Elementary Science Links - DOC

Report as inappropriate Your report has been received

Shared by: YS2oZNiD

Tags

Stats

views:: 13
posted:: 5/26/2012
language:: English
pages:: 19

Public Domain

/ 19 Download or Print

Document Sample

Educational Links March - December, 2008

Click on the subject area you are interested in and you’ll jump to that section in this document.

Of course, you are also free to simply scroll down through the file at your leisure.

Elementary Science Links

Secondary Science Links

Elementary Math Links

Secondary Math Links

Elementary & Secondary Math, Science & Technology Links

Using Information & Communication Technology Links

Elementary Science Links

Simple and Complex Machines
http://sunshine.chpc.utah.edu/javalabs/java12/machine/index.htm

Using some animation and a droll story-line, the site attempts to teach students about simple
machines such as "Wedge and Lever," "Ramp and Pulley," and "Wheel and Axle." Teachers may
want to first visit the "Teachers' Overview" section for teaching tips, standards, etc. Note that the
site's 'hit counter' dates back to 2003.

Science en ligne
www.scienceenligne.ca

For those teaching science in French at the elementary level, this site may provide some strategies,
resources and ideas. Rather than tease those teaching the subject in English, here is a description
of the site in French. Science en ligne est un projet répondant au besoin de formation continue de
l’enseignant dans le domaine de la science et de la technologie. Il modélise une démarche
scientifique à utiliser avec les élèves dans des thématiques reliées aux différents univers du
programme de formation et ce, dans les trois cycles du primaire. Sur le site, toutes les trousses
pédagogiques sont offertes et représentent une clé en main pour l’enseignant qui désire
s’approprier une démarche pédagogique. Par le biais d’une plate-forme de communication, les
élèves sont en contact avec les classes participantes et peuvent confronter leurs découvertes
scientifiques. Science en ligne est un soutien à l’enseignant dans le domaine de la science et de la
technologie. Onze trousses pédagogiques au total dans les différents cycles du primaire et dans les
différents univers

Back to the top

Secondary Science Links

Lab out Loud
http://www.nsta.org/publications/laboutloud.aspx

A biweekly podcast from NSTA on science teaching, science news, and anything else with "science"
in it. Science teachers Brian Bartel and Dale Basler discuss science news and science education
with leading scientists, researchers, science writers, and other important figures in the field. A
selection of links and notes accompanies each episode, enabling the listener to dig deeper into the
topics discussed. Also available for download through iTunes.

Page 1 of 19
Educational Links March - December, 2008

All About Snow
http://nsidc.org/snow/index.html

Supposedly the native people of Alaska have dozens of words to describe snow. All About Snow,
from the National Snow and Ice Data Center, goes even further by presenting just about
everything you might want to know about snow, from avalanches to snow science. There is also a
snow glossary to help understand the difference between a blizzard and a squall.

TINAFAD – High School Physics and Mathematics Simulation (Gr.10 -12 Teachers)
http://www.tinafad.com/

This educational website uses computer simulations to help high school students understand
physics and mathematics.

Virtual Yeast Cell
http://unow.nottingham.ac.uk/resources/resource.aspx?hid=0cc6fb79-9b43-b3cd-7ae6-88653d5e08b4#

Learning about the various parts of a cell can be tricky business, but this virtual yeast cell offered
by The University of Nottingham will come in handy for biology students and science instructors.
This learning resource was created to help students in the brewing science program learn about
yeast cytology, though just about anyone with an interest in cells will learn something from visiting
the site. After entering the interactive cell, visitors can click on different parts of the cell (such as
the cytoplasm or the nucleus) in order to learn more about the importance of each one. Visitors
should remember that they can also download the virtual yeast cell and use it in the classroom or
just with a group of friends.

Using Field Lab Write-ups to Develop Observational and Critical Thinking Skills
http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/structure04/activities/3856.html

Doing field labs in geology can be quite a rewarding experience, and this helpful educational
resource is something that can be used by a wide range of science educators. Created by Professor
Kim Hannula of Fort Lewis College, this resource is designed to help teachers incorporate writing
into the description and interpretation sections of a geologic report. Visitors to the site can find a
set of instructor's notes, a thorough description of the assignment, and several examples of lab
handouts. Additionally, the site features information on the goals of the assignment and a
description of what students will be doing at each step of the assignment.

Digital Library for Earth System Education
http://www.dlese.org/library/

The Digital Library for Earth System Education (DLESE) is a clearinghouse of high-quality materials
for educators, students and scientists "working together to improve the quality, quantity, and
efficiency of teaching and learning about the Earth system at all levels." First-time visitors will want
to look at the "Getting started with DLESE" section, as it provides a bit of background information,
along with a guide to searching the library. Visitors can also get a better sense of the site's content
by looking at the "Resource of the Day" featured on the homepage. More advanced users can also
take advantage of the embedded search engine to look for educational resources by type, grade
level, or relevant educational standard. The site is rounded out by a "News" area, which features
items that are of interest to the Earth science community.

Page 2 of 19
Educational Links March - December, 2008

Rhetoric for Engineers
http://www.tcnj.edu/~rgraham/rhetoric/

OK, OK, this is not really a site that falls under the “Secondary Science Links” banner, but this is
the area where it most appropriately fits. For teachers of future scientists and engineers, this may
serve as a fun and interesting resource. As a field of study, rhetoric has enjoyed a popular
resurgence in at the college level, and when deployed effectively, various rhetorical devices can
make any piece of writing much more compelling. Ron Graham has created this site designed to
help engineers and "other practical people" with the practice and art of rhetoric. The site includes a
summary of basic rhetoric, along with some "Two-Minute Drills", which are designed to help
engineers with developing answers to questions like "Are engineers made or born?" and "Define
'reliability'". Visitors can also look over the site's complete contents via an interactive guide which
covers everything from abstraction to workplace distractions.

Writing Guidelines for Engineering and Science Students
http://www.writing.engr.psu.edu/

Crafting meaningful and articulate lab presentations and correspondence can be difficult for
anyone, including engineers and other scientists. This particular set of resources is deigned to
teach engineering and science students about creating and writing materials such as resumes,
formal laboratory reports, presentation slides, and so on. The guidelines are gathered into several
different sections, including "Introduction", "Presentations", "Correspondence", and "Formal
Reports". There is material for instructors here as well, and the offerings include pieces on the
design of writing assignments, the interactive teaching of writing, and the evaluation of writing
assignments. Finally, the site also contains a number of writing exercises on grammar,
punctuation, and word usage.

Library of Congress: Science Reference Services
http://www.loc.gov/rr/scitech/

As one of the world's premier libraries, the Library of Congress has many staff members dedicated
to helping members of the general public find the information they need. Along with providing in-
person assistance in Washington, D.C., they also maintain this nifty site designed for persons
looking for science reference material online. There is not much that isn't included on the site, as
visitors can view webcasts on creating a school garden, look over research guides, and learn about
"Everyday Mysteries". The "Everyday Mysteries" feature provides answers to questions such as
"Who invented electric Christmas lights?" and it can be quite addictive. Visitors should also click on
over to the "Science Reference Guides" area. Here they can look at comprehensive research
bibliographies on chocolate, astronomy, electric power, and dozens more. With all of this material,
visitors may also want to sign up for their RSS feed.

NC State Physics Demonstrations
http://demoroom.physics.ncsu.edu/resources.html

The physics department at North Carolina State University has created this very fine list of online
physics demonstration manuals that will be quite a boon to physics educators in high schools and
colleges. Visitors can search 28 online demonstration manuals simultaneously or they can also
choose to look over a demonstrations bibliography that contains over 7500 references. Those who
just wish to browse around can scroll down the page to look within each manual separately. Also,
visitors may also wish to check out the public lecture demonstration shows offered on the site,
along with a collection of links to professional organizations, including The American Association of
Physics Teachers.

Page 3 of 19
Educational Links March - December, 2008

A Global Map of Human Impacts to Marine Ecosystems
http://www.nceas.ucsb.edu/GlobalMarine

Many people may wonder what happens in the vast stretches of the world's oceans. For some, it is
simply a matter of "out of sight, out of mind". Fortunately that is not the attitude at the National
Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis at the University of California, Santa Barbara. For one
of their latest projects, they decided to estimate and visualize the global impact humans are having
on the ocean's ecosystems. Visitors to the site can view the map, learn about the methodology
used to create the map, and also read about their datasets. Their findings were also recently
reported in Science magazine, and users can view supplementary findings which appeared in that
piece. As it stands, this map provides "critical information for evaluating where certain activities
can continue with little effect on the oceans, where other activities might need to be stopped or
moved to less sensitive areas, and where to focus efforts on protecting the last pristine areas."

Distinctive Voices@ The Beckman Center
http://www.nasonline.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Beckman_main

At the Beckman Center in Irvine, California they certainly leave no scientific stones unturned.
Through their "Distinctive Voices" public events series they bring in experts to talk about the
science of chocolate, the causes of obesity, and the transposable elements sequences of DNA.
While many visitors may be unable to make it to these events in person, they are encouraged to
listen and watch via the online archive provided here. Currently, the archive contains several dozen
lectures, and they include such intriguing offerings as "What is the Scientific Method?", "Ghost
Hunters: Can Science Explain the Supernatural?", and "The New Industrial Revolution". Visitors
should also wander over to "The Sounds of Science" podcast, which is produced by The National
Academies. It is quite a delight, and visitors who get hooked may wish to subscribe here.

Evolution of Normal Fault Systems during Progressive Deformation
http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/structure/activities/6662.html

The geology teaching resources offered by the professional development initiative at Carleton
College are uniformly quite strong, and this particular pedagogical resource is no different. Created
by Professor Robert Burger at Smith College, this activity "is based on Quick Time movies and color
digital photographs derived from sandbox experiments that produce normal faults in a variety of
boundary conditions." At the beginning of the activity, students view movies in order to gain
awareness of the evolution of normal fault systems. Visitors to this site will find the movies
available for their use, along with detailed information on how to incorporate this activity into the
classroom. Finally, visitors can also read the activity description and assignment in its entirety.

The Virtual Body
http://www.medtropolis.com/vbody.asp

Unless one is a medical resident, it can be quite difficult to get a close-up look at a skeleton, a
brain, or even the inner workings of the digestive tract. Students of the medical sciences and
others need worry no more, as this very fine interactive exhibit offers up dynamic images and
cross-sections of these parts of the anatomy and many more to boot. The site contains four
sections, including "Brain", "Skeleton", "Heart", and "Digestive Tract". In the "Heart" area, visitors
can learn about the individual parts of the heart, view an animated heart, and also take a narrated
tour of the heart that will "keep your heart beating." Moving on, the "Skeleton" section features the
"Bones Narrated" tour, which will take visitors on a guided tour of the skeleton and its functions.
For those who like to keep things interactive, there is also the "Build a Skeleton" feature that will
test their knowledge of the human skeleton. Additionally, the "Digestive Tract" area includes a test
of organ organization and a trip through the duodenum and other parts of the digestive system.
It's worth noting that the entire site is also available in Spanish.

Page 4 of 19
Educational Links March - December, 2008

Breathing Earth [Macromedia Flash Player]
http://www.breathingearth.net/

Visual simulation and representation programs and applications have been popping up online in
greater numbers, and this recent find is one that will pique the interest of scientists, policy makers,
and others who are concerned about carbon dioxide emission rates across the Earth. The Breathing
Earth site was created by David Bleja, and he draws on a number of resources (such as the World
Factbook and the United Nations) for the data that is utilized to create this site. Visitors can scroll
over different countries to learn about their population, their emissions, and their birth and death
rate. This interactive map and educational resource also contains a legend in the right-hand corner
which explains the various symbols in use here.

Biology Animation Library
http://www.dnalc.org/ddnalc/resources/animations.html

The good folks at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory provide a number of helpful and well-designed
educational materials on their site, and this Biology Animation Library is a real find. Visitors to the
site can view one of a dozen animations offered here, and they can also download them for their
own use. The animations include a brief overview of cloning, several on DNA, gel electrophoresis,
and polymerase chain reaction. One can imagine that utilizing these animations in a genetics
classroom would be quite easy, and students could even use these materials as a way to review
basic genetic concepts. The site is rounded out by a section on the left-hand side that contains
links to other educational resources created by experts at the Dolan DNA Research Center.

Educational Materials in Atmospheric Chemistry
http://www-as.harvard.edu/chemistry/trop/education/index.html

Professor Daniel J. Jacob of Harvard University has compiled this very fine set of educational
materials that deal with various aspects of atmospheric chemistry. He draws these resources from
his own teaching experience, along with offering slides, presentations, and information from his
own introductory textbook on the subject. Visitors can click through sections that contain resources
such as Power Point presentations on halogen chemistry, aerosols, and global biogeochemical
cycles. Professor Jacob has also been kind enough to include several versions of his 1999 textbook
titled "Introduction to Atmosphere Chemistry" for general consideration and use. Finally, the site
also contains resources on chemical transport models intended for graduate students.

Interactives: The Rock Cycle
http://www.learner.org/interactives/rockcycle/index.html

How much do you know about rocks? Well, if you are a bit unsure about distinguishing an igneous
rock from a sedimentary rock you'll certainly be on solid ground after taking a tour through this
feature created by Annenberg Media. Visitors can make their way through graphically-enhanced
sections that include "Types of Rocks", "How Rocks Change", and "The Rock Cycle Diagram". In the
"Types of Rocks" area visitors will learn about the basic types of rocks and they can even check out
a handy chart that will give them some of the finer points of rock identification. The "How Rocks
Change" area provides a basic overview of the processes involved with rock creation and
transformation through a heady blend of Flash animations and straight-forward prose. Finally, the
"Rock Cycle Diagram" provides an illustration of rock transformation over time. This site will be
quite useful to educators and anyone who has peered at a rock and wondered: "How did you come
to be?"

Page 5 of 19
Educational Links March - December, 2008

The Body Explained
http://www.bioedonline.org/body-explained/

BioEdOnline from the Baylor College of Medicine has been producing high-quality educational
resources for a number of years, so it's nice to learn about their rather fun and informative "The
Body Explained" resource. Narrated and hosted by Cassius Bordelon, PhD, this video production
answers a number of common questions about how the body works. The segments are quite brief,
and they may just spark a new interest in a curious student. Currently, there are around a dozen
or so segments offered on the site, and they cover topics such as why our ears pop, why we
sneeze, and what causes hiccups. Interested parties can also download the short segments for use
in their classroom.

Geology of National Parks
http://3dparks.wr.usgs.gov/

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to take a historic tour of the Colorado River Canyon?
Wonder no more, as this site from the U.S. Geological Survey makes just such a sojourn possible.
Drawing on thousands of historic and contemporary photographs, views, documents, and other
items, the USGS has created these fine 3D and photographic tours of dozens of national parks. On
the site, visitors will find an alphabetical list of the parks, along with links to the 3D image
galleries, standard image galleries, and selected online field guides. There's a great deal to
recommend here, but visitors should definitely look at the stereograph images from the Powell
Survey Expeditions of the Colorado River from 1871 and 1872 (in the "Other park-related
resources" section) and the guidebook titled "Where's the San Andreas Fault?" Along with providing
entertaining edification, this site might also spark some ideas for an upcoming trip.

Global Canopy Programme
http://www.globalcanopy.org/

Working high above the ground below, researchers who study forest canopies work together on a
number of unique scientific endeavors, including tracking the flora and fauna of these unique
ecosystems. The Global Canopy Programme is an alliance of 29 scientific institutions interested in
exploring "the range and economic value of forest ecosystem services and to share [their] findings
with decision-makers in government and finance." Visitors can get acquainted with the
Programme's work by watching a short introductory video, read a few journal entries, and look at
their latest press releases. The "Forest Ecosystems" area provides a brief overview of the benefits
that forest ecosystems provide, such as soil stabilization, climate buffering, and rainfall generation.
From there, visitors can look at their "Publications" area, which features factsheets and full-length
reports, including "Ecosystem Services of the Congo Basin Forests".

Earth Revealed
http://www.learner.org/resources/series78.html

What goes on during an earthquake? Who came up with the theory of plate tectonics? What can
the fossil record tell us about the evolution of life on Earth? These are all fine questions, and
students and educators with a thirst for geological knowledge will find the answers to these (and
many more) questions in the "Earth Revealed" television series. Offered as part of the Annenberg
Media website, the 26-part series includes such episodes as "Geologic Time", "Mountain Building",
and "The Birth of a Theory". As with many of the Annenberg Media offerings, visitors can view
entire episodes here, and they can also take a look at a list of additional resources.

Page 6 of 19
Educational Links March - December, 2008

Open Science Directory
http://www.opensciencedirectory.net/

Readers may have heard of the "digital divide", but what about the scientific "digital divide"? The
Open Science Directory is attempting to bridge this gap by providing access to a wide range of
journals to researchers in both developing and developed countries. Working with the support of
EBSCO Information Services and Hasselt University Library, the Open Science Directory provides
access to approximately 13000 scientific journals. The Directory includes collections of open access
journals and also draws on a variety of other resources, including BioMed Central and PubMed
Central. By clicking on the "Open Science Directory" tab, visitors will be redirected to the site's
sophisticated search engine. Visitors can browse the list of titles alphabetically, topically, or also
create their own detailed search across a number of fields.

BioPortal
http://www.bioportal.gc.ca/

Canada is fast becoming a biotechnology hub, and the Canadian government has created this site
as a clearinghouse of information both about biotechnology in general and about the various
governmental strategies they have adopted in order to encourage development in this area. The
materials on the site are divided into five sections: "BioGateway", "BioBasics", "BioStrategy",
"BioRegulations", and "BioGov". Laypeople may wish to start their exploration of the site at the
"BioBasics" section. Here they can learn about the various types of biotechnology and their
applications in the environment, food production, and as a form of sustainable development. The
"BioGateway" area is geared towards those persons who might want to know more about how the
Canadian government is attempting to coordinate and encourage biotechnology across the nation.
It's worth noting that visitors can also sign up for email updates on the site.

The Biology Corner
http://www.biologycorner.com/

This particular virtual biology "corner" is maintained and updated by science educator Shannan
Muskopf. On the site, visitors will find labs, worksheets, and various classroom activities. The
"webquests" feature on the site is particularly interesting; this type of exercise requires students to
peruse several websites that address a certain theme or topic. Some of the themes covered include
bioethics, evolution, and genetics. Moving on, the site also contains a "Lesson Plans" area. Here
visitors can look over such offerings as "Biodiversity of Ponds", "Estimating Population Size", and
"Comparing Ecosystems". Additionally, the site also contains a section of online quizzes and links to
other science education resource websites of note.

Teaching Issues and Experiments in Ecology
http://tiee.ecoed.net/index.html

Teaching Issues and Experiments in Ecology (TIEE) is a "peer-reviewed web-based collection of
ecological educational materials." The collection is under the direction of Professor Charlene
D'Avanzo of Hampshire College and Professor Bruce W. Grant of Widener University. TIEE relies on
high-quality submissions from college educators across the United States and Canada, and the
materials offered here will not disappoint visitors to the site. First-time visitors can jump right in by
clicking on the "All Volumes" area, which contains direct links to all of the current and past
publications which have appeared so far. The materials here are divided into several sections,
including "Research", "Issues to Teach Ecology", and "Experiments to Teach Ecology". These
sections feature full-length articles like "Insect Predation Game: Evolving Prey Defenses and
Predator Responses" and "The Ecology of Disturbance". The site is rounded out by a superb
"Teaching" area. Here visitors can read essays on guiding class discussion and other related topics.

Page 7 of 19
Educational Links March - December, 2008

Science: Embryos and stem cells
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/stemcells

It's quite easy to stay abreast of all the developments within the world of embryos and stem cell
research with this handy site created and maintained by staff members at the Guardian newspaper.
On their page, visitors can read news reports from the frontlines of scientific research in these
areas, and also check out the latest posts from the weblogs they maintain on these matters.
Further down the page, visitors will find a selection of specialized reports on both stem cell
research and the manipulation and transformation of embryos. Visitors can also sign up to receive
an RSS feed and even learn about related subjects, including genetics and biotechnology.

Analysis of Sidewalk Fractures
http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/structure04/activities/3860.html

Most people are familiar with Shel Silverstein's poem "Where the Sidewalk Ends", but do they know
where and why sidewalks crack? It's a valid and worthy question, and this handy educational
activity from Charles Onasch of Bowling Green State University explains just that. Here, students
will learn to use fractures in sidewalks as an analog for natural outcrops and also learn how to
make systematic observations of such fractures. This activity is offered as part of the "Teaching
Structural Geology in the 21st Century" website maintained at Carleton College, and educators are
welcome to use it in a variety of classroom settings. Visitors can read a brief summary of the
activity, and then go on to download all of the necessary documentation related to the activity.

JourneyNorth: A Global Study of Wildlife Migration
http://www.learner.org/jnorth/

Not many websites bring together whooping cranes, gray whales, and bald eagles, but this
educational resource from Annenberg Media manages to do just that. The site is designed to help
students learn more about the global study of wildlife migration and seasonal change by drawing
on their own observations. On the homepage, visitors can click on a diverse set of animals to learn
more about their migratory patterns. Moving on down the site, visitors can also contribute their
own recent sightings and take a look at data that's been submitted by other users. The "Maps"
section is a great way to get a visual overview of the most recent sightings and there's a great area
for teachers that includes instructional activities and classroom lessons.

Wetlands International
http://www.wetlands.org/

Established as a non-governmental organization, Wetlands International is concerned with
promoting the conservation and wise use of wetlands on the global, regional, and national levels.
Much of the information on the site is contained within a dozen or so sections along the left-hand
side of the homepage. First-time visitors may want to read through the "About Us" area before
proceeding to the "Introduction to Wetlands" area. Scholars and policy analysts will want to also
look through the "Publications" area. Here they will find information sheets on peatland loss, user
handbooks on various wetland regions, and related fact sheets for general use. Visitors may also
want to peruse the "Biodiversity Programmes" area to learn more about the species and habitats
that Wetlands International works to preserve through their advocacy work. The site is rounded out
by a collection of recent news stories and press releases.

Exploratorium: Microscope Imaging Station
http://www.exploratorium.edu/imaging_station/index.php

In the summer of 2004, the Exploratorium museum in San Francisco unveiled their very ambitious
and interesting microscope facility. Over the past few years they've spent a considerable amount of
time and money on this project, and they've also created this fine website to offer those far away

Page 8 of 19
Educational Links March - December, 2008

from the Bay area some access to this project. First-time visitors will want to click on the
"Features" area to get started. Here they can look at the cells of sea urchins, blood, zebrafish, and
frogs. Each feature has images of the cells, along with complete background material on the work
that is being done through the use of these high-powered images. The "Gallery" is a great place to
stop next, as it contains dozens of high-resolution images and movies created with research-grade
microscopes. Here visitors can learn about cell motility, development, and immune response
through looking over this extensive gallery that covers the gamut of different cellular activities.
Finally, the site also contains an "Activities" area that includes classroom activities, printable
flipbooks, and desktop wallpaper.

Smithsonian: Science and Technology
http://www.si.edu/Encyclopedia_SI/Science_and_Technology/default.htm

Browsing through the Encyclopedia Smithsonian can be a bit like spending time with a friend: You'll
rediscover some familiar stories, and you'll probably learn something new at the same time. This
particular part of the Encyclopedia Smithsonian covers science and technology and visitors can
learn about Arctic wildlife, major "firsts" in aviation history, and bird biology. The materials are
drawn from different parts of the Institution, including the Lemelson Center for the Study of
Invention & Innovation and the National Air & Space Museum. Visitors can also scan the left-hand
side of the page for alphabetically organized resources from aeronautics to zoology. Overall, the
site is a great way to access a few of the tremendous resources offered by the Institution, and it
may just inspire a deeper search through some of their additional online offerings.

American Institute of Physics: Education
http://www.aip.org/education/

The American Institute of Physics (AIP) has a substantial outreach mission, and this site provides a
cornucopia of educational materials and resources designed for physics undergraduate majors,
instructors, and those thinking about a career in physics. Near the top of the page visitors will find
the "Students" section, which includes information on graduate programs in the physical sciences,
along with information about the national honor society for physics students. Below that section,
the "Educators" area includes resources for physics teachers such as interactive modules and
learning worksheets. Near the bottom of the page the "Academic Resources" area contains reports
on employment trends for physicists and links to job websites in the realm of physics and related
fields.

Physclips
http://www.physclips.unsw.edu.au/

Whether you have a physics lab or not, this site can be of great use in your physics classes.
Professor Joe Wolfe of The University of New South Wales has created a rather remarkable set of
physics teaching resources that address topics such as "Centre of Mass, Circular Motion, and
Gravity. Each section includes learning modules with video clips that demonstrate different
principles, along with links to other relevant background materials. Teachers can download clips for
classroom use.

Normal Faults in Sand in a Shoe Box
http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/structure04/activities/3872.html

A great deal can be learned by observing a sand box, and this delightful instructional resource
offers ample proof. This resource was developed by Betsy D. Torrez of Sam Houston State
University and it is designed to help students use sandbox models "to investigate the
characteristics of normal faults and parameters that influence their development." The resource is
intended for use by students in structural geology, and the site includes an overview of the context

Page 9 of 19
Educational Links March - December, 2008

in which the activity should be used, along with a complete set of notes for instructors. Finally, the
site also includes several student handouts and a list of supporting materials and references.

Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine
http://www.ethnobiomed.com/home/

If you've ever had a yen to learn more about the traditional knowledge of wild edible plants used in
Palestine or the medicinal plants of southeastern Ethiopia, then the Journal of Ethnobiology and
Ethnomedicine is for you. The Journal an open access, peer-reviewed journal published by BioMed
Central, and visitors can browse through all the issues here and also take a gander at the top ten
most accessed articles. Visitors can also sign up to receive the journal's RSS feed and email articles
directly to friends and associates. The site also contains information on how to submit manuscripts
for consideration and details on the editorial board and the editor-in-chief. Given the increased
profile and interest as of late in these two intriguing fields, this is certainly a journal worth a look.

Academy of Natural Sciences: Thomas Jefferson Fossil Collection
http://www.ansp.org/museum/jefferson/

Statesman, geologist, surveyor, diplomat, and mastodon-bone collector, Thomas Jefferson did it
all. This very intriguing online exhibit, from The Academy of Natural Sciences, introduces the
generally curious to Thomas Jefferson's extensive fossil collection. Jefferson was a central player in
the beginnings of American paleontology, and his involvement in this field of endeavor occurred
when others began to wrestle with the notion that fossils represented concrete proof that there was
an Earth that predated that which was described in the Bible. The materials here include the
sections "American Mastodon", "Great Claw", and "Other Fossils". The "American Mastodon" is a
great place to start, and visitors can make their way through sections that cover Jefferson's
captivation with this massive creature and the continued search for a full skeleton of one of these
beasts in the 19th century. Also, the section includes an image gallery of mastodon bones. Moving
on, "The Great Claw" presents information about the discovery of these fossils and additional
information on the rather odd ground sloth.

WorldWideScience
http://worldwidescience.org/

As its name implies, the WorldWideScience site is a global science gateway that is meant to help
connect a worldwide audience to various national and international scientific databases. The site
was developed and is maintained by the Office of Science and Technical Information (OSTI) with
the U.S. Department of Energy. Visitors to the site's homepage can click on an interactive map of
the world's countries to locate participants and their websites. After clicking on a country, a list of
available resources will appear in a box immediately to the right of the world map. Dozens of
countries are currently represented, and visitors will find Colombia's "Scientific Electronic Library
Online", India's "Indian Academy of Science", and Cameroon's "African Journals Online". The site is
rounded out by an advanced search option and contact information.

Medline Plus: Sports Injuries
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/sportsinjuries.html

Exercising and playing sports can lead to a sound mind and body, but sports-related injuries can be
frustrating for anyone. This very helpful site, offered as part of the Medline Plus series from the
U.S. National Library of Medicine, contains dozens of fact sheets, media presentations, and other
items regarding various sports injuries. Visitors who know exactly what they need can click on over
to the "Related Topics" area on the right-hand side of the homepage, where they will find resources
on everything from ankle injuries to general wellness. Their homepage also contains sections like
"Basics", "Research", and "Multimedia & Cool Tools". Two items that are definitely worth checking

Page 10 of 19
Educational Links March - December, 2008

out are the tennis elbow tutorial and the basic overview of sports injuries offered by the National
Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.

Exploratorium: Sport Science
http://www.exploratorium.edu/sport/index.html

Looking at the processes and actions embedded within various team and individual sports is a
great way to get exposed to concepts and ideas from physics, engineering, and any other number
of basic and applied sciences. The Exploratorium Museum in San Francisco has developed this
remarkable site that brings together interactive exhibits, activities, and video clips on the world of
sport science. The materials here are organized primarily by sport, and visitors can check out
"Skateboard Science", "Science of Surfing", and "Science of Cycling". After trying out a few of the
activities in these sections, visitors should also make use of the "Articles" section. Here they will
find pieces on why balls bounce (or why they fail to bounce) and the fitness challenge presented by
Mt. Parinacota in South America.

Forensic Chemistry Lab Manual
http://www.asdlib.org/onlineArticles/elabware/thompson/Home1.html

Any aspect of forensic science can be quite tricky, and educators will be delighted to learn about
this helpful educational resource designed just for them. Created by Professor Robert Thompson of
Oberlin College this online forensic chemistry lab manual is designed to help chemistry faculty in
developing forensic chemistry project laboratories for both undergraduate and graduate courses. In
this manual, visitors will find sample preparations, procedural details, instructions for students, and
typical results in a variety of formats. Along the left-hand side of the homepage, visitors can look
through the forensic chemistry analyses, which include explosives, fabric, glass, and arson. The
site is rounded out by a selection of "Stories", which are meant to provide the background for
chemical analyses of crime scene samples.

The Environmental Literacy Council: Teaching Resources
http://www.enviroliteracy.org/category.php/17.html

Environmental science encompasses a number of fields within the natural sciences, and an
interdisciplinary approach to the subject is a must. For educators working in this area, the
Environmental Literacy Council's Teaching Resources site will be a real find. On their site, visitors
should click on over to one of the sections on the right-hand side of the page. The sections here
include "General Resources", "Environmental Science Toolkit", and "Survey & Textbook Reviews".
The "Environmental Science Toolkit" is a good place to start, as it contains data table examples,
information on creating citations, a guide to important concepts in environmental science, and an
experimental design rubric. Additionally, visitors should not miss the Environmental History
Modules which help teachers link up fundamental historical concepts to important environmental
issues. These modules include "War and the Environment" and "Ordinary Landscapes", and they
are both creative and quite engaging for students and teachers.

Physclips
http://www.physclips.unsw.edu.au/

It's certainly not impossible to learn about Newton's laws, momentum and other key principles of
physics without multimedia learning activities, but it's a bit more fun to have such resources on
hand. With funding from The Australian Learning and Teaching Council, Professor Joe Wolfe of The
University of New South Wales has created this rather remarkable set of physics teaching
resources. Visitors can make their way through these "physclips" by clicking on sections that
include "Centre of Mass", "Circular Motion", "Gravity", and eight others. Each section includes
learning modules with video clips that demonstrate different principles, along with links to other

Page 11 of 19
Educational Links March - December, 2008

relevant background materials. The organization of the entire site is quite impressive, and visitors
can also download each video clip for use in their own classroom.

The Biology Project: The Chemistry of Amino Acids
http://www.biology.arizona.edu/biochemistry/problem_sets/aa/aa.html

The Biology Project at the University of Arizona doesn't shy away from the big (or little) questions
of life and science, and this helpful educational resource will be another educational arrow in the
quiver of science educators from Seattle to Tashkent. The site provides a basic introduction to
amino acids, offering a brief description of their role as the "building blocks" of protein. After
reading the introduction, students can learn about the structure of amino acids, and then take on a
few exercises in the "Test yourself" section of the site. Of course, that's not all, as visitors can also
learn about each amino acid separately, and there's even a handy legend that makes learning that
much easier.

The Digestive System
http://www.vivo.colostate.edu/hbooks/pathphys/digestion/index.html

Colorado State University has produced this website as a hypertextbook on the subject of
pathophysiology of the digestive system. In the "Introduction and Guide" link, they describe it as
an education experiment that hopes to bypass the drawbacks of traditional paper and ink
textbooks. The layout of this hypertextbook has a clickable table of contents, and at the bottom of
each page is a helpful navigation device to show you what topic is next and what topic precedes it.
Explanatory drawings or pictures accompany each concept, which makes for an excellent way to
learn about the subject. Visitors should not forget to click on the "Hypertextbook" menu to see the
other pathophysiology and biomedical sciences topics that are available as hypertextbooks at
Colorado State University.

Exploratorium: How Do We Know What We Know?
http://www.exploratorium.edu/evidence/index.html

To some, science may seem neat and tidy. Of course, scientists know better, and taken as a whole,
the process of doing science is often quite messy. This fascinating interactive website created by
the Exploratorium museum in San Francisco takes on the task of observation and investigation into
human origins. The interactive exhibit and feature contains five primary sections, including
"Observing Behavior", "Collecting Clues", and "Finding Patterns". Each section begins with an
introductory essay and a selection of video clips featuring interviews with various scientists
discussing their research and work. The subjects covered here are quite broad and they include
fossil analysis, the evolution of primate behavior, and using new technologies to learn more about
humans from their teeth. Finally, visitors will want to listen to a few of their podcasts. It's worth
noting that the site is also available in Spanish.

Back to the top

Elementary Math Links

MAA NumberADay
http://maanumberaday.blogspot.com/

How much can you really learn from one number a day? Quite a bit actually, and this fun feature
from the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) may prove to be rather addictive. Posted daily
since September 2008, the MAA posts a number (for example, the number 11,185,272) and then
offers a selection of that number's properties. Visitors to the site can click on some of the external
links, look over the weblog archive, and also subscribe to their RSS feed. First-time visitors may

Page 12 of 19
Educational Links March - December, 2008

wish to start by looking at the number 1529 (September 12, 2008), which happens to be the
numerical address of MAA headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Back to the top

Secondary Math Links

Interactives, Geometry 3D Shapes
http://www.learner.org/interactives/geometry/

This resource investigates 3D shapes in Geometry. There are tutorials on surface area, volume,
Euler’s Theorem, and platonic solids. There is also an introduction and an interactive activity to test
the students on skills taught.

University of Wollongong: Statistical Literacy
http://www.uow.edu.au/student/attributes/statlit/

Statistics surround us in the form of polling reports, census data, and the other seemingly
mundane details of life. This site created by the University of Wollongong offers up a series of
modules designed to help users learn about the world of statistics. As their site suggests, the
modules will help users become more knowledgeable about surveys and scientific experiments.
Users will want to look at the short explanations concerning the purpose of these modules and
statistics in general before getting started. Currently, the site offers two modules: "Producing Data"
and "Describing, Clarifying and Presenting Data". In each module, visitors will be presented with
detailed explanations of these different aspects of statistics in a language that is quite accessible.

Statistics: Cast Your Vote!
http://www.learner.org/interactives/statistics/index.html

Before entering the main portion of this interactive introduction to statistics, visitors will have to
answer a few quick questions on polls. It's actually a bit fun, and it serves as a nice introduction to
the site. Once visitors are in the main site, they will get the opportunity to learn about statistics
through the lens of a mock election. The site contains areas such as "How Random is Random?",
"Being Confident", and "What Can Go Wrong". Along with concise explanations of each element of
statistics, visitors can also take part in an interactive quiz and some additional polling activities.
The site also includes a number of external links for visitors who wish to explore additional topics
within the field of statistics.

The MacTutor History of Mathematics Archive
http://www-history.mcs.st-andrews.ac.uk/

Created and maintained by John J. O'Connor and Edmund F. Robertson of the University of St.
Andrews, this site contains a cornucopia of materials related to the history of mathematics and
well-known mathematicians through the ages. Users can start by clicking on the biography index
and diving right into short biographies of noted mathematicians arranged alphabetically and
chronologically. Moving on, the history topics index provides brief overviews of mathematics in the
Indian, Mayan, Arabic, and Babylonian cultures. Additionally, this same area provides access to
pieces on the history of algebra, analysis, mathematical physics, and number theory. Visitors
should not miss the "Famous Curves" index either, as those who have wondered about Pascal's
Limacon, Newton's Trident, or the Witch of Agnesi will wonder no longer after reading up on these
notable curves.

Page 13 of 19
Educational Links March - December, 2008

Mathematics Awareness Month 2008
http://www.mathaware.org/index.html

Voting is on the minds of many these days, including politicians, statisticians, policy wonks, and a
number of talking heads. With that in mind, it's not surprising that the Joint Policy Board for
Mathematics has offered up "Math and Voting" for the theme of Mathematics Awareness Month
2008. The site is full of compelling activities, contests, and thoughtful essays, and even those who
feel some resistance to various forms of mathematics may find themselves completely won over.
Visitors should click on the "Theme Essays" section to read insightful pieces like "Roles for
Statisticians in Elections" by John S. Gardenier, D.B.A, and "Fair Majority Voting (or How to
Eliminate Gerrymandering)" by Michel Balinski. After that, visitors can click through to the
"Activities" area, where they can try different voting methods and watch and listen to talks on
voting paradoxes and the mathematics of voting.

A First Course in Linear Algebra
http://linear.ups.edu/opentexts.html

A number of online textbooks have been created in the past several years, and this course in linear
algebra is a nice addition to the existing repertoire of such educational materials. Professor Rob
Beezer of the University of Puget Sound created this introductory textbook, and he still maintains
the site and provides updates periodically. The material covered in the textbook includes systems
of linear equations, matrix algebra, and Jordan canonical form. Visitors can download copies of the
textbook in the pdf format, or they can just read through the text online. The entire text is
provided at no cost, and visitors are welcome to make modifications and then distribute their own
modified version.

Math Gateway of the Mathematical Association of America
http://mathgateway.maa.org/do/Home

Created through a partnership with the National Science Digital Library (NSDL), the Math Gateway
was developed by the Mathematical Association of America. The site provides a veritable
cornucopia of information for educators and those who are curious about anything from algebra to
the history of mathematics. Visitors can start their exploration through the site by using the search
engine at the top-left hand corner, or they look at the "Content Highlights" displayed prominently
here. Some of these highlights include tips for writing an interactive mathematics text, using
statistical samples from a real estate database, and so on. The site also encourages visitors to
register for membership, which will allow them to create their own personalized library of
resources. Rounding out the site is a selection of tips for searching the materials here and a fun
"This Day in Mathematics" feature.

Leonardo da Vinci's Geometric Sketches
http://mathdl.maa.org/convergence/1/?pa=content&sa=viewDocument&nodeId=1717

How do you solve a problem like solids, mathematically speaking? Well, you could use this rather
fascinating resource provided by the Convergence magazine. Offered as an educational resource by
the Mathematical Association of America (MAA), this particular resource brings together the work of
the Franciscan friar Luca Pacioli (c.1445-1509) and the geometric sketches of Leonardo Da Vinci.
Both men were interested in geometry, and this piece offers up a number of plate facsimiles of
illustrations created by Da Vinci. Here visitors will find an introduction to this educational resource,
along with illustrations of cubes, octahedrons, and cylinders. The accompanying article was written
by Frank J. Swetz, and it is easy to see how these materials could be incorporated into a classroom
discussion about the history of mathematics.

Page 14 of 19
Educational Links March - December, 2008

Dimensions
http://www.dimensions-math.org/Dim_E.htm

A walk through mathematics! A film for a wide audience! Nine chapters, two hours of mathematics
that take you gradually up to the fourth dimension. Mathematical vertigo guaranteed! Background
information on every chapter is provided in the "Details" section. The films can be watched on-line
or downloaded. As an added bonus, this film is being distributed under a Creative Commons
license.

Math DL: Loci
http://mathdl.maa.org/mathDL/23/

Following in a long line of excellent online publications from the Mathematical Association of
America (MAA), the Loci brings together a wide range of educational resources, interesting pieces
of math history, and other ephemera for general consumption. On the homepage, visitors will find
access to the "Convergence" site, which provides a range of teaching modules and activities for
students. Also, users can avail themselves of the Loci-specific resources, which include such gems
as "The Beauty of Parametric Curves". The site's homepage also includes "Featured Items" culled
from the MAA's separate publications. Recent teaching materials featured here have included "The
Most Marvelous Theorem in Mathematics", "Mountains of Fractals", and "How to Gamble If You
Must". Finally, visitors can search all of Loci's vast resources via a search engine that sits on the
upper left-hand corner of the page.

Mathematics Illuminated
http://www.learner.org/courses/mathilluminated/

Bringing mathematics to life is an admirable yet difficult task. New approaches to teaching the
subject are always welcome, and that is precisely the focus of this very fine series produced by
Oregon Public Broadcasting. This 13-part multimedia learning resource is offered as part of the
Annenberg Media website, and it covers everything from the study of prime numbers to the beauty
of symmetry. Visitors can view each one of the 13 half-hour programs, and the titles include "How
Big is Infinity?", "Other Dimensions", and "Game Theory". That's not all, as visitors can also click
over to the Mathematics Illuminated supplementary website which includes interactive features, a
glossary, and other materials for educators.

Back to the top

Elementary & Secondary Math, Science & Technology Links

Village Math
http://www.ankn.uaf.edu/publications/VillageMath/

This website contains 26 worksheets with mathematics problems related to the everyday activities
of native people in Alaska, such as stretching and sewing beaver skins, picking and transporting
berries, net fishing, and acquiring cordwood. The worksheets focus on standard and nonstandard
measurement, money, percentages, and calculation of electricity. Further mathematical ideas
covered include multiplication, conversion, division, proportions, circumference, volume, weight,
and speed. Other terms: counting, puzzles, metric system, distance, estimation, ratio, formula,
deductive thinking.

Science of Music: Exploratorium's Accidental Scientist
http://www.exploratorium.edu/music/index.html

“Why is this website included in this collection?” you ask. Well, the title is “Science of Music” and
music is very mathematical. I just thought it could be a fun site for teachers and students alike.

Page 15 of 19
Educational Links March - December, 2008

How do opera singers sustain those high C's in "La Fille Du Régiment"? Is a birdsong music? These
are but a few of the many questions explored, and answered, on this delightful site. Visitors can
consider these and other queries through interactive exhibits, a "questions" section, and movies
offered up by the Accidental Scientist Music site, created by staff members at the Exploratorium in
San Francisco. To start, visitors should browse through the "Online Exhibits" area. Here they can
join an online drum circle, explore the world of step dancing, and even create their own remixes.
The "Questions" area provides multimedia answers to queries that include "Why does some music
give me goose bumps?" and "Why does sad music sound sad?" Finally, the "Movies" area contains
a selection of short films that cover everything from the tuning of musical instruments to the blues.

Universal Leonardo
http://www.universalleonardo.org/

To say Leonardo da Vinci was a bit of a polymath is akin to casually mentioning that Rachmaninov
had some facility on the piano. His works spanned the visual arts, engineering, mathematics,
anatomy, and many other areas which have fascinated and confounded humans for millennia. This
website serves as an tribute to his prodigious skills, and it warrants several visits. On the top of the
homepage, visitors will find sections that include "Visit," "Explore," "Play," "Discover," and
"Research." Visitors would do well to look through the "Explore" section first. Here they can take in
interactive exhibits which look into da Vinci's work on human anatomy, the natural world, and his
thoughts on light and vision. Moving along, the "Play" section is truly fun for all ages, as visitors
can make their own monster, interact with a series of pulleys, and even make the Mona Lisa smile.
Additionally, the "Discover" area discusses the various scientific techniques used to explore and
analyze da Vinci's "Madonna of the Yarnwinder."

USDA Food and Nutrition Information Center
http://fnic.nal.usda.gov/nal_display/index.php?info_center=4&tax_level=1

Nutrition is very important, and coming across high-quality websites on the subject is a real treat.
The United States Department of Agriculture created the Food and Nutrition Information Center
(FNIC) in 1971, and their work is designed to provide a broad range of resources of nutrition for
health professionals, educators, government personnel, and consumers. As with many of the
USDA's sites, visitors can perform a full search using the embedded search engine, or use the "I
Want To..." area to look up calories or nutrients in a food or ask a question of their resource
specialists. First-time visitors should also look at their "Spotlights" section, which includes a special
food pyramid for pregnant and nursing moms, the "Healthy Meals" resource system for child
nutrition professionals, and food safety information. For those who know more or less what they
are looking for, they can take advantage of the subject headings on the left-hand side of the
homepage. Here they will find resources on weight and obesity, dietary supplements, dietary
guidance, and food labeling.

The Missing Link
http://missinglinkpodcast.wordpress.com/

Professor Elizabeth Green Musselman of Southwestern University is excited about the history of
science, and she's devised a rather ingenious way to get others excited about it as well. She's
created a monthly podcast which can be found on this site, along with lists of suggested readings
for those who are looking for additional information. Episodes currently available include "Time's
Arrow", which features an exploration of time's "strange behavior" and "Constant Companions",
which looks at the animals that have accompanied humans through the history of scientific study
and medical discovery. Visitors will find that these podcasts are informative, witty, and quite
accessible and they can also sign up to receive the RSS feed from the site.

Page 16 of 19
Educational Links March - December, 2008

A View from the Back of the Envelope
http://www.vendian.org/envelope

This site is about approximation, and scale, counting by powers of ten, simplifying numbers,
rounding by using lots of fun examples: using your body as a ruler or how about measuring angle
and distance with your thumb!

MAA Minute Math
http://maaminutemath.blogspot.com/

The good folks at the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) keep on turning out engaging and
interactive mathematics resources, and this latest release follows in that admirable path. The
MinuteMath feature brings together a host of problems from the MAA's American Mathematics
Competitions, and these playful problems can be used in a variety of settings, including the
classroom or a good-spirited mathematics get-together outside the classroom walls. The site was
launched in September 2008, and so far the offerings here are quite nice and they include
questions that deal with sums, geometry, and positive integers. Each question is also rounded out
with an interactive version of both the problem and the solution.

National Science Foundation: Discoveries
http://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/

Everyday, research sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF) turns up a new discovery,
an interesting facet of a scientific endeavor, and sometimes, just something that might delight and
amaze even the casual observer. Recently the NSF created this website to serve as a clearinghouse
of information about the work they sponsor. The "Discoveries" site can be searched in its entirety,
or visitors can just peruse the chronological list that's front and center on their homepage. Over in
the "Research Areas" section, visitors can wander through "Biology", "Education", "Nanoscience",
and eight other topical areas. Some summaries that might be of particular interest include
"Mysteries of the Unregulated Internet" and "The Bizarre Creatures of Madagascar". Also, it's worth
nothing that parties who enjoy the site can sign up for their RSS feed here.

Back to the top

Using Information & Communication Technology Links

Bubbleshare
http://www.bubbleshare.com/

Create photo slide shows easily online as part of a digital storytelling project. Bubbleshare is a web
site that allows you to quickly and easily create photo slide shows with voice and text notes and
narration. These slide shows can easily be sent to others via an email link, or can be placed into
web pages for display on your web site. It has a very simple user interface which teachers and
students should find easy to use. This tool is different from photo sharing sites such as Flickr.
Bubbleshare's mission is to help people tell stories through images. Many teachers are using this
tool to create slide shows and image galleries.

e-Agriculture
http://www.e-agriculture.org/

Established by the United Nations, the e-Agriculture initiative is primarily concerned with the
"conceptualization, design, development, evaluation and application of innovative ways to use
information and communication technologies (ICT) in the rural domain, with a primary focus on
agriculture." This website is an integral part of the initiative, as it is set up to help interested
parties exchange experiences and best practices related to this emerging field. Persons unfamiliar

Page 17 of 19
Educational Links March - December, 2008

with the field should start their journey through the site by clicking on the "Global Examples" area.
Here they will find items such as Digital Green, which is an agricultural training and advising
system that seeks to benefit rural farmers by disseminating targeted information through digital
videos. After that, visitors should make their way to the "Resources" section. As might be
expected, this section contains learning tools and activities, along with a glossary of e-agriculture
terms. Finally, visitors can also login to take an active part in their forums and create their own
customized list of resources.

The Future is Digital
http://www.library.cmu.edu/Libraries/FIDArchive.html

OK, so this site isn’t exactly on using ICT links in the classroom, but there is some good
information about copyright laws for those embarking on the production of digital media. Carnegie-
Mellon University has a number of exciting digital projects available online for the general public's
consideration, and they also keep interested parties abreast of other developments via "The Future
is Digital" archive available online. Visitors will definitely want to start by looking through the video
series titled "Authors' Rights and Wrongs". Here they will find a number of excellent lectures that
address everything from open access policies to the future of intellectual copyright laws. Moving
on, visitors can browse past presentations all the way back to 2001. Some of the other highlights
offered here include a report on the digitization of rare books from Qatar and full-text documents
that look into the progress of other digitization projects.

KRAUS KREATIONS (TEACHERS, STUDENTS GR. K-4)
http://www.krauskreations.com/

Kristin Kraus is one talented and very busy computer teacher! Here site outlines a year's worth of
technology integrated lessons which support the classroom curriculum. Although her focus is on gr.
K-4, many of her curriculum resources and ideas are applicable to higher grades as well.

180 TECHNOLOGY TIPS
http://www.180techtips.com/

180 Technology Tips offers 15 hours of free computer training in 180 easy to follow 5 minute
lessons. Each lesson is e-mailed to you. If you prefer to not sign up for weekly e-mails of the
lessons, the entire directory of tips is available on the site with links to the files themselves. These
tips are not necessarily pedagogical in nature or even applicable in the classroom, but there is
some interesting information nonetheless.

STORYBASE.NET
http://www.storybase.net

Storybase.net is a useful resource for any type or genre of fiction writing, from drama to comedy,
from screenplays to interactive games, from novels to short stories. Use Storybase.net to discover
new possibilities, points-of-view and points-of-departure from which your story can unfold.
A sure-cure for writer's block, Storybase.net can be used throughout your creative process.
Whether you like to outline first or just jump right in, Storybase.net is only one click away,
providing thousands of specific, personalized writing prompts that can help your writing project
come alive.

Blender 2.46
http://www.blender.org/

Are you interested in animation? If so, you might want to take a look at Blender 2.46. This open-
source 3D rendering program contains a wide range of essential animation tools, including
rendering, modeling, and shading. The program can be quite complicated but the good folks at

Page 18 of 19
Educational Links March - December, 2008

Blender offer a wide range of tutorials on their site. This version is compatible with computers
running Windows 98 and newer.

Journal of Online Learning and Teaching
http://jolt.merlot.org/

More and more educators may wish to get involved with online teaching initiatives, but they may
not be sure where to start. That's where the Journal of Online Learning and Teaching (JOLT) steps
in to provide a bit of assistance. JOLT is published four times a year, and its objectives are to
enable faculty to use technology effectively in teaching and learning and also to enable academic
programs to design and deploy academic technology. The journal has been published since the
summer of 2005, and first-time visitors should take a look at the current issue to get a sense of
their work. Visitors will find pieces on course management systems, creativity in online courses,
and how to monitor and examine online discussions. Those who are so inclined should feel welcome
to submit their own work for potential inclusion in a forthcoming volume.

Back to the top

Page 19 of 19