MULTIMEDIA FOR FREE
Free for teachers, students, and curious minds of any age. Here’s some activities and videos you might find useful in your classroom. You may print, duplicate, and distribute these materials as needed for instructional purposes only. Heimhenge Enterprises retains the copyright to all materials. Have fun learning!
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Chapter Zero |
Aptly named, this 10-unit manual reviews the mathematics science students need to know: algebra, trigonometry, vector analysis, proportions, statistics, graphing methods, units and conversions, scientific notation, significant figures, uncertainty, and the scientific calculator. Answers to the practice problems for each unit are included, as well as copyright-free masters for cartesian, polar, semi-log, and log-log graph paper. Use it as an introductory unit or for reference. This is not an “easy read.” It is targeted for the serious student of science who is motivated to improve their mathematics skills. |
| US Geography Game Geography.ppt 247k |
This is a PowerPoint game similar to the classic Jeopardy! TV show. This specific game covers geography, but it can be used as a template for creating your own games simply by editing the questions and answers. Instructions are on the final slide. Font size and color contrast is suitable for viewing in an average classroom using at least a 40 inch display. |
| Geometry Scramble Scramble.doc 29k |
This is a one-sheet handout that presents an “unscramble the letters” challenge, including hints. Answers are provided on the second page. This type of challenge tests vocabulary, spelling, visual imagination, and deductive skills. And it’s good to have on hand for those days when your lesson plan comes up short. This specific scramble uses terms from geometry, but it can be used as a template for creating your own scramble. All you need is a text editor. |
| International Dateline Dateline.zip 1.6M |
Here’s one example of the quality animations available from Heimhenge Enterprises. The zipped file includes the animation (700×500 30 fps) and the Teachers Notes. Students (and adults) often have questions about the International Dateline. This animation shows clearly how the Dateline works, why it is needed, and the effect it has on travel. |
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Perplexing Power Pole Puzzle |
Find the shortest length of wire that can connect a power plant to multiple cities. The puzzle includes a ready-to-go sample (with solution), and instructions for creating your own puzzles from the included template. This is a great “rainy day exercise” for students who understand the Pythagorean Theorem. |
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Locust Locus Hocus Pocus |
Test spatial visualization and creative thinking. Experience with geometry helps but is not necessary. The task is to limit the movement of a locust to an area of lawn shaped like a semicircle. All you have are 3 stakes, a ring, and an unlimited amount of rope. |
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Physics Vocabulary Crossword 1 |
40 clues for physics terms and concepts are presented in this puzzle. Answers are provided on the second page. Suitable for in-class work or take-home. |
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Physics Vocabulary Crossword 2 |
101 clues for (mostly) physics terms and concepts are presented in this puzzle. Clues and answers are provided on separate pages. Too long to be completed in a single class period, but could be done with teams of four. Also useful as a challenging take-home assignment. |
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Science Limerick Contest |
Fun activity for grades 6–12, and would not need to apply just for science. This one is written for science and includes 17 student entries and 4 classic examples of science limericks. Best used as an extended assignment to give the students some time to create. |
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Eclipse Geometry |
Page 1 diagrams the geometry involved in solar and lunar eclipses. Page 2 has 11 calculation problems based on that geometry. Access to reference materials or online data is required. Numerical answers are provided. |
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Newtonian Gravitation Theory |
This single-sheet document summarizes the equations of Newtonian Gravitation Theory as applied to planets and orbits. It’s an excellent supplement to any physics textbook. The math level required is Algebra 2 or greater. |
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How to Use a Micrometer |
Many labs still have the old style analog micrometers instead of the current digital models. Students often struggle with reading the measurement scales on these older instruments. This single-sheet handout explains (with diagrams) how to read a metric analog micrometer. |
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Metric System Review |
Page 1 presents a summary of how conversions are done in SI, including a chart of the metric prefixes. Page 2 presents a student worksheet with 20 conversion problems. Page 3 provides the solutions. |
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Multiple-Choice Question Formats |
Are your multiple-choice questions “vanilla” and do they all follow the same logical pattern? Even within the relatively constrained multiple-choice format, there are many variations that challenge different cognitive skills. This one-page document looks at nine different MCQ formats you can emulate. |
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How to Take Notes in Science Class |
Taking good notes in a science class involves different strategies than what would be used in, say, a history class. This single-sheet handout describes the best methods for obtaining great science notes for each of three different classroom activities: traditional verbal lectures, sample calculation sessions, and multimedia (including demonstrations with apparatus). |
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A Statistical Test of Astrology |
Do a lot of your students read their daily horoscope? Do they understand the difference between astronomy and astrology? Run this experiment in class and allow them to discover the truth. The mathematics required is suitable for grades 9-12. |
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The Five Optical Configurations of Telescopes |
Five animations showing how light moves through the five basic configurations of telescope optics. No text or equations — visual only. One page of teachers notes included. Suitable for grades 6-12. |
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Constellation Confusion |
This worksheet helps for identifying constellations in the sky. Students are challenged to find constellation that have been rotated (compared to the reference chart) and interspersed with random stars. It’s a fun exercise in pattern recognition. Answer key separate. Suitable for grades 6-12. |