Science Made Simple

When it comes to science, kids always have plenty of questions, but finding the right answers can sometimes be tough.  Science Made Simple at http://www.waterw.com/~science/kids.html makes science understandable and fun!  Why is the sky blue? How does an airplane fly?  Why don't spiders stick to their own webs?  You'll find out the answers to these questions and get the lowdown on static electricity, the mystery of making paper from pulp, and more natural phenomena like global warming and the dreaded end of the universe.  Science Made Simple includes great projects and experiments too. 

Quick, Click, React!

Check in at http://www.react.com/ and REACT at the webzine for teens. Interesting factoids such as: It takes 1 pound of grain to make 1 pound oh bread, and 20 pounds of grain to make one pound of beef. That is the kind of info that will make your friends hungry for more. Ok, exercise your funny bone with a new joke every day on "give a joke, get a joke" or go on a scavenger hunt. Or ask anything and have a discussion on your 2 cents (it's better than a penny for your thoughts). There's more. The latest news on films, videos, music, TV and sports- all at this fun place for teens.

Why is the Sky Blue?

Curiosity has traditionally killed the cat, but that's not the case with Dr. Universe, the smartest feline on the Internet.  At the doc's Web site, you'll discover answers to some of the most mind-boggling questions out there.  Make an appointment at http://www.wsu.edu/DrUniverse and get ready to quiz your favorite feline.  Do trees ever stop growing?  Why can't we build more brain cells?  What is a black hole?  Whatever the question, you've come to the right place.  From slime to sleep, you'll get the lowdown on the world's great mysteries, not to mention insect romance and cow belching.  Everyday, you'll find new solutions to problems and answers to questions that would put a quiz show host to shame.  This cat can't be stumped!  And in case you're looking for that second opinion, Dr. Universe will be more than happy to direct you to far-out sites like Chaos Kids, Pioneer Planet and the Why Files.  The doctor is in!

Tour the Planets

Space travel is a dangerous, if not impossible, task for most, but thanks to NASA's Solar System Simulator, star-hopping can be as easy as clicking your computer mouse.  Shuttle out to http://space.jpl.nasa.gov/ and see the planets as never before.  Like having a planetarium in your own home, the simulator lets you gaze at the sun, moon or stars from a variety of viewpoints.  The images a breath-taking and colorful, and will be sure to give you a better understanding of the solar system.  Saturn may look cool from Earth, but wait until you see it from Pluto!  Still hankering for more galactic fun? The site also has sample scenes, movie clips and a space library.  The Solar System Simulator is you chance to get a close-up at the final frontier.

Visit Questacon

From flying comets to wildlife to the art of illusion, you'll love exploring the fascinating world of Questacon at Australia's National Science and Technology Centre.  Prepare to be dazzled and amazed by more than 200 exhibits at http://sunsite.anu.edu.au/Questacon/. Check out cool multimedia activities like Meteor-Strike! where you can join scientist monitoring the path of a mile-wide asteroid.  The Dinosaur Alive! exhibit features robotic dinos, coloring pages and games.  Join the Questacon team as they travel through wild regions of the "Land Down Under" or control a robotic arm to build block structures right from your own computer.  

SEDS Student Space Site

The Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (SEDS) Internet headquarters is the launching pad for astrophysics rocketry and every space object over the sun.  Star-hop out to http://www.seds.org and you'll be able to look through your web telescope into another world of comets, black holes and far-off galaxies.  There are also excellent images and sounds, such as the latest Pathfinder photos of the "Red Planet."

Patent Pending

Eureka! It's a site about inventors and patents just for kids.  If you've got the inventing bug, check out what happens at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Kids Pages.  Hurry over to http://www.uspto.gov/go/kids/index.html Almost everything we love was invented by somebody, and every inventor gets a patent or a trademark to let the world proudly know "that's my invention."  Learn how to come up with a great invention, solve brain-twizzling puzzles or play inventive games.  Feeling extra creative? Then paint an eye-catching poster, write an inspiring poem, or design your own virtual museum exhibit.  Who knows? Your brain might invent you a cool contest prize.

Forces of Nature

From forest fires to floods, it's important to be prepared for any force of nature.  At the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Web site for kids, you'll get the lowdown on hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes and other devastating storms.  Bring your survival gear to http://www.fema.gov/kids/ At the Disaster Area, you'll witness erupting volcanoes and harsh blizzards.  Or catch a 100-foot wave from a tsunami.  Learn what not to do when lightning starts touching down in your neighborhood.  Join up with Julia and Robbie, the Disaster Twins, as they make their escape from a scary hurricane.  You'll learn how to deal with any disaster, as well as how to keep your pets safe.  You won't want to escape from this site, but be warned: Danger this way lies.

The Science of Fun

Sure, sociology, biology and astrology can all be interesting, but for sheer enjoyment, you can't beat Funology.  At the Funology Web site, you'll get the inside track on science of having fun! Laughs and learning go hand in hand at http://www.funology.com With amazing graphics and nonstop amusement, this site is a can't-miss for all kids.  Check out That's Odd, where you'll learn amazing facts, including the measurements of the sun and the speed of a lightning bolt.  For some mind-melters, swing by Brain Drains, featuring the Secret Code and Geography Quiz.  Into magic? Then get ready to learn some super tricks, such as the Mummy Finger,  Invisible Ink and the Amazing Floating Egg.  You'll even lift an ice cube with a piece of string.  And visit Tummy Ticklers for wacky riddles and jokes.  Funology is the Web site that chases boredom away.

Science of Cycling

The Science of Cycling Web site allows you to explore the working of your bike in ways you never imagined. Pedal over to http://www.exploratorium.edu/cycling/ and you'll be immersed in the exciting world of cycling. Women's cross-country champion Ruthie Matthes and bicycle frame-builder Paolo Salvagion will help you understand the culture and physics of this activity. Interactive media will show you the aerodynamics of the bike frame, the forces of braking and steering, and the workings behind drives and gears. Fill up your water bottle and wear you favorite cycling jersey. It's time to ride!    

The Abyss: An Alien Underworld

Imagine what kinds of creatures would live in an environment that is pitch dark 24 hours a day, full of poisonous gases, and has extreme freezing and scorching temperatures.  It sounds like another planet but, it's right here on Earth- in the depths of the oceans! Climb into a virtual deep-sea vessel at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/abyss and plunge into the abyss.  Find out why Canadian scientists want to study the ocean floor to understand life on Earth.  Be sure to catch the freakish creatures that live in these dark waters.  They all look like something out of science fiction.

Legends of the Air

For those who love to fly through the past comes the U.S. Air Force Museum Homepage.  Located in Dayton, Ohio, the museum has an endless number of aircrafts and exhibits, and this Web site is no different.  From the first all-wing airplane to the Boeing XB-39 "Spirit of London," here's your chance to sit in the cockpit of every plane imaginable.  Navigate out to http://www.wpafb.af.mil/museum/ and tour the museum's galleries of hundreds of planes.  You'll be able to cruise over Asia during the Korean conflict, lounge in presidential aircrafts, and jetset with the stars on a space flight.  Suffering from jetlag already?  For those who'd rather stay grounded, there are exhibits on weapons, equipment, plane engines and the Air Force's early years.  The Air Force Museum is educated and exciting.  It's time to prepare for an air strike!

Imagine, Explore, Play

The search is over!  Here it is, the one Web site that will keep you coming back again and again.  It's action-packed, always new, and always fun.  If you're itching for something to do, zoom over to http://www.bonus.com.  If its hip to you, it's here: more than 1,000 activities.  Explore the human body and gross science, brighten the world with art, take a whiz kid quiz or journey through a haunted mansion (if you dare).  With color, animation and sound around every corner, this site never gets old.  Bookmark it and make this site a regular stop on your trips through cyberspace.  There's no way you can do it all in one day.  So get started now!

Here Comes the Sun

Sure, it's in the sky every day, but we sometimes don't realize how the sun affects almost every aspect of our lives.  Obviously, it helps plants grow and keeps us warm, but did you know that it can cause hurricanes or make people sick?  Take off to the molten ball of fire at http://hyperion.advanced.org/15215/ and see what's hot.  That's the point of this great interactive site:  to explore how the sun is the friend AND foe of humans.  Explore our very own star, or bask in the art and music dedicated to the sun by everyone from ancient Egyptians to the Beatles.  It's so hot, it's cool.

The Mysterious and Unexplained

Enter the world of The Mysterious and Unexplained at  http://www.activemind.com/Mysterious/  Search for mysterious creatures, examine unexplained powers and investigate legends  of ancient lost lands.  This Web site is dedicated to all that is mysterious and unexplained .  It can be your launching pad for a serious investigation of the unknown.  Are you fascinated by Bigfoot or the Loch Ness Monster? Do you wonder why Stonehenge or the Sphinx were built?  Does the idea of lost fortunes in buried treasures tantalize you?  Have you ever considered whether Plato's tale of Atlantis is true?  Do you think we're alone in the universe, or are there other intelligent beings out there?  What do you think?  If you have an opinion, a theory or further evidence, you are encouraged to submit them.

Mir Space Station

Space stations used to be in the movies only, but thanks to new technology, now they are the real thing.  The Mir Space Station can be permanently staffed by three cosmonauts, and plays host to visiting space crews. All systems aboard are functioning, so why don't you pop in for a visit at http://www.nasa.gov/ .  You'll be able to follow the American Mir missions since 1995, browse through photos of the station's interior, and examine all of Mir's components up close. If you plan on spending more time with these space adventures from around the world, be prepared to burn midnight oil and "oxygen candles," because these folks work long and hard!  You'll find all kinds of Mir-related Web links and Mir radio frequencies. It's time to make a pit-stop in the stars!

WEIRD SCIENCE

At the Atoms Family, science is not only fascinating, it's also scary. Based on the Atoms Family exhibit at the Miami Museum of Science, this site allows you to interact with energy-related activities presented by your favorite gothic horror characters, from the Wolf Man to Frankenstein. Explore the haunted hill at http://www.miamisci.org/af/sin/ Learn about the properties of light, waves and particles at Dracula's Library. The enter the Mummy's Tomb to discover how to build a better pyramid using insulation. And explore electrical safety at Frankenstein's Lightning Laboratory. The Atoms Family is a way-cool learning experience, mixing fun and education. Spooky science awaits you.

Diggin' For Dinosaurs

Grab your fossil finder and head to the San Diego Natural History Museum's Dinosaur Did Kids' Habitat at www.sdnhm.org/kids/dinosaur/  Play the "Name That Reptile!" game, and learn about the theories of how dinosaurs became extinct at "Meteors and Mass Extinction." You'll find tons of dinosaur facts at "Dinosaur Bytes." Then tackle the challenging Jurassic Jumble, a word-search game. This site is sure to thrill all dinosaur fans. 

Shoot For the Stars

Blast off for the Chabot Space and Science Center at http://www.chabotspace.org/vsc/.  Located in Oakland, Calif., this cool new observatory opened in August and features two huge telescopes, Rachel and Leah, which are open for public use.  If you can't get to Oakland, you can visit the Virtual Science Center on the Web.  You'll find online exhibits, including Star Station One, a program to raise awareness about the international Space Station.  Also, visit the Virtual Observatory and see the collection of astrophotographs taken with the help of Rachel and Leah.  Finally, check out the Virtual Planetarium to find out all about the night sky.  This is one site that will have you reaching for the stars.

The Solar System For Kids

   Blast off to all parts of the solar system at Astro for Kids at www.astronomy.com/content/static/AstroForKids/default.asp Each planet, the sun and Earth's moon are represented by cartoon characters. Click on each one to learn about your favorite planet. Did you know that the sun is middle-aged? Or that Pluto was discovered only on 1930? The site also explains what Roman gods and goddesses the planets are named after. Enjoy your romp through our solar system.

SCIENCE FOR KIDS

You thought science was cool before. Pour one unit of http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/kids into  your cyber-test and check out Sci4Kids. The first thing you'll see is a colorful, wacky drawing. Click on anything in the picture and enter a new lab with each click. Click on the bug, and  you're counting aphids with the entomologists. Click on the satellite, and take off for Mars. And if you really  want o be amazed, click on the little microscope for a hyper-magnified, way-cool view of the world. With lots of links and fun interactivity, you'll be tinkering with this site for hours. If you're into plants, lasers. outer space, bugs, the environment-whatever-there's a lab coat with your  name on it at Sci4 Kids. 

Neuroscience for Kids

It's Brain Awareness Week 2000 at Neuroscience for Kids.  Whether it's the smell of apple pie or a memory of  swimming at the beach, we can thank our brains for the special http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/neurok.html.  You can have fun making a model of the brain, a neuron or the retina.  Or see how easily your senses can fool you at Brain Games.  You'll find great activities as you discover the amazing universe of the brain.  

Microbe Probe

From school playgrounds to frozen snowfields to your own bedroom, microbes are everywhere.  Discover this microscopic world at the Microbe Zoo.  Head to http://commtechlab.msu.edu/sites/dlc-me/zoo and prepare to think small.  At Animal Pavilion, you'll find out how the microbes that live inside a termite's guts are able to digest wood.  Get wet and wild at Water World , where you can visit ponds, swamp and bogs that are rich in bizarre and colorful microbes.  Just keep your eyes open for those nasty "pipe slimers" and the "red tide."  And definitely embark on the Space Adventure, where you'll explore Mars with other scientists to find out if life ever existed on the Red Planet.  If you're getting hungry from all of  this action, then stop by the Snack Bar-the place to find tasty foods that are produced by microbes, including bread, chocolate and yogurt.  Plus, the site is home to the House of Horrors, where such monsters as vampire bacteria and The Invader microbe hang.  At the Microbe Zoo, is both beautiful and tiny.