Gender and Science Digital Library
http://www.edc.org/GDI/GSDL/
A new project from the Gender & Diversities Institute and the Eisenhower National Clearinghouse, the Gender and Science Digital Library (GSDL) is a major initiative to create an interactive digital library of high quality gender and science resources. The library will assist K-12 educators in providing equitable science education by raising awareness of the effects that gender has on learning science and sharing teaching methods to address gender differences. The site is currently seeking educators to share resources that they have developed and to review material submitted by others. Teachers can also contribute by responding to a focus group survey on the design of the site. For those users who would like further information, there is also a link to the upcoming conferences in which GSDL will participate. This is an important site to watch for any science teacher concerned about gender equity issues. [AL]
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Exploring Biodiversity [Quicktime]
http://flood.nhm.ac.uk/eb/index.shtml
This new educational resource has been developed by the London's Natural History Museum to help students learn about biodiversity concepts and measures. Teacher resources include a glossary of terms and lesson plans with ideas for working through the online and field sampling activities with students. This is a valuable Web site that promotes an active approach to learning through concept and data investigation. Although the maps and data are specific to the UK, the concepts and lessons are applicable to students everywhere. [AL]
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Virtual Fish Tank [Shockwave]
http://www.virtualfishtank.com
This virtual exhibit from the Boston Museum of Science and Nearlife, Inc. allows you to build your own fish based on characteristics like its fear of predators, preference for deep or shallow habitat, and whether it is attracted to bubbles or shiny objects. You can name your fish, watch it interact with others in your own personal tank, and release it into the museum's virtual tank. A simple registration allows users to access the site fully, which includes viewing what happened to your fish when it was released into the online tank. This is a unique site that allows users an opportunity to learn about behavior and interaction; in addition, it's just plain fun. [AL]
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International Cryobiology Young Researchers Group
http://www.icyr.org/
The International Cryobiology Young Researchers Group, an organization designed to foster communication among young cryobiology researchers and promote the science of cryobiology, has recently redesigned its Web site. Some parts of the site are restricted to members of the organization, but other parts are available to anyone. In addition to learning what cryobiology is, the most useful part of this site for educators is the section of Science Fair Ideas. Several ideas are presented for conducting experiments that don't require sophisticated equipment and can be done as part of a science fair or classroom activity. All of these ideas include background information, research questions, procedures, and required materials -- making them helpful educational tools. [AL]
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Curriculum Guide for the Climate Impacts Map [.pdf]
http://www.climatehotmap.org/curriculum/index.html
This Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) guide was produced by the Union of Concerned Scientists to accompany the Global Warming: Early Warning Signs Web site (last mentioned in the March 14, 2001 Scout Report for Science & Engineering). The activities are designed to involve 9-12 grade students in learning about real world issues using recent data. The activities focus on the following four topics: analyzing climate data from a selected city, collecting and comparing data on perceptions of climate with historical climate data, evaluating how climate change could affect the spread of disease, and exploring the relationship between climate and ecosystems. These lesson plans are complete with objectives, prerequisite knowledge, additional resources, and National Science Education Standards Alignment. [AL]
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Adventures of Echo the Bat [.pdf]
http://imagers.gsfc.nasa.gov/
NASA, the US Geological Survey, and the National Biological Information Infrastructure have partnered to create this interactive multimedia adventure to teach grade school children about remote sensing. The Adventure of Echo is an interactive story about a young bat that introduces students to the ideas of remote sensing, habitat, and biodiversity. Available both online and in Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) format, the teacher's guide gives introductions and lesson plans under the headings of Understanding Light, Remote Sensing, and Biodiversity. Although remote sensing is a subject that some teachers may not be familiar with, the ideas are presented in a way that can be easily understood. This is a unique site that provides an interdisciplinary learning opportunity designed to capture students interest. [AL]
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The Missing Link: Evolution in Action [Flash]
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/link/evolution.html
This interactive game from PBS's NOVA Online allows students to observe a population of virtual creatures as they evolve under changing conditions. Background color, controlled by the student, represents environmental conditions, while the color of the organism indicates certain adaptations and mutations. Students are able to see how changes in environmental conditions support some colors of organisms, while others become extinct. The game includes instructions and an explanation of the game's purpose, but it is most useful when used in conjunction with supplementary evolution lessons. [AL]
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Spike's Science Projects
http://spikesworld.spike-jamie.com/science
Over 400 science projects, drafted by a professor of Science, are published on this educational Web site. Projects from various scientific fields include animals, atoms, ecology, meteorology, microorganisms, and more. Most of the projects are fun, informative, and can be completed easily with household items. [AL]
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