Subject: Science/Technology
Grades: 3-5
Length: 4 episodes @ 60 minutes
Distributors: NASA
Website: http://whyfiles.larc.nasa.gov

These programs emphasize the integration of mathematics, science, and technology; use NASA researchers to put a "real-world face" on mathematics, science, and technology; and support the national mathematics, science, and technology standards. The NASA "Why?" Files offers educators the opportunity to introduce students to problem-based learning and science as inquiry. The NASA "Why?" Files Series is a standards-based, technology focused, distance learning initiative designed to integrate and enhance the teaching of math, science, and technology in grades 3-5. The series uses problem-based learning and scientific inquiry, including the scientific method and science process skills, to introduce students to the excitement and exploration of real-world mathematics, science, and technology.

The Case of the Mysterious Red Light
Have you ever seen an unusually bright red sunrise or sunset and wondered why? That's exactly what happens in The Case of the Mysterious Red Light as the tree house detectives accept the challenge of trying to find the source of the red light.

The Case of the "Wright" Invention
Travel back in time with the tree house detectives to learn about the process of invention from two of the greatest inventors of all time, Orville and Wilbur Wright. As the tree house detectives try to create their own invention, they get expert help from the Wright Brothers, NASA researchers, and other experts in the community. The tree house detectives find that inventing is not as easy as it seems, andd it really does take the "Wright" stuff to be a good inventor.

The Case of the Inhabitable Habitat
Students are invited to actively join the tree house detectives as they investigate the devastating changes that have occurred in the local fishing industry! In solving this case, the tree house detectives learn about various habitats on land, in the water, and even in space. They learn about the animals that depend on these habitats and how changes created by both man and nature affect their existence.l The tree house detectives determine that habits can have a big impact on habitats.

The Case of the Phenomenal Weather
Join the tree house detectives as they plan a trip to the Caribbean and encounter problems in trying to predict the weather. In this case the tree house detectives will learn about violent storms, such as hurricanes and tornadoes, weather fronts, global wind patterns, and climates. While solving the case, they will discover that predicting the weather is not predictable at all!

The Case of the Unknown Stink
In this program, students are invited to actively join the tree house detectives as they investigate the "Case of the Unknown Stink." The tree house detectives accept the challenge of trying to find the source of an unpleasant odor that is invading the surrounding neighborhoods. To determine the source of the stink, our detectives learn about the sense of smell: what it is; how humans and animals smell, and how wind speed and direction influence the movement of odor. They also learn about how NASA's Atmospheric Science research can help solve the case. While investigating the case, the tree house detectives learn that the source of the "unknown stink" is "right under their very noses."

The Case of the Barking Dogs
In this program, students are invited to actively join the tree house detectives as they investigate the "Case of the Barking Dogs." The tree house detectives accept the challenge of determining why dogs in the surrounding neighborhoods have unexpectedly started barking early in the morning and late at night. Using scientific inquiry, our detectives discover what is causing the neighborhood dogs to bark. In determining the "why," the detectives learn about sound: what it is, how it is transmitted, and how humans and animals hear. While solving the case, the tree house detectives learn that determining the source of the barking requires the use of logic and "sound" reasoning.

The Case of the Electrical Mystery
In this program, students are invited to actively join the tree house detectives as they investigate "The Case of the Electrical Mystery." The tree house detectives are baffled: "Why is the electricity on in the tree house and why is the electricity off in all the houses on their block?" They accept the challenge to solve the problem of the "electrical mystery." Using scientific inquiry, our detectives learn about electricity and how it is generated; they also learn about electrical current, circuits, and distribution. While solving the case, the tree house detectives discover that the "electrical mystery" is not simply an "open" and "closed" case.

The Case of the Challenging Flight
In this program, students are invited to actively join the tree house detectives as students from a rival school challenge them to compete in a flight contest. The tree house detectives accept their rival's challenge to compete in the "design it, build it, and fly it" competition. Using scientific inquiry, our detectives design and build an airplane by using common household materials and learn about the four basic components of flight: lift, thrust, drag, and gravity. While building their airplane, the tree house detectives use what they've learned to design and build an "eggs-tra-ordinary" flying machine.