Physical Oceanography from Space
http://podaac.jpl.nasa.gov/kids/
Provided by NASA for kids, the Physical Oceanography from Space Web site gives a short and simple introduction to the subject including how satellites measure the ocean and how scientists use satellite measurements, as well as oceanography history and news. Two experiments are also available that show how sea surface temperature changes with latitude and how it changes along the coast of California during an El Nino event. Although the site may be a bit too technical for young grade schoolers, others will find the information quite helpful and interesting. [JAB]
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Kite Aerial Photography
http://education.ssc.nasa.gov/kap/kap.htm
Scott Calhoun of Mississippi State University developed the Kite Aerial Photography page, which is part of the larger Stennis Space Center Office of Education Web site. The activity lets kids (with an adult's help) do their own aerial photography by attaching a disposable camera to a kite. Complete directions are given including tips on choosing and flying the kite. Sample images prove that it can be done, making this a very unique and fun exercise for students. [JAB]
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Fantasy Island Watershed Activity
http://rodneyscience.freeyellow.com/watershed.html
Created by high school teacher Rod Benson, the Fantasy Island Watershed Activity provides a very hands-on and visual way for students to learn about water resource issues and the dynamics of watersheds. The activity is easy to complete, needing only a few materials including modeling clay and an eyedropper. Mr. Benson even provides a related worksheet to print out, making dealing with the annoying pop up ads of the free Web site provider well worth it. [JAB]
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Geoscapes Photography
http://www.geoscapesphotography.com/
Sometimes learning or at least sparking an interest in a subject can be accomplished through pictures. The Geoscapes Photography Web site by Emeritus Professor of Geology John A. Karachewski contains spectacular photos of various geologic formations from the western US. By clicking on the main gallery link, students can choose from various locations such as northern California, Point Reyes National Seashore, Colorado, and Utah. Each link then contains the photographs and simple descriptions of the unique landform and geology represented. [JAB]
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The Rock Cycle Experiments
http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/rocks/rockcycle.shtml
Maintained by the BBC Education Web site, The Rock Cycle Experiments page contains ten activities related to the rock cycle, beginning with weathering and ending with the uplift of rocks. Each activity pops up after clicking the link within the very well done interactive diagram of the rock cycle. The activities are simple but effective; for example, the transportation lesson has students run water through sand to see its effects. The hands-on experience of the activities helps reinforce the learning and of course makes it fun. [JAB]
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Fear of Physics
http://www.fearofphysics.com/
The Fear of Physics Web site contains more than twenty interactive physics related activities. Everything from things that spin, sound, atoms, collisions, and the Doppler effect are included. The Speed and Acceleration link teaches about movement by allowing users to choose two vehicles and change their position, speed, and acceleration. After pressing the GO button, the program runs, and students get to see how the chosen variables affect the vehicles' movements. A great collection of online learn-by-doing experiments. [JAB]
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Air Travelers
http://www.omsi.edu/visit/physics/air/home.html
Offered by the Science Learning Network, the Air Travelers Web site is "an introduction to the basic principles of buoyancy, properties of gases, temperature, and the technology involved in hot air ballooning." Four activities are described along with any materials needed, directions, and questions that help students understand the concepts. A bonus activity is also provided that explains how to build your own hot air balloon using common household items. [JAB]
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Funderstanding Roller Coaster
http://www.funderstanding.com/k12/coaster/
Provided by Funderstanding.com, the Roller Coaster Java applet Web site allows students to design their own roller coaster. After waiting for the program to load, users can change the height of two hills and the loop, the speed and mass of the car, and the gravity and friction being applied. After hitting the green start button, you get to see if the car flies off the track or doesn't make it through the loop. A simple but fun site. [JAB]
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