This interactive tutorial simulates the scanning of a sample under the microscope at a fixed magnification. The sample can be translated back and forth while observing a small portion in the viewfield. To operate the tutorial, students first select a sample from the pull-down menu with a choice of ten images (chemicals, crystals, and other materials). Next, they adjust the sample focus, illumination ... Full description.

This resource is designed to educate students about the solar system. Each planet is described in terms of its history, exploration, surface features, and physical and orbital data. There are sections on cosmology, astronomy, phenomena of the universe, and important theories and laws for astronomers including elementary particle behavior. There is information on historical astronomers and scientists, ... Full description.

This experiment uses colored ice cubes to demonstrate how temperature changes water density. Working together in small groups, students can complete the experiment in a single class period. The printable eight-page handout includes a series of inquiry-based questions to get students thinking about how and why water temperature changes along with depth. There are illustrated experiment directions, ... Full description.

In this activity students will perform experiments to examine if debris will float, or blow in the wind. They will discover which characteristics of trash affect the likelihood that it will become marine debris. Trash that floats or is easily blown around is more likely to become marine debris. As a result of this activity students will be able to define marine debris and categorize different types ... Full description.

This is a demonstration of the Core Shadow Zone of the Earth. Using a clear or translucent half-sphere held in front of a light source, the refracting properties of the core and how it generates the shadow zone on the surface are illustrated. Full description.

At this site, students can learn that chondrites containing tiny spheres called chondrules formed in the first several million years of our solar system's history and that the first rocks to condense in our solar system are known as calcium-aluminum inclusions, or CAIs, which can still be found in certain primitive meteorites. Students can watch an animation showing remaining particles within a solar ... Full description.

In this activity, students, individually or in teams, have a set amount of time to collect as many specific elements, mixtures, and compounds as possible which are used in daily life and come from earth materials. It reinforces the understanding of the definitions of element, mixture, and compound and points out the vital link between materials obtained from rocks and minerals and the levels of comfort, ... Full description.

This earthquake unit was designed to be used with a college course in physical geography. From this module, students learn the location of areas in the United States with the greatest potential for earthquake shaking and the hazards presented by earthquakes. They also learn how geological conditions and building construction affect the amount of destruction during an earthquake. Seismographs and the ... Full description.

In this scenario, students will assume the roles of interns in a state climatology office whose first task is to find answers and respond to a third-grade student requesting help with an assignment about clouds. They will learn how to interpret Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite images and data and investigate the role clouds play in the Earth's radiant budget and climate. During ... Full description.

In this activity, students can learn to pan for gold and magnetite. They will learn skills such as making observations under field conditions and watching out for poison ivy. They will see the effects of stream flow on sediments and observe sedimentary structures such as stream bars and islands, observe that different sizes of sediment are located in different parts of the stream, distinguish between ... Full description.