Archive

Current and past selections of exemplary sites--browse month by month through every year. When sites are no longer available, they are not listed as Digital Dozen winners.

May 2004

On the road again! We must be ready to hit the highway for summer travels--notice how many of this month's Digital Dozen sites take you on a journey, an expedition, a voyage to new learning opportunities. Buckle up and cruise on!

1. Astronomy picture of the day
   Grade(s): 5 - 12 ENC#: 012949
   Synopsis: Get up close and personal with our very own cosmos by taking a look at an exciting, out-of-this-world photo of outer space phenomona. This astonishing tour of the galaxy leads toward a deeper understanding of astronomy, as each day presents a new photo complete with a description written by a professional astronomer. Get ready for a truly stellar experience!
   (For more details, see ENC Record.)
   
   
2. At home with math: ten math activities for parents and kids
   Grade(s): K - 6 ENC#: 029427
   Synopsis: Learning to share is a hard concept even for adults to master. Make the most of this essential skill by making the most of the math involved in taking turns, divvying things up fairly, and answering that age-old question so beloved by parents everywhere: "How much longer?" This site features 10 everyday math activities, in pdf format, for parents and kids to do together.
   (For more details, see ENC Record.)
   
   
3. Chaos
   Grade(s): 7 - 10 ENC#: 029465
   Synopsis: No, this is not meant to be an indictment of your organizational skills. What it is meant to be is a series of interactive examples and activities on the mathematical mayhem known as chaos. This lesson plan comes complete with worksheets and discussion questions designed to increase student interest in the kind of chaos that somehow makes mathematical sense.
   (For more details, see ENC Record.)
   
   
4. Flat Stanley
   Grade: 3 ENC#: 029739
   Synopsis: If you've read the book Flat Stanley, you know that Stanley, flattened by a bulletin board, can fit in an envelope and travel all over. He also travels virtually! Use this site to help Flat Stanley visit Redwood National Forest, Old Faithful, and Kilauea Volcano; at each site visitors complete an activity (e.g., conduct a scavenger hunt at Redwood National Forest, predict when Old Faithful will gush, and create a map for Stanley's scrapbook of the famous volcano). Help Stanley plot the roadmap of his exciting adventures and bring back evidence of his travels.
   (For more details, see ENC Record.)
   
   
5. iPhysics: interactive simulations of physics and physical science experiments
   Grade(s): 9 - 12 ENC#: 029740
   Synopsis: "Awesome" doesn't begin to cover it when you begin to explore all the cool stuff at this site. From measurement to fluids to modern and atomic physics, these interactive online experiments let you drop balls, incline planes, chase a magnetic current, and do a world of other physical activities as you venture on a carefully plotted journey to a mastery of physics concepts.
   (For more details, see ENC Record.)
   
   
6. Learning math: patterns, functions, and algebra
   Featured in ENC Focus  
   Grade(s): K - 8 ENC#: 028833
   Synopsis: Learn the big ideas of algebra in 10 sessions, complete with video programming and interactive online activities. The first session tackles the basics of algebraic thinking, and each subsequent session builds on the topics of the preceding section until finally, Session 10 features classroom case studies from three grade bands--K-2, 3-5, and 6-8--that explore how algebra can be approached with all age levels.
   (For more details, see ENC Record.)
   
   
7. Math, calculations and computations
   Grade(s): 4 - 8 ENC#: 029767
   Synopsis: Give your brain a workout--don't worry, it's not as painful as it sounds--at this site full of movies, graphs, statistics, and other visually stimulating tools to help and encourage you to think mathematically. For example, you can learn about Tim and Roby as they try to divide a pie fairly; or explore fractions the comic-strip way with Cassie and Rita. There are characters, situations, and interactions for concepts from fractions to data analysis to geometry. Have fun and learn at the same time!
   (For more details, see ENC Record.)
   
   
8. Moneyopolis: where money sense rules!
   Grade(s): 6 - 8 ENC#: 029466
   Synopsis: Sign in, sign on, and help Xerbie manage his money in this intergalactic game designed to teach money sense. By helping Xerbie earn Moneyopolis money, you allow him to buy parts for his spaceship that will take him home. Lend a hand and use your brain at this fun and interactive site!
   (For more details, see ENC Record.)
   
   
9. Physics central: learn how your world works
   Grade(s): 9 - 12 ENC#: 029741
   Synopsis: Extra extra, read all about it! Physics is phabulous and pheatured prominently at this site, which is packed full of info about people who matter in physics, facts that matter in physics, and physics web sites that matter to physics pholks. There are articles and essays submitted by physicists, features about physics in action, and interesting pictures that are all, dare we say it, about physics!
   (For more details, see ENC Record.)
   
   
10. Scientists in action!
    Grade(s): 4 - 12 ENC#: 029548
    Synopsis: They fly. They dive. They investigate alarming phenomena such as three-legged frogs in Minnesota. Yes, scientists are a busy lot, and you can tag along on their many adventures at this site, which contains stories and examples of scientists doing what they do best: science! Visitors will acquire an interest in and familiarity with what a career in the natural sciences has to offer.
    (For more details, see ENC Record.)
    
    
11. Sun-Earth day 2004, Venus transit
    Grade(s): K - 12 ENC#: 029551
    Synopsis: Catch sight of something not seen in generations! On June 8, Venus will be coming between us and the sun, casting a shadow large in meaning and history. The actual eclipse will be broadcast live courtesy of the Exploratorium from Athens, Greece. To help teachers make the most of this learning opportunity, there are activities and lessons for grades K-12 that explore connections between the sun and the Earth.
    (For more details, see ENC Record.)
    
    
12. Tidepool math
    Grade(s): K - 12 ENC#: 029361
    Synopsis: What do you get when you combine salty sea creatures with math curriculum materials for K-8 and 9-12--besides a little wet? A whole new look and feel for mathematical concepts! At this web site are pdf files of classroom activities, background information for teachers, and additional hands-on exercises that combine the fascinating environment of tidepools with the equally fascinating world of mathematics.
    (For more details, see ENC Record.)