Surfing the Net with Kids

Science for Girls

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 15:28:00 PST

In the thirty-five years since I was one of just a handful of women getting a computer science degree, you'd think the word would be out about what a great choice science is for both girls and boys. But apparently there are still plenty of myths that need busting. Learn more about how to encourage girls in science, technology and engineering with today's site roundup.

Reading Activities

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 15:59:00 PST

Although printed books will probably be center stage for reading activities with preschoolers and early elementary grades, the Internet also has a huge stash of online reading activities and ideas for offline activities such as puppet play and making bookmarks.

Cool Science Experiments

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 15:19:00 PST

Who else wants to join us in the kitchen for some cool science experiments? These sites explain hundreds of experiments you can do at home or in a classroom with simple materials you probably already have, or can easily get at the grocery store.

Colonial America

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 15:24:00 PST

The colonial period of American history starts with the arrival of the first European settlers in the early seventeenth century, and continues until independence was declared in 1776. During this time, the settlers formed thirteen colonies along the Atlantic coast as they built a new way of life and laid the groundwork for a new nation.

Dairy Foods

Tue, 3 Aug 2010 14:44:00 PST

Dairy is an important food group because of the role that calcium and vitamin D play in building bones and strong teeth. Although the daily minimum calcium requirements vary by age, it is important throughout all of life's stages. Sit down with a tall glass of milk (or a yummy fruit latte) and learn more about the importance of dairy at these sites.

Monkeys

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 15:14:00 PST

Monkeys, classified in the order Primates, are small, smart, lively mammals that live in the tropical regions of Central and South America, Africa and Asia. Because of their fanciful antics, they are always a crowd favorite, whether in the wild or in a zoo. Most of the 200 species live in forests and trees, although some do inhabit savannahs (tropical grasslands).

Frogs

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 15:18:00 PST

Years ago, while standing in my driveway at night, a frog hopped onto my foot. I probably screamed (wouldn't you?) but when I saw what it was, I bent down to pick him up. We kept the frog for awhile, feeding him live crickets and naming him Hoppy, before releasing him into a wetlands preserve near our house. These sites are for you, Hoppy. Wherever you may be.

Bastille Day

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 14:43:00 PST

Celebrated as a national French holiday, Bastille Day commemorates the storming of the Bastille fortress-prison on July 14, 1789 by an angry Parisian mob. It is frequently considered the start of the French Revolution, which eventually saw the overthrow of the monarchy, and the establishment of the French Republic.

Rivers

Tue, 6 Jul 2010 14:42:00 PST

Rivers are an important part of our ecosystem as a source of water, food, transportation, defense, energy, and last, but certainly not least, recreation. Learn more at this week's selection of sites.

Battle of Gettysburg

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 14:41:00 PST

Often described as the Civil War's turning point, the Battle of Gettysburg took place on July 1-3, 1863, in the town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. It was an extremely bloody battle, in the midst of an extremely bloody war. But in the end, the Union troops led by George G. Meade were victorious over the Confederate army led by Robert E. Lee.

Battle of Little Bighorn

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 14:41:00 PST

The Battle of the Little Bighorn (also known as Custer's Last Stand and the Battle of Greasy Grass Creek) took place on June 25-26 of 1876, during the Great Sioux War of 1876-77. General George Custer led 700 U.S. troops into defeat (with more than 250 casualties) at the hands of about 900 Native American warriors, led by Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse.

Father's Day Poems

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 15:40:00 PST

Whether you are making a Father's Day card from scratch, or looking for something to add to a purchased card, these sites are chock full of Father's Day poems to help you find just the right words to express your love. Some include original poems, others feature works from famous dead poets. Most allow the use of their poems on handmade cards, but be sure to check the each site for more specific terms of usage.