Physical Science Websites

1. Energy Hog
http://www.energyhog.org/childrens.htm

Description:
This website would be great for students grades 2-5. It has numerous games for students to play on keeping thier house more energy efficient. The games are lively and fun and include some valuable energy saving information. The site does not have adds and even has resources for teachers.

Critique/Other info:
Some of the written information may be a little tricky for beginning readers. It may also be important for the teacher to include a reflection activity or synthesis think pair share for the students to discuss how they can use the information or present it to their parents.

2. EIA- Energy Kids
http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/kids/

Description:
This website has many resources for older students 4th grade and up. It includes not just games relating to energy but also the history of energy, ways to save energy and renewable and nonrenewable sources of energy. This would be a great resource for students who may want to work on a research project. It does not have advertisements.

Critique:
Some younger students may need a tutorial about navigating this text heavy site. It is also presented by the U.S government so it may not include global perspectives on energy.

3. Science Kids at Home
http://www.sciencekidsathome.com/

Description:
This is a pretty simple website not a lot of bells and whistles. It would be a resources for students in 3-5 grade. It includes a myriad of science topics including What is Sound.

Critique:
This site is tricky to navigate and has advertisements. I would only recommend using it with teacher assistance or with a clear goal of what information is needed so the students don't get lost or click on something they are not supposed to.

4. Amusement Park Physics
http://www.learner.org/interactives/parkphysics/index.html

Description:
This neat website allows students to explore the properties of physics by creating their own amusement park. It is for older students grades 6th grade and up. The wesbite includes lots of valuable information along with each activity and students can learn an immense amount by exploring.

Critique: This website activity would defianlty take a time investiemtn, and some students may need one on one or small group help to figure out the complicated tasks.

5. Skateboard Science
http://www.exploratorium.edu/skateboarding/

Description:
This website great for 4th-8th graders explores the sceicne behind skateboarding. This would be great buy in for reluctant scientists in the class that like to skateboard. The website is text heavy but comes with a glossary of terms to use. It also includes multiple pictures and diagrams to accompany the scientific explanations.

Critique:
There are other things offered on the website like equipment. It would be important for the teacher to state that the students should use the website only to look at the science section and to stay away from the other areas.