Looking back to the late nineteenth century, one can find traces of the earliest distance education learning programs at the university level at places like the University of Chicago and Columbia University. It would take six decades before an entire university was created specifically as a distance teaching institution, and it would happen on the other side of the Atlantic. This school is Open...

A page on the General Electric Lighting Web site has four lessons about the history, technology, mathematics, and science of light. Mainly intended for elementary or middle school students, the material is divided into short articles, hands-on activities, and experiments. The lessons teach students how to identify different kinds of light bulbs, choose the most efficient bulb for different...

The goal of the National Girls Collaborative Project (NGCP) "is to bring together organizations throughout the United States that are committed to informing and encouraging girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)." The Project started as a regional organization in the Pacific Northwest in 2002, and the National Science Foundation funded the creation of...

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has created this useful set of resources related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) for educators and others interested in these fields. Here visitors can look over the resources, which include full-text books, pamphlets, and an interactive website. First up is the book "Worms, Shadows, and Whirlpools," which represents a new way to...

This eleven part series, created by the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and NBC Learn, explores the science of innovation. Narrated by newscaster Ann Curry, each segment is approximately five minutes. The offerings include "What is Innovation?" "Biofuels," "3-D Printing," and "Electronic Tattoos." First-time visitors may wish to start by viewing the "Self-Driving...

While Britain's National Stem Centre website is loaded with resources related to science, technology, engineering, and math, the technology section is particularly noteworthy. Here readers will find 1,353 unique resources. Topics are aimed at different age groups beginning in elementary school and ending in high school. Subjects include everything from engineering to the culinary arts and usually...

This website from a collaboration of New York State education associations states its goal as to "define STEM and the STEM disciplines in a fashion that will serve as a model for New York State and throughout the nation." Visitors should definitely check out the link to "2010 NYS STEM Collaborative Summer Institute" on the homepage. There is a recording of the panel discussion that took place at...

From song and dance to STEAM and dance, Ok Go Sandbox reminds users that learning can, and should, be fun. Using music videos from the group Ok Go as a launching point, the site provides "an online resource for educators," with "guided inquiry challenges allowing students to explore various STEAM concepts." Under the Lessons tab, readers will find six educational units. Each curriculum page...

Pathways to Science is a fantastic resource for students of all ages looking to go into a career in the STEM fields. In particular, Pathways to Science emphasizes "connecting underrepresented groups with STEM programs, funding, mentoring and resources." Visitors will find that the menu near the top of the page includes sections for K-12 Students, Undergrads, Grad Students, and Postdocs. The...

Sponsored by NASA and the National Science Foundation, the Pathways to Science Project was created by the Institute for Broadening Participation to support "pathways to the STEM fields: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics." The project works on connecting underrepresented groups with STEM programs, funding, mentoring, and resources. The "Students" area features a sign-in area where...