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Science

Index:

General Reference
Awesome Library-K-12 Education Directory-Science
BBC Schools 'Science Clips'-Animated, leveled lessons on typical science concepts and processes
Collections Canada Learning Centre -use the For Students or Toolkit links
Earth and Sky-The Radio Show People!
Science Homework Help (Discovery Education) Several basic science presentations plus resource links.
Kids Search-Search the EBSCO database of articles specifically selected for students in grades K to 8.
Science.gc.ca-the Government of Canada gateway to many fields of Science. Use the Subject Directory, A-Z Index, or Search line to find what you need, or just browse–it's well organized.
Astronomy, Space
Exploring the Sun-a NASA video on the WatchKnow educational video site. Suitable for Grade 3 and up.
Is Earth the Only Planet We Could Live On? A Solar System webquest for Gr 3. (See your Assignments folder for documents.)
The Nine Planets-for Kids (Well, eight then!) Lots of information and graphics
The Solar System (KidsAstronomy.com)-learn about the planets, their moons, the asteroids, and comets.
Canadian Space Agency-Meet the Canadian astronauts, find out what Canada is doing in space research.
NASA Pages:
What's Happening On Mars?-Check this NASA site to get the latest on Mars and view video from the probes. You can also access other NASA sites on planets, space exploration technology, etc.
Mars Rover "Curiosity"-left for Mars November 2011; arrived August 2012! Watch this animation of the landing!  COOL!
NASA Home Page-access to all the NASA resources-space flights, International Space Station, research projects, Earth studies, Hubble telescope and deep space research
NASA's Grades K to 4 Student Page-learn about recent and upcoming space flights and projects, contests, multimedia features.
NASA's Grades 5 to 8 Student Page-learn about recent and upcoming space flights and projects, contests, multimedia features.
The Space Place (NASA)-Uses games, animations, projects, and fun facts to teach about Earth, the planets, space, and technology. Reading level may be upper intermediate. 
 Windows to the Universe-(UCAR, University of Michigan)-covers Earth, the Solar System/Planets, and the universe in 3 reading levels--click on "Beginner" for best level on the topic you choose. A special feature is the mythology of stars and constellations across many cultures.
Deep Space (KidsAstronomy.com)-learn about Stars, Galaxies, Nebulae, Black Holes and more!
Earth and Sky-This site includes basic astronomy topics. Sky charts for the planets are available at certain times.
Sky Maps from KidsAstronomy.com-view and print current sky maps showing constellations.
The Constellations by Marco Murara-a sky atlas with maps of the constellations. The "Boreal" list shows the constellations in our (northern hemisphere) sky. Not a lot of text.
The Constellations and their Stars by Chris Dolan-An advanced text, but several useful features for elementary students, such as definitions and answers to questions, photos, lists of brightest and nearest stars, and especially the Interactive Sky Chart. This is really cool!
 
 
Earth Science-Land and Oceans
Rock Types (British Isles Geology Toolkit)-easy to follow diagram of rock types and formation.
Rocks (US Geological Survey)-Types of rocks.
Rocks and Minerals Slide Show-photos and descriptions of different types of rocks.
Earthquakes-The Rolling Earth-(Oregon State University)-Photos, diagrams and text explain the causes of earthquakes and show how damage is created.
Earthquakes for Kids-(US Geological Survey)-A collection of links which give examples, explanations, activites, project ideas, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Tsunami Safe- This site contains free online resources on tsunami awareness and preparedness. It includes animations, narration, and interactive quizzes. (From Open School BC, in partnership with the Provincial Emergency Program.)
Tsunami animation-A series of animated frames explain the cause and progress of the tsunami that devastated coastlines of the Indian Ocean on December 26, 2004
National Geographic Forces of Nature series:
            -Tornadoes, Volcanoes, Hurricanes, Earthquakes
            -grades 3-5 reading level; good photos and graphics, some movies
Volcanoes-(from Learner.org) Provides a good explanation of volcanoes [for grade 6+]
Volcano World-This site has many photos and movies of active volcanoes.
Mount Logan-Canada's highest mountain at 5959 m (19,551 feet) presents an "extreme environment" case study. Visit the mountain at Mountains Worldwide; prepare for an expedition with qualified guides at International Mountain Guide; take a photo tour with climber Dave Stephens at Dave's Place-Alpine Climbs.
 
Earth Science-Atmosphere and Weather
Dan's Wild Wild Weather Page-Meteorologist Dan Satterfield explains weather for kids from age 6 up. Use the topic links on the left (Clouds, Precipitation, etc.). Some links provided go to sites requiring more advanced readers.
A Weather Adventure- Ride the Winds with Kalani, a weather balloon.
Meteorological Service of Canada: Weather-This is an "advanced" user site, but the page contains interesting facts about weather in Canada.
The Weather Office (MSC)-get current conditions or forecasts for weather in Canada, plus links to many related weather topics.
Weather-What Forces Affect Our Weather-(from Learner.org)-A text on atmosphere, water cycle, storms, forecasting, climate change [for grade 6+]
Lightning-The Shocking Story (from National Geographic)-Stories and facts about lightning (with photos)
 
 
Environment, Habitat, Biomes
Biomes of the world (Missouri Botanical Garden). Explore the six main biomes as well as the freshwater and marine ecosystems.
Canadian Biomes (a student project, by Ashley Gillingham, from Gander Collegiate, Gander, NL) Here is a clear, short summary of the features of our biome regions, in chart form.
Canadian Boreal Forest (Hinterland Who’s Who). This site includes descriptions, maps, and lists of animals and birds found there. There are also video clips about this environment.
Earth Floor Biomes, (from Classroom of the Future, Wheeling Jesuit University). Plants and animals don't live in isolation, but they live together with other plants and animals in an interdependent group called an ecological community. Explore arctic tundra, deciduous forest, desert, taiga, tropical rainforest, and tropical savannah from this site.
NatureWorks Nature Files (New Hampshire Public Television)-16 major concepts explained, such as habitat, various ecosystems, food webs; also describes 208 North American animals, and the classifications of plants. For grades 3 to 6.
Pond Habitat-many animals and plants live together in a pond. Find out about pond life here.
Wetlands (Hinterland Who’s Who) A detailed description of the wetland environment, its plants, animals, and birds.
A Walk In the Woods-Just go! For grades 3-5; a good preparation for your own walk in the woods! (Schools Online, University of Illinois Extension)
Where Does Your Food Come From?-Do you know? You can learn about many foods from this web site.
 
 
Energy-Heat, Light, Sound
Optics For Kids-explains the nature of light and how it works (mirrors, lenses, reflection, refraction, white light, lasers, questions, careers). Suitable for intermediate grades.
Physics of Light and Colour-Although this sight is at an advanced reading level, the first 4 paragraphs give an overview of the basics
Reflection of Light-Use this interactive, animated model to see how light is reflected from a surface.
Refraction of Light-Use this interactive, animated model to see how light is bent when it passes from one kind of material to another.
Refraction by an Equilateral Prism-this model illustrates how "white" light is broken into the rainbow spectrum using a prism.
Observing Objects In Water-See why objects in water are not necessarily where they appear to be! An interactive, animated model.
 
Energy-Electricity, Magnetism, Nuclear, etc.
How Power Grids Work (from HowStuffWorks.com)-for advanced readers (also contains advertising).Topics include the Power Plant, Alternating Current, Substation, Distribution Grid, and more. From the Power Plant page, click on hydroelectric dam or other links for explanations of how electricity is made.
Energy Kids Page: Nuclear Energy-Learn what it is, how it works, and how we use it to make electricity
Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL)-official website. the Candu Reactor is the all-Canadian nuclear power plant.
Magnets Simulation (BBC)-for Grade 3
 
Force and Motion
Forces Science Clips (BBC)-force simulation games for grade 3
Pushes and Pulls (BBC)-forces simulation games for grades 1-2
Forces in Action (BBC)-forces simulation games for grade 3
 
 
Human Life Science & Medicine
BodyWorks Games-Learn about body systems by playing these fascinating games from Science World.
Inside a Cell- an interactive diagram describes the typical animal/human cell (Genetic Science Learning Center, University of Utah); grades 4-6 with assistance.
My Body (KidsHealth.org)-also explores the systems and organs; grades 5 or higher.
The Heart: An Online Exploration-"Explore the heart. Discover the complexities of its development and structure. Follow the blood through the blood vessels. Wander through the weblike body systems. Learn how to have a healthy heart and how to monitor your heart's health. Look back at the history of heart science." (from The Franklin Institute Science Museum)
Neuroscience for Kids-"created for all students and teachers who would like to learn about the nervous system." Description, lesson plans, experiments, activities, resources, send your questions, "Brain Awareness Week,"...
How Your Body Works index page (from How Stuff Works.com)-for advanced readers (also contains advertising); topics include: Lungs, Heart, Brain, Kidneys, Muscles, Blood, Immune System.
The Virtual Body- an interactive, narrated tour of 4 body organs or systems: the brain, the skeleton, the heart, and the digestive system. Also includes activites such as Build a Skeleton and Organize Your Organs.
The School Health Website from Interior Health; includes information on vision, hearing, dental care, infectious diseases, nutrition, tobacco. There are links to a monthly health newsletter, "Stan and Fran", and a nutrition newsletter, "Potato Post"
Canada' Food Guide (Health Canada, 2010)-This on-line version includes the table of recommended daily servings, and descriptions of each food group with serving sizes.
Vitamins-what they are and in which foods; from HowStuffWorks.com
Nutrients, Vitamins, Minerals, and Dietary Information-lots of information. The Vitamins and Minerals table about halfway down the page shows the value of each and which foods are good sources.
Knowing Your Vitamins and Minerals-also lists important vitamins and minerals, describing what they do and which foods have them.
 
 
Living Things-Animals
Animals-National Geographic Society-Browse this interesting site, or use the Animals A-Z Index.
Arctic Animals-a ThinkQuest site about animals from around the arctic region; fairly easy to read (but click the close box on the ThinkQuest pop-down!); has photos also
Canadian Animals-an easy to read site, with photos and diagrams; covers a wide range of Canadian wildlife (authored by a retired primary teacher in Saskatchewan!)
Canadian Animals Knowledge Base-provides facts in note form for large number of animals (This is a demonstration site for the FactGuru software and is not guaranteed to be accurate or up-to-date)
Discover Life: All Living Things-This huge scientific project is creating a catalog of all living things. There are lots of animals in the database already.
eNature.com- The National Wildlife Federation (USA) provides this resource, including field guides for many, if not most, North American animals. Each guide includes a photo, description, habitat, etc. The site has pop-ups which should just be clicked closed. Other features include bird watching guides and Ask an Expert. Please do not respond to the email options.
Endangered Animals-(Environmental Library from the African-American Environmentalist Association)-includes many links about threatened and endangered animals, recently extinct animals, conservation and restoration programs. This site was recommended to us by Mrs. Fowler's grade 4 class at Morgantown Elementary School.
Insects- Join "C. P. Ant" for a look at insect life.
Worms- Join "Herman the Squirmin' Worm" on his web site. Learn about worms and have some fun doing it!
JungleWalk-Alphabetical listings take you to photos and videos of animals.
Kids Planet Facts Sheets-Find wildlife information and photos here, listed by continents.
NatureWorks Nature Files (New Hampshire Public Television)-describes 208 North American animals, and the classifications of plants; 16 major concepts explained, such as habitat, various ecosystems, food webs. For grades 3 to 6.
NetVet Veterinary Resources-Lots of pictures of animals here!
Rader's Biology4Kids site includes Cells, Microorganisms, Invertebrates, Vertebrates, and Animal Systems. Suitable for Grades 3 to 5.
Seaworld (Busch Gardens)-Click on "Animal Info", then "Animal info books" to access lots of information.
Wolves 'n' Wildlife-features wolves, siberian tiger, american black bear.
The Canada Agriculture Museum (Ottawa)-Life on a farm! Farm animals and more!
 
Animal Life Cycles: 
Life Cycles of Animals is a lesson series covering frog, butterfly, housefly, and cockroach (Grade 2 level, from Gamequarium)
Fish: Life Cycle of the Kokanee Salmon, Get a Life Cycle: Guide to the Stages of a Salmon/s Life Cycle,
Amphibians: Frog Life Cycle video, Frog Life Cycle diagram, Life Cycle of a Frog text and diagrams
Reptiles: Desert Tortoise life cycle,
Mammals: Life cycle of an elephant (from The Elephant Information Repository),
 
Wildlife Reference Sites: 
Ducks Unlimited Canada-supports wetland conservation
Nature Conservancy Canada-supports biodiversity, protects ecologically sensitive lands
North Island Wildlife Recovery Association-rehabilitates injured animals and birds
 
 
Living Things-Plants and Other
Discover Life: All Living Things-This huge scientific project is creating an encyclopedia of all living things. Start by clicking on a group name or photo icon. Then browse the list of species names to find what you are looking for. The reading level is very advanced, but there are lots of photos.
Fun Facts About Fungi-What are they? How are they important? Good reading for Grades 4-6, from Utah State University Intermountain Herbarium.
The Great Plant Escape-an interactive presentation on plant life, including quizzes for Grades 4 and 5! It is very long, however.
Kids for Trees-tells the story of tree life in simple language, for Grades 2-4. (Schools Online: University of Illinois Extension).
Exploring the Secret Life of Trees-for grades 3-5. Learn from a talking oak tree! (Schools Online: University of Illinois Extension).
Plants and Our Environment-this "ThinkQuest" project by a Grade 4 class is interesting and readable! Here's what they wrote about their site: "You will learn about how plants grow and the different parts of a plant. We will tell you how seeds travel and what bees do to help plants. At our web site, you will also learn about plants and their relationship with animals."
Rader's Biology4Kids site includes Cells, Microorganisms, and Plants. Click a topic name (top right) to enter. (There is a site tour link farther down the page.)
Parts of a Flower (from the BBC)-Take a "flower" apart and learn what each part does.
 
Matter
The Three States of Matter-(for grades 3 to 5)
Changing States of Matter- (from Rader's Chem4Kids) What is Matter? Starting very simple, follow the index links to find out more than you ever thought possible about matter! Did you know about the FIVE states of matter? What did Albert Einstein have to do with it?
 
Science Fair Resources
Science Fair Foundation of BC-Information for students and teachers; the official rules for Science Fairs
Science Fair Central will guide you through the steps to a successful project
The Dana Foundation: Brainy Kids-more Science Fair Resources
 
 
Technology And Inventions
Canada Aviation and Space Museum (Ottawa)-See some of the famous aircraft of the past and present. Click the Collections icon, then view by Name or by Period (date).
Canada Science and Technology Museum (Ottawa)-Learn about Canadian scientists, inventors, discoveries, and research. Click on "The Collection" and follow the links.
How Stuff Works- Just like the name says! This fascinating site covers many different categories of science and technology; browse or use the Search line. Probably upper intermediate reading level.
 
Simple Machines: 
EdHeads Simple Machines-This activity site illustrates Simple Machines with animations. Go to the Simple Machines Activities. Use the Activities drop-down menu to find Compound Machines Activities. There is also a Glossary and a Teachers' Guide.
Simple Machines Learning Site-Clearly explains and illustrates six Simple Machines.
MiKids Simple Machines-Short explanations of the six Simple Machines.
Inventors Toolbox-The Elements of Machines (on the Leonardo pages from the Museum of Science). This site describes five Simple Machines and then explains other elements and applications.
 
Computer Technology:
How Computers Work-explained by the How Stuff Works team!
The Journey Inside-How Computers Work: The Intel Corporation provides an interactive, multimedia website covering all about computers: the history of computing machines, the parts of computers, how processors work, digital information, the internet, how computer technology has affected society. There are 35 online lessons. (For teaching with this resource, see The Journey Inside.)
The One Laptop per Child Project-here is the story of a new kind of laptop, the XO, made for children in Third World countries. Its purpose is to help children get the education they need, even if they don't have books, TVs, classrooms or school buildings. It is supported by donations, some from very wealthy people and companies.
 
Really Cool Stuff:  
Millau Viaduct-A really long and tall bridge! Completed in 2005, in France.
Si Du River Bridge-World's Tallest Bridge (the Empire State Building would fit underneath and not come close to touching!) Completed in 2009, in China.
The Burj Khalifa-the Tallest Building. It's in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and was completed in 2010. For more skyscrapers, go to SkyscraperPage.com.
The largest airplane!-the Antonov An-225
 
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