Web Resources – SEARK Coop
Teach your students to make paper snowflakes for use as room decorations, and then extend the activity
with this website. http://snowflakes.barkleyus.com/
Add biographical information on a scientist- Snowflake Bentley. http://snowflakebentley.com/
Download printed snowflake patterns here: http://www3.ns.sympatico.ca/dstredulinsky/home.html
Add math and literacy plus games with the many links on this page:
http://www.mathwire.com/seasonal/winter05.html
Lesson- Edible Glass (Chemistry/Biology)
This lab provides an introduction to organic molecules and condensation reactions. Instructions include
measurements and making “edible glass (sugar)” with simple materials and equipment. (pdf file)
Middle School-High School
http://www.ccmr.cornell.edu/education/modules/documents/EdibleGlass.pdf
Great website! Check the other lessons: Earth, Physical, etc
http://www.ccmr.cornell.edu/education/modules/
Lesson- Edible Glass (Chemistry/Biology)
This lab provides an introduction to organic molecules and condensation reactions. Instructions include
measurements and making “edible glass (sugar)” with simple materials and equipment. (pdf file)
Middle School-High School
http://www.ccmr.cornell.edu/education/modules/documents/EdibleGlass.pdf
Great website! Check the other lessons: Earth, Physical, etc
http://www.ccmr.cornell.edu/education/modules/
Topical List of Earth Science Websites
Links to various resources for Rocks, Minerals, Pollution, Plate Tectonics, Glaciers, Soil, Energy, etc.
etc. http://webs.cmich.edu/resgi/
Irreverent Physical Science
Very funny Periodic Table at this website. http://www.besse.at/sms/matter.html
Teach with Movies
Many teachers use video to enhance instruction. Teach with Movies has lesson plans for hundreds of
movies useful in all content areas. Membership is $1 per month, but you might be able to talk your
librarian into purchasing a subscription.
Check the sample plan for October Sky at: http://www.teachwithmovies.org/
Heather Carter, Math Specialist
Lori Cingolani, Science Specialist
Page 1
Web Resources – SEARK Coop
Microscopy Website
This site contains links to various items related to the use of microscopes. Check out the Microscope
Primer, a downloadable guide to using a microscope, a Pond Life Identification Kit (relates to primary
frameworks), Pond Dip- a virtual pond with information about all the critters found there, MicScape a
magazine devoted to microscopy plus over 2000 previously printed articles, and links to the best
microscopic image galleries. http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/full_menu.html
Brain and Nervous System Links
Dozens of links to materials useful when teaching about the nervous system for all levels. Lots of kewl
stuff! http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/works.html
Living with Disabilities
Most teachers have students in their classrooms with challenges such as ADD, dyslexia, or other learning
disabilities. What we need to remember is that everyone is challenged in some way; strange but true, we
are all living with some type of disability. Whether it is mental or physical, clearly visible or not so
apparent, it’s there. Think about your own special needs when you learn something new, do you review
material repeatedly, read it aloud, take notes? Many of your students don’t realize what modality is the
most effective way for them to learn. Do you? If not, introduce your students to learning styles and how
the brain processes information. The better we understand our learning needs, and disabilities, the
easier they are to address.
http://www.adl.org/education/curriculum_connections/fall_2005/fall_lesson_4_2005.asp?cc_secti
on=lesson_4
Tech Tip: Handheld Digital USB Microscopes
Recent innovations in the field of microscopy include digital configurations that may be compatible with
the needs of the primary/middle grades for demonstration purposes. One such product is ProScope,
sometimes called “Scope on a Rope”. This microscope attaches to a computer and can be used to
capture video, time lapse, and stills of magnified objects. It comes in several magnifications, is purported
to be easy to use, and portable. http://www.proscopehr.com/
Celestron also makes a similar item: http://www.adorama.com/CNMSD.html
If you already have good quality microscopes at your school, a flexible camera can be attached to the
ocular and interfaced with a television. Prior to doing lab work, magnified objects can be viewed by all
students as the teacher points out specific areas of interest. This is an excellent teaching tool when
students are faced with trying to identify cells in various stages of mitosis, the difference between xylem
and phloem in plants, or differentiating cells in any tissue etc. Flex cams can also be used to focus on the
gross structure of larger objects i.e. organs in dissected specimens.
http://www.schooltr.com/Products/Ken_A_Vision_Analog_Gooseneck/Ken_A_Vision_Analog_Goo
seneck.php
Demonstrations for Science Classes
This website has links to resources on science demonstrations for all levels from simple ones for
primary teachers to complex chemistry demos. Some have photos of the demonstrations.
Chem-mystery, Twinkies Project, Mole Day, Take-Home Science and more:
http://sciencedemonstrations101.com/sciencedemonstrationslinks.html
Heather Carter, Math Specialist
Lori Cingolani, Science Specialist
Page 2
Web Resources – SEARK Coop
“Take-home Science”. These simple activities are used to involve parents/kids in doing science with
household items. Try the Science Demonstrations at Elmhurst
http://www.elmhurst.edu/~chm/demos/
from the link above, there are dozens of simple science activities that can be copied into a document and
modified for student use. Leave off the explanations of course! After students complete the experiments
at home, ask them to explain
the results. Follow up with a scientific explanation. Several of the
demonstrations involve the same concepts (density and air pressure for
example) so you can reinforce student ideas with your own demos in class.
Ecology, Growth and Carbon Cycle – Middle School (These looked very useful!)
Formative assessments can be used before or during the teaching cycle to determine your
student’s preconceptions or to evaluate the effectiveness of teaching. These links have
assessments that include open response items in a format similar to the Science Benchmark.
Topics covered include, growth, science experiments, ecology and the carbon cycle. Students
will also be required to think critically in order to formulate answers.
Elementary: http://edr1.educ.msu.edu/EnvironmentalLit/publicsite/html/cc_assess_e.html
Middle School:
http://edr1.educ.msu.edu/EnvironmentalLit/publicsite/html/cc_assess_m.html
High School: http://edr1.educ.msu.edu/EnvironmentalLit/publicsite/html/cc_assess_h.html
Topic- Water Cycle:
http://edr1.educ.msu.edu/EnvironmentalLit/publicsite/files/WaterCycle/WC%20Assessment/
Water_ItemPool_2007.pdf
Biodiversity: http://edr1.educ.msu.edu/EnvironmentalLit/publicsite/html/be_assess.html
High School- Lessons on Ecology, food webs and nature of science that include activities,
PowerPoint presentations, and questions. http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/contaminantsonline/
pages/ToolsTeachers/TTintro.htm
Lesson on Carbon Cycle- 5-9th grade
This lesson has printed information for students, diagrams and questions.
http://www.planetconnecticut.org/teachersadministrators/pdfs/lesson2.pdf
Links to diagrams and animated cycles:
http://educationcooperative.wikispaces.com/Carbon+Cycle
NSDL Middle School Lesson Portal
Searchable database of lessons on genetics, ecology, environmental issues and many topics.
http://msteacher.org/science.aspx
Cassini K-4 Literacy Program: Grades 3
&4
Welcome to a spectacular journey of learning the Cassini-Huygens Mission to Saturn and
Titan!
This set of lessons brings together reading, writing and science in ways that underscore the
belief that scientific thinking and use of language go hand-in-hand. All files are in PDF form
and can be downloaded to your computer. http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov/education/edu-k434a.cfm
Heather Carter, Math Specialist
Lori Cingolani, Science Specialist
Page 3
Web Resources – SEARK Coop
Paper Models
Download these 3-D paper model patterns of insects/dinosaurs/sundials/planes/earth
layers/animals/pop-up cards and others for students (or you!) to make. The patterns are in
color, some are simple and others are very intricate.
http://cp.cij.com/europe/papercraft/uk/science/index.html
Paper Fractal Geometric Model http://www.ss42.com/pt/fractle/fractle-fidgets.html
Links to dozens of different kinds:
http://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/artscraftsideaskids/3dfoldingmodelspapercraft
s.html
Pounding out a Print
One of my favorite activities for students during the fall is making leaf prints (after teaching
about pigments and leaf classification of course). There are many ways to do this, most
people coat the backs of leaves with paint and make a print on paper, or lay paper over the
leaf and use crayons to transfer the print. This leaf printing activity uses the natural
pigments of the leaves themselves. Take a nature walk to collect a pile of colorful fall
leaves, gather some metal flat-head hammers, and muslin or thick art paper. Lay the leaves
on the paper/cloth veins up and pound away! This is a great activity for those energetic
middle school kids. Just be sure to wear eye protection and do the pounding outside on the
parking lot or sidewalk where you won’t disturb others. Try berries and fall flowers also, and
layer the leaves for an interesting effect, green leaves will work too. Post the prints or frame
them when they are finished. If you are into dyeing fabric this technique is called “leaf
whapping”. Here is a link to a description that includes Native American History.
http://educators.btnep.org/client_files/editor_files/Spirit%20Lesson%20
2-6.pdf
Jeopardy PowerPoint Games
Students love games and this site has 6 Jeopardy Games you can download
and save on your computer.
http://apps.caes.uga.edu/sbof/main/tpltExperiments.cfm?subject=Games
%20and%20Slides&index=1
• Right click the “PPT slides button”
• Click “Save Target As” choose a location and save it to your hard drive
• View the game on a computer projector
• Topics: Atoms, Force, Phases of Matter, Photosynthesis and Respiration etc.
Upper Level Teachers- If these seem too simple to be used as review, use
them as an introductory Formative Assessment before you begin a unit to
find out how much your students remember from previous classes.
Chemistry- Calculate Average Atomic Mass of fictional “Legumium” Isotopes
This simple activity uses dried beans to illustrate how average mass is calculated.
A good warm-up for a chemistry class! Student worksheet and instructions included.
http://apps.caes.uga.edu/sbof/main/lessonPlan/BagOIsotopes.pdf
Science of Food and Agriculture-Lessons
Heather Carter, Math Specialist
Lori Cingolani, Science Specialist
Page 4
Web Resources – SEARK Coop
This website (which is also referenced above) has hundreds of lessons with student
worksheets and PowerPoint presentations. They cover many areas, not just food and
agriculture! I found lessons on Gel Electrophoresis for example.
http://apps.caes.uga.edu/sbof/main/tpltExperiments.cfm?subject=All&i
ndex=1
Fetal Pig Dissection
These worksheets are student-ready and can be downloaded to your computer.
http://sps.k12.ar.us/massengale/fetal_pig_dissection.htm
Virtual Pig Dissection link:
http://www.whitman.edu/biology/vpd/main.html
All Teachers:
PBS TeacherLine now offers WGBH/Teachers'
Domain professional development courses in Physical, Life, and Earth and Space
Sciences for elementary, middle, and high school educators, as a special collection within
PBS TeacherLine. You may be eligible for a complimentary PBS TeacherLine Course through
the Arkansas IDEAS Learn Now initiative. To learn more, please visit
http://ideas.aetn.org/.
Fall national courses begin Wednesday, October 24, 2007, and courses in your local
area may have additional start dates.
“Text Messaging”
Your students, and your children, speak a new language….…it’s called “Text Messaging”. For
many of us it is completely incomprehensible, but it saves them time as they try to send quick
messages using the tiny key pads on their cell phones. I haven’t ventured into text messaging
since I CRS (can’t remember stuff) as easily I could years ago and TSNF (that’s so not fair!). If we
want to understand this generation PLU (people like us) should know something about their
“culture”. Here is a link to a Text Messaging Dictionary, maybe you will find it useful.
I may try learning a little of it myself, just as soon as I can find the text messaging button on my
phone.
http://www.webopedia.com/quick_ref/textmessageabbreviations.asp
US Mint Lesson Plans
Downloadable lessons on the state quarter series and other recently issued coins. These would work well
for those of you teaching social studies in addition to science.
http://www.usmint.gov/KIDS/teachers/lessonPlans/
Lesson- Fermentation with Yeast
This activity uses easily obtained materials to illustrate that yeasts release gases during fermentation.
http://www.wetheteachers.com/files/18641182834113.html
Lesson- Extracting DNA
This requires simple items you have on hand, or can find at local businesses. Students from Middle School up can
easily complete this DNA extraction activity and it works with a variety of plant materials. .
http://www.lessonplanspage.com/ScienceDNAExtraction912.htm
Chemistry- Mole Day (October 23)
Chemists observe Mole Day to celebrate Avogadro's number, also known as the Avogadro constant,
which represents the number of particles in a mole- approximately 6.022 × 10 to the 23rd power.
Annenberg Media presents: “The Mole," Program 11 of "The World of Chemistry"
Heather Carter, Math Specialist
Lori Cingolani, Science Specialist
Page 5
Web Resources – SEARK Coop
http://learner.org/redirect/october/chem45.html. The program covers Avogadro's number and related
concepts.
Lunar Plank Growth Project
Register online to participate in the NASA Engineering Design Challenge: Lunar Plant Growth Chamber.
During the 2007-2008 school years K-12 students will design, analyze, build and assess plant growth
chambers that could be used on the moon. Registrants will receive a packet of cinnamon basil seeds that
flew on the STS-118 space shuttle mission and a control packet of seeds that have not flown. The two
sets of seeds will be used to evaluate the student-designed plant growth chamber. Sign up for the NASA
Express listserv to receive e-mail messages about the challenge, updates to the challenge Web site and
announcements about NASA education activities.
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/plantgrowth/joinchallenge/index.html#Register
$120,000 in reading software programs and training
Grant Title: Schools in Need Competition Organization: Knowledge Adventure Eligibility:
K-8 schools Value: 10 awards of $12,000 each Deadline: December 15, 2007 Contact:
http://www.knowledgeadventure.com/school/
The Schools in Need Competition will launch on July 1, and is open to schools that need to
raise reading scores by at least 30 percent among a population of students between grades
K-8. Schools must also show a need to have supplemental reading materials that address
specific reading deficiencies and to use the technological investments the school has made
for reading instruction. Winning schools will receive the new Knowledge Adventure Academy
line of products for early literacy, reading comprehension, and vocabulary, along with
training and support.
PD in your PJ’s
The latest issue of eSchool News Online presents descriptions of online professional development
available to teachers including the Arkansas Ideas Program:
http://www.eschoolnews.com/resources/reports/professionaldevelopment/
Tech Tip
Watch a short video at Atomic Learning to learn how to browse with tabs in Explorer 2007.
http://movies.atomiclearning.com/movie/k12/26542/play
Jefferson County Tn Schools
Great web site for power points- lesson plans
http://jc-schools.net/PPTs-la.html
Elementary power point presentations
http://www.graves.k12.ky.us/powerpoints/elementary/
EduHound, A wonderful site for education lessons
http://www.eduhound.com/SiteSets/
Heather Carter, Math Specialist
Lori Cingolani, Science Specialist
Page 6