This CD-ROM helps learners discover forests in Hawaii and around the world through many science activities. Activities include climbing to the canopy where the calls of unusual birds can be heard; discovering bizarre creatures that dwell in dark, damp lava tubes; spinning the globe and meeting extraordinary forest plants and animals; and creating…

This student handbook targets children in grades 3-5 and features both group and individual activities. By completing one group and one individual activity in each section of the eighth chapter, a student can become a certified Junior Master Gardener. Contents include: (1) "Plant Growth and Development"; (2) "Soils and Water"; (3) "Ecology and…

This program is a new and innovative gardening project that targets children in grades 3-5 (Level 1). This book contains eight chapters that feature group and individual activities. Students can become certified Junior Master Gardeners by completing one group and one individual activity for each teaching concept and by participating in one…

This teacher's guide attempts to answer questions such as: What causes ocean currents? What impact do they have on Earth's environment? and How have they influenced human history? Seven innovative activities are provided in which students can gain fascinating insights into the earth as the ocean planet. Activities focus on how wind, temperature,…

These documents contain instructional materials for the Earth/Space Science curriculum designed by the Florida Department of Education. The student guide is adapted for students with disabilities or diverse learning needs. The content of Parallel Alternative Strategies for Students (PASS) differs from standard textbooks with its simplified text,…

This interactive educational CD-ROM is designed for the general public and examines the extent of coastal population growth and development and their impact on coastal resources. High schools will find it a useful complement to environmental sciences curricula while science and visitors centers, museums, and aquariums will discover it to be a…

This activity is designed to teach about hydrothermal vent ecology. Students are expected to describe how hydrothermal vents are formed and characterize the physical conditions at these sites, explain chemosynthesis and contrast this process with photosynthesis, identify autotrophic bacteria as the basis for food webs in hydrothermal vent…

This curriculum supplement aims to bring cutting-edge medical science and basic research discoveries from the laboratories of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) into classrooms. The supplement was designed to complement existing life science curricula at both the state and local levels and to be consistent with the National Science Education…

The motto of the national science education reform efforts is "science for all" regardless of gender, ethnicity, socio-economic background, or any special need. The main issue of this statement is the modification of science activities so that a wider range of students can benefit from it, which is a difficult task. For teachers, the dilemma is…

This brief discusses growing protein crystals. Protein crystals can be very difficult to grow. This activity for grades 9-12 provides a simple recipe for growing protein crystals from Brazil nuts. Included are a history of protein crystals, a discussion of microgravity effects on growth, connections to academic standards, and lab sheets. (MVL)

Education has traditionally studied the world by bringing it into the classroom. This method can result in situated learning that appears to students to have no relevance outside the classroom. Students acquire inert, decontextualized knowledge that they cannot apply to real problems. The obvious solution to this shortcoming is to reverse the…

Most children know how to describe an object--by color, size, and shape. Here they'll learn that all objects are made of matter and that all matter can be described with basic scientific properties--mass, weight, volume and density. Each of these properties is described using fun, real-life examples. With clear illustrations and hands-on…

Most people certainly take light for granted. But understanding the basic nature of light can open up a whole new world! All about Light takes kids on a fun journey to answer questions like: "Why does light shine through some things and not others?" and "Why can we see our reflections in water, but not in a rock?" Students learn how light travels…

Why does a magnet stick to the fridge but not to the wooden cabinets? This question will be answered as viewers discover what makes something "magnetic." Young students learn about positive and negative forces, the North and South Poles, and the basic concepts of why opposites attract. Children find out more about what magnets are used…

Up, up and away! A hot air balloon, an airplane and even the space shuttle all defy the force of gravity, but they all do it in different ways. Children will learn about the basic concepts that make flight possible. With clear demonstrations and a hands-on project, students will be able to understand more easily the basic concepts behind various…