by Mandy Donoghue

Created on: February 23, 2009

Elementary school students are fascinated with using technology to text friends sitting right beside them, to listen to or even record music, and play games filled with gripping graphics. These activities are all science related. Children are inquiring, observing, gathering, organizing, and concluding. Granted, the youngsters' focus may not be a scientific topic, but the skills they are acquiring can easily be applied to some of the best science websites for elementary school students. Use these websites with students as motivators when introducing new science subjects, research projects, and enrichment opportunities.

BBC Science & Nature (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sn/) page opens up with amazing photography depicting current events on television and radio programs as well as ongoing specials like tracking species in danger of becoming extinct and the world on the move with sea life. Then explore categories including animals, prehistoric life, space, climate change, and the human body. Breathing Places is especially relevant for children because it provides tips on how to help wildlife in their very own neighborhoods giving students a chance to make meaningful connections. This site is best suited for upper elementary students due to the reading level.

Crime Scene (http://cyberbee.com/whodunnit/crimescene.html) is a modern Clue that can be followed either by a small group or whole classroom instruction. Solve cases like The Case of the Barefoot Burglar. Below the case's title a crime scene report is given along with four suspects. Click on each suspect's name to learn more about the individual and why he/she may be the person who committed the crime. Once students think they have determined the perpetrator, select the Solve the Crime button and follow the instructions. Crime Scene requires students to gather information, assess the facts, make inferences, and draw conclusions. Students are then required to present their case so this activity works best if the classroom is divided into two groups.

Discovery Kids (http://kids.discovery.com/) engages students by appealing to topics children typically enjoy including shows, games, and videos. A schedule indicates when shows are available to watch. In the interim, students can select shows and read summaries about subjects, such as planets, recipes, and species to name a few. Slideshows, puzzles, and quizzes are also available. As for games, try Build a Volcano to launch a discussion about chemical reactions or Mummify

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