Virtual Learning Network

http://science360.gov/files/

This is an amazing site for just exploring.  It is sort of like TED in that it is a collection of videos but here they are all about science and over all facets of exploration.  They are usually quite short, maybe 3-4 minutes. It could be used to just inspire - last thing on a Friday when you need to give the class a buzz, a wow to float off home on. Or you can find background, inspirational material for beginning a topic or changing dirction.  Maybe you have a reading group who have got revved up about their book - find a video that can extend their understanding or start a conversation.  Have a look at this video on earthworms and the negative (!) effect they are having on forests in the US.

http://science360.gov/obj/video/00ff6f54-deec-44f9-9097-797d2370a379/invasion-earthworms

it is interesting to see how the scientists work, collecting the worms and showing the effect of them in areas which actually don't naturally have worms in them - they can destroy a forest!! You can add this info to the work being done in NZ and accessed through the Science Learning Hub under 'Science Stories".  So your students can get a sense that there are studies on similar subjects being done all over the world and reflect on what those scientists might talk about if they got together, what could they learn if they/when they pool their leaning?

http://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/Science-Stories/Earthworms

Finally, this site is also available for ipad or ipod through the App store. 

www.stevespanglerscience.com

It is always a bonus to find a great website that really inspires and assists you to teach something new.  This site is my go to for practical science ideas.  Steve Spangler is a bit of a rock star - you may have seen him on "Ellen". His website has investigations you can do with pretty ordinary stuff usually but what makes it great is that he has all the background information that gives you the confidence to begin a conversation with your class.  He also has equipment and stuff available from the online store but their postage rates are exorbitant so if you have any contacts in the States then they might need to be put to good use! He has a blog to follow and he tweets!  The best things are the videos - so you can start off with him doing the teaching first if you want to! Check it out and if you like the look of it sign up for the "Experiment of the Week" and he will send you something cool to try each week.  Maybe set checking and trying the experiment as homework, or have a go as a class on a Monday morning and have the  children write about it, their opinions/explanations/debates all week?