A Close-Up Look at the Red Planet SciGuide Our conception of "life" on other planets, especially what life on Mars may resemble or has resembled in the past, is based upon the media. Our images have been of "little green Martians." Before we can learn and understand the complexity known as Mars,...  [view full summary] Our conception of "life" on other planets, especially what life on Mars may resemble or has resembled in the past, is based upon the media. Our images have been of "little green Martians." Before we can learn and understand the complexity known as Mars, we must first learn about Earth. Using "Earth-The Making of a Planet" by Roy Gallant and Christopher Schuberth, discovering and exploring Earth will assist us in our journey to Mars. Before searching the wide variety of web sites, we will also review the Astrobiology Goals mentioned in the Astrobiology Roadmap. See web site-http://astrobiology.arc.nasa.gov/roadmap/ With our two explorer rovers, Opportunity and Spirit, both traversing the surface of the red planet, together with the research data and pictures that we have previously received from the Viking and Pathfinder missions, we now speculate that life may exist now or has existed in the past on Mars. Scientists believe that life on Mars was/is life in the form of bacterial-type organisms, many of which are invisible to the naked eye. Come, join us in a voyage from Antarctica, at the bottom of the world, to Siberia, at the top of the world; from Baja, California to the Bahamas; and from Earth to the Meridiani Planum on Mars. The Internet will connect you and your students, using content and activities, to the study of life on earth and its relevance to the discovery of past and perhaps present life on Mars. [hide full abstract] Member Price: $4.95 Nonmember Price: $5.95 Grade Level: Middle 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

Chemical Reactions SciGuide We don’t often stop to think about it, but underlying many of our everyday activities are chemical reactions. From the cooking of an egg to the growth of a child, chemical reactions make things happen. Although many of the reactions that support our lives...  [view full summary] We don’t often stop to think about it, but underlying many of our everyday activities are chemical reactions. From the cooking of an egg to the growth of a child, chemical reactions make things happen. Although many of the reactions that support our lives are quite complex, all follow the same basic rules: matter is conserved; energy is released or absorbed; new substances form. By studying chemical reactions from the simple to the complex, scientists are able to adapt principles of chemical reactivity to developing new foods, medicines, fuels, and even consumer goods such as cleaning agents and fabrics. The investigation of new chemical reactions continues to improve our lives and increase our understanding of the world. This science guide is organized into four sections of Web resources that support curricular activities related to chemical reactions. The first section focuses on atomic rearrangements and changes in electron configurations within reacting atoms and molecules as the basis of chemical reactivity. The second supports the application of these principles to three types of chemical reactions: oxidation-reduction, acid-base, and free radical reactions. The third and fourth sections provide resources for teachers and students to delve into factors governing reaction rates and changes in energy as the result of reaction. Sites describing everyday examples of chemical reactions (such as those involved in making bread and cheese) are emphasized to help students develop an understanding of the importance and relevance of these reactions to everyday life. Sites are also included that explain some of the newer applications of chemistry, such as its uses in forensic science, medicine, materials science, and engineering. [hide full abstract] Member Price: $4.95 Nonmember Price: $5.95 Grade Level: Middle 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 and Sky: Grades 5-8 SciGuide Average User Rating: "We all live under the same big sky." Since the beginning of time, humans have been intrigued by the objects in our sky and beyond. Take a voyage into space science where you will travel through the Internet to connect your classroom with content and...  [view full summary] "We all live under the same big sky." Since the beginning of time, humans have been intrigued by the objects in our sky and beyond. Take a voyage into space science where you will travel through the Internet to connect your classroom with content and activities designed to teach concepts related to these objects and changes in the sky over time. [hide full abstract] Member Price: $4.95 Nonmember Price: $5.95 Grade Level: Middle School

Earth and Sky: Grades K-4 SciGuide "We all live under the same big sky." Since the beginning of time, humans have been intrigued by the objects in our sky and beyond. Take a voyage into space science where you will travel through the Internet to connect your classroom with content and...  [view full summary] "We all live under the same big sky." Since the beginning of time, humans have been intrigued by the objects in our sky and beyond. Take a voyage into space science where you will travel through the Internet to connect your classroom with content and activities designed to teach concepts related to these objects and changes in the sky over time. [hide full abstract] Member Price: $4.95 Nonmember Price: $5.95 Grade Level: Elementary 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

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

Energy SciGuide This SciGuide addresses forms of energy and the transformations between forms of energy. Included are general principles of energy transformation as well as specifics on the various types and forms of energy, such as kinetic energy, potential energy,...  [view full summary] This SciGuide addresses forms of energy and the transformations between forms of energy. Included are general principles of energy transformation as well as specifics on the various types and forms of energy, such as kinetic energy, potential energy, thermal energy, and heat. [hide full abstract] Member Price: $4.95 Nonmember Price: $5.95 Grade Level: Elementary School, Middle School

Energy Resources SciGuide Energy powers our planet. Find out where we get our energy and how we have developed technologies to fulfill our energy needs. Learn how our increasing demand for energy affects the environment and how we are addressing the negative effects of that demand...  [view full summary] Energy powers our planet. Find out where we get our energy and how we have developed technologies to fulfill our energy needs. Learn how our increasing demand for energy affects the environment and how we are addressing the negative effects of that demand through conservation efforts. How will we find ways to provide usable energy in the twenty-first century? Explore these subjects through looking at the energy resources available for use, the history and development of technologies that use these energy resources, and the effect on the environment when we use these resources. [hide full abstract] Member Price: $4.95 Nonmember Price: $5.95 Grade Level: High School