Science Resources - Secondary Level (RFA)

Phenomena are observable events in nature (or our lives) that connect to multiple NGSS disciplinary core ideas, such as Finnish Snow Trees or the behavior of bees. Throughout a unit, students work towards explaining the science concepts behind the phenomenon in their own words. Regardless of the grade or subject we teach, the same phenomenon can be used across K-12 with a different focus for each level. - TJ McKenna, "Using Phenomena to Engage Students"

Using Phenomena to Engage Students 

Heuristic for brainstorming "academically challenging" phenomena

Checklist: Qualities of a Good Anchor Phenomenon

Websites:

Phenomena for NGSS Website (McKenna)

Databases.

Tip: Browsing these videos and photos can give you unexpected ideas for phenomena For class use, consider using video clips with the audio muted. 

Britannica Academic (pw=books) on the RFA 24/7 interface and Strough 24/7 interface. Excellent source of science phenomena images and videos.

• Tip: Use the  button on the top right, and then drill down to your topic area.
• Tip: Use the  button on the top right of your search interface to see more great photos.

Gale Expanded Academic ASAP on the RFA 24/7 interface (pw=books) and Strough 24/7 interface. More great science photos and videos.

• Tip: type your topic or phenomena ideas into the search box, then narrow your search by image and video content types, on the right. 
• Tip: to quickly and easily save your media, click  on the right, and then . A folder will instantly be created in your Google Drive, where your saved media will be deposited. 

Gale Science In Context on the RFA 24/7 interface (pw=books) and Strough 24/7 interface.

• Tip: type your topic or phenomena ideas into the search box, then narrow your search by image and video content types (on the right). OR, use  link on the top left to drill down by topic. 
• Tip: to quickly and easily save your media, click  on the right, and then . A folder will instantly be created in your Google Drive, where your saved 

Today's Science on the RFA 24/7 interface (pw=books) Excellent images and graphics embedded in articles.  

• Search for articles using search box or "topic index" on top of home page. Scroll through article to see all of the great embedded media. 
• Videos may have segments appropriate for phenomena. Can be found on Video News Brief Page.

SNAP Media Catalog: Contains curated digital (streaming) and physical content for K-12 education.

Tips:

• Username=your school email address. pw=snap. Please use links on log in page for additional help. 
• Search for videos and images by checking the "streaming video" and/or "images" boxes on the advanced search page. Type your topic term into the search box. 
• Use the search term "time-lapse" to locate time-lapse videos 
• SNAP/media library HELP page can be found here.