I. Earth Science

1. Inquiry, Reflection, and Social Implications
2. Earth Systems
3. The Solid Earth
4. The Fluid Earth
5. Earth in Space and Time

High School

1. E1.1 Scientific Inquiry
   Science is a way of understanding nature. Scientific research may begin by generating new scientific questions that can be answered through replicable scientific investigations that are logically developed and conducted systematically. Scientific conclusions and explanations result from careful analysis of empirical evidence and the use of logical reasoning. Some questions in science are addressed through indirect rather than direct observation, evaluating the consistency of new evidence with results predicted by models of natural processes. Results from investigations are communicated in reports that are scrutinized through a peer review process.
   1. A City in Space
      This site gives students the opportunity to design, construct, live and research on a virtual space station.  It includes pretests, posttests, writing activities, using data, and develop multimedia presentations.  It is well organized, user friendly and has student checkpoints for teacher verification of completed activities.
   2. About Rainbows
      Describes what scientific and math principles allow us to see the rainbow and the history of how scientists proved their theories concerning the rainbow. Useful site for student research.
   3. Bradford Robotic Telescope Observatory - Studentship Opportunities
      This site is very unique in that it allows the student to use a telescope in England to view planets, moons, stars, galaxies, and much more. This site doesn't allow you to see different types of telescopes though.
   4. Curious About Astronomy
      Many facts and other information included about our sun and solar system. They have provided an opportunity to ask questions to an astronomer or read through the archive of previous questions.
   5. ETE Teacher Pages: Problem-Based Learning - Science Process - Reflecting
      A teacher's guide for using problem based learning in the classroom.  This site provides a lot of good information on this subject including, a definition of problem based learning, goals and objectives and steps that should be followed during instruction.
   6. Exploring the Universe
      Exploring the Universe is an online exhibition of the National Air and Space Museum at the Smithsonian Institute.  By clicking on the Exhibition Highlights Tour, students and teachers can learn how scientists have studied the universe throughout history.  This is especially good information for high school students.  By clicking the Student Activity, students in grades 5-9 can participate in a simulation as a research scientist.  Students and teachers can also explore an area of the website about the planets that is packed with excellent information and superior graphics with a link from the site.  The planetary information is very useful for grades 4-12.  (Outstanding content and graphics).
   7. ExploraVision ExploraVision is a competition for all students in grades K-12 attending a public, private or home school in the U.S., Canada, or U.S. Territories. It is designed to encourage students to combine their imagination with their knowledge of science and technology to explore visions of the future. ExploraVision is more than a contest. It can be a spark to ignite every student's enthusiasm for science.
   8. How Stuff Works
      Descriptions of how a TV or alkaline battery works tend to be brief and impart only a very cursory sense of what's going on inside. Not here. You get detailed yet understandable explanations married with plentiful illustrations and pictures of how everyday technologies such as engines, VCRs, cellphones, refrigerators, and smoke detectors work
   9. Inquiry-Based Science Project (IBSP) Challenging Problems New
      Outstanding Online projects that allow students to, collaboratively or independently, conduct scientific investigations in their schoolyards and classrooms, and then submit their collected data using an online form.
   10. ISS EarthKAM
       Since 1996, ISS EarthKAM students have taken thousands of photographs of Earth by using the world wide web to direct a digital camera on select space flights and currently on the International Space Station. This site allows students and teachers to view the many images and even become part of the project. Appropriate for grades 7 and up.
   11. Peoria Astronomical Society
       Tired of just looking at the stars? The Peoria Astronomical Society is designed to get amateur scientists involved in and contributing to scientific research projects in astronomy. This is an especially good opportunity for students to contribute on science experiments.
   12. Science Research
       Outstanding! Your one-stop source for scientific research, access to numerous scientific journals and public science databases.
   13. Virtual Science Comes Alive
       This site has a number of interactive science animations available. This site is part of "The Why Files" site. This is an outstanding interactive site.
   14. Whelmers
       Whelmers offers a selection of science activities which are designed to "catch the eye and mind of even the most indifferent student". Most materials are simple and easily obtainable. Activities have been aligned with the National Science Education Standards.

   E1.2 Scientific Reflection and Social Implications
   The integrity of the scientific process depends on scientists and citizens understanding and respecting the “Nature of Science.” Openness to new ideas, skepticism, and honesty are attributes required for good scientific practice. Scientists must use logical reasoning during investigation design, analysis, conclusion, and communication. Science can produce critical insights on societal problems from a personal and local scale to a global scale. Science both aids in the development of technology and provides tools for assessing the costs, risks, and benefits of technological systems. Scientific conclusions and arguments play a role in personal choice and public policy decisions. New technology and scientific discoveries have had a major influence in shaping human history. Science and technology continue to offer diverse and significant career opportunities.

1. Evidence: The True Witness
   Become KC Rogers, the forensic detective without a clue. Apply your newfound knowledge of forensic science to search for a kidnapper, case a house for evidence, process evidence in the lab, and interview suspects. Reference and glossary sections help keep you on the trail, and a careers section is included in case you get really good.
2. EcoSuperior
   This site is dedecated to the area around Lake Superior.  It contains information on Mercury in the area, where it is found, the cause of Mercury pollution, how to reduce the amount of Mercury and the recycling of it.
3. Ecosystem Services - Water Purification
   The purpose of this activity is to use the example of natural water purification to show students that healthy ecosystems provide services to people that are essential to life as we know it.  The site gives a lot of instructional information and is loaded with links so students can apply what they are learning to their regional watersheds.  Students will study the process of natural purification  and the effects of human interaction.  The final assessment of this project is a river newspaper. 
4. EPA's Surf Your Watershed
   Can get information about thousands of watersheds and testing results.  From this site there are hyperlinks to an Index of Watershed indicators, Adopt Your Watershed, and Surf Your Watershed.  On the "Surf Your Watershed" link, watersheds in the United States can be found by typing in your city, river, county or state or by clicking on a map of the United States. Once at the Watershed information is given on Science in Your Watershed, Streamflow, Water use and more.
5. Examining a Hazardous Waste Site
   This is an activity plan, which involves students looking and researching different Superfund sites and then analzye them in regards to what is polluting the being polluted. There are links to student activities, glossaries, and maps. You will need to run the related links to complete the activity, because this site is the lesson, not something the students can read and then conduct. Materials need to be printed before you do this activity.
6. Give Water a Hand - For Young People Taking Action in Their Community
   Two Guides are available from this site, one for teachers (Leader Guidebook) and one for students (Action Guide).  The student guide includes directions to find out how people use it, where rainfall flows, what sources of pollution exist that might affect water quality and more.  The Guides are also available in Spanish.  Printed copies can also be ordered in Spanish.  The guides are free but they ask you to register for them.
7. Long Island Sound Study
   This is a Power Point presentation that can be viewed on-line in html or downloaded-printed in  .pdf format.  It includes a report on pollutants found in the sound (lead, pathogens etc) along with graphs showing the pollutants over time.  Also included are restoration and protection efforts. Part of the presentation shows how the Long Island Watershed is related to Long Island Sound.
8. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
   Serious about laying your claim to a great invention? This site, or the office of a good patent attorney, should be your first stop. The U.S. Patent Office posts a wealth of information about issued patents and patent applications, and you can search its vast patent database to see if your idea's already been taken.