It’s Tuesday, May 5, 2020, and time for Science Homeschooling Resources. I would like to ask you tro check out the following websites. If you have used them let me know what you thought and why.
Recommended Website:
Age Range: 10 and up (Grades 5 and up; children with parental supervision) This website offers a free archive that enables you to explore the inventions and predictions of Science fiction writers that have come true or are coming true in today’s world. There are over 3,200 different inventions archived that were first introduced through the imaginations of Science fiction writers.
When you get to the site you can explore the featured items on the home page, or use the menu at the top of the page to search by Glossary, Author, Book, or Timeline. Once you find a topic that interests you, click on it and a new page opens. That page may contain some or all of the following:
- A blurb from the novel mentioning the invention or idea
- Commentary about the idea including comparisons and similarities to other sci-fi technology mentioned in other novels, television shows, and movies
- Links to science articles that discuss the current development of these inventions and ideas in today’s world
- Links to real-world video demonstrations of the inventions
- Links to websites with further information.
If this doesn’t generate interest in reading a sci-fi novel, we don’t know what will. It will also springboard students to want to learn more about science and technology.
NOTE: We only reviewed a sampling of what’s available at this website, so AS ALWAYS, parents should preview and supervise their children’s exploration – not only to determine the suitability of content on the Technovelgy website, but because the links take you to other websites that we have not reviewed.
One more piece of advice: Read the FAQs (see link at the bottom of the homepage). We found them to be helpful and we think you will too.
Recommended Website: Solar System Exploration – Cassini
Age Range: All (All grades; children with parental supervision) NASA’s Cassini spacecraft arrived at Saturn in July 2004 and, along with the European-built Huygens probe, opened a window into a world never seen before.
When arriving at the website, read the Overview to learn about Saturn and the Cassini mission, lasting over two decades. Make sure to scroll down to see the 10 Ways Cassini Mattered. Next, hover your mouse over the menu in the middle:
- The Journey – Timeline, Spacecraft, Grand Finale
- Mission – The Saturn Tour has photos and videos.
- Science – Learn about Saturn and its largest moon, Titan, and its tiny moon, Enceladus.
- Galleries – Images, Videos, and more
After exploring all that this website has to offer, check out the “Kids” link under the “More” menu at the top for coloring pages and activities.
If you know someone interested in astronomy, particularly Saturn, this website is a down-to-earth resource for an out-of this world study.
Recommended Website: Orkin: Science Education
Age Range: 5-11 (Grades K-6, with parental supervision) Orkin Pest Control Company provides lessons plans and activities about the world of insects.
When you get to the site, scroll down to Orkin Man Lesson Plans and Activities & Coloring. The lesson plans include:
- Are You One of Us? – insect classification
- The Art of Flying – how wings work
- Is Seeing Believing? – compare images and drawings
- Feeding Frenzy – how insects eat
- Feeling Buggy – creative writing exercise
The Activities & Coloring section includes worksheets, coloring pages and interactive games all about bugs!
And check out this site: CockroachFacts. You’ll find not only easy-to-digest scientific fun facts, but also deeper information about life cycles, habitats, and other topics important to K-12 education.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
