. Teaching
Activities include standards-based activities and fieldtrip guides that
can be used without a physical visit. There is even an activity search
tool http://www.koshlandsciencemuseum.org/teachers/searchactivities.jsp
Copyright 2004 National Academy of Sciences.

Mineral Classification Website (new – not annotated yet)

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