Resources for Teachers and Parents

Resources for Teachers and Parents

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Science

Science Education Menu: General Science Resources | Astronomy and Space Exploration | Biology | Chemistry, Physics and Technology | Ecology and Environment | Energy | Geology | Meteorology | Oceanography

General Science Resources for Teachers

• The National Science Education Standards - Prepared by the National Research Council. The text includes standards for teaching, content, assessment, and professional development.
  
• Benchmarks for Science Literacy - What students should know about science, math, and technology by the time they graduate from high school. This guide to instruction and the writing of a curriculum has been developed by the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
  
• Science NetLinks - Lesson plans and web resources of K-12 science teachers from the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
  
• Middle School Science - Lesson plans for the physical and life sciences.
  
• Science and Technology - Lesson plans and web links from PBS.
  
• Science Lesson Plans - For all grades from Education World.
  
• The National Science Digital Library - Links to science resources for teaching.
  
• Exemplary Resources for Middle School Math and Science - From the National Science Digital Library.
  
• Learning Science - Here you will find links to new online technologies for teaching science, links to science sites which are related to the science learning standards, and cool learning tools for math. This is a collaborative project of Temple University, and teachers in Bucks County (PA) schools.
  
• Learner.org - Professional development and teaching resources. Videos marked VoD may be watched online. This site is by the Annenberg Foundation.
  
• 42 eXplore - Teaching ideas and related web sites for a variety of science topics.
  
• Science Daily - Online magazine with breaking news about science.
  
• SciCentral - This site helps you to keep up with science in the news.
  
• Science Fair Central - Help with science fair projects, and a guide to running a science fair. From Discovery School.
  
• The Science Learning Network - The place to go for inquiry based science teaching. Also take a look at the Ten Cool Sites of the Month for new science sites.
  
• Nova Online for Teachers - Lesson plans for using the PBS television show NOVA in the classroom.
  
• Outstanding Science Trade Books for Grades K -12 - Selected by the National Science Teachers Association.
  
• The National Science Teachers Association
  
• Popular Science Magazine - What's new in the worlds of science and technology.
  
• The Case Files - The case files highlights individuals from the history of science and technology.
  
• Why are Things Colored? - This site could be used for anatomy, art, physics, or several other disciplines. There are lesson plans. This a Smithsonian Web Exhibit.
  
• Who Done It? - Using forensics to hone science and laboratory skills. This is a unit for middle or high school science students. It is an introduction to laboratory investigation which would be appropriate for general science, biology, or bio-technology. It is from Teacher's First.
  
• Science Study in the Philadelphia Area
  
  • The Franklin Institute Online
    
  • The Academy of Natural Sciences
    
  • The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education - Educational programs for teachers and students.
    
  • The Morris Arboretum - Of the University of Pennsylvania.
    
  • The Chemical Heritage Foundation
    

Astronomy and Space Exploration

• NASA Search Engine - Locate teaching materials for all grades and many subjects at this NASA site.
  
• The Center for Science Education - Space Sciences. A directory of educational projects funded by NASA which may be searched by topic or grade level. This site is provided by the University of California at Berkeley
  
• Goddard Space Flight Center - Lesson plans and other materials for teachers.
  
• The Challenger Center for Space Science Education- Uses the theme of space exploration to improve student learning in science and mathematics.
  
• The Universe Forum - Space and astronomy lesson plans from the Harvard Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.
  
• Earth and Sky - Activities to accompany the daily radio program, and also links to lesson plan and science sites.
  
• Amazing Space - Astronomy lessons, teaching tools, and a video about the night sky.
  
• Space.Com - This site provides current news of the space program, and also information on space, astronomy and Project SETI. It is a commercial site and sells books, astonomy programs and other materials.
  
• Space and Astronomy Lesson Plans - From Teachnology.
  
• Astronomy and Space Lesson Plans - From Discovery School.
  
• Exploring Planets in the Classroom - Hands on activities for studying earth, the planets, and geology.
  
• NASA/MSU CERES Project Educational Activites - Lesson plans for grades K-12.
  
• Google Sky - Google's pictures of the universe.
  
• Build the Solar System - This site has a calculator so you can get the distances right.
  
• Eyes on the Sky, Feet on the Ground - Hands on Astronomy Activites for Kids. There are activities for studying the rotation of the earth, mapping, time and calendars, and the solar system and the moon.
  
• Paper Plate Education - The use of paper plates to demonstrate many of the concepts of astronomy. Good site when your supply budget is low.
  
• Astronomy with a Stick - Astronomy activities that can be done during the daytime. These activities which track the movement of the sun are for elementary and middle school students.
  
• The Women of NASA - Meet the women scientists at Ames Research Center. This is a K-12 initiative by NASA to interest more girls in careers in science.
  
• Astronomy Cast - a podcast which is a great way for you and your students to learn about astronomy.
  

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Biology

• Action Bioscience - Articles on the impact of bioscience research on our lives. There are high school lesson plans and charts of NSES correlations
  
• BioZone Bio Links - This is a directory of web sites dealing with many aspects of biology such as ecology, biotechnology, animal behavior, cell biology and many more.
  
• Living Things - Links to websites on animals, plants, and ecosystems. There are also tips for teachers. This site is prepared by the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia.
  
• SMILE Biology Lesson Plans - For all grade levels from the Illinois Institute of Technology.
  
• Biology Lesson Plans - From Teachnology.
  
• Lesson Plans Inc. - Biology lesson plans for all grades.
  
• The Science Behind Our Food - Lesson plans for many aspects of biology from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences of the University of Georgia.
  
• The Genetic Science Learning Center - Background information on current developments in genetic science, and lesson plans.
  
• Teaching Evolution - Information about evolution and possible perils and pitfalls to avoid while teaching about it. By the University of California Museum of Paleontology
  
• The Marian Koshland Science Museum - Activities and lesson plans for infectious diseases, global warming, and DNA and genetics.
  
• The National Institute of General Medical Sciences - Teaching resources, interactive games, quizzes, and information on becoming a research scientist.
  
• The Entomology Index - Recommended entomology sites on the web for K-12 educators.
  
• Monarch Butterfly Lesson Plans - For grades 1 - 12.
  
• US Department of Agriculture forTeachers and Students - There is so much offered at this site that it is hard to describe. Visit Smokey the Bear, check out the food pyramid, and don't miss RUS the Surfing Squirrel.
  
• Biodidac - This may be the place to look if you need pictures for teaching life sciences.
  
• Microbes.Info - This is a portal for microbiology information on the web. Check out the FAQ's for basic information on microbiology, and the Education and Learning section for links to teaching related web sites.
  
• Penn State Lesson Plans - Plans for all grades for forest resources, water, earth science and wildlife from the School of Forest Resources at Penn State University.
  
• KinderGarden - Gardening in the curriculum for all grades levels. This is a good starting point for any teacher interested in starting a gradening project.
  
• Out! Out! Damp Sprout! - A lesson plan for growing seeds which are found in the supermarket. This lesson is by Vicki Cobb.
  
• Real Trees 4 Kids - Activities and lesson plans for grades 3 through high school. This site is by the National Christmas Tree Association.
  
• Kids Gardening - Resources and grant information for teachers. By the National Garden Association.
  
• Plants for Kids - Experiments in botany for children from the Delaware State University.
  
• Bird Sleuth- A project in bird watching for middle school students. Sponsored by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
  
• Online Biology Book - If your knowledge of biology is a bit shaky, you may need to refer to this text by M. J. Farabee
  

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Chemistry, Physics and Technology

• American Chemical Society - Web site for chemistry teachers and students.
  
• SMILE Chemistry Lesson Plans - For all grade levels from the Illinois Institute of Technology
  
• Chalkbored - High school level resources which includes Power Point lessons, lesson handouts, labs, and other material.
  
• Chemistry Lesson Plans - From Teachnology.
  
• Chemistry Lesson Plans - From Middle School Science.
  
• Creative Chemistry - You will find worksheets and online chemistry games at this British site.
  
• Chemistry at About.Com - lesson plans, experiments, and other chemical information.
  
• School Chemistry Laboratory Safety Guide - From the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health.
  
• Physical Science Lesson Plans - From Discovery School.
  
• Physics Lesson Plans - From Teachnology.
  
• Exploring the Nanoworld - Lesson plans for nanotechnology and materials science by University of Wisconsin Materials Research Science and Education Center.
  
• SMILE Physics Lesson Plans - From the Illinois Institute of Technology.
  
• Physical Science Lesson Plans - for all grades from Reach Out Michigan.
  
• Physics Central - Some teaching ideas, a middle school competition, free posters and coloring books. By the American Physical Science Society.
  
• Teach Engineering K - 12 - This site has curriculum and lesson plans for many areas of science. It has a great many lessons for physical sciences and technology.
  
• Technology Lesson Plans - From Discovery School.
  
• Inventors and Inventions - Lesson Plans from About.Com.
  
• Molecularium - Site for teaching about atomic structure. There are lesson plans for you and interactive activities for students.
  
• The Particle Adventure - This is a great site if you need to brush up on your knowledge of atomic or nuclear physics. It has a few worksheets for students, too.
  

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Ecology and Environment

• Environmental Education on the Internet - Resources for teachers and students, and also information on grants and environmental organizations.
  
• Environmental Education Lesson Plans - From TeachNology.
  
• Teacher's Corner - by Care2. This site is a directory of web sites about all aspects of environmental education.
  
• Environmental Protection Agency - Environmental education web site.
  
• The Environmental Education Network
  
• Exploring the Environment - This site has modules for students to use to explore various aspects of the environment such as hurricanes, rainforests, the Everglades, and the weather. There are teacher help pages, too.
  
• Teaching about Waste and Recycling - Lesson plans from the EPA.
  
• Community Science Action Guides - Teaching units and lesson plans for grades K-12. These lessons deal with water, energy, and health sciences.
  
• The Electronic Naturalist - An online program providing a weekly environmental education unit. These units are available in 2 reading levels for K-3 and 4-8. Each unit has activities, a poster, and links to related web sites.
  
• Taming the Paper Tiger - Lessons on paper and the environment from SmartPay.
  
• Beyond Penguins and Polar Bears - An online magazine for teachers of grades k - 5. The purpose is to integrate science, literacy, and the polar regions. There are lesson plans and links to relevant web sites.
  
• The Rainforest Alliance - Rainforest information and activities for kids and teachers.
  
• The Rainforest Action Network - Dedicated to preserving the rainforests.
  
• Educational in Nature - Environmental education units for 4th and 5th graders. This site includes lesson plans and worksheets.
  
• Activities to Celebrate Earth Day - From Education World.
  
• All About Global Warming - In case you need to brush up on your knowledge of global warming.
  
• Teachers' Guide to High Quality Educational Materials on Climate Change and Global Warming- Global warming facts and lesson plans from the National Science Teachers Association.
  
• Climate Change Education - News and lesson plans.
  
• The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection - Information on Pennsylvania's environment for teachers and students.
  

Energy

• Alliance to Save Energy - Lesson plans and energy saving tips.
  
• Energy Lesson Plans - For all grade levels from the US Department of Energy.
  
• Energy for Educators - From the US Department of Energy.
  
• The Energy Kid's Page - an energy timeline, classroom activities, energy facts, and an energy glossary.
  
• Renewable Energy Lesson Plan - From the Texas State Energy Conservation Office.
  
• Fuel Our Future Now - Lesson plans on automobile design and fuel use. These plans are for all grades from the US Department of Energy.
  
• Teaching Resources - on alternative forms of energy from the Tennessee Valley Authority.
  

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Geology

• Geology Link - Learn what's new in geology, take a virtual field trip, check out virtual geology courses, or ask a geology professor.
  
• Geology Educational Resources - From the U.S. Geological Survey. Projects in earth science for students and teachers.
  
• Geology Lesson Plans - From ProTeacher.
  
• Earth Science Lesson Plans - from Teachnology.
  
• Geology Lesson Plans - for grades K - 12 by the Illinois State Museum.
  
• Geology.Com - Geology articles, maps and satellite images, a geological dictionary, and teaching materials.
  
• Understanding Geologic Time - This online unit for students has a teachers guide.
  
• How Volcanoes Work - This is a good site if you need to brush up on your knowledge of volcanoes. There are links to volcano lesson plans on the Volcano Links page.
  
• Earthquake Topics: Lessons Online - From the US Geological Service.
  
• Earthquakes: Getting Ready for the Big One - a middle school lesson plan from Discovery School.
  
• Mineral Information Institute - Free teaching materials and lesson plans.
  
• Coal Lesson Plans - From the American Coal Foundation.
  
• Mining - Links to web sites about mining and mine safety. There are also ideas for student activities.
  
• Cavern Geology Lesson Plans - by Cave and Mine Adventures.
  
• The Geological Society of America - Lesson plans for grades k-12.
  
• Geology of Pennsylvania - lesson plans and other materials by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
  

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Meteorology

• Weather Lesson Plans for Elementary Teachers - Lesson plans and links to weather web sites.
  
• Weather Lesson Plans - From Discovery School
  
• Weather Lesson Plans - From Teachnology.
  
• Weather Lesson Plans - From the University of Oklahoma. These are mainly for middle school students.
  
• The University of Michigan Weather Underground - Weather information.
  
• Hurricane Watch - Lesson plans for the fall hurricane season from Education World.
  
• Lightening Safety - There are Tools for Teachers to assist in teaching these safety measures.
  
• Tornado Lesson Plans - From A - Z Teachers Stuff.
  
• A Blizzard of Winter Lessons! - For elementary grades from Education World.
  
• Project SkyMath - A six-weeks middle-school mathematics unit which incorporates real weather data.
  

Oceanography

• New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium - This site has lesson plans and worksheets.
  
• Treasures@Sea - Teaching oceanography through art and literature.
  
• Reef Ball Educational Projects - 50 ideas for teaching about oceanography.
  
• National Geographic Blue Frontier - Oceanography lesson plans for all grades.
  
• NOAA Ocean Explorer - Curriculum and lesson plans.
  
• Classroom Resources from the Monterey Bay Acquarium - Lesson plans, videos, and podcasts.
  
• National Marine Sanctuaries - This sites provides a curriculum, lesson plans and other activities.
  
• Sea World/Bush Gardens - Lesson plans and teaching guides.
  
• The Gulf of Maine Research Institute - Information and lesson plans for acquatic life.
  
• Oceanography for Kids - Links to lesson plans and oceanography sites by Kathi Mitchell.
  
• The Intertidal Zone - A lesson plan for middle school students.
  
• Coral Seas - A middle school lesson plan on coral reefs.
  
• The COOL Classroom - A project to link middle and elementary school classrooms with the Rutgers Marine and Costal research program.
  
• The Jason Project - Visit the ocean with this popular interactive science project.
  

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This site is maintained by Linda Bertland, retired school librarian. Please address any comments, additions, or corrections to info@sldirectory.com.