Effects of Oceans on Weather and Climate SciGuide Average User Rating: The oceans cover more than 70% of Earth’s surface and play a major role in regulating the weather and climate of the planet. Earth’s oceans absorb heat from sunlight, hold on to that heat, and transport it around the globe through the movement of ocean...  [view full summary] The oceans cover more than 70% of Earth’s surface and play a major role in regulating the weather and climate of the planet. Earth’s oceans absorb heat from sunlight, hold on to that heat, and transport it around the globe through the movement of ocean currents. The motion of the atmosphere, or winds, above it, also affects the oceans currents. The energy in the wind gets transferred to the ocean at the ocean surface affecting the motion of the water there. With the use of sensitive instruments we are able to get a better view of the functioning of our oceans and atmosphere. This science guide will point teachers and students to resources to help develop a better understanding of some of the factors that impact Earth's weather and climate. Sites with recent research and satellite data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and other organizations help students understand how changes in temperature or air circulation are part of complex, longer-term cycles. They'll also learn about the interconnections between air, sea, and land and that any change could have multiple causes—and multiple effects. [hide full abstract] Member Price: Free Nonmember Price: Free Grade Level: High School

Atomic Structure and Chemical Bonding SciGuide Average User Rating: The study of chemistry requires an understanding of the structure of atoms, the properties of chemical compounds, the types of bonds formed as compounds are made and the types of reactions that can occur. All of these areas are examined in the themes...  [view full summary] The study of chemistry requires an understanding of the structure of atoms, the properties of chemical compounds, the types of bonds formed as compounds are made and the types of reactions that can occur. All of these areas are examined in the themes listed below. These resources vary from text-based review documents to some very interactive web sites. [hide full abstract] Member Price: $4.95 Nonmember Price: $5.95 Grade Level: High School

Genetics SciGuide What affects how physical characteristics are transmitted from parent to offspring? This is a question that can be answered at many levels. Molecular biologists examine the pattern of nucleotides in deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and the effect...  [view full summary] What affects how physical characteristics are transmitted from parent to offspring? This is a question that can be answered at many levels. Molecular biologists examine the pattern of nucleotides in deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and the effect of mutations on the proteins produced. Classical geneticists explore the patterns by which traits are transmitted through families. Medical geneticists attempt to describe and develop treatments for diseases that have a genetic component. Genetic engineers analyze how traits can be altered in organisms through modern technology. These are only a few of the strategies that scientists employ to explain the nature of heredity. Explore historical perspectives on the study of genetics and investigate how cutting-edge technology is being used to expand our understanding of heredity. [hide full abstract] Member Price: $4.95 Nonmember Price: $5.95 Grade Level: High School

Coral Ecosystems SciGuide Why study coral ecosystems? Having survived millions of years, coral reefs are among the oldest and most diverse ecosystems on earth. Learning about coral ecosystems encompasses many of the 9-12 grade science curriculum standards. Life cycles of organisms,...  [view full summary] Why study coral ecosystems? Having survived millions of years, coral reefs are among the oldest and most diverse ecosystems on earth. Learning about coral ecosystems encompasses many of the 9-12 grade science curriculum standards. Life cycles of organisms, biological structure and function of organisms, and the behaviors and adaptations of organisms to their environment are all topics easily studied through a focus on coral reefs. All populations in this ecosystem are interdependent and part of a global food web. Healthy coral ecosystems are important to the humans, plants, fish, and other organisms that depend on them. However, the increasing impact of climate changes and human activities is endangering the very survival of these ecosystems. Pollution, habitat loss, invasive species, and diseases are all threats to the survival of coral ecosystems around the globe. Learning about them- “their fragility and value”- will help students understand what is needed to protect them. This SciGuide highlights outstanding NOAA resources, such as online tutorials and complete, hands-on, inquiry based lesson plans from the National Ocean Services. These resources address three areas. First, students can study the biology of the coral organism, learning about types of coral and where they are found. Next, resources focus on the populations, habitat, and dynamics of coral ecosystems. Finally, teachers and students, through online data sources and activities, learn about conservation of our coral ecosystems. Natural threats, human disturbances, and the benefits of coral protection focus students on the real world importance of science learning. [hide full abstract] Member Price: $4.95 Nonmember Price: $5.95 Grade Level: High School

Earth Structures SciGuide This web guide explores several natural phenomena that are constantly changing the face of the Earth. These geologic forces not only impact the physical features of our planet but ultimately affect the biosphere in a dramatic way. Historically, the changes...  [view full summary] This web guide explores several natural phenomena that are constantly changing the face of the Earth. These geologic forces not only impact the physical features of our planet but ultimately affect the biosphere in a dramatic way. Historically, the changes have ranged from gradual (such as with the process of mountain building) to the spontaneous (such as with seismic events). [hide full abstract] Member Price: $4.95 Nonmember Price: $5.95 Grade Level: High School

Estuaries SciGuide Estuaries are bodies of water and their surrounding coastal wetlands typically found where rivers meet the sea. Estuaries harbor unique plant and animal communities because their waters are brackish—a mixture of fresh water draining from the land and...  [view full summary] Estuaries are bodies of water and their surrounding coastal wetlands typically found where rivers meet the sea. Estuaries harbor unique plant and animal communities because their waters are brackish—a mixture of fresh water draining from the land and salty seawater. Estuaries are some of the most productive ecosystems in the world. Many animal species rely on estuaries for food, places to breed, and migration stopovers. Human communities also rely on estuaries for food, recreation, jobs, and coastal protection. Of the 32 largest cities in the world, 22 are located on estuaries (e.g., New Orleans, London, etc). Not surprisingly, human activities have led to the decline in the health of estuaries, making them one of the most threatened ecosystems on the Earth. NOAA's National Estuarine Research Reserve System in partnership with coastal states monitors the health of estuaries and helps communities manage their coastal resources. [hide full abstract] Member Price: $4.95 Nonmember Price: $5.95 Grade Level: High School

Severe Weather SciGuide Meteorologists disagree as to what constitutes severe weather. However, most concur that thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes, all considered to be "convective" weather, fit the definition of severe weather, which is a weather condition likely to...  [view full summary] Meteorologists disagree as to what constitutes severe weather. However, most concur that thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes, all considered to be "convective" weather, fit the definition of severe weather, which is a weather condition likely to cause hardship. This science guide will explore each of the three weather phenomena. By virtue of their locations, most students are familiar with at least one of the three severe weather events. Students who tour the web sites will have an opportunity to make connections between the familiar and the perhaps less understood weather events. [hide full abstract] Member Price: $4.95 Nonmember Price: $5.95 Grade Level: High School

Nature of Light SciGuide What is light? Our experience with light is that which we can see. Our eyes contain two different types of photoreceptors, rods and cones. Rods are extremely sensitive to light but can’t distinguish color. Cones which are less sensitive than rods,...  [view full summary] What is light? Our experience with light is that which we can see. Our eyes contain two different types of photoreceptors, rods and cones. Rods are extremely sensitive to light but can’t distinguish color. Cones which are less sensitive than rods, respond to light of different wavelengths, producing color vision. Instruction for understanding light begins with an understanding of mechanical waves and the properties of those waves. However, light also has particle-like properties, and exhibits a wave-particle duality. This SciGuide breaks down the complexity of teaching the nature of light into manageable chunks arranged in a logical sequence for learning. You may choose specific Themes or Keywords appropriate to your students and teaching objectives. Individual Themes and Keywords identify misconceptions and conceptual difficulties. Many web resources provide simulations and data to enhance understanding and engage students in inquiry. [hide full abstract] Member Price: $4.95 Nonmember Price: $5.95 Grade Level: High School

Experimental Design SciGuide This SciGuide addresses how students can improve the design of investigations and understand how scientists do science. The format of this SciGuide is designed to help all precollege teachers (K-4, 5-8, and 9-12) design inquiry investigations. This SciGuide addresses how students can improve the design of investigations and understand how scientists do science. The format of this SciGuide is designed to help all precollege teachers (K-4, 5-8, and 9-12) design inquiry investigations. [hide full abstract] Member Price: $4.95 Nonmember Price: $5.95 Grade Level: Elementary School, Middle School, High School

Resources and Human Impact: Grades 9-12 SciGuide Human modifications to communities of living organisms in an ecosystem can change the function and processes of that system. The flow of energy through an ecosystem depends upon the diversity of organisms within it; therefore, when this flow is altered,...  [view full summary] Human modifications to communities of living organisms in an ecosystem can change the function and processes of that system. The flow of energy through an ecosystem depends upon the diversity of organisms within it; therefore, when this flow is altered, substantial biological and geological changes occur. It is important that our students not only realize that when a local ecosystem is destroyed or negatively affected by human transformations (building, agriculture, technology); the effect is eventually felt globally. We cannot ignore the fact that everything we do impacts our natural environment. The main question is, “How can we be better “keepers of the Earth”? It is our responsibility to educate our students so that they will become the informed citizens of our future—citizens who are capable of making good decisions based on fact rather than theory. The study of environmental systems should be an integral part of the science curriculum. Doesn’t it make sense to integrate this study with the study of Earth’s biomes, ecosystems, climatic conditions, alternative energy sources, ocean currents, and atmosphere? All of these concepts are intertwined and interactive, and all have a profound impact on our natural environment and our daily lives. Our students will be the driving force in addressing global environmental issues such as renewable energy policy, conservation of wetlands, agricultural restoration, or setting standards for global recycling. Therefore, they must understand that the Earth’s atmosphere, land, oceans, ice and life is a single, connected system, and learn science content that is relevant to their lives. This web guide is designed to help integrate the study of all Earth’s systems with your science curriculum. You will find facts, current research data, lesson plans, investigations, simulations, video clips, and more to help you teach your students about real-world environmental issues. [hide full abstract] Member Price: $4.95 Nonmember Price: $5.95 Grade Level: High School