Archive · August 1999
A weekday digest of things worth looking at, written for students and teachers.
Visit ancient Alexandria, Cordoba at A.D. 1000, and contemporary New York, in this amazing three-city tour. Hear from experts, and compare cultural and historical changes such as the shift from papyrus scrolls to books to computers.#
Used for over 40,000 years by the aboriginal peoples of Australia, this trumpet-like instrument can be easily made in your home.#
If you thought that all school mascots were Rams, Mustangs, or Pirates, think again. Some schools name their mascots after local animals (Lambkins), industries (Cornjerkers), or town names (the Dots of Poca, WV).#
Historians disagree on the seven archeological wonders left by ancient civilizations, but most agree that only one, the Great Pyramid of Giza, still stands. Find out which didn't make the preferred list.#
Southeast Asia is home to Borneo, the third largest island in the world, and many other island groups or "archipelagoes" such as the 5-country conglomerate known as the Malay Archipelago.#
Every night while you sleep, your brain takes a mini-vacation, using the rest and relaxation to sort out information, replenish chemicals, and solve problems so you're set to start when the alarm sounds.#
This set of six challenging games focuses on different aspects of geography, teaching landmark location, plant and animal habitats, ocean facts, and the Earth's layers. Enjoy these games and submit your own questions for future ones.#
Many students are exposed to geography only during history units or in foreign language classes. Use this collection of exciting activities to teach these five main geography themes: location, place, human/environment interaction, movement, and regions.#
As people worldwide count down the days to the eclipse, the moon runs its regular rotation, one that will soon bring it into position to block the brightness of the sun and turn the day dark.#
So big that it contains almost 98% of the solar system's total mass, the sun can hold over 1.3 million Earths inside itself and can fit 109 Earths across its disk.#
Read tips from a professional photographer on how to adjust your camera settings to best capture the eclipsing sun. Then make your eclipse photographs vibrant using Photoshop.#
For more than 40,000 years the Australian Aborigines have sung songs and told stories about the mysteries of sun, moon, and stars. Learn what folklore on the heavens tells us about the world's many cultures.#
Using Wednesday's solar eclipse as a cornerstone, teach a unit about this flaming hot gas ball. To get started, check out these solar facts and images, games and activities, and other lesson plan ideas, all categorized by age group.#
Nervous about your first day of teaching? Don't be. Follow the advice of others who were in your shoes just one year ago, and you might just find your first year can be fun.#
Solar eclipses are fascinating because the moon reveals more of the sun's corona than scientists typically can see with devices. However, this morning's eclipse is also historical as it is the last to occur this century.#
Depending upon what planet you visit, you'd be a different age because the 24-hour day and 365-day year exist only on Earth. Find out your age on Neptune and then weigh yourself on Venus.#
Millions of microbes mill about on your hands. Roll up your sleeves, wash your hands, and try some of Sam's amazing microbe-tracking experiments.#
More and more, sociologists are beginning to believe that everyone is born with the desire to do good. However, not everyone expresses it equally. If you want to adapt your behavior to be more altruistic, try adopting these traits.#
In the 1500s, mail wasn't something you read, it was something you wore. Made of thousands of steel rings linked together, suits of mail protected knights against enemy blows because swords could not cut through the woven metal.#
As the history of art photography comes into focus, hear a critique from a curator of the National Museum of American Art. Add your comments on any photograph that intrigues you to the museum's "personal point of view" database.#
Examine the inner workings of a smoke detector up close, and learn why every floor of your house should have one. Remember, don't touch a smoke detector without the supervision of a grown-up.#
Students can warm up to their new classmates by describing their favorite activities or objects. Mad-libs, scavenger hunts, and time capsules are also great ways to keep control of the class on the first day of the fall semester.#
The heart may just be the most vital of our organs as it controls the body's circulatory system and monitors the respiratory and excretory systems. Pump up your lesson plans with a discussion of the heart and its health.#
Although he didn't use the first artificial heart until 1985, Dr. Robert K. Jarvik developed the model in the late 1970s. Called the Jarvik-7, the artificial heart helped patient Michael Drummond live without a real heart for a week until he received a full transplant.#
As so many inventions and inventors affect our daily lives, it is hard to choose favorites. Read reports on some important scientists and discoveries and then test your new knowledge.#
To sink to the bottom of the sea, you'll need to learn basic scuba skills. Only when you're scuba-certified can you start your explorations of aquatic environments.#
Marine biologists are studying unusual aquatic plants and animals in fascinating ways. After you visit the Dry Tortugas region with the Sustainable Seas Expedition, read about aquanauts setting up camp in other marine sanctuaries.#
At 17, Vanessa Atler aspires to be the next Mary Lou Retton. Chris Ahrens hopes to win the rowing gold medal. Marion Jones dreams of capturing a record four track and field golds. Follow each sport's contenders as they aim for Australia.#
Despite the tumultuous decade through which Lyndon Johnson had to lead the country, he helped pass legislation for minorities, the elderly, and the poor. Read his bio, visit his library, and research the other 41 U.S. presidents.#
The biggest volcano on Mars is also the biggest one in the solar system. If Olympus Mons were on Earth, it would be three times wider than the state of Arizona.#
As you travel across this unexplored land, you'll need to make tough decisions about supplies, safety, and skirmishes with Native American tribes. Can you make the choices that bring you back home successfully four years later?#
In 1803, President Thomas Jefferson told Lewis to gather a group and go West in search of information. As Jefferson's letter to Lewis reveals, there was no doubt that the journey would be a dangerous one.#
According to some scientists, the belief that life exists only on Earth may be shortsighted. In fact, scientists are probing outer space and the sea for signs of new beings, and for answers to old questions about human life.#
Mars is the Roman name for the Greek god, Ares. The god of war, Ares was easy to anger and always looking for a good fight.#
To relocate people from Earth to Mars, you'd need a high-powered space shuttle with enough fuel to carry the load. What types of energy sources could you use to send your spaceship to Mars?#
Temperatures on Mars can fall as low as -225°F. But, even when the mercury tops off at moderate temperatures like 75°F, you'd burn because there is no ozone lay to protect your skin.#
Famous for the inventions of his youth, Edison remained diligent in his quest for new discoveries. But family obligations, new technologies, and a new laboratory muddled the inventor's magic in later years.#
Louis Braille created the system known as braille from a military code known as "night writing" that proved too complex for soldiers. Louis Braille simplified the code, turning it into a language for the blind that is now used in almost every country in the world.#
Distance learning provides great opportunities for teachers to learn new skills or refresh their materials. Check on accreditation, instructor credentials, and credit transferability before enrolling.#
Beulah Henry received her first patent for the ice cream freezer in 1912, when she was only 25. For the rest of her life, she continued to invent new devices, such as snap-on umbrella covers and educational toys.#
Elisha Graves Otis changed the future of living and working space by inventing the elevator brake, which made it possible to build high-rise apartment and office buildings. Learn about other groundbrakeing inventions in the National Inventors Hall of Fame.#
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