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Great Sites for Teaching About ...Technology and Science

Each week, Education World's Great Sites for Teaching About ... page highlights Web sites to help educators work timely themes into their lessons. This week's sites are among the best on the Web for teaching about technology and science.


  1. Closed Circuit
    http://ykd.headbone.com/dots
    The Headbone Derby folks present this online simulation in which you hard-wire a virtual circuit board to help catch a villain before he catches you! The games require students to estimate and problem-solve as they receive responses from their opponent. You can compete against the computer or a friend. This micro-strategy game is fun to play over and over again!

  2. How Stuff Works
    http://www.howstuffworks.com
    If you have ever thought to yourself, "I wonder how that works?" then this is the site for you! Topics range from toilets to cruise missiles to Boolean logic to "How the World Works," the "complete guide to how the world really works, specially designed for teenagers who want to understand the world and be successful!" In fact, it is hard to imagine a topic that is not here. Hang on to this URL. Whether you are a parent, a teacher, or just chronically curious, you will definitely go back to this site!

  3. Nerds 2.0.1: A Brief History of the Internet
    http://www.pbs.org/opb/nerds2.0.1
    Robert X. Cringely, PBS Online's technology columnist, provides this light-hearted look at the history of the Internet. Whether you are a nerd, a suit, or a technophobe, you are sure to learn something new at this fact-filled site. If you are a newbie who still thinks protocol refers to the seating at a state dinner, the Glossary of Geek will bring you up to speed on techno-jargon. Pay attention! There will be a quiz!

  4. NASA's Learning Technologies Project
    http://learn.ivv.nasa.gov
    NASA developed this project to promote public access to scientific databases, develop new applications, pilot programs for using scientific data, and create new curriculum products and tools for K-12.

  5. Tales of the Encrypted
    http://library.thinkquest.org/28005/flashed
    This terrific presentation on cryptography, the science of encoding information, includes sections on the history, uses, and future of the encoding process. Students will be fascinated to learn what codes have to do with computers, and they will particularly enjoy a visit to The Lab, where they can try to decode some secret messages.

  6. The American Experience
    http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/technology
    PBS produced this program, which offers three segments on the development of the telephone, the television and the subway. Using Web technology, the viewer can enjoy multimedia clips and engaging text to experience the wonder of each of those inventions in their time period. Plain text versions are also available.

  7. Size Matters
    http://www.discovery.com/stories/technology/
    nanotech/nanotech.html

    Did you know the smallest guitar in the world is only 10 microns long -- about the size of a blood cell? This fascinating treatment of nanotechnology, the science of building extremely small products, introduces visitors to the people working in the field, the tools they use, and the future possibilities of the advancements they are making. The up-close and personal look at examples of natural and fabricated materials is amazing.

    USC: The Ultimate Computer Source
    http://library.thinkquest.org/25018
    So you've tried the rest? Now come to the best! The UCS offers extensive coverage on all topics digital, from the history of computers to programming tutorials. The How Does It Work? section is especially useful for teachers trying to meet state technology standards with their students. The terminology and corresponding definitions are great for upper elementary and middle school students.

Walter McKenzie
Education World®
Copyright © 2000 Education World

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05/01/2000