This is a well constructed curriculum module dealing with the water cycle. In this module, students first carry out a number of activities that demonstrate the concepts of evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and soil moisture and runoff. The students then construct a terrarium as a way to observe the water cycle as a whole. Immediately following this, students use the Internet to acquire real ... Full description.

This computer-based lesson provides information on ocean currents, circulation and atmospheric influences. Several sections cover "drift" studies, including the famous Nike Tennis Shoe study. Each segment provides relevant information and gives students questions to answer. Incorrect responses result in more information. This unit is part of an on-line course in general oceanography offered at San ... Full description.

In this National Geographic Xpedition lesson, students learn about ocean waves. They begin by learning the components of a wave, and then discuss the meaning of wave height and wavelength. A demonstration sparks discussion about how to make waves, and an activity with the National Geographic Wave Simulator allows students to experiment with creating waves of varying sizes. Full description.

This site gives students an opportunity to explore storm clouds and climate change through the use of National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA) climate research data obtained through satellite imaging. The challenge is to investigate actual scientific research data on clouds and storms, and make the resulting observations and interpretations available to NASA research scientists for review. ... Full description.

In this lesson, students explore the roles of oil and water in the Middle East, especially in Iraq. They use maps to look at the distribution of oil in the Middle East and discuss what it means for the different countries in the region. They also examine how water has influenced the region historically and politically (for example, how Iraq's access to water is limited to one small part of its border). ... Full description.

This module involves making a mobile of galaxies. Pattern and instructions are included. It introduces the different shapes of galaxies and their nomenclature. The Space Place is an educational NASA site for children and adults with activities and facts related to the exploration of space. Some activities are computer-interactive and many are real-world-interactive. Full description.

In this computer-based exercise, students analyze realistically simulated X-ray spectra of a supernova remnant and determine the abundances of various elements in them. In the end, they will find that the elements necessary for life on Earth -- the iron in their blood, the calcium in their bones -- are created in these distant explosions. The product consists of both downloadable software (PC only) ... Full description.

This article encourages students to find Amazing Space resources related to the International Year of Astronomy (IYA) Object of the Month. The Star Witness News articles are science content readings for upper elementary to middle school students. Current Hubble science content is presented at a grade-appropriate level and includes definitions of unfamiliar terms and a set of discussion questions with ... Full description.

This playground demonstration (using a merry-go-round) shows angular momentum and why rockets are launched in a certain direction and at a certain time. From a moving merry-go-round, participants attempt to throw small balls into a basket on the ground. It includes an explanation, with animated graphics. Full description.

This Hubble Space Telescope image shows the tip of a huge pillar of star birth in a turbulent stellar nursery called the Carina Nebula. Nestled inside this dense structure are fledgling stars. They cannot be seen in this image because they are hidden by a wall of gas and dust. The accompanying classroom activity In Search of?Star Birth is designed for use as an introductory inquiry classroom activity. ... Full description.