Abstract: The information presented in each ActionBioscience.org article has been correlated to the U.S. National Science Education Standards (NSES). Articles may be listed below in more than one category of the standards and educators may determine other curricular applications for the articles.
Abstract: Students explore the meaning of physical and behavioral adaptation, consider how migration fits in, and identify adaptations that help the Journey North species they track survive.
Abstract: Information about why and how teachers can help children to develop their investigating skills. Relevant to all 4 content strands of the curriculum, it provides a list of class starter questions.
Abstract: In this lesson, students investigate the physical and behavioral characteristics of different microbes and create research- based 'Microbe Biographies.' Students then visually compare microbe sizes and examine how the size of a microbe relates to its physical and behavioral characteristics.This lesson is part of the New York Times Learning Network, a service in which lesson plans are created to accompany newspaper articles.
Abstract: This fun Web article is part of OLogy, where kids can collect virtual trading cards and create projects with them. Here, they learn about the ancient city of Petra. The article begins with an overview of this city, which was located along the ancient trade routes between Arabia, Egypt, and the Mediterranean Sea. Kids then have the chance to take a walk through Petra's ruins.
Abstract: This OLogy reference list has six kid-friendly books on archeology. A short description is given for each title, along with author name and publisher. The list includes: illustrated looks at the world's great civilizations hands-on activities for kids that introduce them to the methods and tools archaeologists use a visual chronology of life on Earth that stretches from the ancient world to AD 1500.
Abstract: Astro-Venture is an educational, interactive, multimedia Web environment highlighting NASA careers and astrobiology research in the areas of Astronomy, Geology, Biology and Atmospheric Sciences. Students in grades 5-8 role play NASA occupations and use scientific inquiry, as they search for and design a planet with the necessary characteristics for human habitation.
Abstract: This video segment from Swift: Eyes through Time deals with the advancement of science through changing existing ideas, refuting outdated theories, and incorporating new findings.
Abstract: Atmosphere Applet: This program lets you study how the properties of the atmosphere change with altitude. You can study the atmosphere of either the Earth or Mars. The equations used in this program are taken from the ICAO standard day model for the Earth and from some curve fits of the Martian atmosphere gathered by the Global Surveyor spacecraft. Using the airplane graphic you can select an altitude, or you can type an altitude into the input box.
The program instantly outputs a selected property and displays the local temperature and pressure on gauges You can output the temperature, pressure, density, local speed of sound, Mach number for specified velocity, or the ratio of aircraft lift to the lift on Earth at sea level. Input and output can be given in either English or metric units.
Subject:
Mathematics and Statistics, Science and Technology
Abstract: This guide is designed to take advantage of the educational information in the three-part PBS series BENJAMIN FRANKLIN (PBS airdate November 19-20, 2002), directing teacher’s to specific sections of the series relevant to the lesson plan. The lessons engage students with a media-rich environment that employs video, DVD, computers, and the Internet in addition to more traditional print resources. The lesson plans are flexible, allowing teachers to adapt the instruction to their particular needs. Pre K-12 teachers may videotape the series and use it in the classroom for one year.
Subject:
Social Sciences, Humanities, Science and Technology
Abstract: This science electronic library contains a list of science lessons, methodologies, teaching suggestions, sample test questions and FAQ for teachers of primary school students.
Abstract: ‘This is the way the world ends / Not with a bang but a whimper.’ (T.S. Eliot) But how about the way the world begins? Was this the biggest bang of all? This unit will introduce you to the theory of the Big Bang and will present the three main lines of experimental evidence that support this theory.
Abstract: The Biology course is a first-year course in biology at the high school level. The course emphasizes a multi-representational approach to algebra, with concepts, results, and problems being expressed graphically, analytically, and verbally. The course uses four themes to organize important concepts throughout the course: science, technology, and society; evolution; the relationship between structure and function; and science as a process.
Abstract: Students become familiar with lunar phases by locating and then graphing the Moon phase of their own birthdays. After listening and discussing lunar myths and legends they create their own Birthday Moon Stories.
Abstract: This 27-page educator guide is a NASA Quest resource about Microbial Ecology and related Astrobiology activities. Students will construct a Winogradsky Column to observe the growth of microbes in a column of mud. During this investigation students will develop a hypothesis, record their observations and results, and form conclusions. They will compare and contrast their methods during the investigation with those of the astrobiologists performing research in the field and the laboratory. It includes student handouts and assessment rubrics that may be duplicated without copyright restrictions.
Abstract: This fun Web site is part of OLogy, where kids can collect virtual trading cards and create projects with them. Here, they learn about paleontology with a hands-on activity. The activity opens with an explanation covering how fossilized bones are usually very delicate and buried deeply in rock fossils. Students are then given step-by-step directions for working with a friend to create two make-believe dig sites by burying bones in plaster of Paris. The activity ends with three discussion questions: What was surprising about excavating the bones? What strategies did you find worked well for removing the plaster? How would you have worked differently if you had no idea what was buried inside?
Abstract: This Ohio Sea Grant website features a WebQuest-like activity that explores the development of a dead zone, an oxygen-deprived area where there is no life, in Lake Erie. The activity aims to teach students about the processes that contribute to the development of the dead zones in Lake Erie and examine a decision making process to determine how to treat or cure the dead zone. Links to a teacher page (with a lesson plan and resources) and student page (with references and instructions) are included.
Abstract: Students examine images of galaxies and learn to recognize the various shapes used in the Hubble classification system. They can follow the site independently, using a worksheet that prompts them to answer questions in the text, then take a java "quiz" that requires them to place various galaxies in their correct positions on the Hubble "tuning fork." There is some supplemental material about galaxies and Hubble's observations.