There are several digital libraries, databases, and websites that provide resources for teachers. You probably know of a few already. Below are additional ones that you should know. It is hoped that after you review these sites you will find that they will lead you to better teaching resources than you'd find by simply using Google. The sites you'll be exploring are peer reviewed and have scientifically accurate, field-tested materials.

• Multimedia Education Resource for Learning and Online Teaching (MERLOT)
  MERLOT has peer-reviewed lessons, assignments, simulations, demonstrations and activities. You can search by topic or content area. A brief description of the activity/lesson will appear along with a link to the actual materials. Science Education Commons is one of several electronic communities within MERLOT. The CSU-supported web presence provides information for future and current science teachers. To collect resources at this site, you must "Join Merlot" (link on the upper right hand corner). Once you've created your profile you will be able to store resources in your private collections.
• National Science Digital Library (NSDL)
  NSDL has thousands of resources for you to peruse. Searching is straightforward with the site giving you the opportunity to narrow your search by only looking for items appropriate for K-12 or specific grade level spans. In addition to searching by grade level and topic you can search by format, looking for interactive resources, audio, video, etc.
• NASA Wavelength
  NASA Wavelength is "A Full Spectrum of NASA Resources for Earth and Space Science Education. It provides a variety of resources for educators of all grades, and includes a link that allows you to find lessons that they claim address current science standards. There is a lot to explore at the NASA Wavelength. Notice the button on the home page labeled 'Educators Start Here'. This takes you to a page that allows you to select lessons and activities according to standards. Be sure to explore the site before you begin the reflections below.
• Teach Engineering
  Teach Engineering is a searchable, web-based digital library collection comprised of standards-based engineering curricula for use by K-12 educators to make applied science and math come alive through engineering design in K-12 settings. The TeachEngineering collection provides educators with free access to a growing curricular resource of activities, lessons, units, and maker challenges.
• California Academy of Sciences
  California Academy of Sciences has developed an extensive website with many different teacher resources. These resources include lesson plans, note-booking ideas, videos, and more. The resources are searchable by grade-level as well as by type of resource. Good starting points are either "Browse lessons and activities" or linking to the specific grade-level you like best at the bottom of the page.
• Exploratorium
  The Exploratorium has developed a wealth of hands-on science activities that teachers or students can make using common, inexpensive, readily available materials. They call these activities "snacks." These snacks are not lessons, but can serve as interesting student experiences to embed in lessons that you design. Many of these activities are geared for Middle School or higher, although many are adaptable for upper grades. To start try exploring "Special Collections" or "Snacks by Subject."

Assignment

These sites provide a variety of resources for educators of all grades and allow you to find lessons that they claim address current science standards. For this assignment, choose two sites to compare. Go to each and explore – there are a lot of resources to discover at each of these sites. Be sure to explore the sites before you begin the reflections below.

Write a short reflection addressing each of the following prompts:

1. Describe and compare each site. Be sure to describe strengths of each site.
2. Select a resource from site #1. Describe the resource and how you might use it in your teaching.
3. Select a resource from site #2. Describe the resource and how you might use it in your teaching.

As a guide, your response to each prompt should be about 200-300 words in length.

Submitting Your Assignment

Please follow the assignment submission instructions given to you by your instructor. Some instructors may ask you to email the assignment to them and others may prefer that you turn in a paper copy of your work. Finally, some instructors may ask you to submit your work via Beachboard. When in doubt, email your instructor to ask how to submit your work.

Please note: you can repeat this assignment for your second Category II assignment by exploring/comparing an additional two different websites.