Earth and Space Sciences

(Based on State of Ohio
Curriculum Standards)

1. Biomes of the World
   This site has loads of information and pictures on six biomes and six ecosystems of the world. This is a very in depth but useful site!

1. Educator's Bridge to Science  This web page will illustrate many connections for teachers and students.
2. National Center for Atmospheric Research   This website will present an almost all inclusive study of the weather.
3. Earth Live   View on line real time from a satellite the planet and determine for your self local and regional weather live. 4 star
4. Details: Seasons: Why do we have them? - Learn why the temperature in the summertime is higher than it is in the winter by studying the amount of light striking the Earth. Experiment with a plate detector to measure the amount of light striking the plate as the angle of the plate is adjusted (and then use a group of plates placed at different locations on the Earth) and measure the incoming radiation on each plate.
5. Details: Seasons in 3D-  Gain an understanding of the causes of seasons by observing the Earth as it orbits the Sun in three dimensions. Create graphs of solar intensity and day length, and use collected data to describe and explain seasonal changes.
6. Details: Seasons Around the World - Use a three dimensional view of the Earth, Moon and Sun to explore seasonal changes at a variety of locations. Strengthen your knowledge of global climate patterns by comparing solar energy input at the Poles to the Equator. Manipulate Earth’s axis to increase or diminish seasonal changes.
7. Coastal Winds and Clouds -Learn about atmospheric conditions near a coast using basic observables: wind and temperature. Measure daily temperatures over both land and water near a coastline, along with the wind speed and direction. The conditions can be recorded at a variety of altitudes.
8. Coastal Winds and Clouds-Learn about atmospheric conditions near a coast using basic observables: wind and temperature. Measure daily temperatures over both land and water near a coastline, along with the wind speed and direction. The conditions can be recorded at a variety of altitudes.
9. Hurricane Motion-Use data from up to three weather stations to predict the motion of a hurricane. The wind speed and direction along with cloud cover is provided for each station using standard weather symbols.
10. Seasons Around the World-Use a three dimensional view of the Earth, Moon and Sun to explore seasonal changes at a variety of locations. Strengthen your knowledge of global climate patterns by comparing solar energy input at the Poles to the Equator. Manipulate Earth’s axis to increase or diminish seasonal changes.
11. Seasons in 3D-Gain an understanding of the causes of seasons by observing the Earth as it orbits the Sun in three dimensions. Create graphs of solar intensity and day length, and use collected data to describe and explain seasonal changes.
12. Seasons: Earth, Moon, and Sun-Observe the motions of the Earth, Moon and Sun in three dimensions to explain Sunrise and Sunset, and to see how we define a day, a month, and a year. Compare times of Sunrise and Sunset for different dates and locations. Relate shadows to the position of the Sun in the sky, and relate shadows to compass directions.
13. Seasons: Why do we have them?-Learn why the temperature in the summertime is higher than it is in the winter by studying the amount of light striking the Earth. Experiment with a plate detector to measure the amount of light striking the plate as the angle of the plate is adjusted (and then use a group of plates placed at different locations on the Earth) and measure the incoming radiation on each plate.

1. Details: Plate Tectonics - Move the Earth at various locations to observe the effects of the motion of the techtonic plates, including volcanic eruptions. Information about each of the major types of plate collisions is shown, along with the typical location on the Earth.
2. Details: Rock Classification- Try to classify a dozen different rock samples using just the appearance. Common characteristics of each major rock classification is provided to help in the classification. One can also attempt to classify the rocks by the location where they are commonly found in nature.
3. Details: Rock Cycle - Play the role of a piece of rock moving through the rock cycle. Select a starting location and follow many possible paths throughout the cycle. Facts about each location will be presented, along with images of particular types of rocks.
4. Half-life-Investigate the decay of a radioactive substance. The half-life and the number of radioactive atoms can be adjusted, and theoretical or random decay can be observed. Data can be interpreted visually using a dynamic graph, a bar chart, and a table. Determine the half-lives of two sample isotopes as well as samples with randomly generated half-lives.
    

1. Details: Greenhouse Effect  Within this simulated region of land, daytime's rising temperature and the falling temperature at night can be measured, along with heat flow in and out of the system. The amount of greenhouse gases present in the atmosphere can be adjusted over time, and the long term effects can be investigated.
2. Food Chain-In this ecosystem consisting of hawks, snakes, rabbits and grass, the population of each species can be studied as part of a food chain. Disease can be introduced for any species, and the number of animals can be increased or decreased at any time, just like in the real world.
3. Water Pollution-Get to know the four main types of pollution present in the environment, and then look at a variety of real?world examples as you try to guess what type of pollution is represented by each situation. All of the real?world situations can be viewed every day in different parts of the world.
    

Life Sciences

1. Details: Cell Structure   Select sample cells from a plant or animal and place the cells on a microscope to look inside the cells. Information about their common structures is provided (and the structures are highlighted), but you will need to move your microscope slide to find all the different structure.
2. Cell Structure-Select sample cells from a plant or animal and place the cells on a microscope to look inside the cells. Information about their common structures is provided (and the structures are highlighted), but you will need to move your microscope slide to find all the different structures.
3. Paramecium Homeostasis-Observe how a paramecium maintains stable internal conditions in a changing aquatic environment. Water moves into the organism by osmosis, and is pumped out by the contractile vacuole. The concentration of solutes in the water will determine the rate of contractions in the paramecium.

1. Plant, Animal and Bacteria Cell Models
   This web site has great diagrams and explanations of plant, animal, and bacterial cells, including all the organelles.
2. Cell Energy Cycle-
   Explore the processes of photosynthesis and respiration that occur within plant cells. The cyclical nature of the two processes can be constructed visually, and the photosynthesis and respiration equations can be balanced in a descriptive and numerical format.
3. Cell Structure-Select sample cells from a plant or animal and place the cells on a microscope to look inside the cells. Information about their common structures is provided (and the structures are highlighted), but you will need to move your microscope slide to find all the different structures.
4. Paramecium Homeostasis-Observe how a paramecium maintains stable internal conditions in a changing aquatic environment. Water moves into the organism by osmosis, and is pumped out by the contractile vacuole. The concentration of solutes in the water will determine the rate of contractions in the paramecium.
5. Photosynthesis Lab-Study photosynthesis in a variety of conditions. Oxygen production is used to measure the rate of photosynthesis. Light intensity, carbon dioxide levels, temperature, and wavelength of light can all be varied. Determine which conditions are ideal for photosynthesis, and understand how limiting factors affect oxygen production.
6. RNA and Protein Synthesis-Go through the process of synthesizing proteins through RNA transcription and translation. Learn about the many steps involved in protein synthesis including: unzipping of DNA, formation of mRNA, attaching of mRNA to the ribosome, and linking of amino acids to form a protein.
    

1. Cells Alive This website is awesome.  You really need to click on this website just to view what it has to offer.  (Go to HOW big is a ..?) first.
2. Human Homeostasis-Adjust the levels of clothing, perspiration, and exercise to maintain a stable internal temperature as the external temperature changes. Water and blood sugar levels need to be replenished regularly, and fatigue occurs with heavy exercise. Severe hypothermia, heat stroke, or dehydration can result if internal stability is not maintained.
3. Paramecium Homeostasis-Observe how a paramecium maintains stable internal conditions in a changing aquatic environment. Water moves into the organism by osmosis, and is pumped out by the contractile vacuole. The concentration of solutes in the water will determine the rate of contractions in the paramecium.
4. Osmosis-Adjust the concentration of a solute on either side of a membrane in a cell and observe the system as it adjusts to the conditions through osmosis. The initial concentration of the solute can be manipulated, along with the volume of the cell.
5. Cell Energy Cycle-Explore the processes of photosynthesis and respiration that occur within plant cells. The cyclical nature of the two processes can be constructed visually, and the photosynthesis and respiration equations can be balanced in a descriptive and numerical format.
6. Interdependence of Plants and Animals-
   Discover how animals, plants, and sunlight interact to maintain a balance of gases in Earth?s atmosphere. Place aquatic plants and pond snails into sealed test tubes and incubate in a light or dark room. Measure concentrations of dissolved carbon dioxide using the indicator brom thymol blue, and use this information to infer oxygen levels as well.
7. RNA and Protein Synthesis-Go through the process of synthesizing proteins through RNA transcription and translation. Learn about the many steps involved in protein synthesis including: unzipping of DNA, formation of mRNA, attaching of mRNA to the ribosome, and linking of amino acids to form a protein.
    

1. Animal Cell Mitosis -This web site offers great explanations and animations of cell division.
2. Details: Cell Division - Begin with a single cell and watch as mitosis and cell division occurs. The cells will go through the steps of interphase, prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase, and cytokinesis. The length of the cell cycle can be controlled, and data related to the number of cells present and their current phase can be recorded.
3. Cell Division-Begin with a single cell and watch as mitosis and cell division occurs. The cells will go through the steps of interphase, prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase, and cytokinesis. The length of the cell cycle can be controlled, and data related to the number of cells present and their current phase can be recorded.
    

1. Tour of the Basics: Heredity
   This interactive web site explains many topics in genetics with clear explanations and animated slide shows. The topics include DNA, Genes, Chromosomes, Proteins, Heredity, and Traits. You can also download the entire presentation for use offline.
2. Transcribe and Translate a Gene 
   This interactive web site explains the process of transcribing a DNA sequence and translating it into a protein by letting you do it yourself. You get to build the mRNA sequence and then assemble the needed amino acids to make the final protein.

1. Tour of the Basics: Heredity
   This interactive web site explains many topics in genetics with clear explanations and animated slide shows. The topics include DNA, Genes, Chromosomes, Proteins, Heredity, and Traits. You can also download the entire presentation for use offline.
2. Details: Mouse Genetics (One Trait)  Breed "pure" mice with known genotypes that exhibit specific fur colors, and learn how traits are passed on via dominant and recessive genes. Mice can be stored in cages for future breeding, and the statistics of fur color are reported every time a pair of mice breed. Punnet squares can be used to predict results.
3. Chicken Genetics-Breed "pure" chickens with known genotypes that exhibit specific feather colors, and learn how traits are passed on via codominant genes. Chickens can be stored in cages for future breeding, and the statistics of feather color are reported every time the chickens breed. Punnet squares can be used to predict results.
4. Mouse Genetics (Two Traits)-Breed "pure" mice with known genotypes that exhibit specific fur and eye colors, and learn how traits are passed on via dominant and recessive genes. Mice can be stored in cages for future breeding, and the statistics of fur and eye color are reported every time a pair of mice breed. Punnet squares can be used to predict results.
5. Mouse Genetics (One Trait)-
   Breed "pure" mice with known genotypes that exhibit specific fur colors, and learn how traits are passed on via dominant and recessive genes. Mice can be stored in cages for future breeding, and the statistics of fur color are reported every time a pair of mice breed. Punnet squares can be used to predict results.

    

6. Human Karyotyping-
   Sort and pair the images of human chromosomes obtained in a scan. Find differences in the scans of the various patients to find out specific things that can cause disease, as well as the gender of the person.  

1. Tour of the Basics: Heredity
   This interactive web site explains many topics in genetics with clear explanations and animated slide shows. The topics include DNA, Genes, Chromosomes, Proteins, Heredity, and Traits. You can also download the entire presentation for use offline.
2. Details: Building DNA  Construct a DNA molecule, examine its double helix structure, and then go through the DNA replication process. Learn how each component fits into a DNA molecule, and see how a unique, self-replicating code can be created.
3. Details: RNA and Protein Synthesis  Go through the process of synthesizing proteins through RNA transcription and translation. Learn about the many steps involved in protein synthesis including: unzipping of DNA, formation of mRNA, attaching of mRNA to the ribosome, and linking of amino acids to form a protein.
4. Details: DNA Fingerprint Analysis  Perform DNA scans on frogs to learn how differences and similarities in the scans can be used to identify physical characteristics of the frogs. This technique of scanning is what provides the "DNA fingerprint," which is becoming more commonplace in today's society. The DNA of twin frogs can also be studied to see how the scans compare.
5. Evolution: Mutation and Selection-
   Observe evolution in a fictional population of bugs. Set the background to any color, and see natural selection taking place. Inheritance of color occurs according to Mendel's laws and probability. Mutations occur at random, and probability of capture by predators is determined by the insect's camouflage.

1. Tour of the Basics: Heredity
   This interactive web site explains many topics in genetics with clear explanations and animated slide shows. The topics include DNA, Genes, Chromosomes, Proteins, Heredity, and Traits. You can also download the entire presentation for use offline.
2. Chicken Genetics-Breed "pure" chickens with known genotypes that exhibit specific feather colors, and learn how traits are passed on via codominant genes. Chickens can be stored in cages for future breeding, and the statistics of feather color are reported every time the chickens breed. Punnet squares can be used to predict results.
3. Mouse Genetics (One Trait)-Breed "pure" mice with known genotypes that exhibit specific fur colors, and learn how traits are passed on via dominant and recessive genes. Mice can be stored in cages for future breeding, and the statistics of fur color are reported every time a pair of mice breed. Punnet squares can be used to predict results.
4. Mouse Genetics (Two Traits)-Breed "pure" mice with known genotypes that exhibit specific fur and eye colors, and learn how traits are passed on via dominant and recessive genes. Mice can be stored in cages for future breeding, and the statistics of fur and eye color are reported every time a pair of mice breed. Punnet squares can be used to predict results.

1. Photosynthesis Lab-
   Study photosynthesis in a variety of conditions. Oxygen production is used to measure the rate of photosynthesis. Light intensity, carbon dioxide levels, temperature, and wavelength of light can all be varied. Determine which conditions are ideal for photosynthesis, and understand how limiting factors affect oxygen production.

    

1. Photosynthesis Animation
   This is an excellent interactive animated movie that covers all the details of photosynthesis. Helpful labels and narration explain the process in great detail.
2. Illuminating Photosynthesis
   This interactive site covers photosynthesis in three activities. First, there is a simple animation that shows the cycle of oxygen and carbon dioxide between plants and animals (suitable for younger grades). Second there is a great animation explaining photosynthesis on an atomic level (for older students). Third there is a quiz covering these topics.

1. Microevolution-
   Observe the effect of predators on a diverse population of parrots. The initial percentages and fitness levels of each genotype can be set. Determine how initial fitness levels affect genotype and allele frequencies through several generations. Test predictions about what initial conditions lead to equilibrium, and which lead to extinction.

    

1. Virtual Skeleton   This is another outstanding website that will allow you to see the human body.   A Must see website.
2. Evolution: Mutation and Selection-
   Observe evolution in a fictional population of bugs. Set the background to any color, and see natural selection taking place. Inheritance of color occurs according to Mendel's laws and probability. Mutations occur at random, and probability of capture by predators is determined by the insect's camouflage.
3. Natural Selection-You are a bird hunting moths (both dark and light) that live on trees. As you capture the moths most easily visible against the tree surface, the moth populations change, illustrating the effects of natural selection.
4. Rainfall and Bird Beaks-Study the thickness of birds' beaks over a five year period as you control the yearly rainfall on an isolated island. As the environmental conditions change, the species must adapt (a real?world consequence) to avoid extinction.
    

1. Biomes of the World
   This site has loads of information and pictures on six biomes and six ecosystems of the world. This is a very in depth but useful site!
2. Rabbit Population by Season-Observe the population of rabbits in an environment over many years. The land available to the rabbits can be adjusted, as well as the weather conditions, in order to compare the effects of urban sprawl and unusual weather on wildlife populations.
3. Water Pollution-Get to know the four main types of pollution present in the environment, and then look at a variety of real?world examples as you try to guess what type of pollution is represented by each situation. All of the real?world situations can be viewed every day in different parts of the world.

1. Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium-Set the initial percentages of three types of parrots in a population and track changes in genotype and allele frequency through several generations. Analyze population data to develop an understanding of the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Determine how initial allele percentages will affect the equilibrium state of the population.
2. Microevolution -Observe the effect of predators on a diverse population of parrots. The initial percentages and fitness levels of each genotype can be set. Determine how initial fitness levels affect genotype and allele frequencies through several generations. Test predictions about what initial conditions lead to equilibrium, and which lead to extinction.

1. Evolution: Mutation and Selection-Observe evolution in a fictional population of bugs. Set the background to any color, and see natural selection taking place. Inheritance of color occurs according to Mendel's laws and probability. Mutations occur at random, and probability of capture by predators is determined by the insect's camouflage.
2. Microevolution-Observe the effect of predators on a diverse population of parrots. The initial percentages and fitness levels of each genotype can be set. Determine how initial fitness levels affect genotype and allele frequencies through several generations. Test predictions about what initial conditions lead to equilibrium, and which lead to extinction.
3. Natural Selection-You are a bird hunting moths (both dark and light) that live on trees. As you capture the moths most easily visible against the tree surface, the moth populations change, illustrating the effects of natural selection.
4. Rainfall and Bird Beaks -Study the thickness of birds' beaks over a five year period as you control the yearly rainfall on an isolated island. As the environmental conditions change, the species must adapt (a real?world consequence) to avoid extinction.
    

1.  Rainfall and Bird Beaks-Study the thickness of birds' beaks over a five year period as you control the yearly rainfall on an isolated island. As the environmental conditions change, the species must adapt (a real?world consequence) to avoid extinction.

1. GeoSciences  Virtual Museum of Fossils You will discover what appears to be an outstanding website for investigation.            4 Star

1. Evolution: Mutation and Selection-Observe evolution in a fictional population of bugs. Set the background to any color, and see natural selection taking place. Inheritance of color occurs according to Mendel's laws and probability. Mutations occur at random, and probability of capture by predators is determined by the insect's camouflage.
2. Microevolution-Observe the effect of predators on a diverse population of parrots. The initial percentages and fitness levels of each genotype can be set. Determine how initial fitness levels affect genotype and allele frequencies through several generations. Test predictions about what initial conditions lead to equilibrium, and which lead to extinction.
3. Natural Selection-You are a bird hunting moths (both dark and light) that live on trees. As you capture the moths most easily visible against the tree surface, the moth populations change, illustrating the effects of natural selection.
4. Rainfall and Bird Beaks -Study the thickness of birds' beaks over a five year period as you control the yearly rainfall on an isolated island. As the environmental conditions change, the species must adapt (a real?world consequence) to avoid extinction.

1. GeoSciences  Virtual Museum of Fossils You will discover what appears to be an outstanding website for investigation.            4 Star

1. Details: Human Karyotyping  Sort and pair the images of human chromosomes obtained in a scan. Find differences in the scans of the various patients to find out specific things that can cause disease, as well as the gender of the person.

1. Articles on Human Cloning
   This web site offers a collection of articles about human cloning, including those in favor, those opposed, and general information.

Physical Sciences
Science and Technology

Scientific Inquiry

1. The Material Safety Data Sheet Quiz
   This quiz contains seven parts. In each section you will read some background material about OSHA-required content, consult an MSDS sheet, and then answer a few questions. You must complete one section in order to move on to the next one.
   (Submitted by: Steve Wheeler)
2. Fire Extinguisher Training
   Module from Oklahoma State University offering a guided tutorial and quiz over the proper use of fire extinguishers. Ideal for safety training for the Science or Vocational lab.
   (Submitted by: Steve Wheeler)

Scientific Ways of Knowing