Khan Academy Free Resources

The Khan Academy, a non-profit organization, offers its learning resources free to everyone. It has over 300 videos available on topics such as K-12 math, biology, chemistry, physics, finance, and history. These educational videos are approximately ten minutes in length and are, as the Academy says, “digestible chunks”. Students can use  Khan Academy resources to learn on their own at their own pace. It also features a reporting system on student progress.

Lab Books Integrate with Science Data Collections

Vernier has announced the publishing of a new lab book: Investigating Biology through Inquiry. The lab book uses inquiry to assist teacher and students with AP biology and International Baccalaureate courses, and with the new AP inquiry requirements. It includes a CD with word processing files that teachers can edit. The book will be out in March 2012 and costs $48.  If you’d like more information on this lab book, check the Vernier site.

Romance, Weight Loss, Intrigue—Science Books

I was sent a review copy of The Manga Guide to Biochemistry. When it arrived in my office, there were mixed reactions to it, because it was obviously like a comic book—a 250 plus page comic book. Just a look at the cover turned the traditionalist educators off, but others said it looked like fun, not a textbook. It doesn’t look like any textbook I’ve ever seen, but if it can turn students on to science, I’m all for it. Information about the book says that it can be used as a textbook or supplementary source. Students involved in a traditional study of biochemistry might like to have this book at home to help them better understand concepts. Teachers could certainly use it for enrichment, review of topics covered, etc. The book teaches by creating a story in which science is needed to solve problems. In Biochemistry, the problem is a high school girl’s weight loss. Topics covered include what happens inside the body, photosynthesis and respiration, biochemistry in everyday lives, enzymes as key to chemical reaction, and molecular biology and nucleic acids. In addition to biochemistry, Manga offers guides to calculus, electricity, relativity, the universe, molecular biology, databases, linear algebra, physics, and statistics. Prices range from $19.95-$24.95. Digital downloads are available if printed copies are purchased. It’s worth taking a look at these books, because they are unique and interesting. Although I’m not a teenager, I thought I that would like to spend some time learning from them as well. Scientific Computing calls the Manga Guides, “Stimulus for the next generation of scientists,” and an article in the American Journal of Physics recommends the physics guide for all teachers of introductory physics.