See where the planets are right now (or in years past).

Solar System Live
Click on the link above (Solar System Live). Set the "size" at "900" and then select "update". Also, I like to show students where the planets were last year compared to this year. EXAMPLE BELOW: This small image shows where the planets (and Pluto) were in May 1983. For the fun of it, set the date to show the famous planet alignment of March 10, 1982. Click on the image to make it bigger. You can save the images and insert them into PowerPoint presentations. See if students can figure out which ones are visible in the night sky based on where the planets are in their orbits. Then show them this site: Planet finder

CLICK HERE to view a convenient list of other Earth Science Guy posts.

Varves from Ancient Glacial Lake Great Falls

Check out these varves located in a road-cut between Helena and Great Falls (Montana). Click on the photo for a better view. To learn more, go to this web site: www.formontana.net/glaciers.html

To view a convenient list of all the resources that have been posted on this "Earth Science Guy" blog site, CLICK HERE.

One of the Keys to Understanding Oceanic Circulation

This is a fun demonstration to do as you begin to teach about the connection between salinity and density (of ocean water). This concept plays a big roll in oceanic circulation.

Rocket Activity

My students will be making rockets this week.   Here is a 5-minute video I show as I explain how to pack the chute, etc.  Does anyone have an activity/handout that I can use to have my students make measurements and calculations on launch day?  In the past we have just watched them go up and come down (which they enjoy), but I would like to make the experience more educational.