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Websites
The National Space Biomedical Research Institute
has a guide called Sleep and Daily Rhythms: Activities Guide for Teachers. This guide involves a three- to
six-week unit that can help students understand how the body's biological clock adjusts during space missions as well as the
problems we face when adjusting to jet lag, night work, or even the shift from standard time to daylight savings
time. The book contains group activities that teach students about
the Earth's rotation, the importance of regular sleep
patterns, and the factors that affect the quality of our sleep. The
guide can be obtained free of charge at the Web site www.nsbri.org
or by calling 800-798-8244.
THE SCIENCE EXPLORER The Science Explorer is a Web site that contains
descriptions of science activities appropriate for both school and home. It contains modifications of at least
three experiments that we use regularly. Two more were of particular interest. In Geodesic Gumdrops students build
amazing architectures with only candy and toothpicks. In Go with
the Flow students spin a bottle to see beautiful swirling
shapes. Check out this site at
SCIENCE "SNACKS" Science "Snacks" is a very extensive
site which, in my recent look, provided more than 100 experiments for teachers,
parents, and children. Most experiments can be done by one child, but some
require participation from an adult partner. For each experiment, the materials
required, step-by-step instructions, an explanation of what is happening
and why, and additional advice and helpful hints, are provided. For
those of you who are familiar with The Exploratorium in San Francisco,
these experiments are scaled-down versions of exhibits used there. Check
out the site at www.exploratorium.edu/snacks/index.html.
SCIENCE MADE SIMPLE Science Made Simple
provides a website that appeals to the inquisitive nature of children.
The site answers student questions both in words and through projects.
The site offers ideas for a few science projects, and students can obtain
many more by subscribing to a monthly newsletter. Check out the site at
www.sciencemadesimple.com.
TRYSCIENCE One very useful Web site for
hands-on activities, found through Popular Science Online, is TryScience.
Check it out at www.tryscience.org/experiments.html.
Under Science Learning, highlight Try Science, and then Experiments.
The experiments change regularly and cover topics such as biological science,
chemistry, earth science, mathematics, medicine and health, physics, social
science, space science, and technology and engineering. For example,
under Chemistry, there is one experiment called Pepper Scatter which we
use occasionally to illustrate surface tension of water. Under Projects,
the question, What is static electricity?, is posed, and three projects
are provided that give evidence to answer that question. Some other
questions asked are Why do leaves change color in the fall?, Why is the
sky blue?, and How do animals spend the winter?
BACKYARD CONSERVATION The National Resources Conservation Service, the
National Association of Conservation Districts, and the Wildlife Habitat Council offer a 28-page booklet that teachers
can use to show students how to improve the environment, help wildlife, and make their own schoolyard more attractive
and enjoyable. The book features tips on backyard ponds, wetlands, composting, mulching, and tree planting.
It can be obtained free of charge by contacting the National Resources Conservation Service, Federal Bldg, 2
Madbury Rd, Durham, NH 03824-2043; FAX 603-868-5301; www.nrcs.usda.gov.
FUN SCIENCE GALLERY Simple low-cost science experiments can be found
on the Fun Science Gallery Web site www.funsci.com.
TOPOZONE The Web's first interactive topography map of the entire United States can be found at www.topozone.com.
WRITING A SUCCESSFUL GRANT PROPOSAL
Writing a successful grant proposal can be a very imposing
process. Two aids are available to help. The School Grants
website:
www.schoolgrants.org/proposal_samples.htm provides successful grant
proposals the characteristics of which you can study carefully. In
addition, an article by Stanley Levenson entitled "Writing Your First Successful
Grant Application" can be viewed at
www.teachersplanet.com/grantart.shtml. This article presents six basic
components of successful proposals. Site overview:
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