Kerri's Science Resources

Kerri’s Science Resources

1.     Understanding Evolution

http://evolution.berkeley.edu/evolibrary/home.php

Grade Level: They have teaching materials available from Kindergarten through Undergraduate.

Description:  This website is hosted by Berkley to provide a one stop educational resource on the theory of evolution. It includes a library of resources concerning everything from public controversies to how and why evolution works, a variety of teaching materials for K-Undergraduate study, an Evolution 101 page with explanations of all the basics, and an alphabetical glossary of important terms. They also support online teachers’ lounges for the various grades. There is a section for news stories on evolution and highlights including real research being done on the subject.

2.     Earth Exploration Toolbook (EET)

http://serc.carleton.edu/eet/index.html

Grade Level: The website says that it was meant for secondary and college teachers but that it could be used by younger students, citizens, politicians, or other teachers.

Description:  This website works as a collection of various databases concerning the Earths systems. It has chapters that teach students how to access and analyze these datasets for projects or other assignments. It lets students get hands on experience with exploring real data and creating and analyzing graphs or excel spreadsheets to come to real solutions. There are currently 45 active chapters available on different subjects that cover diverse topics from the atmosphere to Earth history to human dimensions. The creators offer professional development webinars on a regular basis.

3.     Understanding Science

http://undsci.berkeley.edu/teaching/index.php

Grade Level: The website has teaching materials available for Kindergarten through Undergraduate.

Description:  This is another website hosted by Berkley. It also contains an understanding science 101 page, a for teacher’s page with teachers’ lounges, and a resource library with misconceptions and frequently asked questions. There is a section with examples of science in action including videos and case studies. This site also includes an alphabetical glossary of important science terms to go over.

4.     The Periodic Table of Videos

http://periodicvideos.com/

Grade Level:  The website does not give a suggested grade range but I’d say middle to high school would probably be appropriate.

Description:  This website has a video about all 118 elements on the periodic table. These were made by video journalist Brady Haran featuring real chemist from the University of Nottingham in the UK. The site is very easy to use. Just click on the element you want from the periodic table and the video pops up. The creators have a Facebook, Twitter, and a YouTube channel to keep up with their exploits and newest topics. They are currently working on videos about physics, math, and other chemistry related topics including molecules.

5.     Scarleteen

http://www.scarleteen.com/

Grade Level: It claims to be for teens and 20s.

Description: This website is a comprehensive guide to just about everything you’ve ever wanted to know about sex education. It covers gender and sexual identity, relationships, assault and abuse, birth control, and pregnancy and parenting. They include advice for both men and women and even allow you to write in on forums where trained volunteers can give you advice. I struggled for a long while with the decision to include this one on here or not but ultimately I think it is a good resource. I’ve found a use for it myself a time or two. Besides I figured if anyone was going to cover sex ed then it needed to be the future science teacher.