TOPS Learning Systems

TOPS learning systems has a series of 48 workbooks for all variety of math and science topics.  Their premise is to have kids doing hands-on science and math activities using simple materials. 

I have a copy* of Scale the Universe (#44) and I really enjoy all of the printable, ready-to-use pages.  I can attest to the use of very simple, common materials.  There's some fun stuff in there. 

Even if you're not interested in purchasing the books, I would recommend checking out the website.  There is a free sample lab available for each of the book titles - that's 48 FREE LABS!  Look through the available labs and see if there's anything there you might use in your classroom!

*I was given my copy free, while attending a workshop. 

Favorite Website: The Science House

The Science House is a program by NC State University, to help K-12 teachers with hands-on math and science learning. 

You could spend a lot of time exploring the whole site (and I recommend that you do), but I'll point you in the direction of a few of my favorites...

I'd head to the investigate page first, as it'll take you to lists of inquiry activities you can do with your students. 

I've spent the most time in the Countertop Chemistry section, in fact, that's how I first came across The Science House.  I have found this Commercial Equivalent of Chemicals to be handy. 

Spend some time exploring and see what you can bring to your classroom!

Favorite Website: The Sci Files

NASA had a program called the problem-based learning series called the Sci Files.  Apparently, back in the early-to-mid 2000s, there were episodes that were aired on cable access stations and some PBS stations.  You can find some available online as well.

I'll admit that I don't know anything about the episodes.  (Which is no doubt leading you to wonder what I'm doing talking about this).

What I do know is that regardless of whether or not you use the episodes, there are some great activities that accompany (but don't require) the episodes available for you to use with your class.  You can find them in a couple of ways...

...if you go to the episode & guides section, you can print out the complete guide for each Sci File. 

...or you can go to the educator's section of the old(er) website and find individual activities and worksheets. 

Some of the 20+ Sci File titles include:
--The Case of the Wacky Water Cycle
--The Case of the Shaky Quake
--The Case of the Disappearing Dirt
--The Case of the Prize Winning Plants

I printed out complete guides of the Sci Files I was most interested in (and thought I would get the most use out of), because the site hasn't been updated since 2007.  It's still there for now, and maybe it will be forever, but it's something to keep in mind. 

Favorite Website: Daryl Science

Several years ago, I had the opportunity to attend a workshop on science demonstrations presented by physics teacher, Daryl Taylor. He's full of energy, ideas and life. There's a lot to sort through on his website, but there are some gems are to be found. To get to his list of demos, click on Professional Stuff, then Science Teacher Demos. They're organized by branch of science.

The demos on Daryl's site are geared to high school students (some very advanced high school students at that), but don't let that stop you from checking things out. There are always ideas that are applicable across the ages, and others that can be adapted to meet your needs. Sometimes you just need to see what someone else has come up with to get your own creative juices flowing!

Favorite Website: Science-Class.net

Lots of good stuff to be found on this website. You'll likely find some links to this site in some of my posts, sharing how I've implemented some of her ideas. But, I don't want to hold out on you, so check out the site yourself to find a whole cache of good stuff.

Favorite Website: Access Excellence

There's another great collection of life science activities found at Access Exellence. I have spent most of my time going through the Fellows Collection (1994, 1995, 1996), but the rest of the site is worth looking at as well. As with all my favorites, some individual activities will be featured in their own posts.

The activities found in this section of the website have been submitted by high school teachers participating in the Access Excellence program. As such, the activities were designed for high school students. However, many of these activities are very easily adaptable (or usable as is) for lower grade students.

Favorite Website: Middle School Science

Get your printers loaded and ready to go... Middle School Science is another great website loaded with labs, lessons, and activities all ready for you to print out and take into your classroom. To find the goodies, click on the appropriate branch of science at the top of the home page (maybe it's just me, but every time I stop by the site, I start looking for them in the list in the left-hand margin and can't find them. Good reason... they're not there! They're at the top. If my head wasn't screwed on tight...).

Bonus... this year, she started a blog to go with her website. I haven't yet worked my way through the archives, but I will in the very near future. And will be subscribing to the feed as well.

National Science Teachers Association

If you're teaching science, consider membership in the National Science Teachers Association. Along with membership comes a subscription to a great journal. Membership is a bit pricey if you're paying out of pocket... Even if membership isn't in the works for you, check out the website for some interesting articles and check out the store - lots of great book titles there. You can always check and see if your local library can get you any of the titles you're interested in.

Favorite Website: Sciencespot.net

If I could pick only one website in the whole worldwide web to use as a science resource, this is it!!! Tracy Trimpe as created and assembled the most fantastic collection of science activities I've encountered. If you're anything like me, after perusing the site, you'll find yourself reinvigorated and excited to head back into your classroom armed with a brand new repertoire of science activities. And all the paperwork is ready for you to print out and go.

You'll find me highlighting several of the Sciencespot activities in their own individual posts, and sharing my experiences with them. But, don't let that stop you from heading over there RIGHT NOW! (And make sure your printer is fully stocked with paper and ink - once you start, you'll be printing out activities left and right!)