Science

Next Generation Science Standards

The Next Generation Science Standards focus on three dimensions of learning science. They work in an integrated fashion to help students understand how science works. Crosscutting concepts Science and Engineering Practices Disciplinary Core Ideas Find out more

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Gummy Bear Osmosis Lab

What could be more fun than gummy bears? High school biology class makes experiments fun and accessible! This experiment was designed and shared by Kim Calderon, a high school biology teacher. She used it successfully with students in her class. She notes that you can substitute sugar for salt, and also change the concentrations to see what effect it has. Yes, you can do this at home.

Follow Kim Calderon on Twitter, or visit her website. Kim has a love of STEM and creativity. Find the full worksheet here. It is in Google Docs format. It can be easily customized.

Learn more about osmosis on Khan Academy.

COVID-19 and the World of viruses

The novel coronavirus  (COVID-19) has changed our world. It has also pointed out the critical necessity of science and health education. Put on your thinking cap, and learn more from trusted souces.

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• Introduction to viruses. A free Khan Academy course.
• The coronavirus isn't alive. A great, easy to read article from Washington Post (March 23, 2020).  

Jump to STEM Resources

Kinetic and Potential Energy Guide Energy can neither be created nor destroyed. This is the conservation of energy law. All forms of energy are either potential or kinetic energy. They can be altered from one form to another. The site is easy to follow. It contains numerous graphics and short animations that assist with the comprehension of the concepts. Climate Change Curriculum from Stanford Earth The earth has been getting warmer. 2018 U.N. report warned about the need to make changes worldwide to avoid disaster. See this PBS Newshour Video Report for in-depth overview. Follow NASA and NOAA. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Instrumental_temperature_record Climate and the ocean conveyor belt: thermohaline circulation. Periodic Table: Every element has its own video and lesson! Understanding Science: How science really works! KQED Quest: The Science of Sustainability Quest offers some of the best real world science education available. Also check out their digital media for education. Ten Websites for Science Teachers Professor Eric Brunsell presents excellent resources. Don't let the date of the blog fool you. The content is current. Check out the YouTube SciShow channel. See sample video below. Follow SciShow on Tumblr

• The drought in California.  This is from a few years ago, but it is still appropriate. There are science based solutions. Find our more about Netafim, the maker of these drip irrigation systems.
  
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• Science NetLinks
  This site provides step-by-step lessons and multimedia tools for K-12 science. Explore the ever changing Go In Depth menu at top of screen. Developed by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).
  • Try these cloud based science Tools: 3D Brain App; Zap; Touch of Class.
• Science News for Students
  Science is more than squiggly stuff and refrigerator experiments. It is about inquiry. Stay up to date with all fields of science. Great for teachers and students!
• Cells Alive
  If you teach Life Science, this site is absolutely engaging. Why look for pictures that illustrate cell division when you can see an animation on the web of mitosis or meiosis? See the difference between plant and animal cells. Watch bacteria scoot hither and thither.
• PhET Interactive Simulations
  Fun, interactive, research-based simulations of physical phenomena from the PhET™ project at the University of Colorado.
• NASA
  Copernicus and Galileo were some of the notables who studied the heavens. We also now have the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Stay current on news, missions, multimedia and more. Teachers click here.
• ScienceSpot
  Geared to middle school science teachers and students. Disregard the ads. Many areas to explore. The lessons and resources are great!
  • Quick link to Kid Zone.
• Science and Technology Museums - Visit virtually
  • Smithsonian, Washington, DC
  • Exploratorium, San Francisco, CA
  • Museum of Science, Boston, MA
  • Tech Museum of Innovation, San Jose, CA
• Science Education Journals
  If you are a science teacher, be prepared to spend a lot of time here. Maintained by Norman Herr, Ph.D. from CSU Northridge. Designed to accompany The Sourcebook for Teaching Science.
• Bye-bye Why Files
  In honor of a noble effort that ended March 10, 2017. For 20 years, Why Filers had been asking "What?" and "How?" and of course, "Why?" They were born during the dial-up era in 1996, dedicated to covering the science behind the news.

Theme: Climate Change and Its Effects

• Polar Bears in a Changing Climate
  Here is a Google site developed by Apple Distinguished Educator Julene Reed. It was forwarded to me by Mrs. Alamo via Edmodo (there is power in staying connected). I hope this isn't controversial, but climate change is real. It effects can be seen in various habitats such as the tundra. Check out the introductory video and the Challenge Lessons one, two and three.

• See related resource: Polar Bear International for Teachers.
• See recent article: How Climate Deniers Use Statistics to Mislead
• Is climate change real? Get some data.
• Climate.Gov: Visit National Oceanic and Atmospheric Information site for primary source information. Stay climate smart.
• Get a visual perspective on melting glaciers. How quick is it happening? I saw the whole film, and I was enthralled. Watch the trailer for Chasing Ice on National Geographic channel. (Full video available on iTunes and NetFlix.) For photography buffs, see James Balog's photo gallery.