Archives: Resources

Symmetry in art and math is illustrated by patterns in old Arabian rugs.

This post by Wired magazine shows some of the most stunning natural examples of fractals on our planet.

This article from the Fractal Foundation describes fractals as a never-ending pattern, created by repeating a simple process or mathematical formula over and over again. Fractal patterns are … learn more

This post by Peter Tyson and NOVA looks at how you can describe a tree or cloud, a rippled pond or swirling galaxy using numbers and equations. This … learn more

This video looks at Alan Turing’s Reaction-Diffusion Model, which mathematically defines how patterns might be formed in Nature. Turing, the father of computers, created a set of formulas … learn more

From the people who brought you 50 Map Projections, this post looks at how map projections are made and why different map projections have different strengths and weaknesses. … learn more

If you’re in need of a visual reference guide to the various map projection types… Then, look no further. Because we’ve pumped out a goldmine of the top … learn more

In 1492 when Columbus crossed the Atlantic, although latitude could be measured (typically from observations of the Pole Star), there was no reliable way of measuring a ship’s … learn more

Cartographers face the “orange peel” problem when mapping the surface of Earth onto a flat piece of paper. The mathematician Euler proved that this can not be done … learn more

A fun on-line game to show how the Mercator projection changes the apparent size of a country depending on its latitude. The goal of the game is to … learn more

Africa doesn’t look that big on the map. In reality, Africa is bigger than the United States, China, India and a couple of European countries … combined!

Michael Stevens has an interesting look at perception and how our maps have shaped the perception of the Earth. Use the YouTube link to access all the resources … learn more

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has a section devoted to the K-12 community, with everything from games to student resources.

Dr Alun Owen at Loughborough University in England developed this site to help students and teachers. The site covers a wide variety of statistic topics and includes videos, … learn more

Students used math to examine an on-line Cost Comparison map and explore the causes and consequences of food and transportation cost inequities (or differences) between the Canadian North … learn more

Math Is Fun has a good collection of statistics related activities, including topics like How to Do a Survey, Categorizing Quantitative Data, Accuracy & Precision, and Fair Dice.

TeachKidsArt has some easy projects to show that math can be beautiful, and fun.

Math art projects are a great way to combine right and left brain learning. Combining the two will help engage all your students. Projects include fish tessellation, symmetry … learn more

Musician David Macdonald created a melody to help him remember the numbers in pi, “since it’s easier than recalling a long string of numbers”. By assigning each number … learn more

This short animated video, goes over the questions your students should ask themselves and the steps they should take before deciding to use student loans to help cover … learn more

What makes something seem like a good deal? Subtle ways of framing the same information can make your students more compelled to purchase. Which sounds better 25% off … learn more

This activity shows how to convert money between different currencies by constructing an exchange rate table using current data from the Internet and a calculator. Travel to many … learn more

This site covers a number of interesting money related topics, including topics like Counting Money, Making Change, Money Word Problems, and Filling Out A Check. Other topics include … learn more

Rachel Kaplove explains how to teach elementary students how to make change showing two different methods, adding or subtracting. Why two different methods? Some students will grasp one … learn more

Consumer math is the study of the basic mathematics concepts that are used in daily life. It is teaching the real world applications of math to students. This … learn more

For an intriguing mystery about the coat which Mary Todd Lincoln wore on the evening he was assassinated check out this document from the Chicago Historical Society.

Would Abe Lincoln have been awarded a Nobel Prize for Peace? Review thousands of documents about The papers of Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865), lawyer, a representative from Illinois, and … learn more

On this page, you’ll find educational resources including animated games and easy-to-use Nobel Prize lessons for teachers to use in the classroom. Teachers and students are especially important … learn more

Welcome to the Nobel Prize Internet Archive! Since 1901, the Nobel Prize has been awarded annually as per Alfred Nobel’s last will and testament. This site maintains information on all … learn more

Mark Twain wrestled with cultural environments in the US and abroad. The site of his biography includes historical links, too. And refer to the Twain Quotes site for … learn more

Throughout Jack London’s relatively short lifetime he wrestled with the environment in extreme climates.

Particle physics is the prime topic at the Lawrence Berkeley Library. While many physics resources can be found on the Web, the interesting feature of this site is … learn more

NASA has so much fun with Toys In Space, they created a sequel. Gravity (or a lack thereof) can effect rotation, force, acceleration, magnetism, magnetic fields, center of … learn more

Lawrence Livermore National Lab has programs for both teachers and students. The Teacher Research Academy is a professional development program where middle school, high school, and community college … learn more

What is next in human spaceflight?  

With our interactive apps and activities, learners of all ages can unlock science concepts anytime, anywhere. Explore the surface of the sun from your living room. All of … learn more

NASA had fun, taking a number of children’s toys into space. Check out what they found. Things behave very differently in Zero-G. Younger students will enjoy their favorite … learn more

The iEARN project has encouraged on-line communications between students in the US, Eastern Europe and Latin America through over 100 active global projects. For example, as a result … learn more

Maxis (now Electronic Arts) pioneered environmental simulation software for students. The series includes SimEarth, SimCity and, recently, the Sims (probably not appropriate for students). Each involves constructing a … learn more

This project facilitated by U.C. Santa Barbra and the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis provides an inquiry-based approach to science that is fun and meaningful. Ecologists … learn more

Molecular modeling (mathmol)takes advantage of the Web to display 3D models at the intersection of math and biology/chemistry and to mount a series for K-12 of hypermedia textbooks. … learn more

Tree of Life depicts modeling by showing all of life. The Tree of Life Web Project is a collaborative effort of biologists and nature enthusiasts from around the … learn more

StarLogo TNG is a downloadable programming environment that lets students and teachers create 3D simulations (and games!) for understanding complex systems. Create different classes of objects (Boids) and … learn more

This non-technical article looks at Professor Ian Couzin’s work on how a group of individuals make decisions about how to move and where to go all at once? … learn more

How do schools of fish swim in harmony? How do the tiny cells in your brain give rise to the complex thoughts, memories, and consciousness that are you? … learn more

Bill Nye, the Science Guy, has assembled 40+ simple & fun experiments you can do at home or in the classroom. Create everything from a simple stethoscope or … learn more

CHECK OUT OUR FAVORITE EXPERIMENTS AND ACTIVITIES At Steve Spangler Science, we’re on a mission to inspire a new generation of scientists and engineers. A subscription to the Steve Spangler … learn more

Learn how you can make a solar powered hot air balloon with just tape and black plastic trash bags. An interesting project for a sunny day.

Think maker spaces are just for older kids and tech nerds? This video was created in one of Einstein’s Workshop’s stop motion animation classes, by Sophie and Allanna, … learn more

Marek Baczynski made a self driving potato. And then named him “Pontus” and adopted him as a pet. This video is part how-to-build, and lament on how adopting … learn more

Here is another maker space aimed at students and adults (big kids?). They encourage education through exploration, providing toys and tools to help students learn first-hand how science … learn more

Jennifer Turliuk and Andy Forest outline their recipe for success in this Make Magazine article: dedicated space, real tools, process and interest driven, kids teaching kids, exhibition and … learn more

A good way to see what all the excitement is about is to visit a nearby maker space. This map locates maker spaces in every part of the … learn more

The makerspace (also referred to as hackerspace) concept is simple and as such it can take many forms. Give people tools, space and community and you get a … learn more

This book by Nic Penny offers a wealth of ideas for making satisfying musical instruments from everyday and junk materials. It is aimed at children aged eight and … learn more

This resource provides simple experiments to ask questions and get answers, allowing your students to become scientists. Here are a set of experiments with ingredients you can find … learn more

FIRST sponsors a series of competitions each school year, including a robotics challenge. Dean Kamen, founder of FIRST, feels that “FIRST is more than robots. The robots are … learn more

This video shows what it takes to make a simple autonomous robot using an ultrasound sensor and Arduino computer board. The parts list, code, and written instructions can … learn more

Using recycled boxes from cereal boxes and other household items, maybe some construction paper, and paper fasteners your younger students can build their own “robots”. When the robots … learn more

Not all projects require soldering or electronics. This simple hand explores many of the concepts of robotics, but is created from cardboard, drinking straws, string and a hot … learn more

If you’re a beginner just starting out these eight projects will help hone your skills. Could be the basis for a class or after-school project lab.

John Park builds some lively and inexpensive miniature robots. Starting with a simple vibrabot made from a scrub brush, John assembles a solar junkbot and a slightly more … learn more

Purple Plow Challenge, from the American Farm Bureau, encourages students to research scenarios related to food, hunger and sustainability and build their own prototypes to solve the defined … learn more

It’s fun to build toy-like projects. It’s educational to learn through applied physics. It’s invaluable to know that you are someone who can make something from nothing, and … learn more

This hands-on experiment and lesson plan from TeachEngineering provides students with an understanding of the issues that surround environmental cleanup. Student teams create their own oil spills, try … learn more

OK, now you have your PVC pipe bent, how do you make it looks like something other than PVC pipe? This video shows you how to remove the … learn more

PVC can be a cheap building material. But it’s not easy to bend into different shapes … until now. Heating sand on a portable induction cook top or … learn more

This maker challenge from TeachEngeneering challenges students to design or improve an existing passenger compartment so that it better withstands front-end collisions, protecting riders from injury and resulting … learn more

The problem with STEM is that teachers often have to purchase the materials at their own expense. Sarah has assembled this collection of STEM engineering challenges that are … learn more

Instructables has created a collection of 100 STEAM Projects created for teachers and educators to do with youth. Each project encourages exploration, modification, and students to pursue their … learn more

Look to sites like STEM Grants for information on educational grants for K-12 and educational non-profits. Other sources for funding and support can be found by contacting your … learn more

Underwriters Laboratories’ XplorLabs is a free resource designed to encourage students to “solve through science.” Aimed at middle school students, the site uses interactive videos, instructional experiences, hands-on … learn more

This video looks at Westfield Vocational High School and shows how their teachers and students are reinventing vocational education to be relevant for today’s students. This school is … learn more

JASON’s goal is to provide curriculum and learning experiences in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) for K-12 students, and provide high-quality professional development for teachers. In addition … learn more

This site, a National Science Foundation initiative, provides information, events, and resources that highlight promising practices and tools in support of effective K-12 STEM education. The site highlights … learn more

This post defines six characteristics of a great STEM lesson. Our favorite is: STEM lessons allow for multiple right answers and reframe failure as a necessary part of … learn more

Aimed at educators, this introductory video defines STEM (integrating Science, Technology, Engineering & Math), outlines the benefits, and identifies areas like school organization, teacher preparation, and student assessment.