Threads of Enquiry Published by Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory Age Group: Adults Type: Teaching Tools License: free

THREADS OF ENQUIRY is a result of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory's work with elementary schools in Massachusetts to develop an integrated, inquiry-inspiring curriculum framework that brings science and the Internet into the everyday life of the elementary classroom. This work was supported by the NASA Learning Technologies Project. It is available as a series of color documents (about 10 pages each) in PDF format.

They include introductory material for teachers and parents, 10 hands-on investigations with sections aimed at different elementary grade levels, additional activities and folklore materials. The investigations focus on the changing seasons and other aspects of everyday experience: 'To Seek or Not to Seek?', 'Hello, Sun!', 'You Light Up My Life', 'Me and My Shadow', 'Guess My Shape', 'This is a Stickup!', 'Latitudes and Attitudes', 'Time Warp', 'Tilt-A-World' and 'Through Thick and Thin'.

Use this excellent resource to guide your class towards a practical and enthusiastic understanding of scientific inquiry.

Download Details

Requires:
Color Mac, Adobe Acrobat Reader

Download Sites:

Educational : Go to their website for the downloads