FirstGov for Kids: Science and Math
http://www.kids.gov/k_science.htm
FirstGov for Kids is the online portal to dozens of governmental and other quality Web sites geared especially for kids. The Science and Math page contains a list of all sites related to these subjects, with titles that include Earthquakes for Kids, Energy Quest, Jefferson Labs Kids Corner, Make a Lightbulb, The Space Place, Visible Earth, Weather Eye, and more. The listings are organized into Government Sites, Organization Sites, Education Sites, and Commercial Sites, each of which include a helpful description and a direct link. Kids and teachers alike will appreciate the handy compilation of quality educational sites. [JAB]
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Big Dig Archeology [QuickTime]
http://www.mos.org/bigdigarch/
From the Boston Museum of Science comes the Big Dig Archeology educational Web site. Visitors get a chance to explore Spectacle Island, an archaeological site just offshore from the City of Boston. They begin by learning about the site itself, what it looked like, what tools the Native Americans used, what food they ate, and other physical and natural histories of the island. A wide range of descriptions and photographs are available, as well as several interesting QuickTime movies of the island's early history, its recent history, and a description of the excavation from an actual archaeologist. The well-designed site does a good job of providing non-technical descriptions and enough multimedia content to make it enjoyable for kids of all ages. [JAB]
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ISS EarthKAM for Students
http://www.earthkam.ucsd.edu/public/students/
ISS EarthKAM is described as a NASA-sponsored program that provides stunning, high quality photographs of our planet taken from the Space Shuttle and International Space Station. The Students page contains a Resources link that allows kids to learn about the International Space Station, Orbital Mechanics, Maps, the Space Shuttle, and Weather, and the Challengers link provides an opportunity to test the knowledge learned. Other links on the page include activities such as games and quizzes, as well as all information needed to get your own school involved in the mission. Even though this one page is fun to explore on its own, the rest of the site provides even more opportunities for those interested to learn even more. [JAB]
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Environmental Atlas
http://www.epa.gov/ceisweb1/ceishome/atlas/index.htm
The Environmental Protection Agencies Environmental Atlas Web site offers an online environmental map collection and information to help kids understand environmental maps, mapping, and environmental information. The USA Maps link contains links to maps of air quality; landscape and landuse features; and of watershed, groundwater, drinking water, and water quality. State and Regional Maps has links to pages of geographic and environmental maps and information organized by US state and EPA region. The Learn About Maps and Data page describes how to understand maps and geographic data, how maps are made, interactive mapping, and much more. The site does a good job of explaining and providing an interesting way for students to learn about maps and their uses. [JAB]
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Fun Brain
http://www.funbrain.com/
FunBrain.com is provided by the Family Education Network, which is described as the Web's leading source of educational content; resources; and shopping for parents, teachers, and kids. Offering separate areas for kids, teachers, and parents, the Web site provides educational games, quizzes, homework help, and more. Science subjects covered include elements, colors of light, astronomy, chemistry, physics, geology, and more. One example is a game that allows kids to learn about famous and infamous scientists throughout the ages called "Who is That?" The site contains a lot of interesting and fun educational material and online resources, making it well worth visiting. [JAB]
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LessonPlanz.com
http://www.lessonplanz.com/
LessonPlanz.com is provided by A to Z Teacher Stuff, whose primary goal is to enhance the learning of students everywhere through helping teachers find the resources they need. Educators can search or browse the science category, which contains hundreds of lesson plans organized by grade level from grade school through twelfth grade. Each listing contains the title, age recommendation, a rating based on user feedback, and the direct link to the lesson plan. Although advertisements abound, the offerings and the very helpful rating system make the site a must visit for educators seeking new material. [JAB]
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Web Weather for Kids
http://www.ucar.edu/educ_outreach/webweather/
Web Weather for Kids is made possible by the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR), Friends of UCAR, the Boulder Valley School District, and the University of Colorado at Boulder. Kids can learn about Thunderstorms and Tornadoes, Hurricanes, Blizzards and Winter Weather, Clouds, Weather Safety, and much more. One of the highlights of the site is the interactive Weather Ingredients activity that lets kids explore all of the major weather components. This includes an interactive activity that allows kids to see how molecules change their speed based on temperature. This fun and educational site does a good job of presenting these potentially confusing subjects in an easy-to-understand format that's well suited for kids. [JAB]
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KidSpace: Math and Science
http://www.ipl.org/div/kidspace/browse/mas7000/
The Internet Public Library (IPL) is a public service organization provided by the University of Michigan School of Information. Goals of the IPL include: finding, evaluating, selecting, organizing, describing, and creating information resources; and direct assistance to individuals. The KidSpace: Math and Science page contains a large collection of outside sites reviewed by IPL with categories that include Projects and Puzzles, Air and Space, Earth Science, Experiments and Science Fair Projects, Physics and Chemistry, History and People, and many more. Each category contains further subcategories, making it easy to find specifically what you're looking for. Overall, it's an excellent resource for anyone seeking a wide range of educational Web sites. [JAB]
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