Earth and Space Sciences

1. Star Spectra   Analyze the spectra of a variety of stars. Determine the elements that are represented in each spectrum, and use this information to infer the temperature and classification of the star. Look for unusual features such as red-shifted stars, nebulas, and stars with large planets
2. H-R Diagram-A collection of stars visible from Earth can be arranged based on many observables including color, luminosity, temperature, name and size. This can be done using one or two‑dimensional plots, and a plot of luminosity vs. temperature can be created in an effort to learn about the Hertzsprung‑Russell diagram.

1. The Big Bang Theory  (Web site)  The Big Bang Theory is the dominant scientific theory about the origin of the universe. According to the big bang, the universe was created sometime between 10 billion and 20 billion years ago from a cosmic explosion that hurled matter and in all directions
2. Big bang Theory   (Web site) The Big Bang theory is an effort to explain what happened at the very beginning of our universe. Discoveries in astronomy and physics have shown beyond a reasonable doubt that our universe did in fact have a beginning. Prior to that moment there was nothing; during and after that moment there was something: our universe. The big bang theory is an effort to explain what happened during and after that moment.
3. Big Bang Theory  (Power Point)  Outstanding presentation

1. Orbit Simulator -This interactive activity from ExploreScience allows you to control up to 9 celestial objects and alter their mass, velocity, and direction to understand the effect of gravity on orbits.
   Note: Every Gizmo in the library can be used for up to 5 minutes each per day.
2. Gravitational Force-
   Drag two objects around and observe the gravitational force between them as the positions change. The mass of each object can be adjusted, and the gravitational force is displayed both vectorially and numerically as the distance between the objects is altered.
3. Tides-Gain an understanding of high, low, spring, and neap tides on the Earth by observing the tidal heights and the positions of the Earth, Moon, and Sun.  Tidal bulges can be observed from space, and water depths can be recorded from a dock by the ocean.

1. Oceanography -This fantastic site has loads of information on oceans and currents, including online lessons, pictures, diagrams, labs, a dictionary, a review test, and a printable teacher guide in Acrobat format.

1. Calorimetry Lab-Investigate how calorimetry can be used to find relative specific heat values when different substances are mixed with water. Modify initial mass and temperature values to see effects on the system. One or any combination of the substances can be mixed with water. A dynamic graph (temperature vs. time) shows temperatures of the individual substances after mixing.
2. Atwood Machine-Measure the height and velocity of two objects connected by a massless rope over a pulley.  Observe the forces acting on each mass throughout the simulation. Calculate the acceleration of the objects, and relate these calculations to Newton’s Laws of Motion. The mass of each object can be manipulated, as well as the mass and radius of the pulley.
3. Freefall Laboratory-Investigate the motion of an object as it falls to the ground.
4. Inclined Plane - Sliding Objects-Investigate the energy and motion of a block sliding down an inclined plane, with or without friction. The ramp angle can be varied and a variety of materials for the block and ramp can be used.
    

1. Plate Tectonics -This fantastic site has loads of information on plate tectonics, including online lessons, pictures, diagrams, labs, a dictionary, a review test, and a printable teacher guide in Acrobat format
2. This Dynamic Earth -This web site from the USGS has seven sections covering all aspects of plate tectonics, with great explanations, diagrams, and pictures
3. You Try It: Plate Tectonics -This PBS website teaches all about plate tectonics and what happens at the boundaries. There is even a shockwave activity that allows the user to slide the plates around to make mountains, volcanoes, trenches, and earthquakes
4. Waves Tutorial - Part 1 -This is an excellent and extensive online tutorial about waves, using animations, audio explanations, and interactive quizzes. This tutorial covers types of waves, reflection, refraction, diffraction, the wave equation, seismic waves, and much more.
5. Plate Tectonics-Move the Earth at various locations to observe the effects of the motion of the techtonic plates, including volcanic eruptions. 

1. Earthquake - Recording Station  -Using an earthquake recording station, learn how to determine the distance between the station and an earthquake based on the time difference between the arrival of the primary and secondary waves. A real‑time recording chart is generated, and the times between the waves can be measured.
2. Plate Tectonics-  Move the Earth at various locations to observe the effects of the motion of the tectonic plates, including volcanic eruptions. Information about each of the major types of plate collisions is shown, along with the typical location on the Earth.
3. Half-life-Investigate the decay of a radioactive substance.

1. Plate Tectonics -This fantastic site has loads of information on plate tectonics, including online lessons, pictures, diagrams, labs, a dictionary, a review test, and a printable teacher guide in Acrobat format.
2. This Dynamic Earth -This web site from the USGS has seven sections covering all aspects of plate tectonics, with great explanations, diagrams, and pictures.
3. Plate Tectonics-Move the Earth at various locations to observe the effects of the motion of the techtonic plates, including volcanic eruptions.

Life Sciences   Physical Sciences

1. Isotopes and Radioactivity -From the University of Colorado at Boulder, this site uses interactive Java applets and cartoon characters to introduce physics in a friendly way. This section covers isotopes and radioactivity.
2. Element Builder-Use protons, neutrons, and electrons to build elements. As the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons changes, information such as the name and symbol of the element, the Z, N, and A numbers, the electron dot diagram, and the group and period from the periodic table are shown. The state of the element at room temperature is provided, along with the metallicity of the element.
3. Nuclear Decay-Observe the five main types of nuclear decay: alpha decay, beta decay, gamma decay, positron emission, and electron capture.

1. Electron Configuration-Create the electron configuration of any element by filling electron orbitals. Determine the relationship between electron configuration and atomic radius.
2. Element Builder--Use protons, neutrons, and electrons to build elements. As the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons changes, information such as the name and symbol of the element, the Z, N, and A numbers, the electron dot diagram, and the group and period from the periodic table are shown. The state of the element at room temperature is provided, along with the metallicity of the element.
3. Nuclear Decay-Observe the five main types of nuclear decay: alpha decay, beta decay, gamma decay, positron emission, and electron capture.

1. Isotopes and Radioactivity -From the University of Colorado at Boulder, this site uses interactive Java applets and cartoon characters to introduce physics in a friendly way. This section covers isotopes and radioactivity.
2. Half-life-Investigate the decay of a radioactive substance.
3. Half-life Laboratory-Investigate the half life of a sample of radioactive particles as well as a dynamic graph of the number of particles vs. time.
4. Nuclear Decay-Observe the five main types of nuclear decay: alpha decay, beta decay, gamma decay, positron emission, and electron capture.

1. Web Elements -This is the most comprehensive of all periodic table sites on the WWW. It contains a vast amount of information about the elements, including their history, reactions, uses, structure, and more. There is even a small voice over which tells you how the elements should be pronounced.
2. Periodic Table game -This is an interactive game to help you understand the patterns and trends within the Periodic Table. Several levels are available to best match your skill and knowledge
3. The Periodic Table -From the University of Colorado at Boulder, this site uses interactive Java applets and cartoon characters to introduce physics in a friendly way. This section covers the periodic table
4. The Elements Song (Animated) -This is an entertaining, and informational, review of the elements. The song was originally written by Tom Lehrer, and has now been made into this animated clip.
5. Covalent Bonds-Choose a substance and move electrons between atoms to build covalent bonds and molecules.
6. Electron Configuration-Create the electron configuration of any element by filling electron orbitals. Determine the relationship between electron configuration and atomic radius.
7. Element Builder--Use protons, neutrons, and electrons to build elements. As the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons changes, information such as the name and symbol of the element, the Z, N, and A numbers, the electron dot diagram, and the group and period from the periodic table are shown. The state of the element at room temperature is provided, along with the metallicity of the element.
    

1. Element Builder--Use protons, neutrons, and electrons to build elements. As the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons changes, information such as the name and symbol of the element, the Z, N, and A numbers, the electron dot diagram, and the group and period from the periodic table are shown. The state of the element at room temperature is provided, along with the metallicity of the element.
    

1. Electron Configuration-Create the electron configuration of any element by filling electron orbitals. Determine the relationship between electron configuration and atomic radius.
2. Element Builder-Use protons, neutrons, and electrons to build elements. As the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons changes, information such as the name and symbol of the element, the Z, N, and A numbers, the electron dot diagram, and the group and period from the periodic table are shown. The state of the element at room temperature is provided, along with the metallicity of the element.
3. Nuclear Decay--Observe the five main types of nuclear decay: alpha decay, beta decay, gamma decay, positron emission, and electron capture.
    

1. Balancing Chemical Equations-Attempt to balance specific types of chemical reactions: combination, decomposition, single replacement, and double replacement.
2. Chemical Equation Balancing-Practice balancing chemical equations by changing the coefficients of reactants and products.
3. Covalent Bonds-Choose a substance and move electrons between atoms to build covalent bonds and molecules.
4. Ionic Bonds-Simulate ionic bonds between a variety of metals and nonmetals. Select a metal and a nonmetal, and transfer electrons from one to the other.

1. Acids, Alkalis, and Neutralisation
   This interactive site lets you predict and then test many substance to determine if they are acidic or basic, and where they would register on the pH scale.
2. pH Analysis-Test the acidity of many common everyday substances using pH paper.
3. pH Analysis: Quad Color Indicator-Test the acidity of many common everyday substances using pH paper (four color indicators).

1. Heat Transfer by Conduction   -An insulated beaker of hot water is connected to a beaker of cold water with a conducting bar, and over time the temperature of the beakers becomes equal as heat flows through the conducting bar. The material of the conducting bar can be changed, and the temperature of each beaker is dynamically shown in various formats.
2. Density Experiment: Slice and Dice-Drop a chunk of material in a beaker of water and observe whether it sinks or floats.
3. Density Laboratory-With a scale to measure mass, a graduated cylinder to measure volume, and a large beaker of liquid to observe floatation, the relationship between mass, volume, density, and floatation can be investigated.
4. Determining Density via Water Displacement-Drop objects in a beaker that is filled with water and measure the water that flows over the edge.

1. Intro to Electricity and Magnetism
   This interactive activity from ExploreScience covers topics such as static electricity, current, resistance, conductors, circuits, magnetism, the relationship between electricity and magnetism, and how generators work.
   Note: Every Gizmo in the library can be used for up to 5 minutes each per day.
2. The Electricity Book: Part 2
   This interactive lesson teaches all about how electricity moves through a circuit to light a bulb. Great animations and explanations make the information clear.
3. Element Builder-Use protons, neutrons, and electrons to build elements.
    

1. Energy Conversion in a System   -Allow a falling object to stir a beaker of water using a pulley system. The mass and height of the object, and the quantity of water can be adjusted. The temperature of the water is measured as energy is being converted from one form to another.
2. Boyle's Law and Charles' Law-Investigate the properties of an ideal gas by performing experiments in which the temperature is held constant (Boyle's Law), and others in which the pressure remains fixed (Charles' Law).
3. Relative Humidity-Measure the temperature on both a wet and dry bulb thermometer to determine the relative humidity over time.
4. Temperature and Particle Motion-Observe the movement of particles of an ideal gas at a variety of temperatures.

1. Roller Coaster Physics - Adjust the hills on a toy‑car roller coaster and watch what happens as the car careens toward an egg (that can be broken) at the end of the track. The height of three hills can be manipulated, along with the mass of the car and the friction of the track. A graph of various variables of motion can be viewed as the car travels, including potential, kinetic, and total energies, and the x and y components of position, velocity, and acceleration.
2. Air Track-Adjust the mass and velocity of two gliders on a frictionless air track.
3. Energy of a Pendulum-Perform experiments with a pendulum to gain an understanding of energy conservation in simple harmonic motion.
4. Inclined Plane - Sliding Objects-Investigate the energy and motion of a block sliding down an inclined plane, with or without friction.
5. Period of a Pendulum-Perform experiments with a pendulum to gain an understanding of the period during simple harmonic motion.
6. Simple Harmonic Motion-Observe two different forms of simple harmonic motion: a pendulum and a spring supporting a mass.

1. How to make a Roller Coaster Work -This interactive web site demonstrates the concepts of potential and kinetic energy by using a roller coaster. The site allows you to choose one of three roller coaster tracks and a starting height for your car. Then it generates an animation showing what happens to the car and how far it makes it on the track.
2. Energy Conversion in a System-Allow a falling object to stir a beaker of water using a pulley system.
3. Potential Energy on Shelves-Compare the potential energy of several objects when you place them on shelves of different heights.
    

1. Half-life - Investigate the half-life of a sample of radioactive particles. Data can be interpreted visually using a dynamic graph (number of particles vs. time), a bar chart, and columns of data. The half-life can be adjusted
2. Nuclear Decay  - Observe the five main types of nuclear decay: alpha decay, beta decay, gamma decay, positron emission, and electron capture. Write nuclear equations by determining the mass number and atomic number of daughter products and emitted particles.

1. Energy Conversion in a System   -Allow a falling object to stir a beaker of water using a pulley system. The mass and height of the object, and the quantity of water can be adjusted. The temperature of the water is measured as energy is being converted from one form to another.
2. Phase Changes  - Explore the relationship between molecular motion, temperature, and phase changes. Compare the molecular structure of solids, liquids, and gases. Graph temperature changes as ice is melted and water is boiled. Find the effect of altitude on phase changes. The starting temperature, ice volume, altitude, and rate of heating or cooling can be adjusted

1. Temperature and Particle Motion   -Observe the movement of particles of an ideal gas at a variety of temperatures. A histogram showing the Maxwell-Boltzmann velocity distribution is shown, and the most probable velocity, mean velocity, and root mean square velocity can be calculated. Molecules of different gases can be compared.

1.  Heat Transfer by Conduction-An insulated beaker of hot water is connected to a beaker of cold water with a conducting bar, and over time the temperature of the beakers becomes equal as heat flows through the conducting bar.
2. Phase Changes-Explore the relationship between molecular motion, temperature, and phase changes.

1. Electromagnetic Waves -From the University of Colorado at Boulder, this site uses interactive Java applets and cartoon characters to introduce physics in a friendly way. This section covers electromagnetic waves.
2. Light and Color -This web site has detailed explanations of electromagnetic radiation, the nature and behavior of light, and much more. In addition each section has an interactive tool for the user to manipulate and learn the concepts
3. Waves Tutorial - Part 1 -This is an excellent and extensive online tutorial about waves, using animations, audio explanations, and interactive quizzes. This tutorial covers types of waves, reflection, refraction, diffraction, the wave equation, seismic waves, and much more
4. Waves Tutorial - Part 2 -This is an excellent and extensive online tutorial about electromagnetic radiation, using animations, audio explanations, and interactive quizzes. This tutorial covers the properties and uses of electromagnetic radiation and its various forms including radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, x-rays, and gamma rays. The tutorial also covers ultrasound and digital versus analog signals.
5. Bohr Model of Hydrogen-Shoot a stream of photons through a container of hydrogen gas.
6. Bohr Model: Introduction-Fire photons to determine the spectrum of a gas. Observe how an absorbed photon changes the orbit of an electron, and how a photon is emitted from an excited electron.

1. Waves Tutorial - Part 1 -This is an excellent and extensive online tutorial about waves, using animations, audio explanations, and interactive quizzes. This tutorial covers types of waves, reflection, refraction, diffraction, the wave equation, seismic waves, and much more
2. Waves Tutorial - Part 2 -This is an excellent and extensive online tutorial about electromagnetic radiation, using animations, audio explanations, and interactive quizzes. This tutorial covers the properties and uses of electromagnetic radiation and its various forms including radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, x-rays, and gamma rays. The tutorial also covers ultrasound and digital versus analog signals.
3. Sound Beats and Sine Waves-Listen to and see interference patterns produced by sound waves with similar frequencies. Test your ability to distinguish and match sounds as musicians do when they tune their instruments.

1. Refraction of Light -This web site gives a detailed explanation of light refraction. It also has several interactive tools, including one where the user can pick a medium and then adjust the angle of the light hitting it to see the effect it has on refraction
2. Reflection of Light -This web site gives a detailed explanation of light reflection. It also has several interactive tools, including one where the user can pick the angle and color of the light hitting a surface to see the effect on reflection.
3. Waves Tutorial - Part 1 -This is an excellent and extensive online tutorial about waves, using animations, audio explanations, and interactive quizzes. This tutorial covers types of waves, reflection, refraction, diffraction, the wave equation, seismic waves, and much more
4. Waves Tutorial - Part 2 -This is an excellent and extensive online tutorial about electromagnetic radiation, using animations, audio explanations, and interactive quizzes. This tutorial covers the properties and uses of electromagnetic radiation and its various forms including radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, x-rays, and gamma rays. The tutorial also covers ultrasound and digital versus analog signals.
5. Laser Reflection-Point a laser at a mirror and record the incoming angle as well as the angle after the reflection from the mirror.
    

1. Learn about Position, Velocity, and Acceleration
   This interactive web site allows you to set the starting position, speed, and acceleration of two different objects. Then the site creates an animation to show what happens to those two objects over time. Finally the site provides lots of great facts and questions about this topic.
2. Forces Tutorial - Part 1 -This is an excellent and extensive online tutorial about force, using animations, audio explanations, and interactive quizzes. This tutorial covers speed, velocity, acceleration, force, mass, weight, friction, and more. Lots of practical examples and graphs are used to explain these concepts. You can view the entire tutorial or jump to the section you want.
3. Atwood Machine-Measure the height and velocity of two objects connected by a massless rope over a pulley.
4. Fan Cart Physics-Gain an understanding of Newton's Laws by experimenting with a cart (on which up to three fans are placed) on a linear track.
5. Freefall Laboratory-Investigate the motion of an object as it falls to the ground. A variety of objects can be compared, and their motion can be observed in a vacuum, in normal air, and in denser air.
6. Roller Coaster Physics-Adjust the hills on a toy-car roller coaster and watch what happens as the car careens toward an egg (that can be broken) at the end of the track.
7. Uniform Circular Motion-Measure the position, velocity, and acceleration (both components and magnitude) of an object undergoing circular motion.

1. What Happens When Two Things Collide
   This interactive web site allows you to pick two different vehicles from a scooter up to a dump truck, and then set the starting speeds of them. Then the site creates an animation to show what happens when the two vehicles collide.
2. Forces Tutorial - Part 1
   This is an excellent and extensive online tutorial about force, using animations, audio explanations, and interactive quizzes. This tutorial covers speed, velocity, acceleration, force, mass, weight, friction, and more. Lots of practical examples and graphs are used to explain these concepts. You can view the entire tutorial or jump to the section you want.

1. Make Tracks
   This interactive web site allows you to build a roller coaster track from ten different pieces. Then you can send a cart down the track and view the results in real-time 3-D (either from the cart's perspective or from a distance away). While the cart goes down the track, the speed and g-force are displayed.
2. Forces Tutorial - Part 1
   This is an excellent and extensive online tutorial about force, using animations, audio explanations, and interactive quizzes. This tutorial covers speed, velocity, acceleration, force, mass, weight, friction, and more. Lots of practical examples and graphs are used to explain these concepts. You can view the entire tutorial or jump to the section you want.

1. Forces Tutorial - Part 1
   This is an excellent and extensive online tutorial about force, using animations, audio explanations, and interactive quizzes. This tutorial covers speed, velocity, acceleration, force, mass, weight, friction, and more. Lots of practical examples and graphs are used to explain these concepts. You can view the entire tutorial or jump to the section you want.

1. What is Friction?
   This interactive web site gives a good explanation of friction and then lets you try an experiment online. You pick the type of vehicle, its speed, the road conditions, and how soon you wish to apply your brakes. It then generates an animation to show if you were able to stop in time to avoid an accident.
2. Forces Tutorial - Part 1
   This is an excellent and extensive online tutorial about force, using animations, audio explanations, and interactive quizzes. This tutorial covers speed, velocity, acceleration, force, mass, weight, friction, and more. Lots of practical examples and graphs are used to explain these concepts. You can view the entire tutorial or jump to the section you want.

1.  Bohr Model of Hydrogen-
   Shoot a stream of photons through a container of hydrogen gas. Observe how photons of certain energies are absorbed, causing changes in the orbits of electrons. Build the spectrum of hydrogen based on photons that are absorbed and emitted.
2. Bohr Model: Introduction-
   Fire photons to determine the spectrum of a gas. Observe how an absorbed photon changes the orbit of an electron, and how a photon is emitted from an excited electron. Calculate the energies of absorbed and emitted photons based on energy level diagrams. The light energy produced by the laser can be modulated, and a lamp can be used to view the entire absorption spectrum at once.

1. Waves Tutorial - Part 2
   This is an excellent and extensive online tutorial about electromagnetic radiation, using animations, audio explanations, and interactive quizzes. This tutorial covers the properties and uses of electromagnetic radiation and its various forms including radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, x-rays, and gamma rays. The tutorial also covers ultrasound and digital versus analog signals.
2.  Bohr Model of Hydrogen-
   Shoot a stream of photons through a container of hydrogen gas. Observe how photons of certain energies are absorbed, causing changes in the orbits of electrons. Build the spectrum of hydrogen based on photons that are absorbed and emitted.
3. Bohr Model: Introduction-

   Fire photons to determine the spectrum of a gas. Observe how an absorbed photon changes the orbit of an electron, and how a photon is emitted from an excited electron. Calculate the energies of absorbed and emitted photons based on energy level diagrams. The light energy produced by the laser can be modulated, and a lamp can be used to view the entire absorption spectrum at once.

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