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A TEACHER'S GUIDE TO PLASMA SCIENCE RESOURCES

Introduction | Basic Information | Plasmas in Nature | 
Man-Made Plasmas | Resources for Students | 
Resources for Teachers | Plasma Outreach Near You 

RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS
Click on the for a check list of National Science Standards the site fulfills.

INTERACTIVE

These sites provide exemplary, interactive materials for students to explore fusion and plasma science concepts.

The Internet Plasma Physics Education eXperience (IPPEX): Excellent basic introduction to plasma and fusion energy, with educational interactive tutorials. The viewer can operate a virtual tokamak. Explains pros and cons of fusion vs. fossil fuels. Very responsive to e-mail questions.

Physics 2000: Good, simple and fun interactive site that deals with electromagnetic waves, microwaves, X-rays and lasers. Extensive set of interactive Java applets illustrating various concepts of modern physics; accessible for all ages. Plasmas not specifically discussed but many interactive applets are relevant to plasma processes.

Energy Quest: Contains interactive activities primarily aimed at K-8 audience regarding the science and distribution of conventional energy resources in California. Puts nuclear energy in perspective with other energy sources. Glossary contains references to fusion, but there is no direct mention of plasma.

CPEP On-Line Fusion Course: Created by the Contemporary Physics Education Project (CPEP) and FusEdWeb, this Guided Tour provides a detailed overview of fusion, with links to related topics, like the particle adventure, which is very interactive.

IMAGE Science Center P.O.E.T.R.Y web site: Hands-on lessons for students and teachers, sorted by content, grade level, and web-based. The activities highlight the plasma in nature and show science as a human endeavor.


NOT INTERACTIVE

Football Physics: The University of Nebraska Department of Physics, physics analysis of football, 7 lessons [inertia, forces, momentum, etc], and detailed analysis of games during 1999 and 2000. Quick Time presentation on Atoms and Photons has greatest application to a study of plasma Requires special plug in.

Electricity Unit - North Canton City Schools: Provides many useful historical facts about electricity and magnetism. A student resource link site. Some links not working.

Fusion Energy Education Site: Features Nine Ways to Learn about Fusion Energy - For Grades 5 and Up - through graduate school. A good survey of plasma- and fusion-related topics. Includes Glossary on Fusion and Plasma Science, which allows viewer to search and submit entries.

How Van de Graff Generators Work: A colorful site that explains how mechanical devices work in a way young students can understand. Includes instructions on how to build a Van de Graff generator.

Fermilab Education Office: Excellent; many links, lessons, major nuclear topics, projects, pages for student and teacher.

Plasma on the Internet: Contains Who's Who in Atomic/Plasma Physics, bibliography and glossary. Recommended for physicists and college students. Good information on careers and educational programs. Mainly for graduate students.

Down-to-Earth Science: This outreach page of the Space Telescope Science Institute site is a gateway into educational activities for students, teachers and the general public.

Physics Central: This site contains articles and links to "everything you ever wanted to know" about physics. Most of it is aimed at high school and above. Sponsored by the American Physical Society.

American Physical Society: Education and Outreach: This site has many wonderful facets. It contains a great timeline called "A Century of Physics," with plasma citations. It lists multiple teacher workshops, student workshops, links to other sites, scholarship and intern opportunities, and as well as career information.

 

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