Archive for the ‘science’ category

Zookeeper Training for Kids!

May 15th, 2012

Hi! It’s Tuesday, May 15, 2012 and time for Science at ClickSchooling!

Recommended Website:
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo: Zoo Keeper Training

Age Range: 9 and up (very young children and non-readers may enjoy with parental assistance)

A Maryland ClickScholar suggested this fun interactive game, sponsored by the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado, where you can learn what it takes to become a zookeeper.

When you get to the site, you must fill out an employment application and then begin training in the Zoo Keeper program. Learn about different animals, find out how to take care of them, prepare the animals’ diets, and pass the quizzes to become an “Honorary Keeper Supervisor.”  Use the Zoo Keeper Handbook to help you win the game!

Some of the animals in your  virtual care will be:

  • Reticulated Giraffe
  • Colobus Monkeys
  • Nile Hippos
  • Komodo Dragon
  • Penguins
  • Mexican Gray Wolves
  • Grizzly Bear
  • Bald Eagle
  • Western Hognose Snake

As you play this fun game, you’ll learn all about animal safety, diet, enrichment and training.

 

Free Science Videos to Blow Your Kid’s Mind!

May 1st, 2012

Hi!  It’s Tuesday, May 1, 2012 and time for Science at ClickSchooling!

Recommended Website:
How Stuff Works Videos: Stuff to Blow Your Kid’s Mind
 
ClickScholar Cie suggested this website where the geniuses at HowStuffWorks.com offer a free science video series titled, “Stuff to Blow Your Kid’s Mind.” The videos are as entertaining as they are educational and cover a variety of science topics.  All of the videos are prefaced with an advertisement, so parents (as always) must supervise Internet use.

When you get to the site a video advertisement will launch automatically followed by the featured science presentation.  Scroll down the page (below the screen) to see all of the video titles available including:

  • Atmospheric Pressure
  • Gravity
  • Magnets
  • Monsters
  • Rainbows
  • Salt
  • Scale
  • Solar Power
  • Static Electricity
  • Volcanoes

The videos are about 4-6 minutes in length and include explanations of the science behind the experiments that are performed, along with interesting facts and trivia.

 

Free Virtual Homeschool Science Class & More!

April 17th, 2012

Hi!  It’s Tuesday, April 17, 2012 and time for Science at ClickSchooling!

Recommended Website:
SuperchargedScience.com

Age Range: 8-14 (approximately, with parental supervision)

ClickScholar Katrina Cannon suggested this website that offers a FREE, live Science Tele-Class on April 24th in which you and your kids can learn about energy and motion by building roller coasters and catapults! 

The step-by-step class is taught by former NASA rocket scientist, Aurora Lipper.

When you get to the site you must enter your email address to register for the class.

A new screen opens that explains that in addition to the Science Tele-Class, you can get a free copy of Aurora’s Science Activity Video Series and Workbook (valued at $30) if you invite 3 friends to join the free teleclasss. This is optional and you can participate or simply click on “Skip this…” at the bottom of the page.

If you skip that option, a new page opens where you’ll find details on the day and time of the call and an explanation of how the Teleclass works along with a list of materials you’ll need for the class.

This free class is designed to be a sample of the full “Supercharged Science” series that you can purchase at the website.  But you don’t have to purchase a thing to enjoy the Science Teleclass on April 24th.

Bonus:  If you go the home page you can learn how to get a free Homeschool Science Guide with over 30 experiments plus a subscription to The Science Newsletter, and access to Science Fair project resources.

 

Make Cool Science Toys!

March 13th, 2012

Hi! Its’ Tuesday, March 13, 2012 and time for Science at ClickSchooling!

Recommended Website:
ScienceToyMaker.org

Age Range: All (with parental supervision)

This non-commercial site is for people of all ages who like hands-on, do-it-yourself science toys that teach scientific concepts and investigation. These low-cost science toy projects come with step-by-step video directions, text explanations, and illustrations. Plus they were all created by science teachers!

When you get to the site you’ll see a brief introduction and some featured science projects from easy to advanced. Click on any one to get complete instructions to make a variety of science toys including:

  • Vortex, Whirlpool, Tornado, or Dust Devil
  • Spinning Top
  • Rubber Band Ball
  • Periscope
  • Overhead Water Rocket Launcher
  • Robot Hands
  • Rubber-Band-Powered Airplanes
  • Lie Detector
  • Giant Water Prism

You’ll also find links to other great science sites with more fun projects and activities.

 

Design Your Own Space Station & More!

March 6th, 2012

Hi!  It’s Tuesday, March 6, 2012 and time for Science at Clickschooling!
 
Recommended Website:
Cosmic Quest

Age Range: 7-13 (approximately, with parental supervision)

A Maryland ClickScholar recommended this website, sponsored by The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, that offers a free “Field Guide to the Universe” and an interactive game that allows kids to try their hand at building and maintaining a space station for astronauts.

When you get to the website, place your cursor over the image of the book or the astronaut to access:

*Field Guide To The Universe – Get information on the Solar System, learn about various space craft, discover astronomers in ancient times, medieval times, the age of enlightenment, and today!

*Living In Space: Interactive Game – Answer questions correctly to try and earn the rank of “Mission Commander.” You’ll learn the answers to:

  • What’s the best air (gas mixture) to breathe in space?
  • How much water should you bring to drink?
  • What combination of protein, carbs, calories and fat should the food you bring contain?
  • What kind of space toilet will you need?
  • What’s the best power source to use?
  • How will you bathe in space?
  • How many oxygen-producing plants will you need?

At the end of the game you can print out a certificate of completion.

This is a terrific, multi-media resource for introducing kids to space science!

 

Science with Manatee Cams & Curriculum!

February 21st, 2012

Hi!  It’s Tuesday, February 21, 2012 and time for Science at ClickSchooling!

Recommended Website:
Save The Manatee

Age Range: All (with parental supervision)

This website is sponsored by the non-profit “Save the Manatee Club” established by singer/songwriter Jimmy Buffet, and Bob Graham, a former U.S. senator and governor of Florida. It provides terrific, multi-media educational information on recovery and protection of the endangered marine mammals and their aquatic ecosystems throughout the world.

When you get to the site, you’ll find a welcome message with “Helpful Hints” on how to view it. Use the menu on the right side of the page to explore:

  • Manatee Facts, Myths, & FAQs
  • Manatee Population, Migration, Rescue & Rehabilitation
  • Manatee Birth and Reproduction
  • Anatomy of the Florida Manatee
  • Links to Other Manatee Sites

IMPORTANT! Don’t miss “Education Materials for Teachers and Students” on the menu where you’ll find:

  • Manatee Video & Sounds
  • Manatee PowerPoint Slide Show
  • Manatee Book List
  • Action Kids – Get involved to save the Manatee!
  • Manatee Web Cams – Watch live streaming of Manatees!
  • Free Manatee Coloring & Activity Book (pdf)

To further the learning, check out the University of Florida’s 3rd Grade Manatee Curriculum with 18 free, downloadable lessons. (A big THANK YOU to ClickScholar Fran Wisniewski for this recommendation.)