Online Instructional Materials

All Materials

Biodiversity Counts
	Grades:	6–9
	Primary Domain(s):	Life Science, Earth and Space
	Scope:	Modular
	Topics Include:	Plant identification, arthropod identification, plant ecology
	Time Online:	Low
	Fee:	No
	Developer:	National Center for Science Literacy, Education and Technology
	Publisher/Funder:	American Museum of Natural History, NASA
	Copyright:	1998
	Web Address:	http://www.amnh.org/learn/biodiversity_counts/
	Description:	Biodiversity Counts is a life science curriculum for middle school students that presents a hands-on, inquiry-based, and authentic approach to science and is linked to national science standards. Biodiversity Counts takes students into their backyards and schoolyards to inventory the plants and arthropods that live there. Students observe behavior, collect data, make identifications, and interpret and share their findings.

CIESE
	Grades:	1–12
	Primary Domain(s):	General Science
	Scope:	Modular
	Topics Include:	Water use, water quality, boiling point of water, human genetics, sun temperature, pond organism, schoolyard ecology, circumference of Earth
	Time Online:	Medium
	Fee:	No
	Developer:	Center for Improved Engineering and Science Education
	Publisher/Funder:	Stevens Institute of Technology
	Copyright:	1998–2001
	Web Address:	http://www.k12science.org/currichome.html
	Description:	CIESE sponsors and designs interdisciplinary projects that teachers throughout the world can use to enhance their curriculum through compelling use of the Internet. CIESE focuses on projects that use real-time data available from the Internet and on collaborative projects that use the Internet's potential to reach peers and experts around the world. Each project has a brief description and links to the National Science Education Standards and the NCTM mathematics standards it supports.

Classroom FeederWatch
	Grades:	4–8
	Primary Domain(s):	Life Science
	Scope:	Modular
	Topics Include:	Birds: distribution, migration, birdfeeders, habitat, identification; food webs, graphing, interpreting data
	Time Online:	High
	Fee:	Yes
	Developer:	Cornell Lab of Ornithology
	Publisher/Funder:	Cornell University, National Science Foundation
	Copyright:	2003
	Web Address:	http://birds.cornell.edu/cfw/
	Description:	Classroom FeederWatch promotes scientific inquiry through children’s natural fascination with birds. The program instructs students on how to set up bird feeders in their schoolyard and guides them through the processes of identification, tracking, and behavior study. In addition, the data the students collect are sent to scientists at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology via the Internet and are incorporated into ongoing ecological research at the lab. This interaction with university scientists provides students with a real sense of purpose, knowing that the data they have collected are part of a continent-wide effort to learn more about bird population dynamics. The curriculum includes lesson plans, called Explorations, designed for classes in upper-elementary through middle school.

ENC Science Topics
	Grades:	K–12
	Primary Domain(s):	General Science
	Scope:	Digital Library
	Topics Include:	Aeronautics, aerospace technology, astronomy, atmosphere, climate, energy, geology, natural disasters, pollution, plate tectonics, water cycle, seasons, history of science, scientists, animals, anatomy, cells, evolution, weather, plants, life cycle, electricity, gravity, simple machines, minorities in science, women in science, measurements, data collection
	Time Online:	Medium to High
	Fee:	No
	Developer:	Eisenhower National Clearinghouse
	Publisher/Funder:	U.S. Department of Education
	Copyright:	Not located
	Web Address:	http://goenc.com/
	Description:	ENC's (Eisenhower National Clearinghouse) Science Topics is a gateway to curriculum resources, professional development materials, and information and products to improve K–12 mathematics and science teaching and learning. ENC: acquires and catalogs mathematics and science curriculum resources; provides a broad selection of math and science education resources on the Internet; supports teachers' professional development in mathematics, science, and the effective use of technology; and serves all K–12 educators, parents, and students with free products and services.

EnergyNet
	Grades:	3–12
	Primary Domain(s):	Physical Science
	Scope:	Modular
	Topics Include:	Energy: usage, cost, efficiency; data analysis; environment
	Time Online:	Medium
	Fee:	Yes
	Developer:	Educational Dividends
	Publisher/Funder:	Educational Dividends
	Copyright:	2003
	Web Address:	http://www.energynet.net/
	Description:	EnergyNet is a classroom project that integrates technology, standards-based learning and workplace skills. Students in grades 3–5 participate in “Energy Detectives.” Students in grades 6–12 participate in “Energy Auditing.” At their respective levels, the children look at energy use in their schools to determine where energy and money are being wasted. Using computers and advice from EnergyNet's own technology experts, the students perform an energy audit and suggest money-saving tips. Students learn content in math, science, technology, and language arts in a hands-on environment. Correlated to your state's science standards.

EnViSciNetwork
	Grades:	3–8
	Primary Domain(s):	Life Science, Earth and Space
	Scope:	Modular
	Topics Include:	Acid rain, waste, soils, solar energy, food, water
	Time Online:	Medium
	Fee:	No
	Developer:	TERC
	Publisher/Funder:	National Science Foundation
	Copyright:	2003
	Web Address:	http://www.enviscinetwork.com/
	Description:	In this project, TERC has redesigned the units in the former Kids Network series to incorporate a Web-based structure and delivery system and add a new unit for grades 5–8. Each unit includes hands-on investigations; on-line inquiries; activities for reading, writing, and communicating about the science content that is the focus of the unit; and embedded assessments. Topics of investigation range from favorite pets for the youngest grades to water, food, trash, oxygen use, and the state of the Polar Regions for the oldest grades.

ExploreLearning
	Grades:	6–12
	Primary Domain(s):	Physical Science, Life Science, Earth and Space
	Scope:	Supplemental
	Topics Include:	Atmosphere, weather, water, solar system, heredity, diversity, bacteria, plants, ecology, motion, waves, sound, light, electricity, measurement
	Time Online:	High
	Fee:	No
	Developer:	ExploreLearning
	Publisher/Funder:	Third Millennium Press
	Copyright:	1999-2003
	Web Address:	http://www.explorelearning.com
	Description:	ExploreLearning offers a collection of stand-alone, interactive simulations (Gizmos) that explain or demonstrate a range of the major concepts and topics in science and math. ExploreLearning also offers educators an easy way to set up and maintain course pages. Becoming a member of the ExploreLearning community gives teachers the ability to set up and easily maintain course pages for each class they teach. Teachers can post assignments, add links, and upload files without prior experience in Web authoring.

GALAXY Classroom
	Grades:	K–5
	Primary Domain(s):	Physical Science, Life Science, Earth and Space
	Scope:	Modular
	Topics Include:	Human body, stars, pets, seeds, air, water and weather, liquids, animal motion, sound and light, structures, soils, animal habitats, electricity and magnetism, forces and motion, simple machines, climate, geology
	Time Online:	High
	Fee:	Yes
	Developer:	Riverdeep, Inc.
	Publisher/Funder:	Riverdeep, Inc.
	Copyright:	2003
	Web Address:	http://www.riverdeep.net/galaxy/index.jhtml
	Description:	Galaxy Classroom provides interactive standards-based content, thematic and interdisciplinary organization, constructivist student-centered learning, inquiry-based approaches, and multicultural learning through grade-specific science “themes.” Each theme lasts 10 weeks and covers a range of hands-on activities and research tasks for students to undertake. Galaxy Classroom uses computer and telecommunications technologies; interactive/inquiry-based hands-on materials; and children's literature, parent involvement activities, and ongoing professional support.

Global Lab: An Integrated Science Program
	Grades:	7–9
	Primary Domain(s):	Physical Science, Life Science, Earth and Space
	Scope:	Comprehensive
	Topics Include:	Land, water, air, plants, animals
	Time Online:	Low
	Fee:	Yes
	Developer:	TERC
	Publisher/Funder:	Kendall/Hunt Publishing, National Science Foundation
	Copyright:	2001
	Web Address:	http://globallab.terc.edu/
	Description:	Global Lab: An Integrated Science Program is a full-year, interdisciplinary, introductory science course for grades 7–9. Using direct field investigations and the latest Web technology, Global Lab introduces students to science as inquiry, engaging them in collaborative scientific investigations. Global Lab classes choose a local “study site” (a plot of land, preferably with a pond) as the context for authentic, hands-on, integrated science explorations involving physical, chemical, and biological analysis. Students use the Internet to share data and communicate with experts and other Global Lab classes in order to compare the results of their local analysis and draw general conclusions relating to the earth, life, and physical sciences.

GLOBE
	Grades:	K–12
	Primary Domain(s):	Earth and Space
	Scope:	Modular
	Topics Include:	Weather, climate, soil, hydrology, phenology
	Time Online:	Low
	Fee:	No
	Developer:	Interagency team from NOAA, NASA, EPA, NSF, U.S. Dept. of State
	Publisher/Funder:	NOAA, NASA, EPA, NSF, U.S. Dept. of State
	Copyright:	2003
	Web Address:	http://www.globe.gov/fsl/welcome.html
	Description:	GLOBE is a hands-on science education program used in classrooms around the world. For students, GLOBE provides the opportunity to learn by: taking scientifically valid measurements of atmosphere, hydrology, soils, and land cover; reporting their data through the Internet to the student data archive; creating maps and graphs on the free interactive Web site to analyze data sets; and collaborating with scientists and other GLOBE students around the world. For teachers, GLOBE provides: • training workshops; • teacher’s guides, “how-to” videos, and other materials; • support from scientists and partners; and • contact with other teachers, students, and scientists worldwide.

iEARN
	Grades:	K–12
	Primary Domain(s):	General Science
	Scope:	Supplemental
	Topics Include:	Water cycle, rivers and streams, animals, astronomy, space, malaria, coral reef, ecology, rocks, apes, monsoons, pollution
	Time Online:	Medium
	Fee:	No
	Developer:	International Education and Resource Network
	Publisher/Funder:	Many. See http://www.iearn.org/gala/donors.html
	Copyright:	2003
	Web Address:	http://www.iearn.org/projects/project_gateway_science.html
	Description:	Since 1988, iEARN has been enabling on-line school linkages that enable young people to engage in meaningful educational projects with peers in their countries and around the world. IEARN publishes projects designed by teachers and students to fit their curriculum and classroom needs and schedules. These projects enable students to develop: research and critical thinking skills, experience with new technologies, cultural awareness, and the habit of getting involved in community issues.

ISS EarthKAM
	Grades:	K-12
	Primary Domain(s):	Earth and Space
	Scope:	Supplemental
	Topics Include:	Earth science, geography, mathematics, technology
	Time Online:	High
	Fee:	No
	Developer:	TERC
	Publisher/Funder:	NASA
	Copyright:	2003
	Web Address:	http://www.earthkam.ucsd.edu
	Description:	ISS EarthKAM provides high quality photographs of our planet taken from the Space Shuttle and International Space Station. The images are unique because they are taken by middle school students. Using the World Wide Web, select middle schools request images based upon their classroom investigations. Since the program's the ISS EarthKAM camera has flown on five Space Shuttle flights and taken almost 5000 images. In addition to the image library, there are teaching guide and activities provided on the website.

Journey North
	Grades:	3–8
	Primary Domain(s):	Life Science
	Scope:	Modular
	Topics Include:	Animal migration, phenology, wildlife, temperature, seasons, cycles, natural eventus, habitat, food chain
	Time Online:	Medium
	Fee:	No
	Developer:	Journey North
	Publisher/Funder:	Annenberg Foundation, PBS
	Copyright:	2003
	Web Address:	http://www.learner.org/jnorth/
	Description:	Each spring, students all over North America report the first “signs of spring” in their neighborhoods, such as flowers blooming, ice melting, and migratory species arriving. Students share these field observations, via the Web, with classrooms across the Hemisphere and can see the big picture formed by their collective observations on specially prepared data-maps on the Journey North Web site. Journey North's studies of migratory species include monarch butterflies, manatees, caribou, bald eagles, robins, and barn swallows. Students also track the first appearances of tulips and earthworms, as well as the ice-out of lakes and the “leaf-out” of certain tree species. Students can link directly with scientists through the Journey North Web site and can also link to additional resources that help them understand the species they are observing.

Living Library
	Grades:	K–12
	Primary Domain(s):	General Science
	Scope:	Digital Library
	Topics Include:	All science topics
	Time Online:	High
	Fee:	Yes; Free 30-day trial available
	Developer:	Riverdeep, Inc.
	Publisher/Funder:	Riverdeep, Inc.
	Copyright:	2003
	Web Address:	http://www.riverdeep.net/portal/page?_pageid=353,143803,353_143804&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL
	Description:	Living Library contains hundreds of thousands of articles from such reference sources as: World Book Encyclopedia, Time Magazine for Kids, Oxford University Press, Corbis Photos, Bartlett's Quotations, and almanacs, dictionaries, Web links, sound and video clips, and encyclopedias. Living Library is available in versions for younger students, older students, teachers, and parents. Each user can use his or her own version of Living Library to gather information from quality content providers.

MarsQuest Online
	Grades:	K-12
	Primary Domain(s):	Earth and Space
	Scope:	Supplemental
	Topics Include:	Exploring Mars, Rover Images
	Time Online:	High
	Fee:	No
	Developer:	TERC, the Space Science Institute, NASA
	Publisher/Funder:	TERC, the Space Science Institute, NASA
	Copyright:	2003
	Web Address:	http://marsquestonline.org
	Description:	This website is designed to bring NASA’s Mars mission to the classroom. Use the site to explore Mars’ surface, solve mysteries about the search for life on Mars, explore the latest Rover images and learn about launching a spacecraft to Mars. The site provides guided experiences, tools and resources to help students carry out investigations.

Middle School Science Gateways
	Grades:	6–9
	Primary Domain(s):	Physical Science, Life Science
	Scope:	Modular
	Topics Include:	Gases, periodic table, atoms, energy, forces and motion, electricity, waves, photosynthesis, genetics, human circulatory and respiratory systems
	Time Online:	High
	Fee:	Yes
	Developer:	Logal, Inc.
	Publisher/Funder:	Riverdeep, Inc.
	Copyright:	2003
	Web Address:	http://www.riverdeep.net/portal/page?_pageid=353,183225,353_183226&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL
	Description:	Science Gateways explores the science of everyday life. Activity simulations are correlated to state standards and offer full on-line teacher support, including lesson plans and printable student handouts. Available through an on-line subscription or on CD.

National Science Digital Library (NSDL)
	Grades:	K–12
	Primary Domain(s):	General Science
	Scope:	Digital Library
	Topics Include:	All science topics
	Time Online:	High
	Fee:	No
	Developer:	NSDL
	Publisher/Funder:	NSF
	Copyright:	2001–2003
	Web Address:	http://nsdl.org/
	Description:	NSDL is a digital library of resource collections and services, organized in support of science education at all levels. NSDL is a comprehensive, on-line source for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education. The NSDL mission is to both deepen and extend science literacy through access to materials and methods that reveal the nature of the physical universe and the intellectual means by which we discover and understand it.

NovaNET
	Grades:	6–12
	Primary Domain(s):	Physical Science, Life Science, Earth and Space
	Scope:	Comprehensive
	Topics Include:	All physical, life, and earth and space science topics.
	Time Online:	Medium
	Fee:	Yes
	Developer:	NovaNET
	Publisher/Funder:	Pearson Digital Learning, Inc.
	Copyright:	2002–2003
	Web Address:	http://www.pearsondigital.com/novanet/
	Description:	NovaNET is a comprehensive on-line courseware system that delivers standards-based curricula, integrated assessment, student management, and record keeping. NovaNET can be accessed either remotely or on site, with upgrades, new content, and system enhancements at no additional cost. NovaNET is used in over 1,000 schools and educational programs nationwide. Continuously upgraded and enhanced, it continues to evolve to incorporate the latest technology and meet the changing needs of education.

Online Science-athon
	Grades:	2-8
	Primary Domain(s):	Physical Science, Life Science, Earth and Space
	Scope:	Modular
	Topics Include:	How Tall Am I? The Marble Roll, Catching Sunshine, The Chocolate Melt
	Time Online:	Medium
	Fee:	No
	Developer:	TERC
	Publisher/Funder:	TERC/National Science Foundation
	Copyright:	2003
	Web Address:	http://scithon.terc.edu/
	Description:	Presented as challenges, the Science-athon offers elementary and middle-grade students opportunities to participate with other students as they explore the science in their daily lives. The challenges, which include detailed procedures and suggestions for analysis, are delivered from the Science-athon web site. As part of each investigation, class data is submitted to a central database, and student-generated data is used in the exploration of questions.

RoadKill
	Grades:	4–9
	Primary Domain(s):	Life Science
	Scope:	Supplemental
	Topics Include:	Animal identification, population study, statistical analysis.
	Time Online:	Low
	Fee:	No
	Developer:	Environet
	Publisher/Funder:	Simmons College, National Science Foundation
	Copyright:	2001–2003
	Web Address:	http://roadkill.edutel.com/rkprotocol.html
	Description:	In the RoadKill project, students monitor the occurrence of dead animals along the roadways traveled on their way to and from school. Students learn to identify the different kinds of animals and share data with others via the Internet. Supplementary lesson ideas are provided for teachers.

Science Brainium
	Grades:	4-8
	Primary Domain(s):	General Science
	Scope:	Supplemental
	Topics Include:	Astronomy, Earthquakes and Volcanoes, Solar System, Soil, Water, Electricity, Heat and Temperature, Matter and Molecules, Simple Machines, Sound, Adaptations, Cells, Ecosystems, Plants
	Time Online:	High
	Fee:
	Developer:	Brainium.com
	Publisher/Funder:	Brainium Technologies
	Copyright:	2001
	Web Address:	http://us.brainium.com
	Description:	Focusing on science education for Grades 4 through 8, Science Brainium features interactive learning through educational games, activities and animated adventures. The “Infomactor” is a comprehensive online science encyclopedia, covering many topics with text and lively graphics. Brainium also includes a science newspaper for kids, a career section and interactive online activity called the Bugzone.

SEGway
	Grades:	3–12
	Primary Domain(s):	Earth and Space
	Scope:	Supplemental
	Topics Include:	Solar system, astronomy, comets
	Time Online:	High
	Fee:	No
	Developer:	Space Science Lab
	Publisher/Funder:	U.C. Berkeley, NASA
	Copyright:	2001
	Web Address:	http://cse.ssl.berkeley.edu/SegwayEd/index.html
	Description:	SEGway (Science Education Gateway (formerly SII)) is a collaborative NASA project that brings together the expertise of NASA scientists, science museums, and K–12 educators to produce Earth and space science curricula for classroom and public use via the World Wide Web. SEGway materials are produced by classroom teachers in collaboration with program staff at nearby partnering science museums. The partnerships support teacher-developers in achieving the goals of teaching Earth and space science on-line, and provide them with the training technical support needed for their curriculum projects.

Study of Place
	Grades:	6-9
	Primary Domain(s):	Earth and Space
	Scope:	Modular
	Topics Include:	Oceans, atmosphere, ice
	Time Online:	High
	Fee:	No
	Developer:	TERC
	Publisher/Funder:	TERC/ National Science Foundation
	Copyright:	2002
	Web Address:	http://www.studyofplace.com
	Description:	Study of Place is two online science modules made especially for middle-school students. One of the modules is about Antarctic exploration. The other is about Ocean Currents. Antarctic Exploration tells the story of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s 1914 expedition to Antarctica and how, when his ship became icebound and was crushed to pieces, he and his crew survived before being rescued two years after their journey began. Ocean Currents Exploration tells the story of how Ben Franklin charted the Gulf Stream, a huge current in the Atlantic Ocean, to help speed mail delivery from Europe to the United States. Downloads include satellite images, GIS maps, radar and microwave imaging, and animated visualizations. Assessments and scoring rubrics are provided for tracking student learning.

ThinkQuest
	Grades:	K–12
	Primary Domain(s):	General Science
	Scope:	Digital Library
	Topics Include:	Biology, environment, animals, volcanoes, global warming, pollution weather, oceans, rain forests, and many more.
	Time Online:	High
	Fee:	No
	Developer:	n/a
	Publisher/Funder:	Oracle Help Us Help Foundation
	Copyright:	1995–2003
	Web Address:	http://www.thinkquest.org/
	Description:	ThinkQuest is a global network of students, teachers, parents, and technologists dedicated to exploring youth-centered learning on the Internet. Through ThinkQuest, young people use the Internet to research a topic in science, mathematics, literature, the social sciences, or the arts, and publish their research as an educational Web site for peers and classrooms around the world. Teachers, parents, and other interested adults support the participating young people as coaches, technology mentors, and subject-matter guides.

TryScience
	Grades:	K–8
	Primary Domain(s):	Physical Science, Life Science, Earth and Space
	Scope:	Supplemental
	Topics Include:	dinosaurs, magnets, sound waves, physiology, zoology, paleontology, animals, math, planets, engineering, reptiles, botany, motion, chemistry, environment, food, electricity and magnetism.
	Time Online:	High
	Fee:	No
	Developer:	New York Hall of Science
	Publisher/Funder:	Association of Science-Technology Centers, IBM
	Copyright:	1999–2003
	Web Address:	http://www.tryscience.org/
	Description:	TryScience—a partnership between IBM Corporation, the New York Hall of Science (NYHOS), the Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC), and science centers worldwide—is a gateway to over 400 science and technology centers worldwide. Interactive content areas include experiments, field trips, and live cams at science and technology centers across the globe.

Virtual Middle School Library
	Grades:	7–9
	Primary Domain(s):	General Science
	Scope:	Digital Library
	Topics Include:	All science topics for middle school.
	Time Online:	High
	Fee:	No
	Developer:	Philadelphia School District
	Publisher/Funder:	Philadelphia School District
	Copyright:	2003
	Web Address:	http://www.sldirectory.com/virtual.html#start
	Description:	Virtual Middle School Library contains educational resources for teachers and students and permits safe Web searching by students using the Infoplease search engine, which screens content for appropriateness to student searchers. Also linked is Fact Monster, which contains an almanac, atlas, encyclopedia, and dictionary with reading levels pitched lower than at the Infoplease engine. Familiar search engines may also be accessed through this site.

WhaleNet
	Grades:	pre-K–9
	Primary Domain(s):	Life Science
	Scope:	Supplemental
	Topics Include:	Marine mammals, marine ecology
	Time Online:	High
	Fee:	No
	Developer:	Wheelock College
	Publisher/Funder:	National Science Foundation
	Copyright:	2001
	Web Address:	http://whale.wheelock.edu/
	Description:	WhaleNet offers students and teachers curriculum resources and support for the study of marine mammals, a source of real-time and archived satellite monitoring of marine mammal and sea turtle data for interdisciplinary classroom activities, and interactive informational support using Internet communication between researchers and students from around the world. Students, teachers, and researchers collect and then compile their data, which is shared, via WhaleNet, with classrooms worldwide.

WISE
	Grades:	5–12
	Primary Domain(s):	Physical Science, Life Science, Earth and Space
	Scope:	Modular
	Topics Include:	Deformed frogs, earthquakes, exotic species, genetically modified foods, heat and temperature, HIV, light, malaria, plants in space, rainformests, scientific controversy, water quality, wolves
	Time Online:	High
	Fee:	No
	Developer:	U.C. Berkeley
	Publisher/Funder:	National Science Foundation
	Copyright:	1998–2003
	Web Address:	http://wise.berkeley.edu/welcome.php
	Description:	WISE (Web-Based Inquiry Science Environment) is a simple learning environment that allows students to examine real-world evidence and analyze current scientific controversies. Curriculum projects are designed to meet national and local standards and complement other science curricula for grades 5–12. Using a Web browser, students take notes, discuss theories, and organize their arguments. The Teacher Area lets teachers explore new projects and grade students' work on the Web.

Elementary and Middle School

Web-Delivered Science Instructional Materials

All Materials