This video segment from FRONTLINE/NOVA: "Harvest of Fear" explores genetic modification of salmon and possible consequences.

Water is such a crucial resource to human life. We use it for drinking, cooking, travel, and recreation, among other things. So, it is understandable that children have a natural curiosity about it. Young children love to stomp in puddles, throw sticks and rocks into ponds, observe water animals, and splash and swim on a hot
day. During this time, they are making observations about how objects move in water, and what floats or sinks. Naturally, they are becoming more aware and curious about how to float and swim with their own bodies in the water as well as what devices and equipment can help them stay afloat.

This lesson can be part of a longer study of water that will encompass different bodies of water, types of water habitats and animals who live there, sink and oat science, and water sports and recreation.

Estimated time required: 1 class period.

Technology required for this lesson: Tablet or Smartphone.

Students explore how pendulums work and why they are useful in everyday applications. In a hands-on activity, they experiment with string length, pendulum weight and angle of release. In an associated literacy activity, students explore the mechanical concept of rhythm, based on the principle of oscillation, in a broader biological and cultural context in dance and sports, poetry and other literary forms, and communication in general.

How does a computer work? The critical components of a computer are the peripherals (including the mouse), the input/output subsystem (which controls what and how much information comes in and out), and the central processing unit (the brains), as well as human-written programs and memory. Bettina Bair walks us through the steps your computer takes with every click of the mouse. [4:12]

Rapid prototyping is a method used to accelerate the innovation process. Tom Chi explains how this method was used to create one of Google's newest inventions, Google Glass. [8:08]

We live in a world run by algorithms, computer programs that make decisions or solve problems for us. In this riveting, funny talk, Kevin Slavin shows how modern algorithms determine stock prices, espionage tactics, even the movies you watch. But, he asks: If we depend on complex algorithms to manage our daily decisions- when do we start to lose control? [15:07]

Seth Godin argues the Internet has ended mass marketing and revived a human social unit from the distant past: tribes. Founded on shared ideas and values, tribes give ordinary people the power to lead and make big change. He urges us to do so. [17:27]

The Take Action column in the free, online magazine Beyond Weather and the Water Cycle suggests actions young people (K-grade 5) can take to reduce the impacts of climate change. The magazine examines the recognized essential principles of climate literacy and the climate sciences as well as the guiding principle for informed climate decisions.

In this regular column of the free, online magazine Beyond Weather and the Water Cycle, the author looks at the importance of conserving water and practicing good conservation habits daily. The column is designed for teachers in K-Grade 5 classrooms and presents concepts of climate literacy that are appropriate for young children. Identified online resources provide data collection activities, lessons, and games.

This article describes energy efficiency as it relates to home and school energy use and provides ways that children can help.

This article profiles Dr. Leigh Stearns, a research scientist with the National Science Foundation's Science and Technology Center for Remote Sensing of Ice Sheets (CReSIS) and Assistant Professor in Geology at the University of Kansas who studies glaciers in Greenland.

Learn some of the words a sailor uses to talk about a boat. Includes audio narration in English, Spanish, and Turkish with text in English.

This article provides an overview of Tapped In, a web-based learning environment for educators and professional development providers.

Paint using virtual brushes and a canvas. Once complete, you can frame, hang, and even watch a time-lapse animation of your painting.

This book introduces the concept of computer programming to young students. Includes audio narration in six additional languages with text in English.

This article for elementary teachers discusses what a blog is, why you should blog, how to get students involved, and steps on how to get started with your own blog. Free blogging software is described and exemplary blogs and posts are recommended.

This article for elementary teachers focuses on three tools that allow educators to publish to the web for free - Instructional Architect, Filamentality, and TeacherTube. Design hotlists, webquests, scrapbooks, and upload video.

This article provides an overview of energy education curriculum materials available from the National Energy Education Development (NEED) Project. Teachers may become a member, or use free online resources.

This article provides lesson plans about natural resources and energy sources for elementary teachers.

This article introduces ARKive, a digital library of photographs and videos of the world's wildlife. The library gives special priority to at-risk species. The author notes how this interactive resource can be used by K-5 teachers to support other activities connected to the theme of this issue of the free, online magazine Beyond Weather and the Water Cycle -- We Depend on Earth's Climate.