Science and Technology (D)
National Science Education Standard: Science and Technology
- K-4
- Abilities of technological design
- Understanding about science and technology
- Abilities to distinguish between natural objects and objects made by humans
- 5-8
- Abilities of technological design
- Understandings about science and technology
- 9-12
- Abilities of technological design
- Understandings about science and technology
Mapping a Refuge
A refuge is a place where you can record observations of seasonal changes to plants, trees, and wildlife. You can use GPS (global positioning system) data to mark an observation spot and record your observations. Then, if you can, visit the same national wildlife refuge during other seasons in the year to document changes in the natural world.
Measure for Measure
Geoscientists use special boats to conduct research at sea. One of these boats is named the JOIDES Resolution (JR). Unlike most oceangoing vessels, the JR has a flat bottom, a 6.4-meter hole in the middle, 12 laboratories, and a derrick towering 67 meters above the waterline! Why? So scientists can sail nearly anywhere in the world to drill for samples of rocks and sediment from below the seafloor. What for? In hopes of discovering clues about Earth's history and structure, life in the deep biosphere, past climate change, earthquakes and natural resources.
Model of a Well
Groundwater is contained in the zone of saturation below the land surface. The top of this zone is known as the water table. People can tap into this source of water by drilling wells. The depth of the well and level of the water table greatly influences the wells productivity. In this activity you will demonstrate the relationship of groundwater to wells.
Modeling an Oil Reserve
Abundant oil and natural gas form only where conditions in the Earth are just right. Doing this investigation will help you understand how geoscientists identify and explore petroleum-rich reserves.
Modeling Earthquake Waves
An earthquake occurs when massive rock layers slide past each other. This motion makes enormous vibrations, which travel from the site of the earthquake in waves. In this activity, you will model how earthquakes move in three dimensions.
Mud Fossils
Learn about fossil preservation, paleontology, and stratigraphy in this detailed activity from the USGS.
Mystery Mollusc
Pretend to be a biologist as you 'discover' a new mollusc species and work to determine it's characteristics and habitat.
Ocean Currents
In this activity, students will learn the pattern of major ocean currents and how they are changed by wind, land and water.
Ocean Currents Change Our Earth
Ocean currents — the continuous, directed movement of ocean water — affect regional climates and alter the biological and chemical characteristics of seawater.
Products from Petroleum
Where would we be without petroleum? You can kiss lipstick goodbye!
Not only does petroleum provide fuel to run our vehicles, cook our food, heat our homes, and generate electricity, it is also used in plastics, medicines, food items, and countless other products, from aspirin to umbrellas and, yes — lipstick! We use many oil products as synthetic alternatives to natural materials, including synthetic rubber instead of natural rubber, and detergent instead of soap. Oil also gives us entirely new, unique materials such as nylon.
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