Tropical Twisters explains how hurricanes are created, why they move, and the damage they can do. There is information on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale to rate intensity and destructive power; the wind, storm surge and flood damage due to hurricanes; how scientists use the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission to understand hurricane rainfall; and the Geostationary and Operational Environmental ... Full description.

This site allows teachers to use data from ocean drifting buoys to integrate ocean science into their classroom science and math instruction. It offers educational activities and curriculum materials developed and tested by teachers. Lesson plans on currents, moving water, building and tracking drifters are also available. Alternatively, educators may opt to use only the data, background information ... Full description.

Hands-On Meteorology is a collection of interactive concept models and active learning materials for meteorology instruction. The concept models illustrate conceptually difficult processes in atmospheric science. Users change parameters in the concept models and examine the outcomes of such changes. Concept models allow for student note keeping and data export. Active learning exercises are provided ... Full description.

This website provides solar system information and a tool to compare the statistics of planets. There are also online quizzes about each of the planets, a forum, and links to astronomy clubs around the world. Full description.

This site introduces students to the dangers of avalanches. The site explains: the different types of avalanches, such as loose snow and slab avalanches; the mechanism of avalanche release; the forecasting of snow avalanches; avalanche control techniques and hazard ratings; and avalanche training for dogs. Full description.

This lesson plan serves as an introduction to the ecliptic, the zodiac and the apparent motions of the Sun, Moon and planets across the sky. The objectives are to help the student know about the apparent motion of the Sun, Moon and planets across the sphere of fixed stars (celestial sphere) and understand that the reason all of these objects travel along very similar paths is that the solar system ... Full description.

This resource explains how to calculate the velocity boost needed to inject a Mars spaceship into the transfer orbit, and the arrival velocity at the orbit of Mars. One will be able to tell if the spaceship will be overtaking the planet or be overtaken by it and what the velocity mismatch between ship and planet will be. Full description.

This site describes the planetary swing-by or slingshot effect of boosting the energy of a space vehicle using a close encounter with a planet or other body. The author uses an analogy of a ping-pong ball and paddle to simplify the math involved and goes on to cite several examples of the planetary swing-by, including the Voyager and Pioneer missions. He then explains how these gravity assist maneuvers ... Full description.

This document describes the nature and properties of the sun, its corona, and the solar wind. Students can read how the sun's energy comes from nuclear fusion and how its uneven rotation and churning of its upper layers produces sunspots. The sun's corona is described, and its anomalously high temperature when compared with deeper regions is pointed out. The site also describes how plasma from the ... Full description.

This lesson teaches students how the motion of the Foucault pendulum proves that the earth is rotating. It will help to expand their concepts of motion, pendulums, and the gravitational force. Students will explore online resources to understand how Foucault used pendulums to show that the earth spins on its axis. Full description.