5th Grade Websites


Particles and States of Matter

Good animation to show movement of particles in matter (Brownian motion) and the properties of the states of matter. First frame Particules and then click "next Quick Learn" for States of Matter http://www.s-cool.co.uk/topic_quicklearn.asp?loc=ql&topic_id=4&quicklearn_id=1&subject_id=21&ebt=217&ebn=&ebs=&ebl=&elc=4

The Phantom�s Portrait Parlor: Phases of Matter.  Students visit an 
Interactive Molecule Chamber.  Good reinforcement of molecular movement 
after students use the Molecule Energizers.
http://www.miamisci.org/af/sln/phases/

Introduction to the states of matter: Reinforces the information in text on 
states of matter, as well as introducing the fourth state of matter: plasma.
http://www.chem4kids.com/files/matter_intro.html

Websites that discuss the fourth state of matter: plasma
This website is provided for those students who might find themselves 
fascinated by the fact that there is a fourth state of matter: plasma.  
Although some of these sites may seem too advanced, students with interest 
will derive some knowledge and understanding from them.  Some of this 
information will be more meaningful after our study of the atom.
http://www.chem4kids.com/files/matter_plasma.html

http://liftoff.msfc.nasa.gov/academy/universe/fourth_matter.html

http://www.spacescience.org/ExploringSpace/PlasmaStateOfMatter/1.html

http://fusedweb.pppl.gov/CPEP/Chart_Pages/5.Plasma4StateMatter.html

http://www.plasmacoalition.org/more3.htm

Mass and Weight

Find out what you would weigh on another planet: http://www.exploratorium.edu/ronh/weight/

The Atom

Watching a hydrogen atom: Even in a simple hydrogen atom, the single electron creates an electron cloud. Here students watch the animation of the movement of an electron around the nucleus to create the electron cloud http://www.miamisci.org/af/sln/phantom/spectroscope.html

Comparing Atomic Structure:
Click on �Atoms�.  Move cursor over the atom to hear the names of subatomic 
particles. 
Compare the atomic structure of some common elements by moving your cursor 
over the diagram then click on the toggle next to "Compare the
Atoms".  Also 
try the �States of Matter� desk
http://www.iknowthat.com/com/L3?Area=Science+Lab&COOK

Chemistry: Structure of Materials
A fun review of the atom with a self-test.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/chemistry/structure/atomicstructurerev1.shtml

Paper cutting activity
An activity which demonstrates the �smallness� of the atom.  This one can be 
used with all ability levels.
http://www.miamisci.org/af/sln/phantom/papercutting.html

Can We See Atoms?
 This website shows the comparison of size for subatomic particles, using 
scientific notation.  Although this may be advanced for some students, the 
site explains that atomic particles can not be seen with regular microscopes 
because the wavelength of light is too broad for these extremely small 
particles.  The scanning tunneling microscope uses electrons (electricity) 
to help make atoms visible.  The pictures on the website are good examples 
of the �array� or orderly arrangement of atoms.
http://science.howstuffworks.com/atom9.htm

How we see the world: The World�s Meterstick
This website uses an easy to understand graphic that shows the scientific 
instruments that we use to view both the extremely large universe down to 
the smallest atomic particles. The electron microscope is shown for viewing 
an atom.  We use particle accelerators to view the �evidence� of the 
subatomic particles.
http://particleadventure.org/particleadventure/frameless/meterstick.html

How we see the world: The Particle Adventure: 
The problem with using waves of light or particles to detect the physical 
world is that the quality of your image is limited by the wavelength you 
use. The following series of web sites tells a cute tale of a bear in a dark 
cave and how we can determine what the bear looks like.  It makes the point, 
that we can get a better �picture� or resolution of an object by using 
particles with the smallest wavelengths. 

Have the students click on each web site in sequence.
http://particleadventure.org/particleadventure/frameless/better_micro.html

http://particleadventure.org/particleadventure/frameless/cave.html

http://particleadventure.org/particleadventure/frameless/moral.html

http://particleadventure.org/particleadventure/frameless/wave_res.html

Atom builder and famous atomic scientists
The atom builder activity requires Shockwave to be installed before 
proceeding with the activity.  However, even without Shockwave, the students 
can learn about the work of scientists that led to our modern theory of 
atomic structure.  Have them scroll to the bottom for a list of scientists.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aso/tryit/atom/

CERN is the European Organization for Nuclear Research, the world's largest 
particle physics centre. Here physicists come to explore what matter is made 
of and what forces hold it together. Look behind the scenes at the world�s 
largest particle accelerator lab. 
Have students click on the icons along the bottom of the home page.
http://public.web.cern.ch/Public/Welcome.html

Elements Links to different Periodic Table of the Elements:

Cool! - Interactive Periodic Chart Use this site for your Science Lab Activity!! http://www.chemicool.com/

Interactive Periodic Chart: 
This is a great website for the children to use to research their element 
and to become better acquainted with the Periodic Chart.  By clicking the 
titles on the left side, the students can change the information that shows 
on the Periodic Chart, examples: atomic number, electron configuration, 
etc.  If they click on the square of any element, they will be given atomic 
and historical information about that element, as well as any other web 
links that the author has included.
http://science.howstuffworks.com/framed.htm?parent=atom.htm&url=http://www.chemicalelements.com/

http://www.ptable.com/

http://periodictable.com/

http://elements.wlonk.com/Elements_Pics+Words_11x17.pdf

Need the latest version of Adobe Flash.
http://www.periodicvideos.com/

Metals and Nonmetals

Find out how fireworks are made, then play a fireworks game. (Click on �Name that Boom�.) http://www.nationalgeographic.com/ngkids/0007/fireworks/blast1.html

Take a tour of metals and minerals found around the home.
http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/mms/scho-ecol/tour/intro_e.htm

Play the animation, and see how coal was burnt to produce iron, a pioneering 
process that accelerated the Industrial Revolution.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/society_culture/industrialisation/launch_a

Discover fascinating facts about gold. (Scroll down to 'Amazing facts about 
gold' and click on "click to view".)
http://www.gold.org/discover/knowledge/index.html

Find out what rust is and how it occurs. (Click on �What is Corrosion?� at 
the bottom for information about other types of corrosion.)
http://science.howstuffworks.com/question445.htm

Rust Rod Test: Try an experiment to discover if metals rust more quickly in 
tap water or salt water.
http://library.thinkquest.org/J001796/bshypoth.htm?

Different metals found in US coins. (Click on "What are current circulating 
coins made from" then scroll down and click on "coins" to find
out how coins 
are made.)
http://www.usmint.gov/faqs/circulating_coins/index.cfm?

The recycling of aluminum and steel cans in the USA.
http://www.cancentral.com/environ4.htm

Take an interactive tour and find out how aluminum is recycled.
http://www.aluminiumcanrecycling.co.uk/plant_tour.php

Cells

DNA - Deoxyribonucleic Acid Interested in DNA and why it is so important. Investigate this site to find out more... Putting DNA to Work

Cells Alive!  This wonderful site has great pictures, diagrams, games, and 
interactive activities.
Cells Alive!

Human Body Systems

Respiratory System Learn about the respiratory system and all its parts Respiratory System

My Body and its Systems
Learn about your body, your body parts, and how it all functions!
A FUN website!
My Body!

Weather

Wind Check out "Wind with Miller". Miller is a tour guide that helps explain how wind is created and its usefullness. Windpower -

Why does air circulate and what are the driving forces for this movement?
Click below to find out why...
Air movement

What are cold fronts and warm fronts?
Cold fronts and warm fronts

Learn about the characteristics of High
Pressure
areas.
High Pressure Areas

Learn about the characteristics of Low
Pressure
areas doing this activity.
Low Pressure Area activity

Energy

Forms of Energy Use the Links under page 59. Science of Roller Coasters

What is Renewable Energy?  Check out this site and learn about solar energy, 
hydro energy, geothermal energy, and many more...
Alliant Energy Kids - Renewable Energy

FAQ about Renewable Energy
Alliant Energy Kids - Renewable Energy FAQ

General Science Websites

Have loads of fun with this interactive website learning about Life Science, Physical Process, and Materials. FUN and Interactive! BiteSize Science (BBC)

See the best picture of atoms that scientists have...
-click on "Zoom Inside Stuff"
-watch (notice the magnification at the bottom)
-read about the atom
-click on the items in the yellow area and read about each.
http://www.strangematterexhibit.com/index.html