Science
GENERAL
- BrainPOP
This site's motto is "The more you know, the more you know." That means
you'll know a lot about science by the time you finish with it, and knowing
a lot about anything is a great thing. What's most interesting about this
site is the way it presents informationin flashy little movies narrated
by fictional characters, including Bob the ex-lab rat . There are movies
about health stuff, such as the heart, nerves, and genes; general science
stuff, such as the seasons, magnetism, and photosynthesis; and technology
stuff, such as lasers, robots, and radio. The graphics are greatdefinitely
worth checking out. BrainPOP is a good place to go if you have specific
questions, if you need a review of a subject, or if you are looking for
a paper topic.
- The Science
Club
Have to do a science project? You don't have to settle for the old leave-a
sandwich-in-a-drawer-until-it-grows-mold-or-attracts-an-ant-colony. This
site gives ideas and instructions for several fun and challenging projects.
Give these projects a try and you'll learn a lot and impress all your
friends. Some of the more interesting ideas include a telescope, a lava
lamp, a tornado generator box, a giant rainbow prism, and the ever-popular
disgustoscope. The site allows you to choose a project according to your
ability level and to exchange ideas online with other young scientists.
It also provides links and booklists that will help you build background
and develop a greater understanding of your project.
- The Why Files:
Science Behind the News
This cool web site combines science with current events. Our daily newspapers
and television news programs give us headlines about new medications,
new computers, electric cars, pollution, and various scientific discoveries.
But rarely do they explain these things to us so that we truly understand
everything. Well, this site attempts to do just that. Every week, it gives
a brief update on a new scientific discovery and some feature articles
that explore, in-depth, the science behind some of our headlines. You
also have the option of exploring the site's archives for old articles,
which are filed by topic. As an additional bonus, you can view cool scientific
images. These, too, can be found in the archives.
- The Yuckiest Site on
the Internet
Want to experience a day in the life of a roach? Want to know why worms
eat dirt? Ever wonder why you burp and make other crazy noises? Or why
you sweat and have wax in your ears? This site will tell you everything
you ever wanted to know about the wonderful and gross features of worms,
bugs, and the human body. It also features "creepy crafts" and "icky experiments."
- CellsAlive
You can't talk about life science without talking about cellsthe
smallest unit of any living organism. This amazing site will give you
movies and images of living cells that can be found in people, animals,
plants, and in many things that we can't see with our own eyes, such as
bacteria. You'll learn about cancer cells, dust mites, penicillin, parasites,
and dividing bacteria. One interesting section even shows you how your
skin cells react to a splinter or scratch.
- Cornell
Math and Science Gateway
This informative site is intended for students in grades 9-12, but younger
students might also find some of its materials helpful. It deals with
an interesting variety of topics in areas such as astronomy, biology,
computers, engineering, mathematics, physics, agriculture, chemistry,
earth & environmental science, health & medicine, and meteorology.
EARTH SCIENCE
- Discovery.Com
Planet Earth Guide
Oceans cover 71% of the Earth's surfaceso they definitely deserve
their own web site. OceanQuest is a wonderfully in-depth, colorful, easy-to-understand
look at the world's oceans and the role they play in our lives. Sections
of this site include Ocean Floor, Waves and Tides, Ocean Resources, Currents,
Ocean History, Ocean Technology, Marine Life, Ports of Call, Earth: The
Water Planet, and Sea Water. The site, created by the Naval Meteorology
and Oceanography Command, gives interesting statistics and answers all
your questions about the wettest areas of our planet.
- Volcanoes
Online
Hey, volcanoes are great! (As long as you don't live anywhere near an
active one . . .) Thanks to this site, you can learn everything you ever
wanted to know about volcanoes. Created by three young men from the United
States, Singapore, and the Netherlands, the site has clear explanations,
maps, games, a database on volcanoes around the world, and links to books
and other web sites on volcanoes.
- Tsunami!
A tsunami is a gigantic and frightening tidal wave that usually goes along
with an earthquake or volcanic eruption. This interesting site, the closest
you'll ever want to get to something like this, dedicates itself to examining
the hows and whys of the tsunami. Simply click on the site's table of
contents to get general information, survey and research information,
and links to related sites.
HEALTH AND THE HUMAN BODY
- DiscoveryHealth.com
This site, brought to us by those smart people at the Discovery Channel,
answers health questions of every kind for people of all ages. Want to
know what that colic thing is that your baby sister has? Desperate to
know why ice cream bothers your stomach? Wondering why everyone's mood
seems to plummet in the dead of winter? Questions about your grandfather's
arthritis? All the answers are here. You can search the site for a specific
topic, or you can glance over the headlines for the latest health news
and information. This is a great place to go to do research or to find
a topic for a paper.
- Lifebytes
This is another great site with general information about health and the
human body. It's a little more colorful and a little more animated than
the DiscoveryHealth site is, so it might be harder to access if you have
a slow connection. Its information, packaged in a cartoon format, centers
around physical and mental health issues, illnesses, and personal safety.
It's a good place to go for a quick answer to a question or to begin your
exploration of a topic.
- Human
Anatomy Online
Got a cramp? Don't you wish you could just poke your head into your stomach
and see what's going on down there? Well, this cool site allows you to
do something like that. It gives you unlimited access to the insides of
the human body. Just select the section of the body that you need information
about. Your choices include but are not limited to the head, the digestive
system, the respiratory system, the muscles, and the heart. You'll see
how your selection looks and learn all about how it works. After visiting
this site you'll feel ready to perform surgery (but please don't).
- Neuroscience
for Kids
Believe it or not, everyone you know has a brain and a central nervous
system. And this set of equipment is more complicated and interesting
than anything you can imagine. This terrific site explains neuroscience
so that we can all understand and appreciate it. It allows you to explore
parts of the central nervous system, such as the brain and the spinal
cord; search for specific topics and answers to your questions; learn
about neuroscience in the news; and try various experiments and activities.
- The Heart:
An Online Exploration
This informative site allows you to take a journey through the human heart.
Pretty cool! You'll learn about its basic structure, follow blood through
blood vessels, and discover how this little pumping machine powers your
body. You will also learn the history of heart science and find out about
some milestones in the field of cardiology. Finally, the site will tell
you how to show your heart some respect with proper diet and exercise.
- Seeing
Disabilities from a Different Perspective
The main theme of this site is "Great things have been done by people
with disabilities." Understanding the facts about certain disabilities
helps people understand the people who live with these disabilities. This
site focuses on autism, cerebral palsy, and hearing and vision impairments.
It provides instruction, a glossary of terms, links, and places where
people can describe their personal experiences. This site is definitely
worth a visit if you need questions answered or if you are writing a paper
on a physical disability of any kind.
- The
BBC Medicine Through Time
Medicine and the study of the human body is an amazing field that changes
all the time. Just when people think they know everything, they figure
out something new. This informative site will take you on a journey through
the field of medicine, from prehistoric times through the Middle Ages
to the modern world. All you have to do is choose a time period and then
choose a topic, such as disease, surgery, public health, or hospitals.
PETS AND WILDLIFE
- Monarch Watch
This site, "dedicated to education, conservation, and research," is your
source for detailed information on the beautiful monarch butterfly. It
explains their biology and migration patterns, provides information on
how and why people tag and track butterflies, and lists resources and
links to help your research.
- Animal Planet
This site is an excellent source of information on animals of all kinds,
from crocodiles to tigers to giant squid. Visit the animal guide to get
information on a specific creature. You can also research current events
and issues that are affecting wild animals all over the world, learn how
animal experts work, and even view images from live animal cams.
- The National Zoo
Thanks to this web site you can visit (sort of) your National Zoo without
leaving your chair. Search the site for information on a particular resident
of the zoo. Find out if any of the regular online presentations or discussions
can help you with your research. View animal photos or check out what
is going on at the zoo to benefit animals and the people who care about
them. You can also get historical information on the zoo and zoos in general,
as well as links to other helpful sites.
- Zoonet
This is the place to go for information on zoos and zoo-related web pages.
It's also a wonderful source of animal photographs; you can see for yourself
any animal's unique physical characteristics or print photographs for
your paper or presentation. If you are researching a particular animal
or an aspect of zoology, definitely pay this site a visit.
- National Aquarium in Baltimore
If you are studying marine animals, check out this site for information
and answers to all your questions. The site gives background on the aquarium
and its research and conservation efforts, introduces people to the animal
population it works with, gives regular animal updates, and invites people
to search for specific topics. You can also view images of some of the
aquarium animals.
- Engangered:
Exploring a World at Risk
Our world is changing rapidly, and many of our animals and their delicate
habitats are in danger. The American Museum of Natural History brings
us this web site to introduce us to the problem. Learn about animals and
habitats that are in danger, discover why they are in danger, and explore
what can be done to change things for the better. The site allows you
to tour the museum's actual exhibition. It also gives a list of links
and suggested readings and a helpful glossary of terms.
- The Bear Den
This terrific site says that it exists "for bears everywhere, and for
those humans who are on their side." Pay it a visit to learn about all
the different kinds of bears, where they live, how they live, and the
dangers they face in their various habitats. The site will also connect
you to suggested books and videos, related links, and entertaining bear
quotes.
- Ant Colony.org:
The Definitive Source for Ant Enthusiasts
Ant-lovers listen up! Here's a site just for you. Learn everything you
ever wanted to know about these fascinating, industrious creatures that
we often find in our picnic food. Explore the defining characteristics
of various kinds of ants and discover interesting facts about an ant colony,
an antıs diet, and an ant's behavior. Study snapshots and illustrations
and introduce yourself to ant terminology.
- The
Virtual Insectary
This is your basic online zoo for insects. It provides images of common
insects, information on the foods they eat, and descriptions of their
varied habitats. Simply search the list on the site's first page for your
bug of choice. This is a great way to study insectswithout worrying
about getting stung or eaten alive.
- The
Interactive Frog Dissection
This is a great way to do biology researchwithout getting your hands
messy and feeling cruel. It allows you to study the skin, muscles, and
internal organs of a frog online as it guides you with helpful instruction.
There are programs that you must download before going through the process,
but the web site directs you as you get your computer ready. So, give
this site a try if you are doing research for a related paper or project
or trying to review for a test.
- Dinosaur
Exhibit at Honolulu Community College
This is a great site if you need to find out about dinosaurs. It gives
a guided tourwith sound and pictures of dinosaur exhibitsthat
will introduce you to dinosaurs of all kinds. Learn which of these creatures
were the scariest, the cutest, the largest, the smallest, and the loudest.
Learn what they ate and how they spent their time. If you still need more
information, the site can link you to related sites.
- Pet
Care Library
They aren't dinosaurs and they aren't grizzly bearsthey're just our companion
animals that we see every day as we walk home or enter our homes. But
that doesn't mean they aren't interesting research subjects. This site,
created by the American Animal Hospital Association, focuses mainly on
dogs, cats, and other typical family pets (Sorry, you're not going to
find a lot of info on your pet rhino). It talks about animal behavior,
health issues, animal abuse issues, human/pet bonding, nutrition, and
general pet care tips. It also provides links to related sites.
PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY
- Chem4kids
If you don't think atoms and elements can be fun, then you haven't checked
out this site. OK. Fun might be a strong word. But this colorful site
is definitely an interesting introduction to the study of chemistry, and
it might help you through some difficult homework assignments. Information
is organized under the following categories: matter, elements, atoms,
math, and reactions. You also have the option of searching the entire
site if you don't know exactly what category you need. The site also provides
handy chemistry quizzes that can help you study for a test.
- The
Energy Story
Energy, defined as "the ability to do work," is all around us. We use
energy to move and to think. Energy moves our vehicles, heats our homes,
and powers important machinery. If you are studying different forms of
energy, definitely check out this informative web site. It focuses on
the following forms of energy: geothermal energy; fossil fuels, such as
coal, oil, and natural gas; hydro power and ocean energy; nuclear energy;
solar energy; and wind energy. The site also examines what energy is and
what we can do to conserve energy.
- Fizzics
Fizzle
Basically, what is physics? Well, there's nothing really basic about physics.
But it is all around us. Physics is the science that examines matter and
energy in the universehow it all fits together and works together.
Before you get too discouraged, check out this interactive guide to physics.
It manages to make complicated topics interesting to science students
at all levels. In fact, you have the power to customize the site to fit
your own needs. There are materials available for elementary, middle school,
and high school science students. Search the site according to your ability
level or search for a specific topic.
- The Atom's
Family
This clever site combines the scientific study of atoms and energy with
some of our favorite creepy characters. The result? A site that is truly
informative and truly entertaining. Go to the mummy's tomb to learn about
energy conservation, kinetic energy, and potential energy. Go to Dracula's
library to learn about properties of light, waves, and particles. Frankenstein's
lightning laboratory will teach you about different forms of electricity
and electrical safety. The Phantom will help you understand principles
of atoms and matter, and the Wolf Man will teach you about fuel conservation
and energy transfer.
- Evidence:
The True WitnessForensic Science
Forensic science is the branch of science that is used to establish facts
about a crime. Heywouldn't this be an exciting topic for a paper
or presentation? Visit this site to learn just how fascinating today's
forensic science is. The site will teach you how forensic science is used
in real crimes. It will also explain some of the newest technologies in
forensic science.
- Amusement
Park Physics
You might think the people who design the rides at our amusement parks
just need to know how to have a good time. In fact, they need to have
a strong understanding of the basic laws of physics. This site explains
some of these laws of physics and how they affect some of the most common
rides at an amusement park. The site, which includes a glossary of terms,
is a helpful guide to learning ideas in physics.
- Automotive
Learning Online
A lot of people drive cars, but very few understand how they work. You
might not think of this topic as a science, but many scientific principles
are at work from the moment the key is turned in the ignition. This interactive
site shows and explains the different parts of an automobile and how they
operate. This is a great site to visit if you are taking an automotive
class or looking for a project or paper idea.
SPACE AND PLANETS
- Discovery.Com
Space Guide
Our friends at the Discovery Channel bring us yet another colorful, informative
site. This one introduces us to the wonders of planets, stars, and space.
You'll find information on astronauts, planets and asteroids, astronomy,
satellites, and much more. You'll find discussions of aliens and space
missions. You'll also learn to search the sky for stars, meteor showers,
and planetary positions. This is a great place to go if you are researching
or have questions on a space-related topic.
- The
Constellations and Their Stars
This helpful site focuses exclusively on stars and those patterns in the
sky we call constellations. It gives sky charts, tells which stars are
closest and brightest, and explains the history and mythology that surrounds
stargazing. You can also consult this site to learn about planetary positions
and to see stunning photographs.
- Skywatching
Center
This is another site that will help you look into the sky with greater
wisdom and understanding. It explains stars, planets, and all those other
fascinating and mysterious things above our heads.
- Space Daily
For all you space buffs out there, this site features a twice daily update
of the latest commercial space news along with a growing report on planetary
science news. Organized as a newspaper with color photographs, it is a
valuable research tool. Remember, space technology is an ever-changing
field. You don't want to be left behind looking at outdated information!
- StarChild
A colorful site maintained by NASAthe National Aeronautics and Space
Administration. It has two different levelsLevel 1 is for younger
readers; Level 2 is for older readers. The site's creators are among the
top authorities in space travel, so check it out if you want to explore
the latest news and advances or learn a little more about outer space.
- Solar
Eclipses
The solar eclipse is one of the stranger phenomena that takes place in
our skies. Way back when, an eclipse would fill people with wonder and
fear. Luckily, we now have the information and equipment to understand
how and why an eclipse occurs. Check out this web site to see diagrams
and explanations of different types of eclipses, photographs and video
that show actual eclipses, historical information, and information on
upcoming eclipses.
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