Nova offers an enlightening conversation with astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson. Topics include origins of the universe, multidisciplinary approaches to science, exciting recent discoveries, his position as director of the Hayden Planetarium, and more!
This video features the mission of the Phoenix Mars Lander and what it discovered. With behind-the-scenes access, NOVA scienceNOW covers the Mars lander Phoenix's thrilling descent to the martian surface and its critical early days of operations. Phoenix will digs into the permafrost to obtain samples of martian dirt and ice for analysis in onboard labs, seeking any evidence that the Red Planet might once have sustained microbial life -- or perhaps still does. [52:20]
In 2002, paleontologists discovered a fossil in China that seemed to provide a missing link between dinosaurs and birds, and to support the theory that birds evolved from dinosaurs. The fossil came from a four-winged dinosaur they named the Microraptor. This PBS video looks at the discovery and the debates and research that followed from it.
This Nobel website on the life and scientific work of Robert A. Millikan includes a biography, images, and internet resources for further reading and research. Also included are the 1923 "Presentation Speech" which praised Millikan's work and Millikan's Nobel Lecture, " The electron and the light-quant from the experimental point of view," which is available in pdf format.
Smithsonian Institution presents ?Ocean Planet: Interdisciplinary Marine Science Activities?. Through this series of six interdisciplinary lessons, students will look at such things as the organisms in different marine ecosystems, the many different products we get from our seas, and the effects of pollution on our oceans. Teachers and students alike will love the easy to understand background information and vibrant photos. Each lesson comes complete with clear learning objectives and instructions, as well as supplemental resources and student handouts.
This large PDF file integrates math, science, and language into several lessons about characteristics of the oceans. Topics include ocean currents, tides, density, marine life, and pollution.
Website for the PBS series "A Science Odyssey." Numerous opportunities to explore the people and discoveries of science.
Interesting reading material about Henry Luce, founder of 'Time', 'Fortune', 'Sports Illustrated', and 'Life' magazines, who became one of America's leading mass communicators. Includes a career timeline, video clips, and a personal interview.
"Join Michael Palin as he takes you on a journey to recapture the world of Ernest Hemingway." Contains a biography of Hemingway including a number of pictures of him and the various places he traveled throughout his life. In addition to fine biographical material about Hemingway, there are six lessons, designed for grades 6-8, which help students explore Hemingway's world and work, learn about newspaper writing, and learn to interview for information.
The Partnership website is an excellent place to learn what 21st century skills are, why they are important and who is supporting their development. Be sure to check out the Learning Hub.
This article features children's literature about oceans - specifically the Arctic and Southern Oceans.
Explains what impact socialization has on a person, and how it benefits the individual and larger society.
This slideshow offers an overview of life during the Great Depression of the 1930's, with a focus on the devastating impact it had on residents of the state of Alabama. Requires Adobe Flash.
This pathway explores the properties of water that make it essential for life. Key properties of water discussed in this pathway include water as a solvent, hydrogen bonding, specific heat and cohesion.
This site from the University of St Andrews gives a factual biography of Rene Descartes. Many interesting links are provided.
The History Place looks at the rise of the German dictator Adolf Hitler.
Lilly is from Peru, and she's traveling the world. Right now, she's in Scotland. Join her while she studies living and non-living things.
A brief summary of the history of African American slavery and the Underground Railroad. Activities and books pertaining to slave life, plantations, and the Underground Railroad are suggested.