Free educational simulations covering a diverse topics designed by the University of Colorado available in various languages.

The mission of the NEED Project is to promote an energy conscious and educated society by creating effective networks of students, educators, business, government and community leaders to design and deliver objective, multi-sided energy education programs. NEED works with energy companies, agenciesand organizations to bring balanced energy programs to the nation's schools with a focus on strong teacher professional development, timely and balanced curriculum materials, signature program capabilities and turn-key program management.NEED Quick Links Check out the photos, slideshow, and winners from the 32nd Annual Youth Awards Program on our Youth Awards page.

Starting from atoms, see how many molecules you can build. Collect your molecules and see them in 3D!

Explore molecule shapes by building molecules in 3D! How does molecule shape change with different numbers of bonds and electron pairs? Find out by adding single, double or triple bonds and lone pairs to the central atom. Then, compare the VSEPR model to real molecules!

I just learned that students of disadvantaged resources can apply for free internet access from Comcast. This only solves one of the hurdles for these students. What has been done at my school is for donation of computers to our student technology group for wiping/re-formatting/upgrading; these computers then are donated to students/families in need. This is yet another way to overcome that hurdle. At our school, we have also promoted the use of lunch time for computer access (library).

Noteworthy statements in this document: - "the three sets of activity types (conceptual knowledge building, procedural knowledge building, and knowledge expression) are presented including compatible technologies that may be used to support each type of learning activity" - "technologies listed in the tables are meant to be illustrative" this work is based upon : Millar, R. & Driver, R. (1987). Beyond processes. Studies in Science Education, 14, 33-62. National Research Council. (2000). Inquiry and the national science education standards.Washington, DC: National Academy Press. This article's citation: Blanchard, M. R., Harris, J., & Hofer, M. (2011, February). Science learning activity types. Retrieved from College of William and Mary, School of Education, Learning Activity Types Wiki: http://activitytypes.wmwikis.net/file/view/ScienceLearningATs-Feb2011.pdf

Segments that particularly jumped out: - "there are three main components of teachers' knowledge: content, pedagogy, and technology. Equally important to the model are the interactions between and among these bodies of knowledge, represented as PCK, TCK (technological content knowledge), TPK (technological pedagogicalknowledge), and TPACK." -"Many approaches to teachers' professional development offer a one-size-fits-all approach to technology integration when, in fact, teachers operate in diverse contexts of teaching and learning." -"three key components of teacher knowledge: understanding of content, understanding of teaching, and understanding of technology. The complexity of technology integration comes from an appreciation of the rich connections of knowledge among these three components and the complex ways in which these are applied in multifaceted and dynamic classroom contexts."

Eight minute video that defines and explains implications of STEM. Created & Posted by nwpaworkforce. 9 Feb 2011

Innovation with implications in currciulum areas of Physics, Chem, and Env. Science

I use the website all the time for student independent research idea generation! For our students seeking to enter ISEF, Siemens, and other science competitions new & exciting ideas energize them and get them to push to the next level - find mentors and perform high caliber science.

Great resource if you have students needing makeup or home-bound. Virtual Chemistry Experiments are a collection of interative web-based chemistry tutorials. The tutorials employ Physlets and Chemistry Applets to simulate experiments or depict molecular and atomic structure. The guiding concept is to involve the read in making observations and acquiring data, and then using this information to draw conclusions and infer chemical principles.

I find these are best as additional to traditional lab experiences or, as I posted earlier, I use these for the students that can't be at school for usual labs. Understanding limitations of their own lab technique and evaluation of errors does not occur with simulations. Similar to difference between multiple choice assessment and free response.