These images from the Smithsonian Institution depict Nancy Knowlton's work with snapping shrimp in Panama. Knowlton found that the closing of the isthmus -- dividing the Pacific Ocean from the Caribbean -- resulted in new species of shrimp.

Students define and classify alloys as mixtures, while comparing and contrasting the properties of alloys to those of pure substances. Students learn that engineers investigate the structures and properties of alloys for biomedical and transportation applications. Pre- and post-assessment handouts are provided.

Alma contributes to her neighborhood in big ways! In creating a unique community mural, she reflects on her interests and her neighborhood. In this activity, students add to their school community by creating murals with bulletin board paper and art supplies. They will practice self-expression and social awareness as they showcase their interests, identity, or imagination.

As Alma explores, she appreciates all the great things about her neighborhood. How can we make observations and celebrate our communities? Students will use a printable Alma's Way My Neighborhood Notebook to observe the people, places, things, and cultures that make their communities special.

As Alma learns about families, friendships, and communities, she discovers that sometimes challenges and conflicts arise. In those moments, Alma stops and "thinks through" the situation. Then, she knows what to do! Support critical thinking and problem-solving skills with this group discussion, video clips, and Alma's Way visual cards. Practice Alma's, "think through" strategy. This skill can be used throughout the school year in many different situations!

Students are asked to explain what needs to be considered if alternative energy sources are to be used. [0:32]

This video segment from the Secret of Life School Video: "Genetic Medicine: Tinkering with Our Genes" explores the potential for gene therapy to cure diseases like Alzheimer's.

This site provides some good lecture notes on Harriet Beecher Stowe's "Uncle Tom's Cabin." Easy to read and understand. Includes some biographical information on Harriet Beecher Stowe as well.

Canadian Wildlife site showcases the American Black Duck. Highlights its' habitat and habits, unique characteristics, breeding and feeding.

Engaging hands on science lessons for grades 2-6 on the three states of matter.

This four-lesson curriculum unit will examine the nature of what Winston Churchill called the "Grand Alliance" between the United States, Great Britain, and the Soviet Union in opposition to the aggression of Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan.

This site presents a general picture of what life was like in the United States at the turn of the century. Content includes compelling images, information, and documents about American life.

Great site to discover all about the Alaskan Highway and why it was built during World War II. View a video, read a timeline, see a map, and much more.

Companion site to the televised documentary "Eyes on the Prize" provides access to a full complement of primary sources on the civil rights movement (1954-85), reflections of the people involved, profiles of important figures, image galleries, and similar resources.

This resource is a companion site to a documentary about a major flooding of the Mississippi River in 1927, where in Greenville, Mississippi, efforts to contain the river pitted the majority black population against an aristocratic plantation family. Included is information about the Ku Klux Klan at the time and African American migration to the North.

The perfect site on the Golden Gate Bridge! PBS provides bridge math, great pictures of before, during, and after the construction of the bridge, and a special section called "Balancing Forces," that demonstrates how the "tension" of the design works. Be sure to read "The Men Who Built the Bridge," under People and Events section.

This resource contains descriptive and educational links about one of our country's most beloved national monuments: Mount Rushmore. Features interesting, little-known facts about the rationale, creation, and completion of the famous "tribute to democracy." Includes a 'Teacher's Guide' for integrated lessons in civics, history, economics, and geography.

This site contains articles about the people who were involved in the China-United States relations in the 70s. It has a biographical sketch on Nixon, and discusses his trip to China in 1972.

This site explores the Cold War race to develop the hydrogen bomb, a weapon that would change the world. Content details all the people who were involved in the race for the H-Bomb, as well as notable events during this time period. Information is supplemented with primary source material, descriptive maps, and a detailed timeline.

Stories of homeless teenagers during the Great Depression who crisscrossed the country by illegally riding on trains. Click on the sidebar for information about the film "Riding the Rails" available from PBS, including a transcript of the film. Special features include stories of some of the "rail riders," hobo songs, and obstacles faced by African Americans. There is a timeline of the Great Depression, maps of the train routes, and a teacher's guide.