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A Science Odyssey - Just visit this site. You will not be disappointed. Check out the Shockwave simulations in the You Try It section. In the Technology at Home area, you can scroll through the twentieth century and see what changes happen in the virtual home. Appliances appear and disappear, telephone equipment changes--what else will you notice? You can mouse over each item and see some facts about it: what it is, who invented it, and when it came into vogue or went out of style. Now try the other explorations: human evolution, radio transmission, probe the brain, atomic structure, and several more. When you get done with those, read the On the Edge comic books about various scientists and their discoveries. Did radio astronomer Jocelyn Bell really think she received a message from little green men in outer space? Find out here. Don't miss the hit game show That's My Theory! You can question the three contestants to see which one is the real Einstein, the real Freud, and the real ENIAC.
Agricultural Ideas for Science Fair Projects - What affects the speed of ripening fruit? What results can you expect from different fertilizers? Does seed size matter? These are only a few of the great science fair ideas for those interested in things that grow. Learn how to prepare a great science fair project with an agricultural theme.
BBC - Science in Action - Try some great online activities and explore air, forces, light, microbes, and mixtures. In Mixtures, learn about the Bonneville salt flats, and then try mixing up some virtual "solutes and solvents" yourself in the Action Lab.
Bill Nye the Science Guy's Nye Labs Online - It's Bill Nye the Science Guy, and is he loaded with science goodies to show you! Check out Today's Demo or visit the U-Nye-Verse to see what's happening in Bill's world of science. Lots of experiments and lessons on things scientific can be found here--plenty of fodder for your next science fair project. TV listings are also available if you want to find out when he's on the tube. There is even a Real Audio section with all those goofy scientific songs from the show.
BrainPop - Watch entertaining and educational animated cartoons that explain lots of scientific things, such as how your eyes work and how your sense of smell operates. There are other topics, too, such as the water cycle, electricity, and rainbows. Try some experiments with Bob, the Ex-lab Rat, or register (it's free) to ask questions of your own. The more activities and features you read, the more points you can get. Collect enough points, and you win a T-shirt and are entered in prize drawings.
CMS - Science Fair 97 - Are you stumped trying to think of an interesting project for the science fair at school? The Cyberspace Middle School's resource page will give you a great start. Lots of science fair ideas, projects, and tips are collected here. If your school doesn't have a science fair and you'd like to start one, several suggested books contain everything you'll need to know.
Comparing Alternative Energy Forms - It's an energetic world out there, with powerful nuclear reactors, hydroelectric stations, wind turbines, and even solar collectors. This resource offers an overview of each type of system and how it works. But it doesn't stop there. You'll also learn the history of each method of producing energy, as well as the geographic location of, say, many of the 440 nuclear power stations in the world. There are also some nice charts so you can compare the various types of energy. This site was created by students for the ThinkQuest competition.
Do Science! - This page offers "things to do while waiting for the food to come" in a restaurant, but Net-mom suggests you try these at home because some involve a possible mess if done the wrong way. You'll find lots of annoying things you can do with straws, how to make a lava lamp (sort of), and plenty of fodder for science fair magic.
Edible/Inedible Experiments Archive - Can you learn about earth science by observing cracks in cheese? Can you chew light? Is it possible to learn anything about static electricity from Rice Krispies? Absolutely. And the best part is that after the experiment is over, you can eat it.
Energy Quest Games - OK, these are educational games, but they really will spark your curiosity about electricity and solar, wind, and nuclear power. Don't miss playing the hilarious game called Watt's That? If you run out of energy, take a nap and come back later for more fun.
Environmental Atlas - Are you interested in the environment and concerned about conservation and resource depletion? So is the Green Plan Center of the Resource Renewal Institute. They have treated this environmental atlas as an Inter Net-based tool for researching environmental policy worldwide. The atlas lets you view information about a country's environmental policies--just click on the appropriate continent. Stop at this site for a profile of your country's major environmental problems, a brief chronology of its environmental history, and any recent policy developments. Learn if global conditions are affecting your country's environment and how it is cooperating on environmental issues with neighboring countries and the world community. Preserving our world's natural resources is a global issue.
Exploratorium: ExploraNet - Do you know what makes a fruit fly grow legs out of its head? How would you like to take a "light walk" and explore the world of shadows? The Exploratorium, in San Francisco, California, is a huge hands-on science laboratory for kids of all ages. Discover the many interesting wonders that they have ported to the Web!
Exploratorium: Frogs - I hope you brought a flashlight. That's the only way we're going to be able to track frogs in this swamp tonight. Shine your light over THERE. What's that, a carpenter frog? Hear how his call sounds like a person hammering or chopping wood? Hold on, what's THAT? Whew, just a Pine Barrens tree frog. Um, was that your foot I just stepped on? No? I hope it wasn't a bullfrog!
Explore Science - People learn in different ways--some people like to hear explanations, other people like to read them. Still others like to physically interact with a problem, and this page is for those folks (and anyone else who wants to have fun!). We hope you have Shockwave because most of these little science demonstrations require that plug-in. Examine physics, mechanics, waves, optics, and much more. If you do nothing else, try the six-sided snowflake designer.
Explorezone.com: Earth, Space, and Weather News and Reference - If it's about science and it's in the news, you can find a story about it here. A recent visit taught us that there's an "e-Nose" in our future (a portable nose to sniff out the ripest fruit) and provided an article about a frozen sea on a moon of Saturn. Want to quickly find news on recent earthquakes, weather happenings, or even the latest from the Hubble Space Telescope? Try this site. It even has sky events for tonight.
Extreme Science - This one is all about scientific extremes: the highest and lowest elevation on Earth, the biggest mountain, the deepest cave, the greatest earthquake, and--well, you get the idea. Don't forget to check the Creature World section for the largest snake, deadliest creature, and more records from those that creep, swim, walk, and fly. You can also meet cool scientists, take some online adventures, and explore many fun science links.
Frank Potter's Science Gems - This treasure chest of science gems includes links to resources on physical sciences, earth science, life science, engineering, and math. There are over 3,100 links here, which makes one wonder what Frank's life is like! The Web pages are arranged by subject and ordered by grade level. In some sections, a handy list shows which sites are popular and are most often "clicked."
Guided Tour on Wind Energy - The Danish Wind Turbine Manufacturers Association wants you to breeze in and learn about how we can harness the wind's energy and put it to work for us. First though, you'll learn about the winds of the world as well as local winds, such as sea breezes and mountain air currents. Check out the inner workings of a wind turbine and find the answers to questions like "Are wind turbines noisy?"
Helping Your Child Learn Science - OK, it's really a brochure for parents, but you should check out the experiments here, because some of them would make neat science fair projects. You'll find lots of kitchen chemistry tricks and fun with static electricity, and don't miss "celery stalks at midnight"!
Home Experiments - What do you mean there's nothing to do. Why, with Mom or Dad and a few simple household ingredients, you could bend water, collapse an aluminum can, float soap bubbles in an aquarium full of carbon dioxide, or even remove tarnish from silver! Is it magic? No, just chemistry, physics, or both. There are also links to even more home experiments to try.
How to Do a Science Fair Project - This site was created by students for the ThinkQuest Junior competition. A fifth grader offers advice on the best way to plan and carry out your science fair project. He has also collected links to science fair ideas and archives from around the Net.
How to Make a Great Poster - The biggest problem with science fair posters is that the print isn't large enough to be seen from a few feet away. Don't make the judges squint! Make BIG letters. Also, don't make your poster too "busy" with material and information that's not of primary importance. This Web site explains it all and suggests many ways to make your poster the best ever.
How to Use a Compass - On a hike, a compass will help you find your way, but first you have to learn to use one properly. You can learn in your own backyard, or in a park, or in a school playground. This site gives you a guided tour to a compass and its use. There are also tips on how to find your way in very difficult conditions, like fog or snow whiteouts.
IPL Science Fair Project Resource Guide - This is your first science fair project, and you're not really sure where to begin. The folks at the Internet Public Library can help: they have collected a lot of good information to get you going. You can even search by grade level, then by topic.
Journey North - Migration occurs every year with all kinds of animals, birds, and insects (even some grandparents like to go south for the winter). Journey North is a project where the Internet really shines. Each year, monarch butterflies migrate from Canada and the U.S. to their wintering grounds in Mexico and California. In the spring, they start their journey north again. Where are they now? Go outside--see any monarch butterflies? OK, now go back inside, and log on to this site to report your findings. Click on Help Track Spring's Journey North. Your results will be combined with other reports from all over the U.S., and a map will be created to show where the migratory monarchs have landed. Butterflies aren't the only things monitored here. Besides tracking various animals and birds, this site tracks when the ice goes out of various lakes and rivers, where the tulips are blooming, and where the spring frogs are peeping.
MadSciNet: The 24-hour Exploding Laboratory - Do you have a question about science that is stumping everyone you ask? Or maybe you have a really simple question you're too embarrassed to bring up in class. Look no further. You have just stumbled onto the solution. This site is a collaboration of scientists around the world, gathered to answer your questions. You can search the archives and see if your question, or one like it, has already been answered. There's also a library of experiments you can try, as well as links to more resources.
Maine Solar House - This is Bill Lord's solar house. He built this house in southern Maine, on a property specially chosen for the project. Everything was planned with the goal of constructing a house that would make the most out of solar energy. Descriptions and diagrams show how he uses heat from the sun to warm the house and produce his own electricity. He even sells electricity to the power company when he has a surplus!
Newton's Apple Index - This is the Newton's Apple home page. It is full of science-related lessons and experiments from the TV show. The lesson on "Arctic Nutrition" explains why Arctic explorers need a carbohydrate-rich diet to maintain their strength. Another lesson explains why you don't get a strong smell from garlic until it is cut or crushed. You'll find lots more here: experiment and learn, and you'll be sure to have fun!
OMSI Science Whatzit! - You name the topic, the Oregon Museum of Science has the info. Is there wood so dense it won't float? Why is Earth round? How many stars are out there? How do fireflies light up? If you have a question, see if it's been answered at this site. If not, go ahead and ask it here.
Planet Ag - Agricultural science may be the path for you if you're into plants, animals, biochemistry, engineering, or health. This site explains 40 such careers and offers many links to other agricultural information as well as science fair ideas.
Questacon - Down under in Australia they've come up with a really neat way to understand math and science. The Questacon National Science and Technology Centre shares much of the excitement at this Web site, including a really interesting Williams family photo session that turns out to be something of a logic problem. You see, there are all of these kids and the photographer is trying to line them up from tallest to shortest and...well, maybe you'd better head there yourself and help them figure it all out. It's in the Fun Zone under Puzzles.
Real-Time Experiments - Amazing physics experiments you can do with common household items, things to try right on your computer, and amazing tricks with Shockwave--these things and more are waiting for you, courtesy of the Little Shop of Physics.
Reeko's Mad Scientist Lab - It sure is dusty here in Reeko's basement science lab. Better put on this lab coat to keep your clothes clean, and this pair of goggles might not be a bad idea, either. Fun educational experiments in astronomy, chemistry, physics, and earth science may be found here if you look around a bit. In the archives, you can examine the experiments by level of difficulty or by category. Reeko has a fun sense of humor, too. Consider the description for Rocket Powered Pennies: "Ok, so maybe the term rocket powered is taking it a little too far. But we still get to propel an object. All we need for this simple experiment is an empty soda bottle and a penny (unless you are getting your Mad Scientist supplies from Dad, in which case--ask for a quarter)."
SchoolHouse Rock - Science Rock - Not only will you find the lyrics of the songs at this site, but you'll also be able to hear the songs and view the video.
Science: Physical Sciences - Many fascinating science experiments are explained here in great detail. For example, a raw egg soaked in vinegar for several days will actually bounce (just don't try this on the new living room carpet)!
The Down and Dirty Story of the Panama Canal - It seemed like a great idea in the 1870s: cut a water passageway through Panama in order to create a shortcut to the Pacific or the Atlantic Ocean. It became a marvelous feat of engineering, but took a toll in lives lost as well as financial cost. Explore a time line of events here, and ponder why the original French construction team might have ordered 10,000 snow shovels to continue its work in the jungle.
The JASON Project - Ever heard of The JASON Project? It was founded in Massachusetts in 1989, and here's how it got started. Dr. Robert D. Ballard had just discovered the wreck of the RMS Titanic . When he got back, he was overwhelmed by the letters he received from interested kids. He decided to develop a way for kids to interact with real science and take part in global field trips. Past JASON projects have let kids control deep-sea submarines and make other real observations. You never know what JASON's going to do next!
The Lost Museum of Sciences - No, they didn't lose the museum--the idea here is for you to get lost. No, we don't mean GET LOST, just lose yourself amidst all the stuff you'll find here. Now you're starting to get the picture. By the time you do find your way back, if you find your way back, you're sure to have learned something. No, we don't mean you'll learn how to find your way back, we mean you'll learn something scientific. Oops! If you like to be challenged, you can always play "Find the Exhibit." The first one to find it gets his or her name displayed here for all to see.
The Macrogalleria - A Cyberwonderland of Polymer Fun - You know, polymers are everywhere. Just explore this online mall. Check out Rodney the Roadie's Music Store, for example. The electric guitar's pick guards are made of polystyrene, some strings are made of nylon, and even the circuit boards in the amps are made of epoxy resins. All of these are polymers! We've only explored one of these stores; let's try another. Maybe Helpful Harry's Hardware Heaven or Tons o' Toys--let's go, the polymers are waiting.
The Microbe Zoo - Dirtland - Did you know that you have a fabulous microbe zoo running wild in your yard, in your food, even on your clothes? Microbes are so small, you can't see them without a microscope, but they affect your life daily, in a big way. Zoom in on the invisible world of these small creatures and learn how they interact with the larger world around them. And don't forget to thank them for that last chocolate bar you ate or root beer you drank--they helped make it!
The Ultimate Science Fair Resource - This site will help you find a great idea for an experiment and plan your project. Written in simple language, you'll find display hints, advice on writing your report, and loads of links to more great advice.
Treehomes - Trees are beautiful for us to see, but they are also homes for many animals and birds. Explore this small grove and see what you find hidden among the trees. We found at least 13 things, including a red-headed woodpecker and a little mouse.
Welcome to Thinking Fountain! - From A to Z , you're going to find a lot of wonderful ideas and information at the Thinking Fountain. Allow us to demonstrate! A --Read about Anansi the Spider, and then find out how to make your own sliding spider toy. G --Golf-O-Rama, a book about miniature golf, complete with everything you need but the ball and the putter, and a story about some kids who made their own mini-mini golf course. N --Noodle-ing around: learn to build a structure out of spaghetti. (Don't believe it? The secret is in the mini-marshmallows). Z --Zoo Machines: invent a machine to take care of all those animals. Keep going; you're sure to find lots more activities and ideas, galleries to show your work, books you can use, and surprises inspired by the Thinking Fountain.
Whelmers - Before we go further, answer this: Is there iron in your cereal? Can a penny dance on the top of a soda bottle? Want to find out? Try these "whelmers"--activities that catch the mind and the eye of every student. At this really cool site, you canup 20 different whelmers and have a lot of fun while actually learning some useful information! It will require gathering some simple materials and then reading instructions on how to complete the task. Remember, you can never be too whelmed by science, although you can be overwhelmed with homework.
Windmills and Whirlygigs - Meet Vollis (and his dogs and ducks) and explore his magical world of spinning whirligigs, or wind toys. You can take a virtual tour to the yard and the shop and try some fun wind power activities, including making whirligigs from plastic soda bottles. If you just want an overview, take the Whirlwind Tour, but watch out for the spitting fungus!
YES Mag - Canada's science magazine for kids has an electronic version. It includes book and software reviews, in-depth articles, and science news and projects. We particularly liked the How Does That Work? section, where we learned lots about telescopes, cameras, submarines, and other inventions.
You Can with Beakman and Jax - Put on your thinking cap and visit this site. Discover the answers to important questions, like "What are fingernails made of?" and "Why do I hear weird sounds at night?" There are some neat animations, too--for example. check out "How the Internet Works."
Zoology Resource Guide - Did you know that you're a Homo sapiens ? That's the scientific classification name for humans. All life can be organized and classified this way, using a system of scientific naming, or nomenclature. Visit the Zoological Record Home Page, where you'll find information on the ordering of organisms into groups based on their relationships. You'll find the order, class, and kingdom for everything here, from people to dinosaurs. In addition, you'll find reports containing the symbol, scientific name, common name, and family for each member of the animal kingdom.
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