Our Northern Neighbors
Get to know the Inuit, the Chukchi and other indigenous peoples of the Arctic through NASA's North Pole Project and the resources at 21st Century Teacher's Network.
Subject
Science
Science is the part of the site the name has always pointed at. Copernicus moved the Earth out of the centre of the universe by paying closer attention than anyone else to something everybody could already see.
That is still the useful lesson. Most scientific progress is not a sudden flash of insight, it is somebody looking carefully at ordinary evidence and refusing to accept the standard explanation for it. The archive below is full of that pattern: volcanoes, embryos, eclipses, the ocean floor, the surface of Mars.
What sits under science
Astronomy and space, the biological sciences, chemistry, earth sciences, environmental science, physics, engineering, and the history and philosophy of science. Those were the sub-topics the original Quick Facts directory used, and they still divide the field sensibly.
Where to start if you are teaching it
Start with something observable. The strongest entries in this archive are the ones anchored to a thing a student can actually watch happen — a solar eclipse, an erupting volcano, a tide going out. Abstraction lands better once it has something concrete to explain.
104 entries from the archive
May 1999
Go on an Adventure with Lilo
Follow Lilo, a little green sea turtle, as he takes you on a trip to discover the beauty and dangers of the ocean. Don't forget to test your ocean knowledge with Lilo's activities and games.
It's National Space Day!
Launch into this Web site and take off on Mission: Fun where you can play a game of Brain Warp or spend your time surfin' among the planets. There is also plenty of stuff for teachers to do at this site, too!
Prime Real Estate for a Space Base?
Researchers think they have located the perfect spot for a space station -- the Moon's South Pole. Researchers explain that the South Pole is ideal because the sun lights it almost constantly.
Face Down a Volcano
Read all about one of the most awesome powers of nature known to man: the volcano. View video footage of an eruption -- and don't forget to explore volcanoes on other planets.
Counting the Stars: Math, Arts and Space Science
Time to get ready for the Mars Millennium Project. Next Tuesday at 8p.m. EST there will be a live Web cast to discuss the integration of the Mars Millennium Project into your classroom curriculum.
All Colleges Are Not Created Equal
This handy resource contains an index of schools and a search engine to help you find your perfect college. Or, visit the Q&A section for issues you should consider when shopping for colleges.
The Physics of Fun
Learn about the physics of popular amusement park rides like bumper cars and roller coasters -- and why amusement park rides are said to be safer than riding a bike.
Liberty Bell Bulletin
Read about the latest developments in the deep-sea rescue of this 38-year-old sunken space module -- and find out about its proposed new home.
Underwater Adventure
Explore the wonders of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, including an undersea canyon and numerous sea creatures that call the bay home.
Meet Queen Bess the Barnstormer
What were planes like in the olden days? Even before your parents were born? Find out how a toy helicopter helped the Wright brothers fly, why air mail had the nickname scare mail and meet a modern day barnstormer.
The Silver Screen
Do you love movies? Read memorable movie quotes, test your knowledge of movie trivia or post your thoughts about Star Wars on the Star Wars bulletin board.
Stare Face to Face with Animals
Go on a virtual tour of the Smithsonian Institution's animal photo library and see pictures of fascinating animals like polar bears and tiger swallow butterflies.
Dino-rama in Your Own Backyard!
Learn cool stuff about dinosaurs that might have roamed through your backyard millions of years ago. You can also get the latest dino news, study dinosaur anatomy or make your own dino pictures.
Be a NASA Kid!
Want to reach the stars? At the NASA Kids site, you're virtually there. Learn about the space shuttle and the astronauts who fly it. And before you go, hop on the space scales to see how much you weigh on another planet.
July 1999
Quick Facts
July 1, 1999
Can you tell a human embryo from a dog embryo? Probably not since all vertebrate embryos look nearly identical. Do you know how to spot an oncoming storm? Just watch the clouds for clues.
After the Bell
July 2, 1999
Each year, Americans and American businesses produce over 200 million tons of garbage, much of which is recyclable. Discover what you can do locally to make an environmental impact throughout the world.
Hot News
July 8, 1999
As the World Wide Web swells, search engines are lagging behind -- indexing a decreasing amount of sites and taking longer to list new sites -- which means that even the most comprehensive search engine covers only one-sixth of the pages on the Web.
After the Bell
July 8, 1999
Though school's out, continue your child's education "after the bell." Read movie and music reviews, conduct science experiments from home, or even plan your entire family vacation online using our featured family resources.
Quick Facts
July 12, 1999
How fast can a shark swim? Up to 60 miles an hour. Where was Leonardo da Vinci born? In Vinci, Italy, of course.
Hot News
July 15, 1999
NASA officials deny that their new project, Deep Impact, is named after last year's movie, but the plan to explore the inside of a comet by smashing it and then studying the left-over debris sounds like science-fiction fantasy.
Hot News
July 16, 1999
Eileen Collins, the first female spacecraft pilot, will soon make history again as the first woman to command a space mission when she takes control of the Columbia space shuttle mission scheduled to begin Tuesday.
Hot News
July 20, 1999
With just 6.5 seconds remaining in the countdown, NASA engineers aborted the space shuttle Columbia's launch yesterday because of an abnormally high and potentially dangerous concentration of hydrogen gas in the engine compartment.
Hot News
July 26, 1999
According to NASA officials, the Columbia space shuttle fell 7 miles short of reaching its intended orbit because of a hydrogen fuel leak in the main engine which, if more serious, could have forced an unprecedented emergency landing.
Quick Facts
July 28, 1999
How many dimensions does a hologram have? 3. For what model is the astronomer Copernicus famous? The heliocentric model of the universe.
Hot News
July 30, 1999
Next week, NASA researchers will go full speed ahead, literally, with their plan to search for water on the moon by smashing a crater with a spacecraft traveling 3,800 mph in the hopes of releasing water vapor from ice locked in the frozen soil.
July 1999
Ahoy, matey!
Lost in the ocean for decades, treasures found in sunken pirate ships expose new information about pirate exploits of the past.
Viking Voyage
Step back one millennium as a stowaway on board the Snorri Viking ship and read day-by-day accounts of trouble and triumph on the high seas.
Wild for Wildlife
As the year 2000 approaches, we must all pitch in to help preserve the earth and protect its plants and animals. Follow Antonia Ant as she introduces you to your own Wild Housemates. Then, tour an ecosystem, create an Animal Mad Lib, and more.
Origins of a Jedi Journey
Even Star Wars: The Phantom Menace doesn't reveal all there is to know about the genesis of this intergalactic saga. At the root of this space story is a myth millions of years in the making.
Lightening Bug Bulbs?
You'll never have to change the bulb or replace a battery in fireflies. They release excess energy as light after completing a chemical reaction in their cells.
Up, Up and Away
In 1903, the Wright Brothers flew the first powered aircraft 100 feet. Just 66 years later, Apollo 11 landed on the moon. Follow the history of flight and discover the secret message one astronaut left inside the spacecraft Columbia.
Power to the People
Ever wonder where energy comes from? We use many different forms of energy to make electricity for your house or gas for your car. Discover which types we use most and then learn how you can help conserve the planet's resources.
Starry, Starry Night
The night sky is filled with celestial bodies, only some of which are visible from Earth. If you ever wondered what you're looking at when you stargaze, maybe a sky map would help. In fact, this month you may be able to see Mars!
Shark alert!
In a tank teeming with predators from the tropical Pacific, it's a good thing you can watch from a safe distance. Check out sharks, and other wild animals, with hidden cameras.
Ocean Planet
Although most of the earth's surface is water, scientists used to know little about the sea. But recent technology has revealed new marine life, and researchers are discovering the extent to which humans affect the oceans.
What's the word on whales?
When you're studying sea animals as super-sized as a 9-story building, there's a lot to learn. Study hard and you won't get stumped by these whale word puzzles.
August 1999
After the Bell
August 2, 1999
Though school's out, continue your child's education "after the bell." Read movie and music reviews, conduct science experiments from home, or even plan your entire family vacation online using our featured family resources.
Hot News
August 11, 1999
Though many eclipse chasers across Northern Europe had an obscured view, millions strained to see the solar eclipse, some going to such extreme lengths as boarding the Concorde airplane to get above the heavy clouds for a clear view.
Hot News
August 17, 1999
People in western Turkey's largest cities are trying to recover from a devastating earthquake that injured more than 2,500 citizens, collapsed buildings, and shut off telephone and electric service Monday night.
Hot News
August 23, 1999
Outscoring other major metropolitan areas, Seattle ranked top of the class earning an A+ in the 1999 Kid-Friendly Cities Report Card, which will be released nationally on Tuesday.
Quick Facts
August 26, 1999
What are the six building blocks of your body? Protein, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, fiber, and vitamins. Answer questions like these and more using our online reference library of dictionaries, encyclopedias, thesauri, and search engines in Quick Facts.
Hot News
August 26, 1999
Forecasts for an above-average number of hurricanes this season have sent researchers hunting for answers about why low-grade hurricanes intensify into strong storms just before reaching land.
Hot News
August 27, 1999
To study climatic changes in the planet's history, NASA will set down its Mars Polar Lander on a frozen ice plane about 500 miles from the south pole of Mars.
August 1999
Artichokes 14, Fighting Okra 7
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).
The Geo-Globe Knows
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.
Worldwide Exposure
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.
Waiting for the Dark
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.
Sizing up the Sun
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.
Solar Legends
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.
Great Ball of Fire
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.
Two Minutes of History
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.
Your Years on Neptune
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.
Microbe Mystery
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.
Spotlight on Inventors
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.
Preparing for the Plunge
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.
Attack of the Giant Sea Star
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.
Happy Birthday, LBJ
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.
A Volcano Fit for a Martian
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.
Presidential Orders
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.
Life on Other Planets?
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.
Outer Space Commute
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?
Forecast: Wild Weather on 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.
The Sky's the Limit
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.
September 1999
After the Bell
September 1, 1999
Though school's out, continue your child's education "after the bell." Read movie and music reviews, conduct science experiments from home, or even plan your entire family vacation online using our featured family resources.
Hot News
September 8, 1999
Just weeks after a devastating earthquake hit Turkey, a powerful earthquake rocked nearby Athens, Greece on Tuesday.
Hot News
September 17, 1999
While residents of the coastal Southeast were trying hard to get out of the path of Hurricane Floyd Thursday, one USA TODAY reporter was trying even harder to get into the path of the monster storm, aboard a special hurricane research plane.
Hot News
September 21, 1999
Many of Taiwan's 22 million people were rocked out of their sleep last night when a massive earthquake of 7.6 magnitude (about the same force as last month's quake in Turkey) hit the country, leaving over one thousand people dead and even more injured.
Hot News
September 23, 1999
NASA engineers have lost contact today with the Mars Climate Orbiter, a satellite headed to Mars to search for water. The probe should have re-established radio contact with the U.S. early this morning, but has failed to reconnect.
Hot News
September 28, 1999
Chicago's plans to erect a 108-story building could help it reclaim the title of the city with the tallest building in the world, which its Sears Tower lost to Malaysia by 33 feet in 1996.
October 1999
Quick Facts
October 1, 1999
What are the six building blocks of your body? Protein, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, fiber, and vitamins. Answer questions like these and more using our online reference library of dictionaries, encyclopedias, thesauri, and search engines in Quick Facts.
After the Bell
October 1, 1999
Though school's out, continue your child's education "after the bell." Read movie and music reviews, conduct science experiments from home, or even plan your entire family vacation online using our featured family resources.
Hot News
October 22, 1999
Celera Genomics announced that it decoded one-third of all human genes in only one month, an accomplishment that should ultimately help researchers discover the secrets behind diseases and aging. Click here for the full story.
Hot News
October 25, 1999
A perfectly preserved adult wooly mammoth in Siberia is getting worldwide attention from researchers who want to extract tiny DNA from the giant 11-foot tall animal for use in cloning experiments. Click here for the full story.
Hot News
October 28, 1999
Baseball season ended joyously for New York Yankees' fans who watched their team beat the Atlanta Braves last night to seal up a four-game sweep of the World Series, the second championship title for the Yanks in a row. Click here for the full story.
October 1999
Terrible Tremors
Once seismic waves are recorded, scientists can predict how destructive the earthquake might be by measuring it against the Richter Scale. Teach your kids proper safety drills to allay their fears in the event of an earthquake.
Peace, Love, and Understanding
Learn more about attachment parenting through informative articles. Ask your questions directly to the experts. Still not convinced? Check out the research and hear from other parents.
What It Takes to Teach
According to 1998 Teacher of the Year Philip Bigler, excellent educators do more than lead lessons and grade papers. Superstar teachers also act as compassionate and enthusiastic mentors who "believe in their students and love their work."
Super-stuffed Superairbus
Planes that are not super-sized next century may enjoy other improvements, such as more electronic gadgets for passengers. Travelers' toys may include outlets for laptop computers, individual TV sets, and choices of seat-side movies.
Quadrant Navigation
Using the quadrant you make with heavy paper, a yardstick, a small weight, and some string, you can measure the height of a building, a rocket's flight, or the distance of the moon from the horizon.
Lots More Shaking Going On?
There has been no increase in the number of earthquakes over the years. However, our understanding of earthquake causes has increased. For instance, we no longer blame quakes on the movements of beasts like giant hogs, turtles, or elephants.
Xcellent Xpeditions
Every other week, National Geographic presents new Family Xpeditions, entertaining geography activities for parents and children to enjoy together. Check out their latest Xpedition, or search their archive of previous adventures.
Bat Attack!
The large fruit bat (or Pteropus vampyrus) can reach a wingspan of over six feet. Our Adventure Team will probably be ok, though. Despite their scary scientific name, these bats eat only insects and fruits.
November 1999
Hot News
November 2, 1999
Former Chicago Bears football superstar Walter Payton died yesterday, leaving behind a legacy of MVP awards, NFL honors, and even a Super Bowl title. Click here for the full story.
Hot News
November 3, 1999
When researchers found this 5-foot long fossil, they thought it was part of a petrified tree. However, it turned out to be a vertebrate from the largest dinosaur found to date, the Sauroposeidon, whose neck extended 40 feet from its shoulders. Click here for the full story.
Hot News
November 5, 1999
After ten years in space, the Hubble Telescope continues to change the way we look at the universe by capturing eye-opening pictures of black holes, new stars, and other never-before-seen sights. Click here for the full story.
Hot News
November 17, 1999
Stargazers are in for a treat tonight when, astronomers say, the Leonid meteor shower will peak and could produce the best show for decades to come. Click here for the full story. Stay informed of current events in the U.S. and around the world with Hot News.
Hot News
November 30, 1999
Astronomers have discovered six new planets outside the solar system. Five of the planets are located in the habitable zone, an area where liquid water can exist. Click here for the full story. Stay informed of current events in the U.S. and around the world with Hot News.
November 1999
What's for Lunch?
You don't have to like insects so much you want to eat them, though in Algeria, Australia, and Bali some people do. Have fun with the crawly critters by telling bug jokes, making bug crafts, or learning more cool facts about bugs.
Eat Your Veggies, Please
Being a parent is hard work, but you have a team of experts on your side at CaringParents.com. Select a topic to research, or browse through questions other concerned parents have asked.
Congo Chronicles
Follow conservationist Michael Fay as he spends a year traveling 1,200 miles through the heart of Africa in the Republic of Congo. He'll be recording the forest plants and animals that may well become threatened as humans press into this wilderness region.
Which Woman Did What?
From Cleopatra in 68 B.C. to Venus Williams in 1999, women have accomplished some amazing things. Use this encyclopedia written by third grade students to research the best and brightest women of the world.
Yakity Yak
When you're in the Yak's corner, there are always fun things to do. Try some Yaktivities, learn wacky facts about animals, or send your drawings to the Yak. He might even post them on the site!
Photo Finish
Need a photo for your school newspaper? At Pics4Learning, you may browse images by topic, or may ask the researchers to do an online search for you at no cost for students and teachers. Also, if you have a great photo you wish to share, don't be camera shy. Send it in!
Tarzan, Meet Jane
Jane Goodall has been studying African chimps since the 1960s. Her groundbreaking research identified many similarities between primates and humans. Read an essay by Ms. Goodall and then join a discussion group about her research.
December 1999
Healthy Holidays
Want to find out how to make your holidays happy and healthy? Check out these articles on holiday preparedness. Or search for other education and healthcare information about children, from newborns to high schoolers.
A Vital Partnership
Studies show that children's math and science scores rise when parents actively participate at school. Volunteer to help at a class party, attend a parent-teacher conference, or conduct science experiments at home.
Math and Science Showdown
Tired of the same old word problems or tabletop experiments? For new ideas, visit this one-stop source for the latest Web sites, teacher success stories, classroom innovations, and hot topics in the world of math and science.
Education World Weekly Feature
Whether your students observe Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or Ramadan, you'll find a load of ideas to celebrate them all. Gift-making ideas, holiday Web sites, and special books will make the season bright.
Are You a PokeMom?
A PokeMom is a mom in search of this season's hottest toy: Pokemon. Take a break from the present hunting pressure and enjoy this spoof song, "God Rest Ye Merry PokeMoms."
Now Starring: Space
There is more to look for in the sky than Santa Claus this season. Try spotting special stars like Orion the Hunter. Or, learn about planets in the sky too far away to scope out with simple skywatching.
Sweet Science
Before ending up in candy bars, ice cream, and cake, chocolate grows on cacao trees in the forest. Follow your favorite splurge snack from the forest to the factory, and find out if chocolate is good for your health.
Homemade Gifts
Christmas can be a good time to get creative, especially with holiday crafts. Teach your children to make some simple presents for special people this season.
Fact or Fiction?
Do you believe in the Bermuda Triangle, or is it just a myth used to scare pilots and sea captains? Learn about the region where planes and ships are said to have mysteriously disappeared and discover the facts behind the fiction.
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