Sungazer
http://www.sungazer.net/index.html
Grade Level: 4th-6th
You can't usually stare at the sun, but here, you can. This site provides several ways to see the sun close up. Includes images, equipment needed, resources, and podcasts
Strengths:
• great high-res photos to bring space and the sun into a more realistic scope
• allows kids to see what it takes to be a scientist and research space, with details about equipment and other resources to further learning
Weaknesses:
• this site is narrowly focused on the sun and solar energy
• the should have more information about what is being shown
Cool Cosmos
http://coolcosmos.ipac.caltech.edu/
Grade Level: 4th-6th
Learn about infrared light through fun games, cool movies, images, and more. Classroom activities and a Spanish-language version of the site are also available. You'll need the free Flash plug-in to access the Flash version of the site. HTML version also available.
Strengths:
• this site will take up tons of time if you want it to, it holds lots of interesting information and things to do for kids.
• there is a great "ask an astronomer for kids" section that answers a ton of common questions about space
Weaknesses:
• this site is not directly about space, but about inferred light
Hubble Telescope: Black Holes
http://hubblesite.org/explore_astronomy/black_holes/
Grade Level: 4th-6th
Take an interactive voyage into the universe of black holes with the folks who operate the Hubble Space Telescope.
Strengths:
• this is a great interactive site that allows students to explore space, and specifically black holes
Weaknesses:
• te language in this site is a bit advanced but younger kids could still play with the games and searching tools
The Space Place
http://spaceplace.jpl.nasa.gov/en/kids/index.shtml
Grade Level: K-6th
This NASA site offers information and activities about the upcoming deep space probe missions.
Strengths:
• this site has tons to do for young kids as well as older students who need information for research, etc.
Weaknesses:
• It is bothersome that this site uses almost all animated imagery rather than real photos of elements in space
Window to the Universe
http://www.windows.ucar.edu/
Grade Level: 3rd-6th
Attractively presented and very informative--this site provides an introduction to the Universe. Topics include, "Our Planet," "Space Missions," "Our Solar System," "People," and much more.
Strengths:
• this site is very well organized and easy to find information on specific aspects of the solar system and space science
• this site is in both english and spanish and you can select what level of information you want, beginner, intermediate or advanced
Weaknesses:
• there are many places for kids to click off the site which could prove a distraction and be confusing
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Earth Science Websites
American Museum of Natural History presents Ology - Earth
http://www.amnh.org/ology/index.php?channel=earth
Grade Level: 4th-6th
This site is a great kid friendly way for kids to learn about Earth science. It includes experiments, interviews with real scientists, games, book lists, and much more.
Strengths:
• I love that this site is fine for kids to roam and explore. No ads or off shoots onto other non-kid friendly sites.
Weaknesses:
• There are other Ology sites attached to this one. All are kid friendly, but they don't stay in the realm of Earth Science. The other Ology sites include anthropology, archeology, astronomy, biodiversity, Einstein, genetics, marine biology, paleontology, water and zoology.
SIO's Volcano Expedition
http://www.sio.ucsd.edu/volcano/
Grade Level: 4th-6th
Follow scientists on an exciting volcano research expedition to Central America! This well-organized site explains how volcanoes work and offers images of volcanoes, the research exhibition, and the scientists. You can browse the volcano Q&A section or submit your own questions.
Strengths:
• This could be great for students to 'conduct research' about volcanos or what an expedition is and who needs to be involved for it to be successful. It includes journal entries from the scientists and great bite-sized information about many aspects of volcanoes and what it takes to learn more about them.
Weaknesses:
• This expedition was completed in Jan 2001 so its a little 'old.' The process is still relevant, but there have been not many updates since then.
Dive and Discover: Expeditions to the Seafloor
http://www.divediscover.whoi.edu/
Grade Level: 4th-6th
Join ("virtually") an expedition in the eastern Pacific Ocean to look for new volcanic eruptions on the crest of the mid-ocean ridge. You can read the daily updates by the crew, watch a movie of a volcanic seafloor, and learn about topics from vent biology to the earth's anatomy in the "infomods."
Strengths:
• This site has many explorations that have taken place and lots of detailed data and information that helps kids learn in-depth about various aspects of Oceanography.
Weaknesses:
• The level of writing and information is quite advanced. I don't foresee many kids below 4th grade being able to utilize this site for research, etc. So it limits it audience a bit.
Earthweek
http://www.earthweek.com/
Grade Level: 4th-6th
This site provides up to date information on Environmental issues from around the world. Though it is dense with info, it is well organized and has some good visual elements to help the younger kids navigate. This would be a great site for kids to conduct research.
Strengths:
• It has a great world map to help see perspective and context for changes to our Earth such as earthquakes and cyclones.
Weaknesses:
• This site does have some small adds on it which, combined with all the text, makes for a very full home page.
Air Quality Index for Kids
http://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=aqikids.index
Grade Level: 3rd-6th
Learn how air pollution is measured, about the Air Quality Index (AQI), and how the index can be a quick way to tell people how good or bad something is. The AQI uses colors, and numbers, and words to tell you about the air.
Strengths:
• This site is simple and organized. It provides the basics for kids to get an idea about air pollution and what they can do about it.
Weaknesses:
• This site is a bit too hard for younger kids to use it.
http://www.amnh.org/ology/index.php?channel=earth
Grade Level: 4th-6th
This site is a great kid friendly way for kids to learn about Earth science. It includes experiments, interviews with real scientists, games, book lists, and much more.
Strengths:
• I love that this site is fine for kids to roam and explore. No ads or off shoots onto other non-kid friendly sites.
Weaknesses:
• There are other Ology sites attached to this one. All are kid friendly, but they don't stay in the realm of Earth Science. The other Ology sites include anthropology, archeology, astronomy, biodiversity, Einstein, genetics, marine biology, paleontology, water and zoology.
SIO's Volcano Expedition
http://www.sio.ucsd.edu/volcano/
Grade Level: 4th-6th
Follow scientists on an exciting volcano research expedition to Central America! This well-organized site explains how volcanoes work and offers images of volcanoes, the research exhibition, and the scientists. You can browse the volcano Q&A section or submit your own questions.
Strengths:
• This could be great for students to 'conduct research' about volcanos or what an expedition is and who needs to be involved for it to be successful. It includes journal entries from the scientists and great bite-sized information about many aspects of volcanoes and what it takes to learn more about them.
Weaknesses:
• This expedition was completed in Jan 2001 so its a little 'old.' The process is still relevant, but there have been not many updates since then.
Dive and Discover: Expeditions to the Seafloor
http://www.divediscover.whoi.edu/
Grade Level: 4th-6th
Join ("virtually") an expedition in the eastern Pacific Ocean to look for new volcanic eruptions on the crest of the mid-ocean ridge. You can read the daily updates by the crew, watch a movie of a volcanic seafloor, and learn about topics from vent biology to the earth's anatomy in the "infomods."
Strengths:
• This site has many explorations that have taken place and lots of detailed data and information that helps kids learn in-depth about various aspects of Oceanography.
Weaknesses:
• The level of writing and information is quite advanced. I don't foresee many kids below 4th grade being able to utilize this site for research, etc. So it limits it audience a bit.
Earthweek
http://www.earthweek.com/
Grade Level: 4th-6th
This site provides up to date information on Environmental issues from around the world. Though it is dense with info, it is well organized and has some good visual elements to help the younger kids navigate. This would be a great site for kids to conduct research.
Strengths:
• It has a great world map to help see perspective and context for changes to our Earth such as earthquakes and cyclones.
Weaknesses:
• This site does have some small adds on it which, combined with all the text, makes for a very full home page.
Air Quality Index for Kids
http://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=aqikids.index
Grade Level: 3rd-6th
Learn how air pollution is measured, about the Air Quality Index (AQI), and how the index can be a quick way to tell people how good or bad something is. The AQI uses colors, and numbers, and words to tell you about the air.
Strengths:
• This site is simple and organized. It provides the basics for kids to get an idea about air pollution and what they can do about it.
Weaknesses:
• This site is a bit too hard for younger kids to use it.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Physical Science Websites
Chemistry 4 Kids
http://www.chem4kids.com/
Grade Level: 4th-6th
This site is a great kid friendly way for kids to learn about basic chemistry info as well as the scientific process and research. It has great diagrams and breaks hard concepts down.
Strengths:
• This site holds tons of information about complicated chemistry concepts but in some-what kid friendly language.
• This would be a great place to send kids to do research
Weaknesses:
• There are ads by Google on the site that take away from its content, but nothing inappropriate. They mostly confuse the visual organization of the site
Emilio Segrè Visual Archives
http://photos.aip.org/
Grade Level: 4th-6th
This site has a collection of more than 30,000 historical images of scientists and their work.
Strengths:
• This could be great for students to 'conduct research' about a scientist or period of scientific history
Weaknesses:
• This site does not offer information about the scientists other than a quote.
About Sound
http://www.silcom.com/~aludwig/
Grade Level: 4th-6th
This site includes masses of information on the basics of sound, music and the human ear, acoustics, the physics of sound and music room design.
Strengths:
• This site has quite a bit of in-depth information about sound, hearing, and acoustics.
• The information seems to be geared towards musicians and music lovers in being able to enhance a listening experience.
Weaknesses:
• The level of writing and information is quite advanced. I don't foresee many kids below 4th grade being able to utilize this site for research, etc. So it limits it audience a bit.
Molecularium
http://www.molecularium.com/kidsite.html
Grade Level: K-6th
What lives in the nano world? You'll find out here through interactive activities, a gallery, and more! By Rensselaer’s Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center for Directed Assembly of Nanostructures. You'll need the free Flash Player.
Strengths:
• This site is very interactive and great for all ages
• It has good music/sounds, tons of colors and fun characters.
Weaknesses:
• This isn't a ton to do, kids can build, zoom in to and transform molecules.
EdHeads: Activate your Mind!
http://www.edheads.org/activities/simple-machines/
Grade Level: K-3rd
Within this site is the Simple Machines Activity. Here, kids can learn about simple and compound machines while they explore the House and Tool Shed! Plus there are lots of other activities to do also.
Strengths:
• There are quizzes and searches for simple machines within everyday surroundings, such as the bedroom and kitchen. It seems very accessible for all students
• It also talks about compound machines and how to identify them
Weaknesses:
• This section is a little hard to find, because it is buried within a general site of educational activities for the classroom.
http://www.chem4kids.com/
Grade Level: 4th-6th
This site is a great kid friendly way for kids to learn about basic chemistry info as well as the scientific process and research. It has great diagrams and breaks hard concepts down.
Strengths:
• This site holds tons of information about complicated chemistry concepts but in some-what kid friendly language.
• This would be a great place to send kids to do research
Weaknesses:
• There are ads by Google on the site that take away from its content, but nothing inappropriate. They mostly confuse the visual organization of the site
Emilio Segrè Visual Archives
http://photos.aip.org/
Grade Level: 4th-6th
This site has a collection of more than 30,000 historical images of scientists and their work.
Strengths:
• This could be great for students to 'conduct research' about a scientist or period of scientific history
Weaknesses:
• This site does not offer information about the scientists other than a quote.
About Sound
http://www.silcom.com/~aludwig/
Grade Level: 4th-6th
This site includes masses of information on the basics of sound, music and the human ear, acoustics, the physics of sound and music room design.
Strengths:
• This site has quite a bit of in-depth information about sound, hearing, and acoustics.
• The information seems to be geared towards musicians and music lovers in being able to enhance a listening experience.
Weaknesses:
• The level of writing and information is quite advanced. I don't foresee many kids below 4th grade being able to utilize this site for research, etc. So it limits it audience a bit.
Molecularium
http://www.molecularium.com/kidsite.html
Grade Level: K-6th
What lives in the nano world? You'll find out here through interactive activities, a gallery, and more! By Rensselaer’s Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center for Directed Assembly of Nanostructures. You'll need the free Flash Player.
Strengths:
• This site is very interactive and great for all ages
• It has good music/sounds, tons of colors and fun characters.
Weaknesses:
• This isn't a ton to do, kids can build, zoom in to and transform molecules.
EdHeads: Activate your Mind!
http://www.edheads.org/activities/simple-machines/
Grade Level: K-3rd
Within this site is the Simple Machines Activity. Here, kids can learn about simple and compound machines while they explore the House and Tool Shed! Plus there are lots of other activities to do also.
Strengths:
• There are quizzes and searches for simple machines within everyday surroundings, such as the bedroom and kitchen. It seems very accessible for all students
• It also talks about compound machines and how to identify them
Weaknesses:
• This section is a little hard to find, because it is buried within a general site of educational activities for the classroom.
Life Science Website Links
What is Life Science?
http://schoolscience.rice.edu/duker/life/lifesciintro.html
Grade Level: 4th-6th
This site was created by an elementary school. It provides a good overview of what life science is and some basic history and scientific thinking.
Strengths:
• If students click on any link it will still be a kid friendly site.
• The information is visually organized and not confusing.
Weaknesses:
• There is very little to do/see on this site, it is only information to read, so it is somewhat limited
Animal Cams from the Smithsonian Institute
http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/WebCams/
Grade Level: K-6th
This site has a collection of cameras watching animals in their zoo with accompanying information and updates about the critters. Because of the visual nature of the cams any grade could use this site, but scaffolding may need to be provided in order to get to the the appropriate cam for the lower grades.
Strengths:
• This can help to provide real time visuals for animals students may never have heard of before.
• This could be great for students to 'conduct research' about an animal and track behavior that they see
Weaknesses:
• There is lots of other information about the animals and the zoo on this site. Kids could easily get lost in the text on this site and have a difficult time finding the cam they are looking for, I did!
• If students click on other links within this site, it is not that they are NOT kid-friendly, but it is more about the business of the museum and zoo than it is about animals
The National Science Foundation - The Secret Lives of Wild Animals
http://nsf.gov/news/special_reports/animals/index.jsp
Grade Level: 4th-6th
This site features information on several animals (deer, ocelot & agouti, dragonflys, zebras and seals). The pages for each animal includes pictures, movies, maps and research/scientific information as well as tracking technology.
Strengths:
• This site shows active scientists and current research. Kids can truly be a part of the cutting edge!
Weaknesses:
• This site is not written for kids reading levels so some scaffolding would be needed for some kids to perhaps look for specific information rather than just gather information that they find.
Dep.'t of Agriculture Research Service
http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/kids/
Grade Level: 4th-6th
This site has kid friendly research articles that are written about a variety of topics. There is even a Spanish language version of the site! Overall it is a series of stories from scientists at the ARS about animals, aquaculture, cities, environment, farming, high tech, insects, microscopes, nutrition, plants, satellites, small towns, soil, the suburbs, test tubes, transportation, water and weird science.
Strengths:
• This site is fun for ketting kids interetsed in something science related. It seems to provide interesting 'stories' about real research but with lots of visuals and info for kids to follow along.
• I like how it is organized through pictures rather than words
Weaknesses:
• The major weakness is that it uses language that would be difficult for K-3rd graders
• It is not a site to look for specific information about a topic
Rader's Biology 4 Kids
http://www.biology4kids.com/index.html
Grade Level: 4th-6th
This site is a great kid friendly way for kids to learn about basic biology info as well as the scientific process and research. It has great diagrams and breaks hard concepts down.
Strengths:
• This site holds tons of information about complicated biology but in some-what kid friendly language.
• This would be a great place to send kids to do research
Weaknesses:
• There are ads by Google on the site that take away from its content, but nothing inappropriate. They mostly confuse the visual organization of the site
Kid News
http://www.kindnews.org/
Grade Level: K-6th
This site focuses on human and animal relationships, specifically on being humane and helping animals who are being treated poorly.
Strengths:
• This site provides a way for kids to work towards a good cause and get other kids involved (community activism). It even includes a flyer maker.
• There is much to do for all ages, so through some of it is beyond the K-3 reading level, there are things that the little kids can do such as look at pictures and movies and play games.
Weaknesses:
• This site has more to do with animal cruelty than with life science, but it does hold some information about the animals it features.
http://schoolscience.rice.edu/duker/life/lifesciintro.html
Grade Level: 4th-6th
This site was created by an elementary school. It provides a good overview of what life science is and some basic history and scientific thinking.
Strengths:
• If students click on any link it will still be a kid friendly site.
• The information is visually organized and not confusing.
Weaknesses:
• There is very little to do/see on this site, it is only information to read, so it is somewhat limited
Animal Cams from the Smithsonian Institute
http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/WebCams/
Grade Level: K-6th
This site has a collection of cameras watching animals in their zoo with accompanying information and updates about the critters. Because of the visual nature of the cams any grade could use this site, but scaffolding may need to be provided in order to get to the the appropriate cam for the lower grades.
Strengths:
• This can help to provide real time visuals for animals students may never have heard of before.
• This could be great for students to 'conduct research' about an animal and track behavior that they see
Weaknesses:
• There is lots of other information about the animals and the zoo on this site. Kids could easily get lost in the text on this site and have a difficult time finding the cam they are looking for, I did!
• If students click on other links within this site, it is not that they are NOT kid-friendly, but it is more about the business of the museum and zoo than it is about animals
The National Science Foundation - The Secret Lives of Wild Animals
http://nsf.gov/news/special_reports/animals/index.jsp
Grade Level: 4th-6th
This site features information on several animals (deer, ocelot & agouti, dragonflys, zebras and seals). The pages for each animal includes pictures, movies, maps and research/scientific information as well as tracking technology.
Strengths:
• This site shows active scientists and current research. Kids can truly be a part of the cutting edge!
Weaknesses:
• This site is not written for kids reading levels so some scaffolding would be needed for some kids to perhaps look for specific information rather than just gather information that they find.
Dep.'t of Agriculture Research Service
http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/kids/
Grade Level: 4th-6th
This site has kid friendly research articles that are written about a variety of topics. There is even a Spanish language version of the site! Overall it is a series of stories from scientists at the ARS about animals, aquaculture, cities, environment, farming, high tech, insects, microscopes, nutrition, plants, satellites, small towns, soil, the suburbs, test tubes, transportation, water and weird science.
Strengths:
• This site is fun for ketting kids interetsed in something science related. It seems to provide interesting 'stories' about real research but with lots of visuals and info for kids to follow along.
• I like how it is organized through pictures rather than words
Weaknesses:
• The major weakness is that it uses language that would be difficult for K-3rd graders
• It is not a site to look for specific information about a topic
Rader's Biology 4 Kids
http://www.biology4kids.com/index.html
Grade Level: 4th-6th
This site is a great kid friendly way for kids to learn about basic biology info as well as the scientific process and research. It has great diagrams and breaks hard concepts down.
Strengths:
• This site holds tons of information about complicated biology but in some-what kid friendly language.
• This would be a great place to send kids to do research
Weaknesses:
• There are ads by Google on the site that take away from its content, but nothing inappropriate. They mostly confuse the visual organization of the site
Kid News
http://www.kindnews.org/
Grade Level: K-6th
This site focuses on human and animal relationships, specifically on being humane and helping animals who are being treated poorly.
Strengths:
• This site provides a way for kids to work towards a good cause and get other kids involved (community activism). It even includes a flyer maker.
• There is much to do for all ages, so through some of it is beyond the K-3 reading level, there are things that the little kids can do such as look at pictures and movies and play games.
Weaknesses:
• This site has more to do with animal cruelty than with life science, but it does hold some information about the animals it features.
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