Our writers recommended these independent websites for our field-test teachers.

Metric Measurement

How Many? A Dictionary of Units of Measurement

http://www.unc.edu/~rowlett/units/

An excellent reference for both teachers and students, this web site provides a dictionary of units of measurements. The section titled "The Metric System" is most relevant to Science Companion units.

Properties and States of Matter

What is Matter?

http://www.nyu.edu/pages/mathmol/textbook/statesofmatter.html

Very simple text and descriptions of the three states of matter. Geared towards fourth grade.

States of Matter

http://www.chem4kids.com/files/matter_states.html

This site takes children on a tour of matter, starting with the phases of matter, working through solids, liquids, gases, and plasmas. It continues with a discussion of mixtures and solutions. This site is geared towards older students, but might give advanced or curious fourth grade children valuable early exposure to the subject.

Professor Neutron: Matter

http://www.step.k12.ca.us/profneutron/matter.html

Provides basic science concepts about matter with "Professor Neutron." Geared towards middle school students, but visually appealing to younger children and basic enough for them to enjoy. Ties in the kinetic model of matter as well as plasma.

It all adds up

http://utahscience.oremjr.alpine.k12.ut.us/sciber03/Elem/5_sciber/MATTER/htm/INTRO.htm This is the online textbook for the Utah State Office of Education’s 5 th grade "Sci-ber text" curriculum. Children work through the links covering the three phases of matter, as well as chemical and physical changes. There are also opportunities for children to do some explorations on their own.

Flight

Dynamics of Flight

http://www.ueet.nasa.gov/StudentSite/dynamicsofflight.html

A kid-friendly resource that includes information about the dynamics of flight and the history of flight. Among other topics, it addresses what air is, how wings lift a plane, and early efforts of flight (including Leonardo da Vinci’s "ornithopter" and the first hot air balloon). Students will enjoy the airplane cockpit simulator.

Cloud Seeding

http://www.pitara.com/discover/5wh/42.htm

This link leads to a two-page article written for kids called "What is Cloud Seeding?"

Mixing Matter

Gold Panning and Sluicing

http://www.sfmuseum.org/hist2/gold2.html

Sutter’s account of the first discovery of gold in California.

States of Matter

http://can-do.com/uci/ssi2001/california-goldrush.html

Enables students to independently research the California Gold Rush.

Materials Recovery Facilities

http://www.grn.com/a/0140.html

This web site includes a directory listing of hundreds of MRFs that belong to the Global Recycling Network, with their contact information. E-mail a facility in your area to find out about educational programs and tours.

Salt and Evaporation in the Seas

http://www.palomar.edu/oceanography/salty_ocean.htm

This web site provides a US Geological Survey publication entitled "Why is the Ocean Salty?" It includes sections that address "How salty is the ocean?" and "The saltiest water."

Quicksand

http://science.howstuffworks.com/quicksand.htm

An engaging description of "how quicksand works," including an animation of a man sinking in quicksand (plus directions for how to escape) and an illustration of how quicksand forms.