WEBSITES FOR EARTH DAY - APRIL 22, 2005
Access these sites through your computer’s Internet connection. Open the underlined address (URL). Information can be printed or downloaded to your computer. Be sure to follow links to other sites and find your way back with the "Back" button. Note that a gateway site is one that is mostly links to a very large number of other sites on the topic. Also, we note where we found broken links in our sampling of links within a site. Teachers will need to replace these links with their own.
All of the sites listed were active as of March 29, 2005. The evaluation is by the AVA Center staff according to the amount of information given, the general appearance of the site and its potential use in the classroom. This list is also sent through email if you have a school email address. Let us know if you would like to be added to our mailing list.
WEBSITES LESSON PLANS & CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES WEBQUESTS
WEBSITES
PLANET PALS – EARTH DAY
A GATEWAY
SITE A MUST!!
http://www.planetpals.com/earthday.html
A huge site on Earth Day. Sections: Planet Pals Pages, Eco Helpers,
Earth day Learning, Earth Learning, World Peace, Fun for Kids,
Parent/Teachers and more. Each section is packed with information and
ideas for activities. An outstanding site. Excellent
ACCESS EXCELLENCE MYSTERY SPOT
http://www.accessexcellence.org/AE/mspot/
"Interactive, online scientific mysteries developed by
Access Excellence for classroom use. The mysteries encourage student
problem-solving and inquiry." AE Mysteries: Two Forks, Idaho;
Yellow Jackie; Angry Red Planet; Croak; River of Venom and Arctica
(see below). Croak and River of Venom are especially good for Earth
Day. Includes Teacher-Developed Mysteries. An outstanding site.
Excellent
ACTION BIOSCIENCE
NEW!
http://www.actionbioscience.org/
Promotes bioscience literacy by providing information on several
issues in environmental sciences. Presents seven bioscience challenges.
Sections: Biodiversity, Environment, Genomics, Biotechnology, Evolution,
New Frontiers, Education and a section in Spanish. Click on Lesson
Directory for a long list of lesson plans on these topics. Excellent
Also in Lesson Plans section
ALL ABOUT ENERGY
NEW!
http://www.suelebeau.com/energy.htm
A page of links to websites on energy and renewables. Suitable for
elementary students. Excellent
ALL ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT
NEW!
http://www.suelebeau.com/environment.htm
A page of links to websites on the environment. Suitable for
elementary students. Excellent
AMAZON INTERACTIVE
http://www.eduweb.com/amazon.html
This site has two sections. Geography of the Ecuadorian Amazon
provides basic information on the rainforest in Ecuador including who
lives there and how they make their living. Part two is an Ecotourism
Simulation Game in which viewers play the role of Quicha Indians in a
rainforest village who choose to develop an ecotourism project to add
income and to help preserve the rainforest. Excellent
ARCTICA – AN ONLINE MYSTERY
http://www.accessexcellence.org/arc/
Students are challenged to solve the mystery of what happened to
the stranded polar expedition Arctica in 1834. Three people use crew
journals, diaries, tests, artifacts and more to solve the mystery. Can
your students? Note: This was a competition in 1997 but all the elements
remain for students to solve the mystery today. Excellent
BIOMES/ECOSYSTEMS LINKS
http://www.geocities.com/mddavis53/Ecosystems.html
A full page of links to sites on different biomes. Sections:
General Sites, Desert, Tundra, Polar & Mountainous Regions, Rain
Forest, Chaparral, Savanna & Grasslands, Temperate Deciduous Forest,
Taiga, Fresh Water and Marine. Excellent
BRIDGE – OCEAN SCIENCES TEACHER RESOURCE
CENTER
http://www.vims.edu/bridge/
This is a huge resource for teachers on marine education and
conservation. Contains lesson plans, activities, informative
sections, contests, and much more. An outstanding site.
Excellent.
BUILD-A-PRAIRIE – ON THE PRAIRIE
NEW URL!
http://www.rbff-education.org/cgi-bin/search/rbff.cgi?ID=981491855
An examination of the prairie habitat including the interactive
game Build-a-Prairie. Also includes: Live from the Prairie, Field Guide to
the Prairie, Curriculum Goodies, Experience the Prairie, and Researching
the Prairie. Excellent
CAPTAIN OLIN’S ODYSSEY – AN ENVIRONMENTAL
JOURNEY FOR GRADES 5-8
http://www.kcpt.org/olin/
"Help
Captain Olin and his crew find ways to restore Natura to its pre-polluted
state using math, science and reading. This site contains the logs of the
starship Destiny, which describe experiments and concepts to do and learn,
alternatives to harmful chemicals that pollute our environment, and
strategies for reducing waste." Sections: And
Not a Drop to Drink; Garbage In Doesn’t Mean Garbage Out; We Need to Find
a Better Way; Air Supply; What is the Soil Like on Natura; and Smart
Packaging. Includes experiments, activities, video clips and a quiz.
Excellent
CENTER FOR IMPROVED SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
http://www.k12science.org/index.html
CIESE sponsors and designs interdisciplinary projects
that teachers throughout the world can use to enhance their curriculum
through compelling use of the Internet. We focus on projects that utilize
realtime data available from the Internet, and collaborative projects that
utilize the Internet's potential to reach peers and experts around the
world. Below is a catalog of projects that are currently being or have
been sponsored by CIESE . Each project has a brief description and links
to the National Science Standards and NCTM math standards it supports."
Current projects include: Down the Drain: How Much Water Do You
Use?, The Global Water Sampling Project, Bucket Buddies, Take a Dip: The
Water in Our Lives, Population Growth, Air Pollution: What’s the
Solution?, and more. Check out the Teacher Materials for lesson
plans. Outstanding. Excellent
CHILDREN OF THE EARTH UNITED
http://www.childrenoftheearth.org/
Information by and for children on the earth and the environment.
Sections: Creative Kids, Amazing Animals, Powerful Plants, Native Wisdom,
Eco-Careers, Earth Issues, Awesome Activities, Great Books, and Nature
Programs. Includes several knowledge-testing games and a Teacher’s section
with several classroom activities. Excellent
CONFLICT YELLOWSTONE WOLVES – PROJECT
http://www.powayschools.com/projects/mt&r/ConflictYellowstoneWolf.htm
A project in which students study the controversy surrounding the
reintroduction of gray wolves to Yellowstone National Park. Although the
wolves were re-introduced to their natural habitat, the surrounding
ranchers have sued to have them removed. Students must research the issue,
take a position and write an editorial supporting their position. Note: We
found a couple of broken links on this site. Excellent
CONGO GORILLA FOREST
NEW!
http://www.gorilla.org/
"Welcome to the Wildlife Conservation Society's online
tour of the amazing Congo Gorilla Forest exhibit at the Bronx Zoo. This
huge 6.5 acre African rain forest environment explains WHAT a rain forest
is, HOW it works, WHICH animals make it their home, WHY it is threatened
and HOW people can help save it. With more than 300 animals, including one
of the largest breeding groups of lowland gorillas, it is the most
spectacular exhibit ever created at the Bronx Zoo."
Excellent
THE CREATIVE CONNECTIONS PROJECT
NEW!
http://www.ccph.com/index.html
Links schools through email and the Internet with schools in
various regions around the world. Has all kinds of online adventures and
projects. Outstanding. Excellent
DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE – KIDS PLANET
http://www.kidsplanet.org/
Information for students on saving wildlife. Sections: Get the
Facts, Teachers Table (includes Curriculum Units), Wild Games, Web of Life
(online book), Worldwide Wolves, Defend It!, and Cool Stuff.
Excellent
DESIGN AN ECOSYSTEM – A DISCOVERY CHALLENGE
FROM THE LIBERTY SCIENCE CENTER
http://www.lsc.org/school_resources/discovery_challenges/life_science/ecosystem36/ecosystem36.html
"Your Challenge is to design an ecosystem that can
support all of the organisms that live within it. At LSC, you'll see many
exhibits such as the Green House, Soil Table and the Sandy Beach tank in
the Estuary area that reinforce the concept of ecosystems and what is
necessary for life within them." "In a special structure called a biodome,
you and a team of scientists are going to create an ecosystem and study
how it develops and changes over time. There are many things to consider.
First, you have to agree upon what kind of environment it will be: dry,
wet, temperate, hot, cold. Then you have to consider the animals, plants
and microorganisms you will put in there. You must make sure that the food
each of the plants and animals needs is available. The biodome must have a
source of water and sunlight. You begin to see that designing an ecosystem
is a lot more complicated than just putting animals and plants in a sealed
room." Excellent
EARTH 911 – MAKING EVERY DAY EARTH DAY
NEW!
http://www.earth911.org/master.asp
A huge site with information on recycling, hazardous wastes, air
pollution, water quality, and more. Plus in your zip code for information
on where to recycle or turn in hazardous wastes in your community.
Outstanding. Excellent
EARTH DAY AT KID’S DOMAIN
http://www.kidsdomain.com/holiday/earthday/
Includes: History; Adopt a Rainforest Animal; Games; Downloads;
Earth Songs; Earth Day Activities; Stories; Coloring Pages; Word Searches;
Crafts; Clip Art; Links and more. Excellent
EARTH DAY SONGS
http://www.preschooleducation.com/searth.shtml
Twenty-six songs for Earth Day for preschool and primary school
students. Each includes new lyrics for familiar tunes.
Excellent
EARTH DAY THEMES AND ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS
http://www.childfun.com/themes/earth.shtml
A
list of activities for K-6 grade children for Earth Day. Excellent
EARTH PULSE – CONSERVATION
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/earthpulse/
A site from National Geographic on conservation. Themes: Ocean, Climate,
Energy, Fresh Water, Technology, Wild Lands, Population, Heroes, Humans &
Habitat, Wild Species, Ecosystems, Virtual Worlds, News, Wildworld Sights &
Sounds, and Earthpulse Expeditions. Excellent
THE EARTH’S BIRTHDAY PROJECT – EDUCATING CHILDREN
ABOUT THE EARTH
http://www.earthsbirthday.org/
Student/teacher focused site celebrating the planet through hands-on
projects. Includes: Celebrate!, Butterflies & Bugs, Big gift, Bug Shop,
Zwibbles, Earth’s Birthday Card and more. Excellent
EARTHFORCE
http://www.green.org/
The main focus of the site is the protection of the local watershed. The
site provides schools with the information necessary to conduct water testing of
their own. In the process they develop life-long habits of active citizenship
and environmental stewardship. Includes several programs and activities to get
students involved in their local environment. Excellent
ECO-PROS – ENVIRONMENT OF PLANET EARTH
http://www.eco-pros.com/
A huge site on environmental issues. Looks at the problems of
disappearing habitat, ecosystem management, waste management, and much, much
more. Scroll down for the large list of topics. Excellent
ECOSYSTEMS TEACHER RESOURCE KIT
NEW!
http://www.eagle.ca/~matink/themes/Biomes/systems.html
General information and lesson plans on ecosystems. Excellent
EEK! ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION FOR KIDS
http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/caer/ce/eek/
Information and activities for kids on the environment. Sections: Nature
Notes, Our Earth, Cool Stuff, Get a Job, The Riddler, and Teacher Pages.
Excellent
THE ELECTRONIC NATURALIST
http://www.enaturalist.org/
"The Electronic Naturalist is a new on-line education program
providing a weekly environmental education unit. Each unit has artwork, text,
activities, additional web sites, plus online access to a professional
naturalist. Two reading levels are available for grades K-3 (Quick Read) and 4-8
(Full Read)." Click on Topics at the top for a list of the topics and
activities. Excellent
EMERGENT WETLANDS
http://vathena.arc.nasa.gov/curric/land/wetland/emergent.html
Information for students on wetlands, the types of wetlands and
activities about wetlands. Excellent
ENATURE.COM
http://www.enature.com/
Field guides on animals, insects, trees and more. Online field guides
include: Amphibians, Birds, Butterflies, Fishes, Insects, Mammals, Native
Plants, Reptiles, Seashells, Seashore Creatures, Spiders, Trees and Wildflowers.
There are also Birding Tips, Ask an Expert, Threatened and Endangered (lists of
species by region), Backyard Habitats and more. Excellent
ENDANGERED SPECIE.COM
NEW!
http://www.endangeredspecie.com/
"EndangeredSpecie.com is dedicated to providing all
the best endangered species information, links, books, and publications
regarding rare and endangered species. This site also includes information
about conservation efforts and endangered species organizations that are
dedicated to saving and preserving the world's most endangered wildlife and
plant life." Sections: Causes of Endangerment, Why Save Endangered
Species?, Endangered Species in Your State, Ways You Can Help Endangered Species
(note: not a request for donations), Interesting Endangered Species Facts,
Endangered Species Profiles & Photo Gallery, Laws That Protect Endangered
Species, Endangered Species Organizations, Books on Endangered Species.
Endangered Species Case Studies, Kids Endangered Species Corner, and Teacher’s
Endangered Species Page. Outstanding. Excellent
ENDANGERED SPECIES FACTBOOK - A THINKQUEST SITE
http://library.thinkquest.org/C005770/?tqskip1=1
A student-created site on endangered and threatened species. Sections:
Utilities, What, Profiles, Causes, Help! (What You Can Do), Interactivity, Media
Gallery (photos) and Teacher’s World. The Teacher’s section includes
classroom activities and the Interactivity section includes quizzes, crosswords
and puzzles. Excellent
ENDANGERED SPECIES FIELD TRIP
http://www.field-guides.com/sci/endanger/index.htm
An online field trip for middle school students on endangered species.
"Although endangered species refers to both the plant and animal kingdoms,
this field trip's focus is endangered animals. How many species have made their
way onto the endangered species list and how many have completely disappeared in
the past fifty years? What efforts are being made to protect animals and what
can you do to help?" Teacher Resources includes links to related
websites. Excellent
ENDANGERED SPECIES – LIST OF LINKS
NEW!
http://edtech.kennesaw.edu/web/endangsp.html
A list of links about endangered species. Suitable for elementary
students. Includes Research/Informational Sites and Lesson
Plans/Activities. Also in Lesson Plans section.
Excellent
ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND ENERGY RENEWAL
http://www.eere.energy.gov/
A gateway site for the U.S. Department of Energy and its programs as well
as different forms of energy. Click on Education under Topics for a huge number
of classroom resources and lesson plans on energy. An outstanding site.
Excellent
ENERGY QUEST
http://www.energyquest.ca.gov/index.html
Huge energy site for students. Categories include: Games; Art Gallery;
Saving Energy; The Energy Story; Devoured by the Dark; Energy Library; Find It
Fast; How Things Work; Time Machine; Transportation Energy; Weekly Energy News;
Ask Professor Questor; ; Super Scientists; Science Projects; Teachers and
Parents Resources and more. An outstanding site. Excellent
THE ENERGY PLANET – A THINKQUEST SITE
http://library.thinkquest.org/C004471/?tqskip1=1
A student-created site on energy. Sections include: Traditional Energy,
Future Energy, Biographies, Experiments, How It Works,
Cultures, and
General. Each section includes multimedia with photos and video clips. Note: The
Scroll Down English button does NOT work. Click on English in the list of
languages at the bottom of the introductory screen. Excellent
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION LINKS – CLASSROOM
RESOURCES
http://eelink.net/classroomresources-directories.html
Large list of topics with environmental education resources and
materials. Excellent
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE – LIST OF LINKS
NEW!
http://edtech.kennesaw.edu/jcheek1/environ.htm
A list of links about the environment. Suitable for elementary students.
Excellent
ENVIRONMENTAL SITES ON THE INTERNET
http://www.ima.kth.se/im/envsite/envsite.htm
A huge list of links to environmental sites on the Internet. In the left
column, scroll down to the subject index. Definite worth checking out.
Excellent
EXPLORE THE FANTASTIC FOREST
NEW!
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/forest/
An online interactive visit to a forest
habitat. Very well done. Suitable for elementary students.
Excellent
5 TIGERS ADVENTURES
http://www.5tigers.org/Directory/adventures.htm
Information and fun activities on tigers. Students learn about the threat
to tigers, design a tiger habitat, captive breeding, the tiger trade and more.
Includes Teacher Resources with links and lesson plans.
Excellent
FRANKLIN’S FORECAST
http://sln.fi.edu/weather/index.html
Build your own weather station, learn about weather technologies and
check the weather anywhere. From the Franklin Institute.
Sections: Hot Air
Over Water, Make Your Own Weather Station, Weather Right Now, Weather Events,
Radar, Lightning, Weather Satellites, Weather Activities, and Weather Hotlist.
Excellent
FUN WITH FOOD CHAINS
NEW!
http://www.student.richmond.edu/~kt6sw/studentpage.htm
A knowledge hunt for 3rd grade students on food chains.
Excellent
GEOGRAPHY ACTION! HABITATS
NEW!
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/geographyaction/habitats/
"Beginning just beyond the window, and extending past the
boundaries of your town or city across the Earth's surface, an amazing variety
of habitats awaits—along with the plants and animals that live in them. Start
exploring them with our Introduction. Then, get to know your "home" by
identifying which of these habitat types you live in or near: Cities and Suburbs
- Deserts and Tundra - Forests -Fresh Water Oceans and Coasts - Prairies."
Includes Games, Photo Galleries and much more. The Teacher’s Section has
lesson plans. Excellent
GEO-IMAGES PROJECT
http://www-geoimages.berkeley.edu/GeoImages.html
Groups of geo-images you can interact with. Click on the image, when the
cursor turns into a bulls-eye, move it slowly across the image to move up, down,
right, left, pan around or zoom in and out. Includes California, the Southwest,
the Northwest, the Arctic Circle, Morocco, Afghanistan, Hong Kong, and New
Guinea. Excellent
GETTING GREEN FIELD TRIP
http://www.field-guides.com/sci/green/index.htm
An online field trip for middle school students on ways humans can
protect the Earth. "Getting Green is all about what we as
humans can
do to minimize our negative impact on our planet Earth. Our dirt is filled with
life. The sun warms our vegetable garden, the rains feed our plants, our plants
provide food and oxygen, and so it goes. Organisms in the soil break down the
plants and provide nutrients, creating a rich soil in which they can grow. Did
you know that in a handful of dirt, there are as many living micro-organisms as
there are people on the planet?" The Teacher’s Resources includes
related website links. Excellent
GLOBAL WARMING – 42EXPLORE
NEW!
http://www.42explore.com/globewrm.htm
Basic information plus activities and webquests on global warming.
Excellent
THE GREAT PLANT ESCAPE
http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/gpe/
"My name is Bud. My good friend Sprout and I are helping
Detective LePlant on his search. You will find that plants are an important part
of your life. We will need your help to find clues, do experiments, and solve
problems as we journey into the world of plants. He promises lots of fun, but
remember, we're here to solve a mystery!" There are six cases to solve.
Each has a Case Brief, Facts, Mysteries and Activities. Excellent
HABITATS/BIOMES – ENCHANTED LEARNING
HABITATS/LANDFORMS – LIST OF LINKS
NEW!
http://edtech.kennesaw.edu/web/habitats.html
A
list of links about habitats and landforms. Suitable for elementary students.
Includes Research/Informational Sites and Lesson
Plans/Activities. Also in Lesson Plans
section. Excellent
THE HEADBONE DERBY – ECOLOGY STRIKES BACK!
http://www.headbone.com/derby/eco/
An
Internet research learning adventure. Uses the Internet to research the
environment. Includes a Teacher’s Guide. Sections: Yamquats Ahoy!; Where the
Vacuumoose Roam; Tree Huggin’ Flower Power; The Orca Smorgasbord; Solar So Good;
Pollen Nation; and The Green Landfill Blues. Excellent
HIGH SCHOOL ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER
NEW!
http://www.epa.gov/highschool/index.htm
A
portal to a huge amount of environmental information for high school students.
Sections: Air, Waste & Recycling, Water, Conservation, Ecosystems, Your
Neighborhood and Health & Safety. A huge amount of information.
Excellent
IN SEARCH OF THE WAYS OF KNOWING TRAIL – A VIRTUAL TRIP THROUGH
THE ITURI FOREST IN CENTRAL AFRICA
http://www.brookfieldzoo.org/pagegen/wok/index_f4.html
An
animated game where you travel to central Africa to follow a trail through the
Ituri Forest. Excellent
IT’S ELECTRIFYING!
http://sln.fi.edu/qa99/spotlight3/index.html
An
online exhibit from the Franklin Institute on electricity. Sections: Franklin’s
Kite, Introduction to Electricity, Theater of Electricity, the World of
Electronics for Children, Electricity and Magnetism, Electrified Ben, Beakman’s
Electric Motor, and Lightning and Atmospheric Electricity Research.
Excellent
JOURNEY NORTH – A GLOBAL STUDY OF WILDLIFE MIGRATION
http://www.learner.org/jnorth/
"Journey
North engages students in a global study of wildlife migration and seasonal
change. K-12 students share their own field observations with classmates across
North America. They track the coming of spring through the migration patterns of
monarch butterflies, bald eagles, robins, hummingbirds, manatees, whooping
cranes--and other birds and mammals, the budding of plants, changing sunlight
and other natural events. Find standards-based lesson plan, activities and
information to help students make local observations and fit them into a global
context. Widely considered a best-practices model for education, Journey North
is the nation’s premiere "citizen science" project for children."
Click on Spring’s Journey North for lesson plans and activities.
Outstanding. Excellent
KIDS CORNER – ELEMENTS
NEW!
http://www.elements.nb.ca/kids/index.htm
Fun
environmental activities such as Calculate Your Ecological Footprint, Forest
Adventures and Which Future Would You Choose?. A bilingual site with all
sections in both English and French. Excellent
KIDS STUFF – WORLD WILDLIFE FUND
http://www.worldwildlife.org/fun/kids.cfm
A
page of links to information from the World Wildlife fund about endangered
species. Sections include: Endangered Species Fact sheets, What’s Your
Biodiversity IQ Quiz, U.S. Ecoregional Map, Sizing Up Species and more.
Excellent
LAB CAR HANDS-ON EXPERIMENTS - CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES NEW
URL!
THE LIVING EDENS
http://www.pbs.org/edens/index.html
A
PBS series on wilderness areas around the world and the ecosystems there.
Currently, Glacier Bay in Alaska. Click on past Living Edens sites for
additional areas including: Anamalai: India’s Elephant Mountain, Borneo: Island
in the Clouds, Bhutan: The Last Shangri-La and others. Each examines the
geography, the wildlife, the plants and the ecosystems. Click on Web Resources
for links and Teacher Resources for a lesson plan. Note: We have the video
Palau: Paradise of the Pacific video VT507019. Excellent
LIVING THINGS
http://sln.fi.edu/tfi/units/life/
Informational
activities from the Franklin Institute. A gateway to information on the
environment and man’s role. Sections: Individuals, Families, Neighborhoods, and
The Circle of Life. Each section has a large number of links to other sites.
Excellent
MARINE AND COASTAL ENVIRONMENTS-
NPCA
NEW!
http://www.npca.org/marine_and_coastal/flash.html
Information
on the different marine and coastal environments. Sections: Coral Reefs:
Rainforests of the Sea; Marine Wildlife: Meet the Creatures of the Deep;
Beaches: Are We Loving Them to Death?; and Wetlands: Murky Swamps or Precious
Ecosystems?. Suitable for elementary to junior high grades.
Excellent
MARINE RESERVES: WHERE DO YOU FIT IN?
http://www.jason.org/digital_labs/CINMS/
An
online simulation from the JASON Project.
"The sea around Anacapa Island is one of the most
biologically rich and economically important areas of the Channel Islands
National Marine Sanctuary and National Park. Because Anacapa Island is close to
mainland harbors, it is a very popular place to fish and dive. In this
simulation, you have been asked to represent one of the stakeholders in a
working group to establish new marine reserve areas near Anacapa. You must
develop a plan that will satisfy the group you are representing yet be
acceptable to the other groups’
representatives." Includes Teacher
Background and Classroom Activities. Outstanding. Excellent
MISSION: BIOMES
http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Laboratory/Biome/
A
project for grades 3-8 on biomes. "Have you ever wondered what it would be
like to live in a different part of the world? What would the weather be like?
What kinds of animals would you see? Which plants live there? By investigating
these questions, you are learning about biomes. A biome is a community of plants
and animals living together in a certain kind of climate. Scientists have
classified regions of the world into different biomes. Here you can explore
coniferous forests, temperate deciduous forests, deserts, grasslands,
rainforests, shrublands, and tundra. Your mission, should you
choose to accept it, is to investigate biomes, then test your knowledge about
the biomes by completing each mission." Excellent
THE NATURAL WORLD: ENVIRONMENT – ARTICLES AND INFORMATION FROM
THE NEW YORK TIMES
http://www.nytimes.com/library/national/science/environment-index.html
Links
to articles from the New York Times on the environment and environmental issues.
Includes: Statistics, Videos, Diagrams, Maps, Issues in Depth, Special Sections
and Web Resources. Excellent
NATURE.NET WATER RESOURCES
NEW!
http://www.nature.nps.gov/biology/
From
the National Park Service, a look at ecosystems. Sections: Ecosystem Management
& Restoration, Invasive Species Management, Integrated Pest Management,
Migratory Birds, Threatened & Endangered Species, Wildlife Health &
Disease and Wildlife Management. Click on the links (Air, Geology, Natural
Sounds and Water) in the Nature & Science box on the left for a lot more
information. Excellent
NEIGHBORHOODS: ECOSYSTEMS, BIOMES AND HABITATS
NEW!
http://www.fi.edu/tfi/units/life/habitat/habitat.html
Information
on the different types of ecosystems from the Franklin Institute. Excellent
OBSERVING A CORAL REEF
http://www.eduweb.com/jason/index.html
A
JASON project in which students study a coral reef using data recorded between
1993 and 1997 to determine changes. Students compare images from 1993 and 1997
to determine changes. Note: This ties in with other JASON projects.
Excellent
OCEAN ADVENTURE – FROM DEEP SPACE TO DEEP SEA – A THINKQUEST
SITE
http://library.thinkquest.org/18828/?tqskip1=1
A
student-created site on hydrothermal vents deep in the ocean floor. Viewers join
the scientists as they climb into the submersible Alvin for a trip to
investigate the vents. Sections: Dive Briefing, Ethics, Research Tools,
Mysteries, Meet the Scientists, Interactivities, Fauna, Forum, Geology,
Glossary, and Significance. Note: The Classroom Activities downloaded without a
problem this year. Excellent
OCEAN CONSERVANCY
NEW URL!
http://www.oceanconservancy.org/site/PageServer?pagename=home
Resource
for teachers and students on marine conservation topics. Huge amount of
information on the oceans, water pollution, marine wildlife and more.
Excellent
ONE WORLD JOURNEYS - EXPEDITIONS
http://www.oneworldjourneys.com/expeditions/climate/
Photo-documentary
expeditions around the world looking at different habitats and what is happening
with them. Expeditions: Florida’s Springs: Protecting Nature’s Gems;
Chimpanzees: Messengers of the Forest; Cougar: Spirit of the Americas; Mercury
Rising: Bearing Witness to Climate Change; Salmon: Spirit of the Land and Sea;
Palmyra Atoll: Rainforest of the Sea; Jaguar: Lord of the Mayan Jungle; The
Sonoran Desert: 5000 Square Miles of Silence; and Georgia Revealed: Searching
for the Soul of the Caucasus. Outstanding. Excellent
ONLINE METEOROLOGY GUIDES
http://ww2010.atmos.uiuc.edu/(Gh)/guides/mtr/home.rxml
"The
Online Meteorology Guide is a collection of web-based instructional modules that
use multimedia technology and the dynamic capabilities of the web. These
resources incorporate text, colorful diagrams, animations, computer simulations,
audio and video to introduce fundamental concepts in the atmospheric sciences.
Selected pages link to (or will soon link to) relevant classroom activities and
current weather products to reinforce topics discussed in the modules and allow
the user to apply what has been learned to real-time weather data." For
high school classes. Sections: Light & Optics, Clouds & Precipitation,
Forces & Winds, Air Masses & Fronts, Weather Forecasting, Severe Storms,
Hurricanes, El Niño (see separate entry in list), and Hydrologic Cycle. Note:
See also ONLINE METEOROLOGY CLASSROOM
ACTIVITIES. Excellent
THE ORINOCO RIVER
NEW!
http://www.miamisci.org/orinoco/index.html
"The
very first vision of the Orinoco awakens your desire to understand it. In fact,
the mystery of the river has drawn explorers, researchers, adventurers and
artists for hundreds of years. But what is the Orinoco? What secrets does it
hide? What does it have to do with us? What threatens its health as an
ecosystem, and how can we conserve this precious area?" Sections: Water,
Energy, Biodiversity, Explorers and Inhabitants. All but Inhabitants have a
number of lesson plans. Excellent
OVER POPULATION
http://www.overpopulation.com/
A
huge site on the issue of overpopulation. As the world’s population grows, it is
using more and more nonrenewable resources. Sections: FAQ, Search, Discussion,
Store, and About. See the FAQ section for topics covered. Note: This is now a
log-on site. We did not find the lesson plans from previous years.
Excellent
PASSPORT TO THE RAINFOREST
http://passporttoknowledge.com/rainforest/intro.html
Explore
the tropical rainforest guided by expert biologists. Sections: Geosystem (What
are rainforests, etc.), Ecosystem (images and information on the flora and
fauna), Researchers (Meet the scientists, study field journals, etc.), Interact
(the classroom can interact with the field –Note: Doesn’t seem to be operating
this year), Resources (multimedia guide to resources on the rainforest), and
Educators (special section for teachers with lesson plans and a kit to order).
Outstanding. Excellent
PESTWORLD
PLANET DIARY
http://www.phschool.com/science/planetdiary/index.html
A look at current natural or human-caused phenomena occurring around the
world. Events include: volcanic eruptions, large fires, disease outbreaks,
storms, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, algae blooms, astronomical observations,
flora, fauna, drought, oil spills and more. Updated weekly. Includes an archive
so events can be tracked, satellite images and background information on each
phenomena. Sections: Current Phenomena, Universal Measurements (time, location,
maps), Phenomena Backgrounders, Calendar and a Guide to Planet Diary.
Excellent
POLLUTION LINKS
http://edtech.kennesaw.edu/web/pollute.html
A full page of links to sites dealing with pollution. Sections:
Research/Informational Sites, Online Lesson Plans, Online Activities, Offline
Lesson Plans, and Offline Activities. Excellent
POLLUTION TEACHER RESOURCE KIT
NEW!
http://www.eagle.ca/~matink/themes/Environ/pollute.html
Links, lesson plans and classroom activities on various forms of
pollution. Sections: Air, Land, Noise and Water. Excellent
THE QUEST FOR LESS - A TEACHER’S GUIDE TO
REDUCING, REUSING AND RECYCLING
RAIN FOREST FIELD TRIP
http://www.field-guides.com/sci/rainforest/index.htm
An online field trip for middle school students on the rainforest.
"Rainforests have been around for millions of years, and yet in the very
brief span of half a century, mankind has destroyed a huge portion of the
world's rainforests. On a daily basis, acres and acres more disappear. This
field trip takes a look at what a rainforest is and why it is an important
ecosystem, the animals and peoples of the rainforest, what types of rainforests
there are, and provides some ideas that students can do to actively participate
in protecting the remaining rainforests." The Teacher’s Resources
section has related website links. Excellent
RAINFOREST HEROES: KIDS THE EARTH CAN COUNT ON
NEW!
http://www.rainforestheroes.com/kidscorner/
A colorful site on what kids can do and are doing to save the Earth.
Sections: Kid’s Action, Heroes Corner, Jungle Gym, About Rainforests,
Protect-an-Acre and Teacher’s Lounge. You can view the video Forest Family
Forever online or order it. Excellent
RANGER RICK’S GO WILD
http://www.nwf.org/kids/
The National Wildlife Foundation’s Kids Zone. Sections: Games (Thank a
Tree, Hippo Quiz, more), Cool Tours, Outdoor Stuff, Reader’s Corner, Kids
Survey, and more. Excellent
RECYCLE, REDUCE & REUSE – 42EXPLORE
NEW!
http://www.42explore.com/recycle.htm
Basic information on recycling plus activities and webquests.
Excellent
RIVERS OF LIFE
NEW URL!
SALT MARSHES FIELD TRIPS
http://www.field-guides.com/sci/salt/index.htm
An online field trip for middle school students on salt marshes.
"Students will be introduced to the coastal environment through participation in
a field study of the beach, dunes, estuary, and salt marsh habitats."
The Teacher’s Resources section has related website links.
Excellent
SHADES OF GREEN: EARTH’S FORESTS – A THINKQUEST
SITE
http://library.thinkquest.org/17456/?tqskip1=1
A student-created site on the world’s forests. Extensive information on
Forest Types, Forest Life, Forest Importance, Forest Threats, Time, and more.
Check out the Teacher’s Area for lesson plans. Excellent
SMOG CITY
http://www.smogcity.com/welcome.htm
"Smog City is an interactive air pollution simulator that shows
how your choices, environmental factors, and land use contribute to air
pollution. In Smog City you're in control so your visit can be a healthy or
unhealthy experience depending on the decisions you make. You'll see how
ground-level ozone, the biggest part of summertime smog, increases or decreases
when you spend a day in Smog City. And since ozone can irritate respiratory
systems, cause breathing difficulty, coughing, and chest pain, knowing how and
why ozone forms and what you can do about it is important to the residents of
Smog City and everyone else on the planet." Excellent
THE SOLAR COOKING ARCHIVE
http://solarcooking.org/
Solar cooking is being used to save energy, especially in parts of the
world where resources are scarce. This site shows how to cook using solar
stoves, the different kinds and more. Sections: News, Plans (designs),
Multimedia (photos, audio clips, slide show), Resources, Documents, and
Discussion. Excellent
THE SONORAN DESERT
NEW!
http://www.oneworldjourneys.com/sonoran/index.html
"What our ancestors called a wasteland, we now know is the last
great treasure in the continental United States-the blazing heart of the Sonoran
desert, the lushest badland of them all. Now, on both sides of the U.S. and the
Mexican border are activities designed to protect the Sonoran desert. The
opportunity is simple: in an effort to save this area for generations to come,
there is a proposal to create the Sonoran Desert National Park. It will be the
greatest transnational biological reserve on earth, a park that can be a
benchmark for all the nations. Our One World Journeys team is travelling this
historic El Camino del Diablo to learn why there are efforts to preserve this
area for generations to come. Join us." Sections: Live Expedition,
Eco-Gallery, Natural History, Sonoran History and Travel Facts.
Excellent
TAIGA – LIST OF LINKS
NEW!
http://edtech.kennesaw.edu/web/taiga.html
A list of links about the taiga. Suitable for elementary students.
Includes Research/Informational Sites and Lesson Plans/Activities. Also in
Lesson Plans section. Excellent
TEMPERATE FOREST BIOME FIELD TRIP
http://www.field-guides.com/sci/forest/index.htm
An online field guide for middle school students on temperate forest
biomes. "Young children are in tune with their environment. They notice
the seasonal changes occurring around them and studying the temperate forest
biome or deciduous forest presents a meaningful way to engage them in a variety
of cross curricular learning activities. The following areas can be explored
through looking at the temperate forest biome:…" The Teacher’s Resources
section has related website links. Excellent
TERRA
http://terra.nasa.gov/
"Terra," Latin for land, is the name of the Earth Observing
System (EOS) flagship satellite, launched on December 18, 1999. The mission
began science operations in February 2000. Terra is a multi-national,
multi-disciplinary satellite carrying a payload of five remote sensors that,
together, are measuring comprehensively the state of Earth’s environment and
ongoing changes in its climate system. The mission is a vital part of NASA’s
Earth Science Enterprise, helping us understand and protect our home
planet." Sections: Just Add Water, The Incredible Glowing Algae,
Squeezing Water from Rock, A Delicate Balance, Earth’s Carbon Metabolism, From
Space to the Outback, Tracking Clouds, Satellites Distinguish Dust from Smoke,
Satellites Aid Burned Area Rehabilitation, Prospecting From Orbit, and Measuring
Earthshine. In addition there is a gallery of images at Visible Earth.
Excellent
TRASH TO TREASURE – RECYCLING CRAFTS
http://craftsforkids.about.com/library/bltrashtr.htm
"Learn how you can creatively recycle baby food jars, paper
bags, orphaned socks, and several other items. Enjoy this ever-growing list of
great ideas for using the things you might normally throw away to create great
craft projects, games, and more." Uses throwaways such as oatmeal boxes,
buttons, soda cans and more to make fun crafts. Excellent
TUNDRA– LIST OF LINKS
NEW!
http://edtech.kennesaw.edu/web/tundra.html
A list of links about the tundra. Suitable for elementary students.
Includes Research/Informational Sites and Lesson Plans/Activities.
Also in Lesson Plans section. Excellent
U.S. EPA – KIDS ENVIRONMENTAL CLUB
http://www.epa.gov/kids/
Join the Explorers Club and learn a lot about the environment. Topics:
Air, Water, You and Your Environment, Plants & Animals, and Garbage &
Recycling. Includes Games, Activities, Information, Drawing and Coloring Pages,
a Teacher’s Section and more. Excellent
U.S. FISH & WILDLIFE SERVICE – KIDS CORNER
NEW!
http://endangered.fws.gov/kids/index.html
Includes a slide show, activity sheets, quiz,
suggested classroom activities, suggested lesson ideas, Species in the Spotlight
and
more. Excellent
VIRTUAL ANTARCTICA
http://www.doc.ic.ac.uk/~kpt/terraquest/va/
For two weeks in 1995, the scientific ship Livonia traveled to
Antarctica. Daily dispatches and live chats let users join the guests and crew
as they explored. See it all on this site. Sections: Ship’s Log, Expeditions,
Ecology, Science, History and Guidebook. Excellent
VIRTUAL REALITY PANORAMAS
http://www-geoimages.berkeley.edu/GeoImages/QTVR/QTVR.html
QuickTime Virtual Reality images of California, the American Southwest,
the Pacific Northwest, Canada, Mexico, and Pacific Islands. You interact
by clicking on the image. When the cursor turns into a bulls-eye, move it slowly
across the image to move up, down, right, left, pan around or zoom in and out.
Excellent
WATCHING OVER THE WORLD – TIME FOR KIDS
NEW!
http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/specials/story/0,6079,56763,00.html
"Who's the latest environmental hero? YOU! Check out your green
ideas, real hometown heroes, poll questions and
more all-new stuff!"
Includes: You Be the Hero (kids tell how they help the environment),
Hometown Heroes (profiles of kids
who are "heroes"), Ask a Hero, Tour of
Heroes and more. Very colorful site. Excellent
WATT WATCHERS
http://p2.utep.edu/watts/
"Watt Watchers is a free program sponsored by the Environmental
Protection Agency and is designed to help
school districts save energy
dollars. It costs $50 per year to light an empty classroom for two hours each
school
day." This program sets up a system in your school to reduce
energy costs through saving electricity. Includes free registration and guides.
Excellent
WELCOME TO ECOKIDS ONLINE
http://ecokids.earthday.ca/pub/splash.cfm
Ecology info for kids. Sections: EcoSmarts, Events, Gallery, Games,
Storybook, Archives, Educator’s Area, and Play the Frog Quiz. Includes new
activities. A fun, colorful site with good info. Excellent
WELCOME TO RECYCLE CITY
http://www.epa.gov/recyclecity/
Visit Recycle City to see how the residents of the former Dumptown
learned to recycle their waste and changed the town into Recycle City. Sections:
See, Find, Learn, and Get a Clue. Includes Games, Activities, Graphics, and
Facts.
A fun, colorful site. Excellent
WETLANDS – 42EXPLORE
NEW!
http://www.42explore.com/wetland.htm
Basic information on wetlands along with activities and webquests.
Excellent
WETLANDS – LEARNING ABOUT WETLANDS
NEW!
http://vathena.arc.nasa.gov/curric/land/wetland/
An elementary level page on wetlands with Things to Study and Things To
Do. Excellent
WETLANDS– LIST OF LINKS
NEW!
http://edtech.kennesaw.edu/web/wetlands.html
A list of links about wetlands. Suitable for elementary students.
Includes Research/Informational Sites and Lesson Plans/Activities. Also in
Lesson Plans section. Excellent
WHAT’S IT LIKE WHERE YOU LIVE? NEW!
http://mbgnet.mobot.org/
Learn about biomes and ecosystems. Biomes of the World: Rainforest,
Tundra, Taiga, Desert, Temperate, Grasslands. Freshwater Ecosystems: Rivers
& Streams, Ponds & Lakes, Wetlands. Saltwater Ecosystems: Shorelines,
Temperate Oceans, Tropical Oceans. Excellent
THE WHY FILES NEW URL!
http://news2.news.wisc.edu/whyfiles/find_it/index.html?get=s&w=3
A long list of WHY files on environmental topics
such as: Air Pollution, Gas Hydrates, Beach Erosion, Global Warming, and Oceans
Under Siege. Each contains a main article plus many have links to related
topics. Excellent
WILDLIFE CRIME BUSTERS
NEW!
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/ngkids/9902/crime-busters/index.html
A National Geographic Kids site on the "sleuths" that track down crime
against animals such as poaching and smuggling. Excellent
ADVENTURE IN THE RAINFOREST
http://teach.fcps.net/trt4/rainforest.htm
Links to a large number of resources. Divided into Student Resources and
Teacher Resources. Very Good
AIR JUNK: SPECKS, FLECKS AND PARTICLES IN THE
AIR
http://www.hhmi.org/coolscience/airjunk/index.html
A fun site for kids on making air particle detectors and the kinds of
particles they will find. Very Good
AMAZONIA: DISCOVER THE HIDDEN PARADISE – A
THINKQUEST SITE
http://library.thinkquest.org/28368/ingles/mapa.shtm?tqskip1=1
A student-created site that explores the History, Physical Geography,
Human Geography, and Biological Geography of the Amazon including the major
environmental issues such as oil extraction, drug trafficking, etc. Very
Good
AMERICAN RIVERS – RESTORE, PROTECT, ENJOY
http://www.amrivers.org/
A river conservation site. Sections include: River Conservation,
Resources, Take Action, and Newsroom. Click on the photo at the top for video
clips about rivers and river restoration. Click on Resources, then River ABC’s
for information and activities for kids. Also a River Curriculum for teachers.
Very Good
THE ANIMAL DIVERSITY WEB
http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/
Click on the animals for the animal class: Mammals, Fishes, Marine
Animals, Echinoderms, Birds, and Amphibians. Each section discusses what makes
each class unique and the many species and subspecies. Very Good
THE ARCTIC NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE – A SPECIAL REPORT
NEW!
http://arcticcircle.uconn.edu/ANWR/
Information about the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and the current
debate about drilling for oil there. "What follows in this Special Report
is a description of the Refuge and its future as seen by the conflicting parties
in the controversy. The designers of ArcticCircle hope that the airing of these
differing perspectives will assist the viewer in deciding what action should be
taken in shaping the future of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge - and by
whom. At the conclusion of the Report, you will also have an opportunity to
share your comments with other ArcticCircle members in an electronic forum.
Finally, those wishing to become actively involved can contact one or more of
the organizations listed in the concluding remarks." Sections: Natural
Resources, The People, Oil Exploration, Controversy and Debate and Commentary.
Very Good
BACKYARD WILDLIFE HABITATS
http://www.nwf.org/habitats/
Sections: Backyard, Schoolyard, Workplace & Community. Provides
action plans for creating a backyard or schoolyard wildlife habitat. Very
Good
BAGHEERA – A WEBSITE FOR OUR ENDANGERED SPECIES
http://www.bagheera.com/
Enter Bagheera’s lair and get information on our endangered species.
Sections: In the Wild (Vanishing, Extinct, Classroom Activities); Image Center;
Resources (link to C.I.T.E.S. Species Database), and Endangered Species. Very
Good
CAR-FREE CITIES
http://www.carfree.com/
A site that proposes that cars be banned from cities and cities
redesigned. Sections: Introduction, Moving People, City Design, Topology, Moving
Freight, Life in the City, Districts, Existing Cities, Morocco, Blocks,
Objections, Carfree Places, and more. Very Good
CELEBRATE EARTH DAY RECYCLING
http://www.csr.org/Earth_Week/home.html
Sections: Hey Teachers, Games & Activities, Recycling Works, Stuff
Gets Recycled, Blue Works, and Help Reduce Waste. Very Good
CHESAPEAKE BAY PROGRAM – WATERS RESTORATION
http://www.chesapeakebay.net/index.cfm
Information on the Chesapeake Bay, its environmental and economic
importance and ways people are working to keep it a healthy ecosystem. Sections:
About the Bay, Animals & Plants, Habitats, Water Quality, Land & People,
Watershed Profiles, Bay Pollution, and Bay Restoration. Very Good
CLIMATE ARK
http://www.climateark.org/
A search portal for information on climate change and renewable energy.
Very Good
CLIMATE CHANGE PROGRAM
http://www.panda.org/climate/
A program of the World Wildlife Fund to track changes in the world’s
climates. Sections: Climate Causes, Climate Impacts, and Climate Solutions. Very
Good
CREATE-A-HABITAT – WEBQUEST
http://www.biopoint.com/WebQuests/dist204/Welcome.html
A webquest for elementary students on habitats. "Remember when you
won your first goldfish at the fair? You have probably all gone through several
goldfish bowls in your lives. What happened to that bowl that was left behind
after the last fish died? Does it have to be filled with water? Does it have to
contain fish? What are your options? There is an empty 10 gallon tank in our
classroom that needs to be filled! What can we fill it with that we can afford,
and that we will be able to maintain?" Very Good
CREATURE WORLD – KRATT’S CREATURES
NEW!
http://www.pbs.org/kratts/world/index.html
Colorful companion site to the TV series. Sections: Creature World
(clickable globe), Creature Crazy, Don’t Go This Way, Creature Clubhouse,
Episode Guide and Creature of the Week. Very Good
DLTK’S EARTH DAY ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS
http://www.dltk-kids.com/crafts/earth.html
Earth Day fun for kindergarten students. Sections: About Earth Day
(songs, poem), Earth Day Coloring Pages, Earth Day Crafts,
Earth Day
E-cards, Earth Day On-line Games, and The Water Cycle. Very Good
E PATROL
http://www.epatrol.org/
Student focused site with information on Endangered Alert, Energy Savers,
Eco-Info, E-Patrol Quiz, and Screensaver. Very Good
EARTH DAY AT PRIMARY GAMES
http://www.primarygames.com/holidays/earth_day/earthday.htm
Holiday fun for primary students. Includes coloring pages, games and
more. Very Good
EARTH DAY ENERGY FAST
http://www.earthdayenergyfast.org/
A wealth of information on the ways we waste energy and affect the
environment every day. Promotes "pulling the plug" on Earth Day to save
resources. Sections: Take Action, Threats to Nature, Global Warming, Energy
Facts & Insights, Environmental Resources, About Earth Day, and Links.
Includes a Teacher’s section. Very Good
EARTH DAY NETWORK
http://www.earthday.net/
Includes: How To; Today’s Headlines; Grist Magazine; What Happened Around
the World on Earth Day 2000; Earth Car-Free Day, Earth Day Events; and more.
Includes an Earth Day and Schools section and a Teacher’s Corner. Very
Good
EARTH FROM ABOVE
http://home.fujifilm.com/efa/
A large collection of aerial photos from around the world. These are
aerial photos of the landscape, villages, natural features such as rivers and
oceans and much more. Sections: Surface Navigator, Motion Graphics (full themed
multimedia presentations with soundtracks), Photo Index, Download Area,
Information, Exhibition Guide. Very Good
EARTHWATER STENCILS – STORM DRAIN STENCILING
NEW!
http://www.earthwater-stencils.com//index.htm
"Storm drain stenciling is an educational, interactive tool to
engage people of all ages in community involvement for watershed pollution
prevention. It is an action project for students and community involvement for
adults." The stencils let people know that the runoff from the drain
goes directly into nearby streams, lakes or rivers. Has detailed instructions.
Note: This site sells the stencils but you could make your own following their
directions. Very Good
ECOSYSTEMS/BIOMES GAMES
NEW!
http://members.aol.com/bowermanb/ecogames.html
A large collection of games on ecosystems. Very Good
EL NIÑO ONLINE METEOROLOGY GUIDE
http://ww2010.atmos.uiuc.edu/(Gh)/guides/mtr/eln/home.rxml
An online guide to El Niño with 9 sections: Definitions, ’97-’98 Event,
Upswelling, Non-El Niño Years, El Niño Events, Sea Surface Temperatures, Impacts
on Weather, Economic Impacts, and Detection & Prediction. Very
Good
ENDANGERED SPECIES OF THE NEXT MILLENNIUM – A
THINKQUEST SITE
ENERGY FACT SHEETS
http://www.iclei.org/EFACTS/CONTENT.HTM
A
list of fact sheets for student use on energy sources. Very Good
ENVIRONMENTAL INQUIRY
http://ei.cornell.edu/
A website
developed to help students conduct environmental science research. Each section
discusses the topic and provides suggestions for further research. Very Good
ENVIRONMENTAL SCORECARD
EPA HIGH SCHOOL ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER
http://www.epa.gov/highschool/
A
portal to environmental issues and resources. Sections: Air, Waste &
Recycling, Water, Conservation, Observations, Your Neighbor, and Health &
Safety. Very Good
EPA WATER – KIDS STUFF – NONPOINT SOURCE POLLUTION
http://www.epa.gov/OWOW/NPS/kids/
Kids
stuff from the EPA’s Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds. Fun activities
and games. Sections: Masterbug Theater (slideshow), What’s Wrong with This
Picture? (puzzle), Darby Duck and the Aquatic Crusaders, Splash (game), Ground
Water & Drinking Water Kids Page, Office of Water Kids Stuff and Links. Very
Good
EXPEDITION: ENDANGERED - EXPLORING A WORLD AT RISK
http://www.amnh.org/nationalcenter/Endangered/index.html
An
online exhibit of the American Museum of Natural History on endangered species.
Use the Expedition Guide at the left to choose your expedition. Includes:
Endangered Animals, Endangered Habitats, Glossary, Causes of Endangerment, and
more. Very Good
FRANK POTTER’S SCIENCE GEMS – LIFE SCIENCE I
http://www.sciencegems.com/life.html#6
A
long list of links to lesson plans and activities on life science for K-12
grades. Very Good
THE FUTURE: OUR PLANET IN 2050 – A THINKQUEST SITE
http://library.thinkquest.org/C008050/?tqskip1=1&tqtime=0322
A
look at three current environmental issues, what is happening and what can be
done. Sections: Depletion of the Ozone Layer, Antarctica & Global Warming,
and Electric Cars. Note: We found a couple of broken links on this site. Very
Good
GARBAGE: HOW CAN MY COMMUNITY REDUCE WASTE?
http://www.learner.org/exhibits/garbage/intro.html
A
PBS site that focuses on the enormous problem of garbage and waste products that
we need to dispose of and ways to reduce it. Sections: Solid Waste, Hazardous
Waste, Sewage, Global Efforts, The Future, and Related Resources. Very Good
GEOTHERMAL EDUCATION
http://geothermal.marin.org/
Geothermal
energy is widely used in some parts of the world. This site explains geothermal
energy and provides classroom resources for teaching about it. Sections:
Geothermal Facts, Worldwide Data & Map, Geothermal Slideshow, Ask an Expert,
More About Energy, More Hot Websites, and Classroom & Public Education
Materials. Very Good
GEO-TOPICS – ENVIRONMENT
NEW!
http://www.geography.learnontheinternet.co.uk/topics/ecosystem.html
A
page of links to environmental topics and information on habitats. Very
Good
GROUNDWATER BASICS – KIDS CORNER
GROUNDWATER: NATURE’S HIDDEN TREASURE
http://www.ec.gc.ca/water/en/info/pubs/FS/e_FSA5.htm
Information
from Canada about groundwater. Note: Click on Topics (green button) for a large
number of environmental topics. Very Good
HAPPY EARTH DAY COLORING AND ACTIVITY BOOK
http://www.epa.gov/region5/publications/happy/happy.htm
An
11-page coloring and activity book to download and print out full of tips for
making the Earth a better place. Very Good
HAWAII’S LIVING TREASURES – A THINKQUEST QUEST NEW!
http://library.thinkquest.org/J002491/
A
site by students for students. Follow the junior park ranger Kalani as she
searches for Hawaiian wildlife. Sections: Hawaii’s Living Treasures, Bird
Watching Game, Beyond O’hia Valley, and Resources. Includes video clips. Very
Good
HYDROTHERMAL VENT COMMUNITIES
http://www.botos.com/marine/vents01.html
A
lesson on hydrothermal vents. Includes information on the various aspects of
geothermal vents. Very Good
INDOOR AND OUTDOOR AIR POLLUTION NEW!
http://www.lbl.gov/Education/ELSI/pollution-main.html
Looks
at the types of air pollution and their causes. Includes Classroom
Activities. Very Good
JUNGLE PHOTOS
NEW!
http://www.junglephotos.com/
"Welcome
to Jungle Photos! Here you can see hundreds of images of animals, plants,
scenery and people from the
Amazon rainforest in tropical South America. All
photos have explanations, so scroll down to read about the image.
Our
mission is to provide the world with accurate information and excellent images
to inspire people to support rainforest conservation and education."
Sections: Animals, Plants, Scenery, People, Towns and Lots More!
Includes maps, satellite images and children’s artwork. Suitable for elementary
students. Very Good
KIDS FOR SAVING EARTH
http://www.kidsforsavingearth.org/
Materials
for kids on the environment. Includes lots of classroom activities to print out.
Note: We were able to see and print several sections for free. There is a paid
membership, also. Very Good
KIDS’ KINGDOM
http://www.chetthecheetah.org/kids/
Chet
the Cheetah gives kids ideas for helping to protect and clean the environment.
Sections: Chet’s Story, Help Chet Clean the
Environment, Chet’s Corner and
Meet Chet. Includes a Teacher’s Section with lesson plans. For elementary
students. Very Good
LIMNOLOGY – FACTS AND FUN (THE STUDY OF FRESH WATER RIVERS AND
LAKES) – A THINKQUEST SITE
http://library.thinkquest.org/11548/?tqskip1=1
A
student-created site on limnology, the study of fresh water rivers and lakes.
Sections: Guide to Limnology, Background, the Water Cycle, Types of Water,
Catchment, Algae, Tests, Salinity, Practice, Case Study, Articles & Contacts
and Results. Very Good
LIVING IN HARMONY WITH WETLANDS
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/feature/highlights/wetlands/
Information
on wetlands habitats. Sections: Where the Wetlands Are; Not All Wetlands Are
Alike; Wetlands Are Busy Places; Plant Life, Wildlife and Endangered Species;
Where You Can Learn More About Living with Wetlands; Fun Facts: Wet Meadows
and Agriculture; and People, Wetlands and Wild Rice. Very Good
LOS ANGELES RIVER CONNECTION
http://www.lalc.k12.ca.us/target/units/river/riverweb.html
A
tour of the entire 50+ miles of the Los Angeles River, from its headwaters in
the San Fernando Valley to its mouth in Long Beach, California. There are twelve
points along the photo tour. Additional topics include: Plants, Animals, Birds,
Microorganisms,
Water, Human Impact, Art, History and Organizations.
Includes maps, background information and Lessons and Investigations. Very
Good
NATIONAL LIBRARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
http://www.ncseonline.org/nle/index.cfm?&CFID=7205202&CFTOKEN=6757300
A
gateway to environmental and science issues and information. Very Good
THE NATURE OF WATER
http://www.ec.gc.ca/water/en/nature/e_nature.htm
Information
from Canada about water and aquatic resources and ecosystems. Sections: Aquatic
Ecosystems, Groundwater, Lakes, Permafrost, Properties of Water, Rivers,
Sediment, Snow & Ice, Water & Climate and Wetlands. Very Good
OZONE DEPLETION
NEW URL!
THE OZONE HOLE TOUR
http://www.atm.ch.cam.ac.uk/tour/
A
look at the depletion of the ozone layer of the atmosphere and, particularly, of
the discovery of a hole in the ozone layer over Antarctica. The tour takes
viewers through the process from discovery to current readings. The site
includes images and video clips. Very Good
POWERING A GENERATION OF CHANGE
http://americanhistory.si.edu/csr/powering/
A
Smithsonian project "to document the story of electrical power
restructuring in North America as it unfolds over the coming years."
Sections: Throw the Switch, Powering the Past, Understanding Deregulation,
Deregulation Perspectives, Visions of Power and References & Links. Very
Good
PROJECT ENVIRONMENT: KIDS IN ACTION! – A THINKQUEST SITE
http://library.thinkquest.org/6076/?tqskip1=1
Thinkquest
project on the environment with Kidstuff (Tips, What Other Kids Are Doing, Word
Search…); Enviro-Info (Info on Greenhouse Effect, Waste Materials, Water
Pollution, Air Pollution, & Consequences); and Dreamhouse (an
environmentally friendly house built by students). Note: May be unavailable.
Very Good
QUEST OF THE RING LEADERS – GAME
http://www.ringleader.com/quest/intro.html
An
adventure game. Become a Ring Leader and travel to distant worlds that are
destroying themselves. Use your powers to save them. Very Good
RECYCLING AND COMPOSTING
RESOURCE NOT WASTE – ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION IN ACTION
http://www.resource-not-waste.co.uk/ed_online_resources02.html
A
page of links to resources on the environment. Very Good
SCHOOL WORLD ENDANGERED SPECIES PROJECT NEW!
http://www.schoolworld.asn.au/species/species.html
Classes
can join School World’s Endangered Species Project and contribute reports on
endangered species. There is no charge to join. Click on Projects at the bottom
of the page to see other School World projects. Very Good
SCHOOLYARD ECOLOGY LEADERS HANDBOOK
http://www.ecostudies.org/syefest/
A
printable handbook for teachers who want to develop an school-based ecology
program. "many of the strategies and resources included here are useful
for anyone who works with teachers to get their students doing inquiry-based
ecology on the school grounds." Very Good
SOLUTIONS SITE FOR KIDS
http://www.solutions-site.org/kids/introduction.htm
The
site looks at environmental issues and the solutions people are finding to
specific problems and how these solutions can be applied elsewhere. Sections:
Population, Health, Development, and the Environment. Also Learn and Do;
Contests; and Talk. Very Good
SONGS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/Vines/2400/
Promotes
the use of songs and music in environmental education. Contains articles
(including getting children started in writing their own songs), lesson plans
and more. Click on Other Related Sites for links to lists of songs. Very
Good
TEACHER IDEAS FOR WASTE MANAGEMENT
http://www.mcswmd.org/kids/teacher.html
Ideas
for grades 1-6 on waste management and recycling. Sections: Ideas for Teachers;
Overview & Objectives; Meaning of Recycling; Unscramble Our Recycling World;
Crossword Recycling; Lunchroom Inspector; Litterbug and Drowning in Paper.
Includes puzzles and worksheets. Very Good
A THOUSAND FRIENDS OF FROGS
http://cgee.hamline.edu/frogs/index.html
Information
on frogs for teachers and students. Sections: Teachers, Students, Science and
Resources. Includes classroom activities in the Resources section. Very Good
THREATENED ANIMALS OF THE WORLD
http://www.unep-wcmc.org/index.html?http://quin.unep-wcmc.org/isdb/taxonomy/~main
A
World Conservation Centre database on threatened species around the world by
country, regions, species, etc. Note: We had some problems navigating this site
this year. The pages kept switching. Very Good
TROPICAL RAINFORESTS – ENCHANTED LEARNING
UNDERSEA AND OVERSEE
http://sln.fi.edu/oceans/index.html
Information
from the Franklin Institute about the oceans and how to protect them. Sections:
Understand the Oceans, Undersea
Life, Classroom Resources, and Career
Resources. The Classroom Resources section includes lesson plans. Very
Good
VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENTS
NEW!THE VIRTUAL NUCLEAR TOURIST – NUCLEAR PLANTS
AROUND THE WORLD
http://www.virtualnucleartourist.com/
Provides a "virtual tour" of nuclear power plants around the world with
information on where they are, what kinds there are, how they operate and more.
Includes photos. A very large site. Note: Some info is no longer available due
to security concerns. Very Good
THE VIRTUAL RAINFOREST NEW
URL!
http://www.bsrsi.msu.edu/rfrc/tour/
Users "can choose between two online tours of the
rainforest, filled with beautiful pictures and interesting facts. The
Virtual Rainforest was designed for all ages, but with particular emphasis
on teaching children about tropical rainforests". Viewers choose the
regular tour in which you navigate with the mouse through a photo of a
rainforest to other pages. The second tour is a slide show. Good for elementary
classes. Very Good
THE WARMING OF THE EARTH – A BEGINNERS’ GUIDE TO
UNDERSTANDING THE ISSUE OF GLOBAL WARMING
http://www.whrc.org/globalwarming/warmingearth.htm
Information on global warming. Sections: The Greenhouse Effect,
Scientific Evidence, The Culprits, Potential Outcome, What the
Skeptics
Don’t Tell You, the Kyoto Protocol and References. From the Woods Hole Research
Center. Very Good
WATER SCIENCE FOR SCHOOLS
http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/index.html
"Welcome to the U.S. Geological Survey's (USGS) Water Science
for Schools web site! We offer information on many
aspects of water, along
with pictures, data, maps, and an interactive center where you can give opinions
and test your water knowledge." Topics include: Earth’s Water, Water
Basics, Water-use Information, Water Q&A, Activity Center, Picture Gallery,
Glossary of Water Terms, and more. Very Good
THE WATERSHED GAME NEW
URL!
http://www.rbff-education.org/cgi-bin/search/rbff.cgi?ID=981491855
"Welcome, ……….. , to the Watershed Game! There are two levels
in this game: Novice and Intermediate. The novice
level is for third and
fourth graders, or anyone who isn't sure what a watershed is. You don't have to
start with the novice level, but it'll give you a good introduction to the ideas
in the intermediate level. And you can jump into the intermediate level anytime
you like—just click on one of the pictures on the left to start making decisions
about your watershed! In the intermediate level, you'll be in charge of your
watershed, making decisions about recreation, agriculture, transportation, and
many more things. Can you make the right choices to ensure a healthy watershed?"
Very Good
WEALTH OF THE RAINFOREST
http://rain-tree.com/index.html
Information from Raintree, Inc. on the wealth of resources in the
rainforest that can be used responsibly. Includes a great deal
of
information on the medical benefits of rainforest plants. Sections: Rainforest
Plant Database; Rainforest Information, Facts, & Preservation; Help with
Rainforest School Reports; A Gallery of Rainforest Pictures; links and more. The
photo gallery is outstanding. Very Good
WELCOME TO THE WETLANDS
NEW!
http://www.lethsd.ab.ca/mmh/grade5/wetlands/page1.htm
Basic information on the types of wetlands. Sections: Wetlands of Alberta
(Canada), Wetlands of the World, Wetland Animals, Types of Wetlands, Food
Chains, Wetland Worries, and Links. Note: Some of the links were broken. Very
Good
THE WILD HABITAT – A THINKQUEST SITE
http://library.thinkquest.org/11234/?tqskip1=1
A student-created site on different habitats. Sections: Polar and
Mountainous Regions; Savanna and Grasslands; Tropical Rainforest; and Woodland
Areas. Each briefly discusses the habitat and the animals found there. Click on
Fun and Games for games and animal quizzes. Very good for elementary
students. Very Good
THE WILD ONES
http://www.thewildones.org/
Information for kids on the work of the Wildlife Trust. They learn about
endangered animals and the people who work to protect them. Sections: Bioscapes,
Sense of Place, Wildlife, Humans, and Curriculum. The Curriculum section
includes lesson plans and other resources. Very Good
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ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCES
http://www.cc.utah.edu/~ptt25660/tran.html
Information on finding and developing alternative energy sources.
Sections: Solar, Wind Power, Geothermal, Tides, Hydroelectric and
Reference Page. Basic information for elementary students.
Good
AMERICA RECYCLES DAY – NOVEMBER 15, 2005
NEW!
http://www.americarecyclesday.org/home.html
Information about America Recycles Day which
is November 15th. Includes basic information on why and what we
recycle and ideas for participation. Good
AMERICA’S PRIVATE LAND – A GEOGRAPHY OF HOPE
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/news/pub/GHopeHit.html
"Explore the State of Our Land! America's Private Land, A
Geography of Hope tells the story of America's private, non-urban land. Private
land is America's working land. It produces food and fiber, and much, much more:
It also produces clean water, clean air, wildlife habitat, healthy and
productive soil, and scenic landscapes. But this story is more than a national
report card on the state of our Nation's natural resources; it will help the
reader learn to think about land (soil, water, air, plants, and animals) in a
different way. A Geography of Hope is a call to action, a call to renew our
national commitment to America's private land and private landowners. The Nation
will never achieve its goals for conservation and environmental quality if
farmers and ranchers and all other private landowners are not engaged in a
cooperative effort to use the land according to its capabilities. You'll get the
facts and figures on natural resources from A Geography of Hope, all woven into
a framework of land stewardship and a vision for natural resource management in
the 21st century." A government publication you can download (free)
or order (fee). Good
ARCTIC POLAR PAIRS – GAME
http://www.mnh.si.edu/arctic/game/
A matching game in which you match up the animals as you learn about
their habits and habitats. Then click on the Arctic Wildlife Portfolio to learn
more. Good
ASK THE ANSWER WORM!
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/feature/education/squirm/skworm.html
"Ask the Answer Worm! It’s a dirty job but someone has to do
it--S.K.Worm, the official annelid, or worm, of the U.S.
Department of
Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service answers students’ questions
about soil. Even their teachers can’t wiggle their way out of this one! Slither
your way through these soiled questions and earn a very special diploma. You
might even get hooked on Soil!" Good
AUNTIE POLLUTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS
COLORING BOOKS
http://www.niehs.nih.gov/kids/colauntie.htm
Twenty-four coloring pages to download and print to color, all on
environmental topics. Good
BACKGROUND PAPERS ON WETLANDS VALUES AND FUNCTIONS
NEW!
http://www.ramsar.org/values_intro_e.htm
"Wetland ecosystems are part of our natural wealth. A recent
assessment of the dollar value of our natural ecosystems estimated them at
US$ 33 trillion*. The study estimated the global value of wetland ecosystems at
an amazing US$ 14.9 trillion, 45% of the total. This reflects the many functions
of wetlands:" You can read the articles online or print them as PDF
files. The charts are good, too. Suitable for senior high students.
Good
BACKYARD CONSERVATION TIP SHEETS
NEW!
http://www.rbff-education.org/cgi-bin/search/rbff.cgi?ID=1101852375
Tip sheets on topics such as composting, mulching, water conservation and
more. Online and printable PDF files. Good
BIODIVERSITY CROSSWORD PUZZLE
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/xwords/19980901.html
A crossword puzzle from the New York Times on biodiversity.
Good
BIO-TECH LIFE SCIENCE DICTIONARY
http://biotech.icmb.utexas.edu/search/dict-search.html
A dictionary of life science terms. Good
BIOMES AND ECOZONES – A RESEARCH GUIDE FOR STUDENTS
NEW!
http://www.aresearchguide.com/biomes.html
A page of links to websites about biomes and ecosystems.
Good
BIOMES CROSSWORD PUZZLE
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/xwords/20000402.html
A crossword puzzle from the New York Times on biomes. Good
BIOMES OF THE WORLD
http://users.snowcrest.net/freemanl/world/biomes/
A brief site with a world map showing the major biomes of the world plus
a brief description
of each. Good for elementary students. Good
BURNING ISSUES – AIR POLLUTION NEW!
http://www.webcom.com/~bi/
Extensive information on the health issues of wood smoke and other fine
particulates in the air. Includes fact sheets, tables and more. Good
CARE
FOR THE WILD
http://www.careforthewild.org/
An organization dedicated to saving wildlife from poaching and habitat
destruction. Children can adopt an animal or send in drawings of the animals
shown on the site. Includes animal fact sheets. Good
CHANGES IN THE ANTARCTIC ICE SHEET NEW!
http://octopus.gma.org/surfing/antarctica/ice.htm
"The Antarctic ice sheet changes in size over the course of a
year, as you can see in this animation. When it is summer in the southern
hemisphere (our winter) the ice sheet decreases in size. As the ice sheet
melts it releases fresh water into the ocean. In the southern winter (our
summer) the ice refreezes, drawing fresh water out of the surrounding ocean,
leaving the salt behind. These seasonal changes in the ice sheet can be examined
by satellite imagery. NOAA keeps track of what the ice cover is on a daily basis
in Antarctica." Good
COASTAL/MARINE LINKS
NEW!
http://www.wetlands.org/links/CoastalMarineLinks.htm
A page of links on coastal and marine subjects. Good
COMPOSTING FOR KIDS