demonstrations and experiments
general
Lesson Plans and Activities for the ClassroomIncludes activities related to - Our Solar System, Atmosphere and Weather, Geology, Oceans, Life and Geography, Sun and Spaceweather, Physics and Chemistry, Special Curriculum from NASA.Windows to the Universe, University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR)
arts and crafts
knotting
The Monkey Fist KnotNot TOO difficult, but a great-looking knot! Can be used for keychains if you don't need to heave any lines at sea.Roper's Knot Page
Folsom's Knotting PageIntroduction and clear instructions for basic knots, including a section for scouts.
The KnotPlot SiteKnots from a mathematical perspective - includes link to modeling software.
Knots on the WebGeneral resource for knotting including a large collection of links.Peter Suber, Earlham College
origami
Origami - GalleryTo inspire you, although there are no instructions. Check out the salmon and the nautilus!Alex Barber
Dr. Stephen O'Hanlon's Origami PageGeneral resource with many instructional diagrams.Stephen O'Hanlon
outdoors
plants and animals
Great Backyard Bird CountTake part in reporting bird counts around the U.S.Audubon and Cornell Lab of Ornithology
the night sky
StarDateBasics and monthly highlights of the night sky.McDonald Observatory, The University of Texas at Austin
J-PassFind out when satellites will be passing overhead and look for them at night.
tidepooling
Water Level Tidal PredictionsConvenient tide chart for Scripps Pier, San Diego, California. Earthguide, Geosciences Research Division, Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Scripps Institution of Oceanography Library
Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UCSD
Scripps Institution of Oceanography Library
Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UCSD
Scripps Institution of Oceanography Pier Tide PredictionsCheck out the tide charts for San Diego, California. Look for the lowest times during daylight hours.
reporting from your location
general
SETI@homeA scientific experiment that uses Internet-connected computers in the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI). You can participate by running a free program that downloads and analyzes radio telescope data.SETI
reading room
grownup classics
Silent SpringSixties classic that warned the public about the long term environmental effects of misusing pesticides.by Rachel Carson, 1962
Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His TimeBest-selling story of clockmaker John Harrison who invented a world-changing technology - a clock that kept time at sea - making it possible to know longitude and make accurate maps. The tale of a 40-year obsession with invention and an elusive financial prize.by Dava Sobel, 1995
kids classics
PagooStory about the tidepool life of Pagoo the hermit crab.Holling C. Holling (Author), Lucille Webster Holling (Illustrator), 1957
in need of solutions
general
The Water DebateMany articles discussing issues related to world water resources. BBC News