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.