| It’s Tuesday, and time for Homeschooling Science. I would like to ask you to check out the Recommended Websites: If you have used these resources in the past leave me a comment and let me know what you thought of the resources and why. Bugscope  (Grades K-12 with parental supervision) This website, sponsored by the Imaging Technology Group at the University of Illinois, was conceived to allow K-12 students to interactively view bugs under a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) over the web for free. Students collect some bugs and mail them to the Scientists at Bugscope who prepare the Insect specimens for viewing through the electron microscope. Then, a session is scheduled for students to view their specimens and discuss what they see with the Bugscope scientists – all from a regular web browser over a standard broadband internet connection. You can schedule a session, or simply follow along as a guest whenever a group is having a session. (In that case, simply login as a guest, no password is required.) When you get to the website, you’ll see information about Bugscope along with a list of “Upcoming Sessions.” At the time we reviewed this review, there was a Homeschool Group scheduled. So, homeschool groups are definitely welcome to participate. To better understand this website and what it provides, it’s helpful to “Take the Tour” – you’ll find a link for it at the bottom of the home page. Use the menu at the top of the page to sign up to participate, access a microscope tutorial, read the F.A.Q.s., and browse the Archives: Every session is archived at the site and includes a transcription of the presentation and still images of student-submitted bugs as seen through the electron microscope. When you go to this page, just click on one of the markers on the map, and a new page opens with the full session that was provided to a classroom or other group of students. This is a remarkable resource and would make a great Homeschool Support Group. |
Recommended Website: The Science Spot  Age Range: 10-13 (Grades 6-8, with parental supervision) A clever and innovative Science teacher developed this free website where she shares her favorite Science activities, lessons, and printables. When you get to the site you’ll see a menu that includes: Science Classroom – Get an abundance of free lesson plans, activities, printable worksheets, and links to other resources on general Science, Ecology, Chemistry, Physics, Astronomy, Earth Science, Biology, Insects, Eagles, the Metric System, Forensic Science, Archaeology, and more. Reference Desk – An archive of links to educational Science websites, lesson plans, clip art resources and much more. We didn’t follow all of these links – so parent supervision, as always, is advised. Puzzle Corner – This is a cool resource! Print out free word search and crossword puzzles on Cells, Invertebrates, the Skeletal and Muscular system, Genetics, Rocks and Minerals, Constellations and much, much more! Great material for DIY Science activity books! There is much more material for classroom teachers provided at this site. Much of it can be tweaked to suit homeschoolers. |
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
