Virtual Symphony

The Internet is full of all kinds of interesting tools and simulators. It seems no more than right that musical performance should fall into the category of disciplines represented by the overwhelming existence of digital counterparts. A quick Google search for “virtual musical instruments” will lead a user to a host of sites that are some how associated with digitally simulated instruments.

Wesleyan University offers an entire online museum of virtual instruments of all sorts from across the globe. The Department of Canadian Heritage hosts an online museum with an entire section devoted to a grid of virtual music-makers. Jim Doble maintains a site called Elemental Design that is dedicated to various percussion instruments. The site contains a section devoted to uncommon virtual instruments filled with various virtual, such as the pipe harp, the pentatonic aquarion, and such experimental instruments as a wrenchaphone (a xylophone made with wrenches). David Holmes has compiled an entire Museum of Sound Toys that provides a large collection of links to musical instruments online.

What's the Matter?

Properties of matter that is. (Kind of cheesy, yes.) I am kind of wrecking my brain in an attempt to provide some stimulating science activities for our 5th graders. But I am grateful for the online tools that I've found:

• Bitesize - This excellent site from the BBC is full of interactive lessons and activities that help students understand the ways of matter. This is where I found the little animation above.
  
• Utah Education Network - This page has a list of free interactive lessons on science (though this does not include anything about the properties of matter).
• Science Storybooks - Free ebooks based on scientific concepts
• Teaching 2.0 - A great resource for professional development. A great look at what's available to teachers.
• Jefferson County Schools Site - I'm not from Jefferson county (in fact I didn't even look to see where it is) but this site has some really excellent resources.
• Space Shuttle Interactive - Though this item is from NOVA (which I honestly do NOT care for anymore), it seems engaging.
• Science Cartoons - For older kids or those who are very advanced in their understanding of science.

I'm sure that there are lots more. And I'll be looking for them.