Figure This!

Figure This! demonstrates challenging middle school mathematics and emphasizes the importance of high-quality math education for all students. This site provides interesting mathematical challenges that middle-school students can do at home with their families. Although the site targets middle school students, it can certainly be used with younger students who are strong in math as well as high school students. Its a site that you have to play around with for a few moments to figure out the ins and outs. But after the initial learning curve, its a wonderful resource. Warning! The colors are a waker upper. Funding for the project was provided by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the U.S. Department of Education.

English Online Writer's Window

"Practice makes perfect" and Writers' Window provides lots of practice for young writers. Writers' Window is a site for school aged young writers (aged from 5 to 18) to publish their writing. Writer's Window will publish all writing that complies with their guidelines. Categories include short stories, poetry, research papers, plays, and television, book and movie reviews. There are also continuous stories that young writers can add to. And, what better motivation than to see your work showcased on the web? Grades K thru 12

HubbleSite

What's out there, where did it come from, and what does it mean? HubbleSite is the place to keep on the top of the latest findings to these questions about the universe. Although site centers around the Hubble Telescope it provides so much more information about our universe. It is not only informative but the images are spectacular. This is the site of all sites for those interested in astronomy and space. HubbleSite is produced by the Space Telescope Science Institute's Office of Public Outreach.

Smithsonian Institutution Online

In 1826, James Smithson, a British scientist, drew up his last will and testament, naming his nephew as beneficiary. Smithson stipulated that, should the nephew die without heirs (as he would in 1835), the estate should go to the United States of America, to found at Washington, under the name of the Smithsonian Institution, an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men. Thanks to Smithson we have this wonderful national resource. Visiting the Smithsonian in Washington D.C. remains as one of the most breathtaking ventures in my lifetime and I have traveled extensively. Today, looking at the wonderful online resources, although not as delightful as being there, is still an exciting and enlightening experience. The website designed for ease in finding resources for everyone with gateways, such as, the student section and frequently asked questions about the Smithsonian with links to resources on subjects from Art to Zoology.

Grades 5 thru 12+

The World's Greatest Places

Pack a lunch, take a seat in front of a computer, and travel abroad to Madagascar, Greenland, Tibet, Namib, Okavanga, Iquazu, or the Amazon. Don't let your budget or time limitations stop you from seeing the the world's greatest locations. The World's Greatest Places enables you to take an online trip to seven of the most geographically diverse places on Earth. At first glance its not a fancy site, but with a few mouse clicks the world opens up to you.

Grades Pre-K thru 12+

AAA Math

Aside from the advertising, which is really pretty light, I really like this site. AAA Math features a comprehensive set of interactive arithmetic lessons. Unlimited practice is available on each topic which allows thorough mastery of the concepts. A wide range of lessons enables learning or review to occur at each individual's current level. Immediate feedback (simply the right answer)prevents practicing and learning incorrect methods, which is a common result of traditional homework and worksheets. Practice can continue as long as desired in a non-threatening format which helps build self-esteem and confidence. This is a really good tool for building a solid math foundation.

Kindergarten thru 8th Grade

HistoryNet.com

You can lose yourself for hours in the wealth of resources at HistoryNet.com. The HistoryNet.com is brought to you by the Weider History Group, the world's largest publisher of history magazines. If you are interested in history you are bound on this website to find something to pique your interest. HistoryNet.com contains daily features, photo galleries and over 1,200 articles originally published in our various magazines. We generally don't recommend sites that require registration to get to the really good stuff or sites that have a lot of advertising. But this is an instance where the juice is definitely worth the squeeze. Once you register there is so much information and you can get loads of information without purchasing one thing--no pop-ups either. The Daily Quiz alone is worth the minute it takes to register, but the site features history quizzes, news, photos and so much more for those interested in history.

Number2.com

Number2.com offers students access to comprehensive free online test preparation courses for the SAT, ACT, and GRE. The company was founded by professors and graduate students who wanted to make high quality test preparation universally accessible. In 2002 Number2.com was acquired by Xap Corporation. Xap Corporation’s comprehensive Mentor education and career websites efficiently guide students through the college and career preparation process. But more than just offering student-friendly college search tools and easy online applications, Xap delivers useful professional tools for high school counselors, post-secondary admissions officers, and partners to effectively level the playing field for prospective students and their families. Xap shares Number2.com's mission of making higher education more accessible to students of all backgrounds.

Extreme Science

Are you a science lover? Does trivia interest you? If you answered "yes" to one or both of those questions, then you'll enjoy Extreme Science. The site features the biggest, baddest, and the best in the world of science extremes, and explanations of why each is the most extreme example of its kind. You'll find world records in natural science, including earth science and the plant and animal kingdom. You'll also find a collection of science and technology information and resources available on the Internet, including resources for students working on science fair projects and teachers needing content for science lessons. Fun site!

My Hero

What better subject to write about than one's hero. My Hero's mission is to enlighten and inspire people of all ages with hero stories from around the world. The website hosts thousands of stories of remarkable individuals written by children and adults alike. These stories serve to remind us that we all have the potential to overcome great obstacles and achieve our dreams by following in the footsteps of our heroes. While sharing the great stories of their heroes, young and old alike can develop their writing skills. Explore the thoughts of others by searching for your hero. Wonderful resource!

Grades 2-4

MuseumStuff.com

From time to time, we have featured an online museum that has caught our eye. Some museum websites are so-so, some are middle-of-the-road,and some are awesome. Let's say, for instance, the Smithsonian Institution--now that's one impressive online museum. And, its really something to see if you should find yourself in the Washington D.C. area--and its all free (online and at the door). But the Smithsonian isn't the only wonderful online museum. MuseumStuff.com is the gateway to all of them. The site has a page linking to websites that feature a virtual component. At your fingertips is the ability to explore thousands of online museums worldwide and locate the brick and mortar museums that are in your area or your travels. Excellent resource!

TryScience

TryScience.org is your gateway to experience the excitement of contemporary science and technology through on and offline interactivity with science and technology centers worldwide. In other words, its a place where science is exciting, and it's for everyone! Investigate, discover, and try science yourself. There is so much science on this website; there's earth science, biology, chemistry, social sciences, space science, technology and engineering and believe it or not--there's more. And, the website features activities for all ages.

Kid's Place Brain Teasers

How do we make math fun? That's a math question that we have been tackling for years. But the Brain Teasers page of Kid's Place does just that--it generates a little fun while challenging the brain. The site asks weekly age-appropriate math questions for grades 3-4, 5-6, and 7-8. The site also features a Wacky Web Tales for grades 3 and above, and a Current Event page with links to other kid-friendly current event sites. Cool place to visit.

Grades 3rd thru 8th

Geology.com

What is Geology? Geology.com answers that question and many, many more. This is a great reference site for geology and earth science. It features current events, maps, articles, dictionaries, career exploration tools, etc. What does Geology have to do with Home Owner's Insurance? What are Blood Diamonds? Where are the highest points in the United States? If these questions pique your interest, then you'll love this site.

bugbios

Its summertime and this is a great place to explore our summer companions. Bugbios definitely hits its mark when aims to help you really see insects for the miniature marvels they represent and to understand how intertwined our cultures have become with these alien creatures. This is definitely not the site for bugaphobics. Its a close-up, down and dirty, look a fly straight in the eye kind of experience. Great bugs!

Summer Camps for Children with Disabilities: 2007

We found this resource a couple of years ago after a father wrote inquiring if we knew of a summer camp for a child with autism. We didn't. We were able to find Summer Camps for Children with Disabilities. A publication of the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities, this 4-page guide links to directories and listings of summer camps--some of the directories are free, some not. Half of these resources identify camps specifically intended for children who have disabilities. The other half are simply directories listing camp opportunities available to all children. Your community is also likely to have summer camps or recreational opportunities available. The guide is updated annually.

getsmarter.org

Getsmarter.org gives students, parents and teachers a free, fun and private way to compare science and math skills to students worldwide. Students can warm up first with math and science practice quizzes. Correct answers are available--with hints and some fun! You might also learn some geography along the way. When you're ready, try The REAL Challenge! When you finish, you can see your results compared to those of all the students around the world who answered the same questions in 1995-99 as part of the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS). If you're one of the best in the world, we'll put you on The Top Ten. You can also go back to any test answer and learn more from the detailed explanations and links to other great web sites. Sponsored by the National Association of Manufacturers and the U.S. Department of Commerce. Visit GetTech.org to explore exciting high-tech careers in math, science, and technology.

FactMonster.com

When we ran across FactMonster.com from Information Please, our response was simply "Wow!" Its a great resource for young people. The site features an expanding atlas, a homework center , games and quizzes, age and gender-appropriate blogs and more. The site is geared toward 6-14 year olds but truly has something for every age group.

LiveScience.com

LiveScience.com is one of those sites that has a little something wonderful for everyone--especially, science buffs. The site focuses on the innovative and intriguing in science and technology. LiveScience.com covers news, views and scientific inquiry from an original, provocative point of view. The site looks at new discoveries, intellectual adventures and the idiosyncrasies of the world that surrounds us. This colorful site is loaded with "Cool Stuff," such as, The Sciece Top 10s, Trivia & Quizzes, a Video Collection and more. Although this Imaginova site features an eCommerce website, the advertising is not intrusive.

JetStream--An Online School for Weather

JetStream is a free online resource providing insight into the many weather occurences, such as, tornadoes, thunderstorms, hurricanes and more. Each major area is accompanied by a set of review questions. JetStream is designed for the web only, however, compressed files containing each section of JetStream are provided. Users can download any section or the entire website. The site also features an excellent glossary and a comprehensive list of acronyms. The site is sponsored by the National Weather Service, Southern Region Headquarters.