Posts Tagged ‘anatomy’

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The Golden Number – Phi

June 13th, 2011

Hi!  It’s Monday, June 13, 2011 and time for Math at ClickSchooling!

Recommended Website:Phi: The Golden Number

Age Range: 9 and up (with parental guidance)

This website is devoted to the exploration of Phi — an irrational number like Pi — that is the ratio of the line segments that result when a line is divided in a special way. You’ll find many demonstrations of Phi along with its history from ancient Greece and Egypt, to the Renaissance, to modern day with its appearance in quasi-crystals — a form of matter discovered in the 1980s.

When you get to the website click on the words “START HERE“  (near the top of the page under the “welcome” message) to get a basic introduction to the number and where it appears.

Then, return to the “Home” page and use the menu to see Phi demonstrated in all of these areas:

  • Mathematics – Including Means, Fibonacci Patterns, Pascal’s Triangle, and more.
  • Geometry – Look for Phi in Bucky Balls, Circles, Triangles, Orthogons, Quasi-crystals, Spirals, and more.
  • Life — Explore Phi in Human Anatomy, Animals, Plants, DNA, and Population Growth.
  • Design/Composition – Phi is in Art, Architecture, Color, Music, Poetry, Marketing, and even Credit Cards.
  • Stock Markets – See how Phi and Fibonacci numbers are used to predict stock market moves.
  • Cosmology – Phi appears in the Solar System, Universe, Quantum Matter, Quantum Time, etc.
  • Theology – See a demonstration of Phi in the Bible. Note: The creator of this website calls himself “The Phi Guy,” and in addition to mentioning his credentials, credits his Christian faith for this website’s inspiration. He allows that everyone must ponder the natural physical laws of the universe and determine for themselves if it is part of a divine plan.

This is an ad-supported website that provides a fascinating demonstration of mathematics (and particularly Phi) in all aspects of life. It is beautifully illustrated and clearly written.

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Interactive Human Anatomy Games!

June 7th, 2011

Hi!  It’s Tuesday, June 7, 2011 and time for Science at ClickSchooling!

Recommended Website:
BBC Science: Human Body & Mind

Age Range: 9 and up (approximately, with parental supervision)

The BBC offers free, interactive, drag-and-drop games that help kids (and people of all ages) learn about human anatomy. The educational content is top-notch, but as always, parents should preview the site to determine the suitability of content for their own children.

When you get to the site you’ll find a menu that includes:

*Organs – Learn the location and function of your Appendix, Bladder, Brain, Heart, Kidneys, Large Intestine, Liver, Lungs, Pancreas, Stomach, etc. 

*Muscles – Explore the muscles of the body including Facial Muscles, Skeletal muscles, Cardiac Muscles – and how they all work. 

*Skeleton – Find out the names and locations of the bones in your body including those in your arms, legs, hands, feet, chest, spine, and skull. Learn about bone growth and structure and how broken bones mend.

*Nervous System – Discover the functions of the Brain, Spinal Cord, Nerves, and Nerve Cells and how they affect balance, hearing, reflexes, sight, smell, taste, and touch.

*Puberty – See an animated demonstration of how the male and female body change during puberty. Includes information on growth spurts, body development, and reproductive organs.

Click on any one and a new page opens where you can select a diagram of the male or female body. Then, place the organs in the correct position in the body. As each organ appears on your screen, you can read about its purpose and function.

Note: A side-menu offers information on “Brain Sex” that explores the differences between the male and female brain, and a “Sleep” section with the latest research from sleep scientists. These sections are geared more for an adult audience.

The BBC website is massive and it is easy to click away from the anatomy games to other areas of interest. Again, parental supervision is (as always) advised.

 

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Science with Ladybugs!

March 8th, 2011

Hi!  It’s Tuesday, March 8 2011 and time for Science at ClickSchooling!

Recommended Website:
LadybugLady.com

Age Range: All (with parental guidance)

I saw the first Ladybug of Spring in my garden yesterday and it reminded me that a Maryland ClickScholar had recommended this website that is all about Ladybugs.  Maintained by an entomologist, this site offers free scientific information, terrific photographs, fun facts, coloring pages, and Ladybug craft ideas!

When you get to the site you’ll see a brief introduction. Use the menu on the left side of the screen to explore the site that includes:

  • Ladybug Life Cycle
  • Ladybug Anatomy
  • Ladybug Classification/Types
  • How Ladybugs Help Gardeners
  • Unusual Ladybugs

You’ll also find the answers to questions such as:

  • Why Do Ladybugs Have Spots?
  • What Do Ladybugs Eat?
  • Are Ladybugs poisonous?
  • How do Ladybugs protect themselves?
  • How did the Ladybug get its name?

You’ll also find information to use for science projects and fairs, find out how to care for a Ladybug as a temporary pet, and why they are considered a “beneficial” insect.

Enjoy!

 

Diane Flynn Keith
for ClickSchooling
http://www.ClickSchooling.com

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Virtual Field Trip to Cymbal Factory!

February 25th, 2011

Hi! It’s Friday, February 25, 2011 and time for a Virtual Field Trip at ClickSchooling!

Recommended Website:
Sabian Cymbal Factory

Age Range: All (with parental supervision)

This virtual field trip rocks! Ever wonder how cymbals are made?  At this website you can view a 7-minute video that explains how cymbals are made at the Sabian cymbal factory in Canada. 

When you get to the site, the “Quick Tour” will launch on the video screen that takes approximately 2 minutes. Directly below it, you’ll see options to view the “Full Tour” in English and German.  I recommend the Full Tour.  Just click on it and you can watch the fascinating manufacturing process. 

After watching the factory tour, click on the “Education” tab on the horizontal menu at the top of the page. You can learn about cymbal types, cymbal anatomy, cymbal finishes and more.

If you have a drummer in the family – they’re sure to appreciate this!

Enjoy!

 

Diane Flynn Keith
for ClickSchooling
http://www.ClickSchooling.com

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Online Visual Dictionary

February 16th, 2011

Hi!  It’s Wednesday, February 16, 2011 and time for Language Arts at ClickSchooling!

Recommended Website:
The Visual Dictionary

Age Range: All (with parental supervision)

This site was recommended on my Unpreschool Yahoo Groups discussion list – but it’s for learners of all ages. 

It offers a free online Visual Dictionary. It’s different from a regular dictionary. Instead of just word definitions, it provides colorful visual images that enhance the meaning of the words and concepts you explore. Concise textual definitions (in three languages) are included, but it’s secondary to the images.

When you get to the site, you’ll see an icon menu of the list of topics that are in The Visual Dictionary. I suggest you click on “List of Topics” on the menu tab because then you can see each topic area with a drop-down list of what it covers as follows:

*Vegetal Biology – See images (with text) that define and describe plant cell structure, structure of a leaf, leaf shapes, types of roots, flower germination, diagram of the stages of mitosis, fruits, vegetables, and much more. 

*Animal Biology – Learn about the structure of a bacterial cell or an amoeba or paramecium, find out about the anatomy of an earthworm, starfish, jellyfish, snake, frog, fish, shark, fly, bee, cricket, spider, bird, bat, cat, dog, deer, gorilla and more.

*Human Biology – Explore cells, muscles, skeletal system, finger nails, parts of a tooth, nervous system, eyes, ears, nasal and oral cavities, digestive system, respiratory system, human heart, reproductive system, and more.

*Music – Discover a wide variety of instruments from around the world including Europe, India, China, Africa, and South America. Get info on percussion, wind, brass, and string instruments. Learn about music notation.

*Transport – Learn all about automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, trains, boats, planes, hot air balloons, and rockets. Get details on engines, air filters, brakes, shock absorbers, tires, and more.  Explore roads and bridges.

*Clothing – Everything you ever wanted to know about clothing and accessories including info on cultural differences in styles. Check out uniforms and costumes too!
 
In addition to the visual images in this dictionary, you’ll also find some videos that promote learning.
 
This is a great reference tool. Just exploring The Visual Dictionary is sure to springboard interest in a wide variety of topics. Bookmark it to return often.

Enjoy!

 

Diane Flynn Keith
for ClickSchooling
http://www.ClickSchooling.com

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Biology for Kids

February 8th, 2011

Hi!  It’s Tuesday, February 8, 2011 and time for Science at ClickSchooling!

Recommended Website:
Biology4kids

Age Range: 9 and up (approximately, with parental supervision)

This website is part of the 4Kids series of sites (some of which have been featured on ClickSchooling previously). This one, Biology4Kids is an ad-supported site that offers engaging information, activities and resources for learning Biology.

When you get to the site, directly below the headline, you’ll find a menu of the general categories that will take you to active learning pages and quizzes that include:

*Studies – Discover the Scientific Method, Logic & Reasoning, Animal Kingdoms, Taxonomy, Species and more.

*Cell Structure & Function – Learn about Membrane Proteins, Cell Walls, Chromosomes, Mitochondria, Vacuoles and find out the meaning of Passive Transport, Active Transport, Pinocytosis, Mitosis and Meiosis.

*Plants – Explore the anatomy of a plant and learn about Photosynthesis,  Reproduction, Mosses & Liverworts, Ferns & Horsetails, and more.

*Activities – Take quizzes to see what you’ve learned, and watch informative slide shows and videos.

*More Topics – This section contains a menu of everything available on the site as described above, plus information about:

  • Microorganisms – Check out microscopic images of Viruses, Bacteria, Fungi, Lichen, Microbes and more.
  • Invertebrates – Get an overview of spineless critters such as Sponges, Starfish, Jellyfish, Round Worms, Insects, Spiders, Scorpions and more.
  • Vertebrates – Learn about Fish, Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds, and Mammals.
  • Animal Systems – Explore the Skeletal, Muscular, Circulatory, Respiratory, Digestive, Reproduction, and Nervous systems.

In each section of this website you’ll find information, illustrations, and diagrams along with quizzes, slideshows and videos to enhance learning.

If it’s all a little confusing, simply follow the “On Site Tour” by clicking on the button near the bottom of each page.  It will take you through all of the material on the site in a prescribed order.

While most of the links on this site work, I did run across a few that didn’t work. However, by clicking around a bit I could find my way to the page that the link referenced. 

IMPORTANT: It is very easy to mistakenly click on random Google Ads that are sprinkled throughout the text/pages on the site and wind up off site. It happened to me a couple of times. Therefore, AS ALWAYS, parents must preview and supervise use of the site at all times.

Enjoy!

 

Diane Flynn Keith
for ClickSchooling
http://www.ClickSchooling.com

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