Fun General Science Activities

Videos

Frostbite Theater - http://education.jlab.org/frost/ - a collection of science videos produced by Jefferson Lab! Short science experiments using liquid nitrogen, static electricity and more!
Physics Out Loud - http://education.jlab.org/pol/ - Jefferson Lab scientists and other experts explain some of the common words and terms used in nuclear physics research.
Virtual Field Trips - http://education.jlab.org/vft/ - See what research is being conducted at some of the Department of Energy's National Laboratories!

Science Games

Science Vocabulary Hangman - http://education.jlab.org/vocabhangman/ - Use the clues to discover the computer's secret word!
Science Crossword Puzzles - http://education.jlab.org/sciencecrossword/atoms_01.html - Use the clues provided to solve each crossword puzzle!
Scrambled Science Words - http://education.jlab.org/scrambledsciencewords/ - Use the clues provided to unscramble a science word or term!
Who Wants to Win $1,000,000? - http://education.jlab.org/million/ - Answer 15 science and math based questions correctly and become a (pretend!) millionaire!
Virginia State Standards of Learning Practice Tests - http://education.jlab.org/solquiz/ - Practice taking the SOL tests! Subjects currently include algebra, math, science and technology.

At Home Activities

How to quick-chill a soda - http://teachscience4all.wordpress.com/2010/03/19/how-to-quick-chill-soda/
Chocolate Chip Cookie Constellations - http://astrosociety.org/education/family/materials/constellationcookies.pdf - This chocolate chip cookie recipe includes templates for baking night sky constellations of the season right on top! Two templates are included, one for 9pm mid-April, and one for 10pm mid-July. Learners can help place the chips in order to learn about the relative positions of the constellations. Although no background information is given, there is an opportunity to discuss how the star positions change with seasons. A printed version in Spanish is available, but it's not free online.
Simple Pop-Up Mechanisms - http://www.exo.net/~jyu/activities/popups.pdf - In this activity, learners construct three quick and simple mechanisms to start building a pop-up book. Learners fold, cut, and glue paper to make a bird beak, parallelogram, and V-fold. This resource includes books and online references with more complicated pop-up mechanisms

watch SciGirls online at http://pbskids.org/scigirls/
Balloon Rockets - http://www.cosi.org/educators/activities/balloonrockets-act/ - This is an activity about rockets. Learners will explore how rockets leave Earth's orbit and what it takes to make a launch successful. There is also a discussion of force and Newton's Third Law of Motion, and other topics - such as potential vs. kinetic energy, momentum, and acceleration - can easily be tied to this exciting activity.
Bent Toward Science (refraction) - http://www.cosi.org/educators/activities/refraction-act/ - This is an activity about the behavior of light. Using simple, everyday objects, learners will discover that light moves in straight lines until acted upon by another object. Light moves so fast, sometimes our eyes can only see light move when a change in observed. In the second part of the activity, learners explore how this concept relates to something more tangible: a toy car
Big Wave - http://www.cosi.org/educators/activities/bigwave-act/ - This is an activity about waves. Using marbles, paper clips and rubber bands, learners explore how waves behave. This is an excellent activity to use to lead into discussion of waves of all sorts (sound, ocean, light).
Boomerang - http://www.cosi.org/educators/activities/boomerang-act/ -
Bottle Tops - http://www.cosi.org/educators/activities/bottletops-act/ - In this physics activity about rotational inertia, learners use a spinning top made out of a bottle cap and a nail to explore how changing the axis of rotation affects how the energy is used. You can also hold a competition to see whose top spins the longest!
Buoyant Bubble - http://www.cosi.org/educators/activities/bubble-act/ - In this chemistry activity, learners will explore why spheres are an extremely important shape in the natural world. They will use water, rubbing alcohol and water to discover cool facts about density, shape, and internal forces. You can also take the activity one step further to discover the wonder of neutral buoyancy.
Cabbage Patch Chemistry - http://www.cosi.org/educators/activities/cabbagepatch-act/ - In this chemistry activity, learners will learn how to make their own pH indicator using cabbage leaves, and then test common household items with their homemade indicator. This is an excellent activity to show how science can often be done with everyday objects.
Can You Stand Pressure - http://www.cosi.org/educators/activities/canpressure-act/ - In this activity about states of matter, learners get to witness first-hand the awesome power of air pressure. They watch as an ordinary soda can is crushed by invisible forces. This activity is only to be done with adult supervision, as it involves very hot water.
Catapult - http://www.cosi.org/educators/activities/catapult-act/ - In this activity about transfer of energy, learners get to build their own catapult using nothing more than a plastic spoon and some tape. They then get to see just how far they can make a marshmallow fly! This is an easy activity to turn into a game and/or competition.
Chemistry Cake (PDF) - http://www.cosi.org/files/file/education/ChemistryCake.pdf - In this exciting and tasty chemistry activity which requires adult supervision, learners explore how chemistry affects a simple everyday activity like cooking. They will combine ingredients to make a yummy pineapple cake! This is an excellent activity to show chemistry in action in real life.
Chocolate Lava - http://www.cosi.org/educators/activities/lava-act/ - Create a tasty treat to show how volcanic rock helped to form the earth.
Clues about Clouds - http://www.cosi.org/educators/activities/clouds-act/ - In this weather activity which requires adult supervision, learners will get a chance to make a cloud right here on Earth! They learn about the different ingredients a cloud needs in order to form, and then duplicate the process that usually takes place thousands of feet above their heads.
Coffee Filter Rainbows - http://www.cosi.org/educators/activities/rainbows-act/ - In this activity about color, learners get to explore the process of chromatography. Right before their eyes, they can watch ordinary green and black ink turn into a literal rainbow of colors. You can use this activity to facilitate a conversation about light spectrums.
Hover Cup - http://www.cosi.org/educators/activities/hovercup-act/ - Is this activity concentrating on physical science, learners build their very own miniature hovercraft out of a paper cup. Using it, they can explore the concepts of friction and force. There is also a chance to take it a step further, modifying the shape of the hovercraft's base and seeing if that affects the craft's movement.
Mighty Seeds - http://www.cosi.org/educators/activities/seeds-act/ - In this biology experiment, learners plant soybean seeds in plaster of Paris, witnessing first-hand the mighty power and ability of plants to grow in adverse conditions. This is also an excellent activity to touch upon exothermic reactions, as warmth is created when the plaster is mixed.
Paper Cup Anemometer - http://www.cosi.org/educators/activities/anemometer-act/ - In this meteorological activity, learners get to build their very own anemometer (instrument for measuring wind speed) using a paper cup. This is also an excellent activity to practice math and problem solving.
Push It Out Rocket - http://www.cosi.org/educators/activities/pushrocket-act/ - In this physics related activity which requires adult supervision, learners make their own powerful water rocket and, with it, explore Newton's Third Law of Motion. Every action has an equal and opposite reaction, and this is one reaction that is awesome to watch. This is also an excellent activity to practice measuring, recording, and comparing data. It is not mentioned specifically in the activity, but you can also have a great discussion about potential and kinetic energy.
Quicksand (Oobleck) - http://www.cosi.org/educators/activities/quicksand-act/ - In this chemistry experiment, learners get to make a very bizarre substance using corn starch and water. Is it a solid? Is it a liquid? Or is it a different kind of substance entirely? Sometimes known as "Oobleck", this activity is a favorite of learners of all ages
Rock Candy - http://www.cosi.org/educators/activities/rockcandy-act/ - In this yummy chemistry activity which requires adult supervision, learners use sugar and water to explore how crystals form. The best part about this activity, other than witnessing really cool chemistry first-hand, is getting to eat the finished product.
Rubberband Rollback - http://www.cosi.org/educators/activities/rollback-act/ - In this activity about potential and kinetic energy, learners get to roll a can across the floor and then watch it roll back to them as if by magic. This activity is always great for looks of wonder! Note: in the Materials Information, it is listed as "per student," but the activity also makes for a great demonstration and discussion.
Sidewalk Chalk - http://www.cosi.org/educators/activities/sidewalkchalk-act/ - In this chemistry activity, learners get to witness an exothermic reaction first-hand while making their very own, completely usable, sidewalk chalk. This is also an excellent activity for exploring color mixing. In the "Now, Explore!" section, there are ideas for taking the activity one step further and experimenting with different amounts of water and plaster of Paris in order to see the effect on the final product,
Strange Soap - http://www.cosi.org/educators/activities/soap-act/ - In this physics activity, learners experiment with soap bubbles to see what variables affect their size. They explore how soap film and bubbles always seek the smallest surface area possible. To take it further, it is suggested that different sized cups are used and the size of the bubbles are compared to see if the ratios are equivalent.
Swell Activity with Beans - http://www.cosi.org/educators/activities/beans-act/ - In this combination chemistry and physics activity, learners explore water absorption in dried beans or peas and learn how this affects their physical properties. They observe changes in size, skin, texture, color and other features. If desired, they can take it one step further and see if the soaking of the beans affects their sprouting ability in any way.
Two Lenses in One - http://www.cosi.org/educators/activities/twolenses-act/ - In this activity about light, learners explore how water can refract light and change the way they see things. In the "Now Explore" section, suggestions for other liquids are given, and the learners can come up with plenty of their own.
Weight for It - http://www.cosi.org/educators/activities/weight-act/ - In this activity about weights and balances, learners create their own balance using paper cups. Then, learners explore how to compare the relative mass of objects. In the "Now, explore!" section, to take the experiment one step further, they can make carbon dioxide gas and discover its mass relative to the air around it.
What's the Buzz? - http://www.cosi.org/educators/activities/vibration-act/ - In this physics activity, learners explore how sound is created by vibrations. They make a "buzzer" out of a rubber band, a craft stick, and an index card, then whirl it overhead, observing the noise that it makes. To take it even further, they can experiment using different sizes of rubber bands, index cards, and sticks.
DNA Detective - http://tryscience.org/experiments/experiments_dna_athome.html - This activity is about collecting and analyzing DNA as part of a criminal investigation. Learners collect their own cheek cells, burst the cell membranes with detergent, and then precipitate DNA with ethanol (or another alcohol). Use this activity to introduce learners to DNA and forensic science. In the online version (see related resource), learners learn some DNA basics, investigate a crime scene, collect DNA samples from suspects, and analyze DNA in the virtual lab to identify the culprit.
Catch the (Sound) Wave - http://tryscience.org/experiments/experiments_japan_athome.html - See and hear how sound waves travel through different types of materials. Extend the experiment online and learn how you can "see" with sound waves use ultrasound.
Body in Your Mind's Eye - http://www.exploratorium.edu/exploring/bodies_mag/minds_eye.html - This activity is about how you form mental images of your body's position in space, independent of vision. Can you take a sip of water from a cup with your eyes closed? If so, how are you able to navigate this maneuver without seeing the cup? Find out here!
Air Cannon - http://pbskids.org/dragonflytv/superdoit/air_cannon.html - In this quick and easy activity, learners build an air cannon "drum" and see what happens when they "shoot" puffs of air at different targets. The activity allows learners to submit online how far away they were able to hit targets with air from their drum. This activity would be great for units on vibration and sound, and a fun choice for rainy days.
Make a Telescope - http://www.exploratorium.edu/exploring/space/activity.html - Discover how a refracting telescope works by making one from scratch using common items. This telescope won't have a tube so the learner can see how an image is formed inside the telescope. One lens of a drugstore pair of reading glasses serves as the objective lens of the telescope - the lens that gathers light from stars or other objects. A magnifying glass serves as the eyepiece.
Bee Hummer - http://www.exploratorium.edu/afterschool/activities/index.php?activity=133&firstDisplayedItem=1 - In this activity, learners investigate sound and vibration by making a "bee hummer"--a toy that sounds like a swarm of buzzing bees when you spin it around. The activity includes three short online videos: Introduction, Step-by-Step Instructions, and What's Going On. Also available: a concept map and a "Going Further" document that suggests variations on this activity.
Bottle Blast Off - http://www.exploratorium.edu/afterschool/activities/index.php?activity=134&firstDisplayedItem=1 - With little more than a plastic bottle, some vinyl tubing, and a length of PVC pipe, make a rocket and a rocket launcher and investigate how rockets fly. The activity includes three short online videos: Introduction, Step-by-Step Instructions, and What's Going On. Also available: a concept map and a "Going Further" document that suggests variations on this activity. For planning purposes, each learner will probably want to make their own rocket, but you'll need only two rocket launchers per group (learners take turns launching their rockets).
Color Chromatography - http://www.exploratorium.edu/afterschool/activities/index.php?activity=172&firstDisplayedItem=1 - In this activity, learners separate the components of Gatorade using a home-made affinity column. In doing so, learners model the basic principle of affinity chromatography, a technique used to purify chemicals as well as bio-pharmaceuticals and petroleum products. This resource contains information about affinity chromatography and polarity.
Cuica (laughing cup) - http://www.exploratorium.edu/afterschool/activities/index.php?activity=135&firstDisplayedItem=1 - In this activity, you'll use a paper cup, a piece of cloth, and some string to make a musical instrument called a cuica (pronounced KWEE-kah). Cuicas are 'friction drums' of African origin now popular in Brazil, where they are used in that country's famous carnival parade. Instructions for the activity can be downloaded from the web page, which also features three short online videos: Introduction, Step-by-Step Instructions, and What's Going On. Also available for download: a concept map and a "Going Further" document that suggests variations on this activity.
Cup Speaker - http://www.exploratorium.edu/afterschool/activities/index.php?activity=173&firstDisplayedItem=4 - An introduction to how to make your own simple speaker, which transmits sound from a radio or MP3 player and demonstrates the principles of electromagnetism and vibration.
Ice Balloons - http://www.exploratorium.edu/afterschool/activities/index.php?activity=171&firstDisplayedItem=4 - In this activity, learners will explore globes of frozen water to learn how to ask and then answer 'investigable' questions. The activity includes four short online videos: Introduction, Step-by-Step Demonstration, Going Deeper, and What's Going On. Also available are a concept map and a "Going Further" web page that suggests variations and extensions on this activity.
Jitterbug - http://www.exploratorium.edu/afterschool/activities/index.php?activity=136&firstDisplayedItem=4 - This activity explores the concept of center of gravity by having learners build a Jitterbug--a motorized toy that seems to dance--using a recycled CD and a DC motor. The activity includes three short online videos: Introduction, Step-by-Step Instructions, and What's Going On. Also available: a concept map and a "Going Further" document that suggests variations on this activity.
Sound Sandwich - http://www.exploratorium.edu/afterschool/activities/index.php?activity=137&firstDisplayedItem=7 - With a straw, two craft sticks, and some rubber bands, construct a noisemaker called a Sound Sandwich and explore how vibration produces sound. Instructions for the activity can be downloaded from the web page, which also features three short online videos: Introduction, Step-by-Step Instructions, and What's Going On. Also available for download: a concept map and a "Going Further" document that suggests variations on this activity.
Stripped Down Motor - http://www.exploratorium.edu/afterschool/activities/index.php?activity=138&firstDisplayedItem=7 - In this activity, you'll make an electric motor--a simple version of the electric motors found in toys, tools, and appliances everywhere. The activity includes three short online videos: Introduction, Step-by-Step Instructions, and What's Going On. Also available: a concept map and a "Going Further" document that suggests variations on this activity.
Water Bottle Membranophone - http://www.exploratorium.edu/afterschool/activities/index.php?activity=139&firstDisplayedItem=7 - In this activity, you'll use a straw, a water bottle and a paper tube to make an instrument that's very much like a saxophone. The activity, which teaches students about sound, vibration, and pitch, includes three short online videos: Introduction, Step-by-Step Instructions, and What's Going On. Also available: a concept map and a "Going Further" document that suggests variations on this activity.
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At Home Activities about Weather

It's the "Rain," Man (weather guage) - http://www.srh.noaa.gov/jetstream/synoptic/ll_rain.htm - In this weather forecasting activity, learners use common materials to construct a rain gauge and measure daily, monthly, and yearly rainfall. Learners will discover rainfall amounts are rarely uniform and vary from location to location. This resource also includes tips about flood safety.
Atmospheric Collisions - http://www.srh.noaa.gov/jetstream/synoptic/ll_coalescence.htm - In this activity/demonstration, learners observe what happens when two ping pong balls are suspended in the air by a hair dryer. Use this activity to demonstrate how rain drops grow by coalescence. This resource guide includes an explanation of how water vapor condenses on cloud condensation nuclei and why water droplets vary in size. This resource also includes tips about flood watches and warnings
Head in the Clouds - http://www.srh.noaa.gov/jetstream/synoptic/ll_clouds1.htm - In this activity, learners create a CloudSpotter wheel and record the different types of clouds they observe twice daily over several days. Use this activity to teach learners how to identify different types of clouds as well as improve their observation skills. If possible, plan this lesson within four days of an upcoming cold front. This will help maximize the variety of clouds the learners will observe. This resource also includes tips about foggy weather safety.
Drawing Conclusions - http://www.srh.noaa.gov/jetstream/synoptic/ll_analyze.htm - In this weather forecasting activity, learners determine the location of cold and warm fronts on weather plot maps. Learners use colored pencils to mark up and analyze surface pressure, air temperature, dewpoint, and pressure change on different maps. Learners will discover how forecasters label and extrapolate information from weather maps. This resource includes analysis and discussion questions and solutions. This resource also includes tips about flood safety.
Forward Thinking (create a weather forecast map) - http://www.srh.noaa.gov/jetstream/webweather/ll_forward.htm - In this activity, learners create their own weather forecast map. Learners will visit the National Weather Service Southern Region website and use the zip code search feature to gather data and complete a temperature forecast map. Use this activity to discuss weather forecasting and climate trends throughout the US.
If Anyone Can, Icon - http://www.srh.noaa.gov/jetstream/webweather/ll_icon.htm - In this activity, learners create their own icons for a forecast-at-a-glance poster for their classroom/learning space. Learners will visit the National Weather Service website and use the zip code search feature to research the day's forecast. Then learners use art supplies to create icons and the forecast poster. This activity can be repeated each day of the week or learners can forecast a week at a time. Use this activity to discuss weather forecasting and weather fluctuations.
The Daily Ups and Downs - http://www.srh.noaa.gov/jetstream/webweather/ll_updown.htm - In this activity, learners graph 48 hourly air temperatures from a local weather observation site and observe the diurnal temperature variations. Learners visit the National Weather Service website to search by zip code and collect temperature data to plot on a graph. This resource includes information to help learners analyze their graphs (i.e. look for saw tooth pattern, determine timing of max and min temperatures). Use this activity to discuss weather forecasting and weather trends.
AM in the PM - http://www.srh.noaa.gov/jetstream/atmos/ll_ampm.htm - In this activity, learners will listen to as many radio stations as possible to discover that AM radio signals can travel many hundreds of miles at night. Learners log the call signs, locations, and quality of the transmissions on a data table. This resource includes information about how AM radio transmissions differ at day and night, the ionosphere, the history of call letters, and NOAA Weather Radio. Note: this activity must be completed during the evening or early in the morning before sunrise and learners must have access to an AM radio.
Heavy Air - http://www.srh.noaa.gov/jetstream/atmos/ll_airweight.htm - In this activity and/or demonstration, learners illustrate visually and physically that air has weight. Learners balance two equally-inflated balloons hanging from string on a yard stick. Learners observe what happens when they remove the air from one balloon. Learners will discover that the yard stick will become unbalanced once the weight of air is removed from one side. Use this demonstration to introduce learners to air pressure. This lesson guide includes information about how air pressure relates to baseball as well as severe thunderstorm safety.
A Pressing Engagement - http://www.srh.noaa.gov/jetstream/atmos/ll_engagement.htm - In this quick and easy activity and/or demonstration, learners illustrate the effect of the weight of air over our heads. Since we do not typically feel atmospheric pressure, this activity allows learners to explore the effect of air pressure on two different types of paper. In a simple test, learners will compare the ease of lifting printer paper versus newspaper. This resource includes information about atmospheric pressure, water pressure, and how pressure relates to wind and thunderstorm safety.
Going with the Flow - http://www.srh.noaa.gov/jetstream/atmos/ll_flow.htm - In this quick and easy activity and/or demonstration, learners use two empty soda cans to illustrate Bernoulli's principle. Learners lay the two cans parallel to each other on a level surface and blow between the cans to cause them to roll together. Use this activity to introduce learners to the basics of air pressure. This resource also includes information about how air pressure relates to tornados and tornado safety.
Crunch Time - http://www.srh.noaa.gov/jetstream/atmos/ll_crunch.htm - In this activity, learners act as water molecules and travel through parts of the water cycle to discover that it is more complex than just water moving from the ground to the atmosphere. Learners will roll dice, move throughout the room to different stations representing the various stages of the water cycle, and record their movements on a diagram. This resource also includes information about factors not included in this simulation as well as flash floods and flood safety.
Measure the Pressure I: The "Wet" Barometer - http://www.srh.noaa.gov/jetstream/atmos/ll_pressure.htm - In this activity, learners use simple items to construct a device for indicating air pressure changes. Learners build water barometers (also known as "storm glass" barometers) and record the height of the water in the device for 10 days. Learners observe how the changes in water level relate to the changes they notice in the weather. This lesson guide includes background information about air pressure, the history of barometers, and how pressure relates to weather and thunderstorm safety. Learners can also build a "dry" barometer by following the instructions in the related resource.
Measure the Pressure II: The "Dry" Barometer - http://www.srh.noaa.gov/jetstream/atmos/ll_pressure2.htm - In this activity, learners use simple items to construct a device for indicating air pressure changes. Learners build aneroid barometers (also known as "dry" barometers) and record the level of the straw for 10 days. Learners observe how the changes in straw level relate to the changes they notice in the weather. This lesson guide includes background information about the history of barometers, how barometers measure air pressure, and how pressure relates to weather and thunderstorm safety. Learners can also build a "wet" barometer by following the instructions in the related resource.
Melts in Your Bag, Not in Your Hand - http://www.srh.noaa.gov/jetstream/atmos/ll_melts.htm - In this activity, learners use chocolate to explore how the Sun transfers heat to the Earth through radiation. Learners compare the melting rate between chocolate left in the sun and chocolate left in the shade outside for twenty minutes on a hot sunny day. Use this demonstration to introduce learners to solar radiation as well as the importance of summer safety and sun protection. Although this works best on a hot sunny day, this activity can be adapted for indoor use.
Canned Heat - http://www.srh.noaa.gov/jetstream/atmos/ll_cannedheat.htm - In this activity, learners explore how light and dark colored objects absorb the Sun's radiations at different rates. Learners place one shiny coffee can and one coffee can painted black, each filled with the same amount of water, in direct sunlight for two hours. Learners measure and compare the temperature of the water before and after the test. Use this demonstration to introduce learners to solar radiation and albedo as well as the importance of summer safety and sun protection.
It's a Gas, Man - http://www.srh.noaa.gov/jetstream/atmos/ll_gas.htm - In this activity, learners discover if carbon dioxide has an effect on temperature. Learners compare the temperatures of two bottles filled with water, one with seltzer tablets and one without, when they are both equally exposed to heat from a lamp for an hour. Use this demonstration to introduce learners to global warming, the greenhouse effect, and summer safety precautions.
Leaf It to Me - http://www.srh.noaa.gov/jetstream/atmos/ll_leaf.htm - In this activity, learners observe the effect of transpiration as water is moved from the ground to the atmosphere. Learners conduct the experiment by placing a large plastic bag over a living limb of a tree or large bush for at least two hours and then measuring the water vapor collected in the bag. Use this activity to introduce learners to the hydrologic cycle and plant transpiration. This resource also explains the importance of hydration during the summer. Note: learners will see better results if they conduct the experiment on a warm sunny day.
Sweatin' the the Coldies - http://www.srh.noaa.gov/jetstream/atmos/ll_sweatin.htm - Using some ice and a glass, the students will chill the glass to the point where water from the atmosphere will condense on the outside of the glass.
The Rain Man - http://www.srh.noaa.gov/jetstream/atmos/ll_rainman.htm - In this activity, learners observe the hydrologic cycle in action as water evaporates and condenses to form rain right before their eyes. Learners perform a simple experiment to precipitate "rainwater" from ice cubes sealed in a sandwich bag. This resource includes an explanation of how little rainwater accounts for the total amount of water on Earth as well as some tips for flash flood safety.
Water, Water Everywhere - http://www.srh.noaa.gov/jetstream/atmos/ll_water.htm - In this activity, learners estimate how much water they think can be found in various locations on the Earth in all its states (solid, liquid, and gas) to discover the different water ratios in the Earth's total water supply. Learners divide 1000 ml of water (representing the total amount of water on Earth) amongst eight beakers as they predict the various ratios. Then learners measure the amounts of water that reflect the actual ratios and compare their predictions to reality. Learners will be surprised to find out that most of Earth's water is found in the ocean. This resource also includes information about flash floods and flood safety.
What-a-Cycle - http://www.srh.noaa.gov/jetstream/atmos/ll_whatacycle.htm - In this activity, learners act as water molecules and travel through parts of the water cycle to discover that it is more complex than just water moving from the ground to the atmosphere. Learners will roll dice, move throughout the room to different stations representing the various stages of the water cycle, and record their movements on a diagram. This resource also includes information about factors not included in this simulation as well as flash floods and flood safety.
The Rumblin' Road - http://www.srh.noaa.gov/jetstream/lightning/ll_distance.htm - In this activity, learners discover how to determine the distance to a lightning strike or nearby thunderstorm. Learners participate in a series of exercises that simulate how the sound of thunder travels and at what speed. This resource includes information about thunder and why it occurs as well as lightning safety tips
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Web Ranger Interactives - http://www.webrangers.us/search.cfm?search=ListAll&Submit=Search&t=193

Alpha Codes - Parks have code names. Break the code.
Ancestral Pueblo People - Explore the world of Ancestral Pueblo people of New Mexico
Arctic Artifacts - What were these artifacts used for?
Civil War Soldier - Choose a side! Be a soldier in the Civil War.
Dendrochronology - Learn to tell time with tree rings.
Dino Diets - Match the dinosaurs with their dinners.
Exploring Tidepools - Join rangers to search for ocean life.
Finding Edison - How did Thomas Edison change YOUR life?
Fire Story - There's a fire in a National Park!
Fire Tools - Learn about forest fire fighting tools.
George Washington's Secret Code - Decode Washington's secret messages.
Help a Ranger - What do rangers do? Find out by helping.
Help Lincoln Get to the White House - Follow Abraham Lincoln's path to the white house.
Independence Oddities - Spot the things that don't belong.
Investigating Global Connections - There's something happening here. Discover what it is
Know Your Parks - Test your park smarts.
Map Match - Rangers use many maps. Which will you use?
Name That Park - Add map layers for clues, then name the parks.
Ocean Life Matching Game - Test your memory and learn about ocean life...
Pack a Dog Sled - Get ready for a ranger patrol in Alaska.
Photo Explore - Discover secrets hidden in old photographs.
Powder Monkey - Set sail on a Navy war ship in 1812!
Presidents - Match childhood photos of past Presidents
Protect the Harbor - Where would you build the fort?
Railroad Connections - Follow the adventures of trains going west.
Reading a Map - Find your way to adventure.
Rip Currents - Learn about dangerous rip currents and how to stay safe
Rock Around the Park - What shapes your world? Find out.
Scavenger Hunt - Find and collect clues on the WebRanger site
Semaphore - Wave a flag, send a message.
Sent Away: Acadians in Exile - What if you had to leave home forever?
Signal Flag - Decode messages on the high seas.
Sled Dog Patrol - Pick the best team for the job.
Stories from the Past - Tell a story with rock art.
Swimming for Home - Be the fish - get home safely.
The Bald Eagle - Protect America's National Symbol.
The Disappearing Dark Sky - Learn how to save the stars.
The Great Smoky Mountain Rebus - Solve puzzles to learn about the park.
The National Park Service Arrowhead - Learn about what makes the Arrowhead so special.
The National Park Service Uniform - Learn about the many National Park Service uniforms.
The Patriot Spy - Deliver a message to Paul Revere.
The Puma Challenge - What is a puma? Be one. Find out.
The Secret Garden - Explore the hidden world of seagrasses.
The Ten Essentials - Have fun and be safe in your parks.
Tracking at White Sands - Read the stories in the sand.
Trash Talking - Is it trash or can it be recycled?
Turtle Hurdles - Help baby turtles find the ocean.
Water Exploration - Explore parks that manage and protect water areas
Water Quality - You test the water. Is it clean?
Water Safety - Staying safe and having fun in the water.
Whaling Adventure - Set sail on a whaling voyage around the world
What to Pack - Pick what to pack for a safe hike.
Who Am I? - Guess the animals in your parks.
Who Are We? - Find out what an American looks like.
Who Said That? - Learn about 10 famous Americans.
Wildlife in Yellowstone's Winter - Discover how animals spend the winter.
Yesterday and Today - Compare modern tools with ancient ones.
You're in Charge - Be the boss at a National Park.
Young Abraham Lincoln - Find facts about our young Abraham Lincoln.

Interactives

The Bakery Shop - http://www.thebakeryshop.org/ - In this fun online game, learners will run their own virtual bakery in order to recognize that people have many wants, that wants are unlimited, and that resources are scarce. The goal is to enable students to explain how resources can be used in various ways, identify goods and services, and recognize money as the generally accepted medium of exchange for goods and services.
Matching Game - http://pbskids.org/dragonflytv/games/game_matching.html - Can you distinguish lion tracks from chimpanzee tracks? This online Flash version of the classic match game hones learners' thinking skills with diverse science topics like technology, biology, and astronomy. Learners can choose to match animals with their tracks, stars to their constellations, technological innovations to their year of invention or fruits to their trees. There are three levels of play (easy, medium, and hard). Each game includes informational background related to the topic
Underwater ROV - http://pbskids.org/dragonflytv/games/game_rov.html - In this online Flash game, learners will explore a coral reef using an underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV). Faced with concerns that environments around the world might be undergoing rapid change in the face of global warming, learners are assigned to use their ROV to investigate the tropical reef and snap photos of the fish species living in its various regions. There are three levels of play (easy, moderate, hard) that learners can master.
The Great Balloon Race - http://pbskids.org/dragonflytv/games/game_balloon.html - In this online Flash game, learners take to the skies in a hot air balloon and are challenged to beat other balloonists' times to the finish line without crashing. Learners use their knowledge of air temperature and updrafts and downdrafts caused by different geographic features to pilot their balloon in this sky-high competition. These terms are defined in the help tab and can be accessed at any time during the game. There are also three levels of play (easy, medium, hard).
Nanobot - http://pbskids.org/dragonflytv/games/game_nano.html - In this online Flash game, learners investigate the very different behavior of forces at the nanoscale. Learners navigate nanobots of their own design across challenging terrain, and must pay close attention to the positive and negative charge charges pushing and pulling their nanobots as well as watch out for obstacles and water drops. They can also design (or "mod") courses for other learners to try. The Why? button provides diagrams and explanations about forces on the nanoscale.
Is There Kelp in Your Cupboard? - http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/lc/activities/kelp_cupboard.aspx - In this two-part activity, learners play an online game and look through their cupboards at home to explore which food or other products contain algae. Learners will discover that household items like toothpaste, frozen desserts, and salad dressings contain kelp. Helpful hints on the activity sheet and the final game screen explain the three main groups of seaweed and common names for algae products. Learners draw or write down their findings.
Design a Panda Habitat - http://nationalzoo.si.edu/education/conservationcentral/design/daph_broadband.htm - In this online activity, learners design a new giant panda habitat for Mei Xiang and Tian Tian. Learners must balance the needs of the pandas, visitors, and staff in order to create a hospitable and enjoyable environment for the pandas to live. Learners use hints and tips from zoo staff to select the features of the new exhibit including trees/plants, water features, enrichment, climate control, food, and research/observation elements.
Build-a-Fish - http://sea.sheddaquarium.org/sea/buildafish/flash.html - In this online interactive game, learners design a fish with the right adaptations to survive in its habitat. Learners select different combinations of adaptations including fish body, mouth, and pattern (color) and then put their selections to the test as they use keyboard arrows to steer and "swim" their fish on the reef. Learners must eat to increase their energy level and avoid predators who will diminish their energy levels.
Mysteries of Apo Island - http://sea.sheddaquarium.org/sea/mysteriesofapo/flash.html - In this online interactive game about shark biodiversity, learners investigate some strange things happening on Apo Island, in the Philippines. Learners collect clues to identify the animal species that attacked their boat's propeller
The Best Dam Simulation Ever - http://www.omsi.edu/exhibits/damsimulation/ - This online simulation game explores the different consequences of water levels on the Columbia River in the Pacific Northwest. Learners play the role of dam operator, controlling how much water passes through the dam each season. First, learners choose whether it's a very dry or wet (or average) year and adjust the level of the reservoir in fall, winter, spring and summer. Learners see how their choices affect the migrating river salmon, power bills, recreation, agriculture, flooding, and fish that live in the reservoir. The results are compared to those of the real operators, and learners can print out a copy of your final report.
Station Spacewalk Game - http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/3d_resources/station_spacewalk_game.html - In Station Spacewalk Game you'll experience the thrill of conducting NASA repair work on the International Space Station. After negotiating your way through the airlock, you, the astronaut, will be tasked with jobs critical to help power up the space station so it can continue to operate. First take your time to explore the station, but then it's time to get to work. You'll have to move quickly and carefully, with a limited quantity of oxygen you must complete your Extravehicular Activities (EVAs) and get back into the airlock before your air supply runs out.
Extreme Planet Makeover - http://planetquest.jpl.nasa.gov/planetMakeover/planetMakeover.html - The new "Extreme Planet Makeover" on the NASA/JPL PlanetQuest site lets you roll up your sleeves and create your very own planet.
Water Life game - http://games.noaa.gov/oscar/ - A virtual game for students in grades 5–8 takes place in an unhealthy ecosystem in an estuary on the west coast of the United States. Players help Valerie and Oscar the sea otter complete challenges to bring the estuary back to health. Along the way, students learn about food webs, the factors for producing healthy estuaries, and the reasons estuaries are essential to ocean life and humans. The site also presents information about marine science careers and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s role in protecting estuaries, and ideas for getting involved in estuary protection.
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Google Earth Species Quiz - http://education.eol.org/ideas/interactives Eduardo Garcia-Milagros has created an innovative species quiz that works within Google Earth. The questions ask where in the world various species can be found. When the correct answer is chosen, Google Earth will zoom into a region where the species lives. To try it out, make sure that you first have installed Google Earth on your computer.
Desert Diversity - http://www.electronicfieldtrip.org/saguaro/10modules.php - A collection of 5 games about the desert based on Saguaro National Park.

Kids Web Team - http://www.nutrientsforlife.org/leaders/teachers/online/kidsweb/ - This program brings facts about plant nutrients (N, P and K) to life through a series of advanced interactive activities and a game show. Ideal for science classes grades 5 — 8, the program keeps students' attention with fast-paced movement and easy-to-understand material.

Interactives

Choose the Prosthetic - http://www.edheads.org/activities/knee2/index.shtml - Help our doctor diagnose 5 different knee replacement patients
Virtual Knee Replacement Surgery - http://www.edheads.org/activities/knee/index.shtml
Virtual Hip Replacement Surgery - http://www.edheads.org/activities/hip/index.shtml
Deep Brain Simulation Surgery - http://www.edheads.org/activities/brain_stimulation/index.shtml - Help Dr. Vanessa Mei cut, probe and drill her way to helping her patient cope with a movement disorder through brain surgery
How Small Is Small? - http://www.nanozone.org/howsmall.htm - This is a fun online activity that introduces learners to the size and scale of objects around them, including things at the nano scale. Learners will have to arrange images based on their size from the smallest to the biggest.
Making Faces - http://www.robotsandus.org/sensing/making_faces/ - This online activity lets learners test their ability to 'read' facial expressions. Learners watch videos that show different facial expressions, then choose which emotion they think is being expressed. When the learner chooses the correct emotion, they are presented with a list of the facial muscles that are used to produce that expression. This activity can be used by individuals, pairs and groups. It involves observation and can lead to developing documentation through photography, video and portrait drawing. The biology connections can lead to exploration of the musculature system
Kinetic City: Zap! - http://www.kineticcity.com/controlcar/activity.php?act=4&virus=sleuron - This online game tests reaction time. The learner controls a computer-generated frog, and must press a button as soon as a fly is appears on the game's radar screen or can be heard from the speaker. A sequence of six events that go into this particular reaction time are listed for discussion with learners, analyzing the human nervous response to some event. The key idea is that even with practice, the reaction time can be reduced but not brought down to zero. The activity is part of a much larger afterschool program, but can be used by itself.
Body Parts - http://americanhistory.si.edu/anatomy/bodyparts/nma03_bodyparts.html - In this online game, learners test their knowledge of human anatomy. Learners are presented a mystery image of a body part and use their mouse to select the proper body part from a full size anatomical model (known as "Jerome"). Learners try to match all 10 body parts correctly. Use this activity to review human anatomy and/or introduce learners to the use of anatomical models.
Weather - http://www.edheads.org/activities/weather/index.shtml - Learn how to report and predict the weather at the underground W.H.E.D. weather caves
Amazing Jellies Game - http://www.neaq.org/education_and_activities/games_and_activities/online_games/jellies_game.php - Learners can select from three online interactives to learn more about sea creatures known as jellies (often mistakenly known as jellyfish). In "Blobs of Goo", learners explore the question "What is a Jelly?" and guess the features of jelly anatomy. In "Life Cycles", learners play a game and earn points to complete the life cycles of moon jellies. Finally, in "JellyTown", learners play a game in order to maintain the ecological balance in the ocean and/or town and observe the effects of pollution and ocean warming on jellies, their predators and prey. There are three game modes for various ages. Although this site supports the learning associated with an aquarium exhibit, a visit is not necessary to participate in these activities.
In this online matching game, learners discover "who likes to eat what for lunch" in the coral reef. Learners investigate how coral reef fish eat in different ways and use riddles and mouth shape as clues to match each fish to their food. Each correct answer includes a short video showing the animal in action.
Crunch, Nibble, Gulp, Bite - http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/lc/kids_place/cngb/cngb.html - Identify Whale Song - In this online quiz, learners listen to whale songs, then try to guess whether the song comes from an orca, humpback, pilot, or sperm whale. Learners also guess which of four oscilloscope patterns corresponds to the sounds they are hearing. The terms "echolocation" and "oscilloscope" are defined online, and there is additional information about the whale species represented.
Squish the Fish - http://sea.sheddaquarium.org/sea/squish/flash.html - In this online interactive game, learners help Squish the Fish travel out across the reef to find his lunch. He needs to find friends who will help him hide from his nemesis, BigTooth Blob. Use this game to help learners investigate shape, color, and behavioral adaptations for survival.
Who Pooped at the Farm - http://www.whopooped.org/ - In this online matching game, learners look at farm animal poop or "scat" and guess who left it behind. Learners will explore the foods that animals eat, learn how animals digest, and discover that studying scat can help scientists learn more about animals.
Who Pooped: Africa - http://www.whopooped.org/africa - In this online matching game, learners look at African animal poop or "scat" and guess who left it behind. Learners will explore the foods that African animals eat, learn how animals digest, and discover that studying scat can help scientists learn more about animals.
Animal Clues - http://www.omsi.edu/exhibits/animalsecrets/ - In this online activity (found under "Activities"), young learners match animals with either their tracks or sounds. The animals are all common wild North American species: raccoon, duck, bear, fox, deer, frog and beaver. The tracks and sounds are animated, so learners can visualize how the animal walks and examine the shape of its foot. The activity is in both English and Spanish.
Paint a Butterfly - http://www.omsi.edu/exhibits/animalsecrets/ - In this online activity (found under "Activities"), young learners choose a butterfly and then decorate it with different colors. Learners choose from three butterflies to decorate online, or can print out a blank one to color using markers or crayons. Use this activity to explore symmetry in nature.
Cafe Wall Illusion - http://www.exploratorium.edu/seeing/exhibits/caffe.html - In this fun and interactive online exhibit, the straight lines of a tile wall appear to curve. The learner moves the rows of tiles and changes the color of the grout to achieve the intriguing effect. Although the exhibit requires a computer, the concept can be adapted into a longer, hands-on exploration of optical illusions.
Bird In a Cage - http://www.exploratorium.edu/seeing/exhibits/bird.html -
Changing Illusions - http://www.exploratorium.edu/seeing/exhibits/changing.html -
Disappearing Act - http://www.exploratorium.edu/seeing/exhibits/disappearing.html -
Right Whale Identification Game - http://www.neaq.org/education_and_activities/games_and_activities/online_games/right_whale_identification_games.php - In this online activity, learners go out on a boat with Philip Hamilton, right whale researcher and manager of the Right Whale Catalog at the New England Aquarium, to learn how scientists identify different types of right whales. Learners examine callosity patterns to match and identify different whales.
WhyReef - http://www.whyville.net/smmk/top/gates?source=reef - WhyReef is a virtual reef where boys and girls from all over the world can dive into a virtual coral reef and discover the amazing marine life that dwells within. Become coral reef scientists and keep track of fish, coral, turtles, and other reef creatures! Find out what eats what in the WhyReef Food Web Game and earn clams to spend in Whyville. Ask real scientists questions about what makes a coral reef sick and what we can do to save them!
Coral Reef Interactive - http://www.mnh.si.edu/exhibits/ocean_hall/reef_interactive/reef_interactive.html - This web-based tool is designed for students to take on the persona of a local resident, a hotel manager, or a tourist. In these roles, they weigh the interdependence between the economic and social impact of human activity and the biological needs of a coral reef and its conservation.
Fire Story - http://www.webrangers.us/activities/fire/ - In this online interactive, learners investigate fires, particularly the causes and behavior of forest fires, as well as how the National Park Service deals with fires. Learners modify conditions (density of forest or "fuel", weather, and terrain slope) to see how fast a simulated fire spreads.
CAPTCHAS - http://www.robotsandus.org/sensing/captchas/ - This online activity lets learners explore how computer programs called "CAPTCHAS" work to test whether you are a human or a computer. Learners will be tested with a series of visual activities to identify letters and words that have been changed or distorted to make them hard to read. These tests explore how you read letters versus how a computer reads them. The activity also explores human vision and how human brains use "pattern recognition" to help us understand what we see. Finally, this activity gives learners an introduction to the history of computer intelligence and of the "Turing Test" developed by Alan Turing in his 1950 paper, "Computing Machinery and Intelligence.
Find the Parent - http://www.fossweb.com/modulesK-2/AnimalsTwobyTwo/activities/findtheparent.html - This is a online matching activity about stages in animal growth. Learners match photos of adult animals to corresponding photos of baby animals. The activity includes the correct names for both baby and adult animals.
What's the Weather? Dress the Bear - http://www.fossweb.com/modulesK-2/AirandWeather/activities/whatstheweather.html - This is an interactive online activity about weather and temperature that involves dressing a bear. By reading a thermometer and interpreting environmental cues, learners help the bear decide what clothing is most appropriate for the weather. Activity makes it easy to toggle between fahrenheit and celsius.
Who Am I? - http://www.webrangers.us/activities/who/ - In this online game, learners identify various animals including rabbits, turtles, and squirrels that live in National Parks, National Seashores and National Preserves. Clues introduce learners to organism characteristics such as invertebrate, decomposer, reptile, decapod, and mammal.
“Which Microbe Are You?” - http://cmore.soest.hawaii.edu/education/kidskorner/microbe_quiz.htm - Take our fun microbe personality quiz and and find out which microbe is most like you! Follow the links below to take the online quiz or to download a PDF of a microbe quiz flipbook you can print out and make. (Just print out the double-sided downloadable microbe personality quiz flipbook, cut each page in half the short way, and then staple into a booklet.)

Podcasts

http://education.eol.org/podcast - Lend an ear and discover the wonders of nature—right outside your back door and halfway around the world. In our new season of audio broadcasts, we’ll be learning about life as small as yeast and as big as a bowhead whale. Hear people's stories about nature and hone your backyard observation skills. We’ll be exploring the diversity of life—five minutes and One Species at a Time. Listen to us online, or download us and take us with you on your own exploration of the world around you. Hosted by Ari Daniel Shapiro and brought to you by the Encyclopedia of Life, and Atlantic Public Media.
Endangered Species podcasts - http://www.fws.gov/endangered/about/multimedia.html - Visit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Endangered Species Program’s multimedia gallery to hear podcasts about featured species, such as the whooping crane, Gila trout, piping plover, desert tortoise, Florida panther, and Jesup’s milk-vetch. Most appropriate for use with middle and high school students, each 5- to 10-minute episode describes the species and reports on its status, updating listeners on the progress of any programs working to aid it protection. Teachers can download a written transcript of each podcast.

iTunes Apps

Click and Learn - http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/click-and-learn/id443814512?mt=8 - Interactively explore topics in biology with the Click and Learn app. Each module features supporting videos and animations (Internet connection required). Learn about topics in evolution, neurobiology, infectious diseases, and bioinformatics. This app is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
The Virtual Bacterial ID Lab - http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/the-virtual-bacterial-id-lab/id443867462?mt=8 - Learn about the science and techniques used to identify different types of bacteria based on their DNA sequences. Not long ago, DNA sequencing was a time-consuming, tedious process. With readily available commercial equipment and kits, it is now routine. The techniques used in this lab are applicable in a wide variety of settings, including scientific research and forensic labs.
This app is geared for high school biology students and anyone interested in the biological sciences.
The Virtual Bacterial ID Lab was first released in 2000 as a browser-based interactive lab. Since its inception, it and the other HHMI Virtual Labs have won several awards, including the Pirelli INTERNETional Award's top prize in 2002.
This app is compatible with iPad.
Virtual Cell Animations - http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/virtual-cell-animations/id427893931?mt=8 - The Virtual Cell Animations app includes an animation, still images, narrative, and content quiz. Version 1.0 contains the Photosynthesis and Electron Transport modules. (for iPhone and iPad)

Musuem Tours

Virtual Tour of the American Musuem of Natural History - http://www.scholastic.com/teachbrianselznick/assets/video.htm

Interesting Articles

The Secret Social Lives of Plants - http://discovermagazine.com/2010/nov/14-the-secret-social-life-of-plants