Tissues of Life [Flash, QuickTime]
http://www.smm.org/tissues/
This Web site from the Science Museum of Minnesota offers a fun and interactive way to learn about the structure and function of the body's tissues. While some activities provided are designed to complement an on-site visit to the Tissues of Life exhibit, the Web site also includes many stand-alone Web-based features. For example, with Explore Body Tissues, students can take a look at cross-sections of actual human bodies, browse through a gallery of scar photos (and perhaps add a photo of their own!), explore parts of the human body at 30X actual size, or play a game while learning about the different cells involved in wound healing. Tissues of Life does not include Web-based lesson plans, but this engaging Web site would be a great addition to related classroom activities for a range of grade levels. [RS]
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Meiosis Tutorial [Shockwave]
http://tutor.lscf.ucsb.edu/mcdb/tutorial/meiosis/
Prepared by Drs. Rolf Christoffersen and Debbie Kaska from the Division of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology at the University of California-Santa Barbara, this animated tutorial helps students understand basic genetic principles by demonstrating the movement of chromosomes and the segregation of Mendelian genes during meiosis. The tutorial's straightforward and well-labeled animated sequences effectively illustrate the dynamic process of meiosis, which can be hard to visualize when presented as discrete phases, as in a textbook. Whether reviewing meiosis or encountering it for the first time, students from a range of grade levels should find this tutorial useful. [RS]
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AP Biology: Glenbrook South High School [.ppt]
http://www.glenbrook.k12.il.us/gbssci/bio/apbio/Lecture/lecture.htm
This Web site is one of number of online resources created for AP Biology students at Glenbrook South High School in Illinois. Fortunately, this comprehensive collection of classroom lectures based on Neil Campbell's Biology (5th edition) is accessible to anyone with an Internet connection. Students enrolled in AP Biology or introductory college-level biology courses may find these PowerPoint lecture slides particularly useful, especially as Campbell's Biology is a commonly used textbook. The lectures include animations from Campbell's Interactive Study Partner -- good news for those who own used copies of the textbook and are missing this CD-ROM. A well-chosen list of related Web links accompanies each unit of lectures. [RS]
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The Wonder Pill [.pdf, RealPlayer, WinMedia]
http://www.pbs.org/saf/1307/
The PBS series Scientific American Frontiers offers this online supplement to the documentary The Wonder Pill, which aired February 18, 2003. The entire episode -- an intriguing exploration of the placebo effect -- may be viewed online. The Web-only section offers interesting articles that examine natural remedies for the common cold, the placebo effect throughout history and across cultures, and more. The Web site also includes two stand-alone lesson plans for grades 5-8 and a pop quiz based on the documentary. Plus, students can get a head start on related research projects with the resources section, an extensive collection of useful links including the Web pages of scientists featured in the program. [RS]
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Simplified Science Animations
http://www.toppermost.biz/index2.html
This terrific collection of science animations comes courtesy of Tom Diab, science teacher at Saline High School in Michigan. He offers these easy-to-follow animations on the Web free of charge, although users may also purchase the complete set on CD if interested. Animations available for the life sciences include about a dozen each for biology (cellular respiration, mitosis and meiosis, cloning, etc.) and for anatomy and physiology (heart pathway, nerve impulse, kinder filtration, etc.). Visual learners in particular should appreciate Diab's straightforward animations, which should help reinforce related classroom material for students of any learning style. [RS]
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Structures for Molecular Biology [Chemscape Chime]
http://info.bio.cmu.edu/Courses/BiochemMols/MolBiol/MolBiol.html
Developed by Dr. William McClure from the Department of Biological Sciences at Carnegie Mellon University, this Web site provides interactive images of molecules and complexes to supplement coursework in molecular biology. For each of the eleven structures provided, users may view the protein, the DNA, or the whole complex. Also, each image may be rotated for a 3D effect. The site supplies a detailed description and a reference for each structure (links for references are given, but may lead to subscription journal Web sites). [RS]
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Giant Pandas [.pdf]
http://natzoo.si.edu/Animals/GiantPandas/PandaEducation/default.cfm
The Smithsonian Institution National Zoological Park presents this extensive curriculum guide focused on the giant panda, one of the zoo's most famous denizens. Three sets of multidisciplinary lesson plans -- for grades K-4, 5-8, and 9-12 -- "contain all necessary background information and explore giant panda biology, habitat, zoo science, and conservation efforts." For example, the curriculum guide for grades 9-12 includes lesson plans addressing animal behavior and interdependence, the biomes of China, land-use planning, creative writing, and more. Students may also take advantage of the zoo's many other panda-related resources available online. [RS]
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MIKIDS!: Mammals
http://www.mikids.com/mammals.htm
This Web site is just one of many from MIKIDS!, "an award-winning K-8 educational site" created by educational Web designer Carolyn Gundrum. This site introduces placental, marsupial, and monotreme mammals via an informative, kid-friendly collection of Web links. No lesson plans are provided, but with its diverse selection of charismatic animals and links to reliable sites such as the Smithsonian Institution and the Oakland Zoo, this site should serve as a useful learning resource for younger kids. The larger MIKIDS! Web site includes numerous educational activities and lesson plans in a variety of subjects. [RS]
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