This subscription-based project "engages students the world over in celebration, study, and stewardship of one of the world's greatest river systems and of their own watersheds." Three inquiry-based projects engage students in hands-on local field study, Internet publishing, and dialogues with a diverse group of expert online guests.
earthThis site supports a course about designing planets from a solar system through plants and animals. It includes lessons, many links to web pages, teacher resources, science notes, and planets created by teams of teachers who participated in the course. It is being tried out in a high school and bits of it have been used in the elementary grades. The website is in a state of ongoing construction, but over a hundred and fifty professor-authored pages are already in place.
earthTyphoons, thunderstorms, and hurricanes, oh my! The Discovery Channel has created this engaging and not-so-subtle website to complement one of their recent programs, and it certainly will hold users?? attention. The site is divided into a number of sections, including one that includes a number of historic disaster puzzles. Here, visitors can piece together the post-eruption locale of Pompeii and the mighty tornado that swept through Kirksville, Maryland in 1899. In an area of the site that is quite informative, visitors can learn about the Fujita Tornado Scale, which classifies tornadoes based on their estimated wind speeds. Finally, the ??Anatomy of A Disaster? area allows users to enter a virtual tornado and learn about the dangers of solar-storms. Not for the faint of heart, this site brings heightened drama to some already hair-raising forces of nature.
earthUSGS Earthquake Hazards Program - Time to shake up your class. This United States Geological Survey website puts together materials about the past, present and future of earthquakes. Under Education, check out Earthquake ABCs, Today in Earthquake History and Cool Earthquake Facts. Students can learn more about Seismic Networks, How to Become a Geophysicist, and Current Earthquakes that may rattle their classroom.
earthIn this online activity, students (grades 9-12) interpret graphics by drawing conclusions and making predictions, identify causes of plant production in the world's oceans, identify patterns in ocean and land plant productivity, and compare and contrast ecosystems. Includes a teacher guide, online reference material, and activity directions.
earthe-Mission: Operation Montserrat - is based on a real historical event. The volcano on the normally tranquil island of Montserrat has come to life. As flaming pebbles and lava begin their devastation, emergency response teams learn a hurricane is approaching. Using real-time hurricane and seismic data, teams of student specialists assist Mission Control in saving the residents from certain destruction. Students to apply their science and math skills to an authentic crisis situation. During the two-hour e-Mission, student specialists serve as members of a team: volcano, hurricane, evacuation, or communication.
earthThe Earth As A System: an introduction to global change - In this University of Florida online course, students learn to view the Earth as a complex system of interacting components including the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and human activity. The Laboratory consists of web-based exercises that could be used in other settings.
earthFrom the US Geological Survey, this site is for anyone who wants to find out more about the many aspects of water, from what it is to how we use it. The site uses pictures, data, maps, and an interactive center to help convey information. A glossary and links are also included.
earthThis terrific site is posted by professional illustrator Douglas Henderson. Showcasing the blend of researched science and the fancy of human curiosity, the rich illustrations in this collection succeed on both counts. Helpful text also accompany the detailed drawings. Click through the geologic timeline of Earth history to visualize life in prehistoric times, thus entering a special place where earth's mysteries and complemented by one artist's ability.
earth"National Climatic Data Center has developed both national and global data sets that have been used by both government and the private sector to maximize the resource provided by our climate and minimize the risks of climate variability and weather extremes. The Center has a statutory mission to describe the climate of the United States and NCDC acts as the Nation's Scorekeeper regarding the trends and anomalies of weather and climate."
earthBrad Bowerman, a teacher from Jermyn, Pennsylvania, has put together this resource that links to everything on the web a geography teacher (cultural or physical) should need. A great find was the links to Maps and Globes, with lots of links to maps and a link to Map Jokes (with Map Haiku also at that website). In the Geography Quizzes area, a lot of the legwork has been done for you...you just need to decide which quizzes to use. World regions are represented with many links that could benefit students researching individual countries. Included in these links are resources created by Mr. Bowerman himself.
earthThis site includes over fifty lesson plans for learning activities and longer term projects on remote sensing, imaging science, oceanography, meteorology and ecology. Links to required satellite images are included.
earthThese four and eight week inquiry-based projects use technology to help middle school students learn environmental science locally and via interactions with peers and resources worldwide. Kids as Global Scientists Weather '99 runs February through April, Shared Air '98 runs in May, and Hurricanes runs in October.
earthParticles in water such as resuspension of sand and silt from the bottom by tides can change the color of the ocean near the coasts. However, for most of the world's oceans, the most important influence of its color is Phytoplankton.
earthIncludes links for Severe Weather, Atmosphere, Weather Forecasting, Weather Maps, Weather Right Now, El Nino (Niño), Background Information, activities, and more.
earthWhat stones do we use to build?EWhich stones weather best? Some of these questions can be answered at this website, which examines a test wall of building materials constructed in 1948. A great feature allows students to look at stones from different states or countries (many of the stone samples were collected in 1880) and examine the differences between the materials stored inside and those built into the wall and exposed to the elements.
earthStudents hear all sorts of stories about winter storms. This is your chance to tie those stories into the science of storms, and look at severe storms over the past three hundred years. Some favorites are the Interactive Weather Maker and the Winter Storms Timeline. A Teacher's Guide is included in this section.
earthAimed at 8th graders, this project allows students to explore the controversies surrounding global warming and climate change. This activity is eighth grade Integrated Science in Bangladesh but it could be adapted to higher levels and other locations very easily. Students should have previous knowledge of the water and carbon-oxygen biogeochemical cycles, as well as local weather events, collecting data on them, and basic understanding of the role of the ocean in regulating regional climates. This webquest was put together by Jo DeVries.
earthTopics for these lesson plans and activities include Doing Astrophysics Research with an Artificial Earth Orbiting Satellite, Sine Waves, The Electromagnetic Spectrum, Images of the Universe in Different Wavelengths, Satellite Communications, Satellite Dishes, Constellations and the Zodiac, Solar System Objects, Earthquakes. Formerly known as Teacher-Developed Earth and Space Science Lessons and Classroom Activities.
earthIn this activity, students print and color-code a map based on seismic activity.
earthIn this online activity, students learn how oceanographers measure ocean currents by tracking some drifter buoys over time. Includes a teacher guide, reference material, activity directions, and even downloadable spreadsheet files.
earthVirtual Earthquake (VEQ) is a web-based application that allows anyone to become a "virtual seismologist." Designed by Gary Novak, a professor of geology, VEQ provides a "hands-on" lesson on how to locate an earthquake's epicenter and how to determine its Richter magnitude. Users interpret simulated seismograms from three seismic recording stations in an effort to triangulate the location of an earthquake's epicenter. The user's results are plotted on a map and compared to the actual results.
earthEverything volcanos! This terrific Web site includes downloadable HyperStudio stacks, lesson plans, and a great FAQ section.
earthThe United States Geological Survey, the principal source of scientific and technical expertise in the earth sciences within the Federal Government, sponsors this e-mail service for anyone with general Earth Science questions.
earthWeatherEye is a weather education site, created by a forecast team working with local educators. This site includes a section for students in grades 2 to 8, a section for grades 6 to 12, a "Teacher's Lounge" and a parent's area. On-line lessons are designed to be easy to integrate into class schedules. Lessons put students in "real-world" situations, like driving through a blizzard or being the mayor of a town threatened by a hurricane.
earthThis stunning NASA-funded site explores Earth and Space sciences and the historical and cultural ties between science, exploration, and the human experience. The site includes a rich array of images, movies, animations, and data sets. Teacher Resources include classroom activities and educational links.
earthThis guide offers instructional modules that incorporate text, colorful diagrams, animations, computer simulations, audio and video to introduce fundamental concepts in the atmospheric sciences. Topics include Light and Optics, Clouds and Precipitation, Forces and Winds, Weather Forecasting, Severe Storms, Hurricanes, El Nino (Niño), and the Hydrologic Cycle.
earthCan you combine a geography lesson with fitness training? Learn about the history of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak, and the gear and training it takes to make a successful climb. Study the geologic formations, and what those features mean to trekkers climbing the peak. The information comes from altrec.com, a lifestyle destination website.
earthThe Online Map Creation site lets you draw simple maps interactively. You give the borders of the desired map and specify options, and a map will show up on your Web page.
earthExplore the habitats, animals, and plants that comprise Canada's beautiful aquatic environments. This online text book also links to abstracts of current research being conducted in Canada.
earthThere's more than Santa Claus at the North pole. Visit this website, compiled by NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), to find out about life in the Arctic Circle. Under General Interest, find out about Native Peoples, Animals, the Northern Lights, and maps oriented toward the Arctic Ocean.
earthThe Arctic is a vast, ice-covered ocean, surrounded by tree-less, frozen ground, that teems with life, including organisms living in the ice, fish and marine mammals, birds, land animals and human societies. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA, provides Arctic information and a set of reputable indicators that describe the present state of the Arctic ecosystem and climate. This comprehensive, near-real-time Arctic Change Detection Product has been developed by the US/NOAA Arctic Research Office to track physical and biological changes for presentation on the web.
writtingArctic Alive is a distance-learning environment for learners. Although the actual interaction with researchers has already taken place, teachers can use the background materials on the arctic, earth systems, and climate with students. Lessons, or investigations, often link to activities on other sites.
earthCampSilos is an educational Web site focusing on the development of American agriculture. Targeting students in grades 4-8, the site provides online educational material related to the natural prairie, pioneer farm life, early agricultural technology, the story of corn from its early Indian origins to the present, and 21st century technological advances including applications of GPS and biotechnology. Activities and lesson plans feature such diverse activities as virtual field trips, mystery photos, group games, problem-based activities, primary source materials, scavenger hunt and history detective research using online resources and links to national standards. Students can even watch the birth of baby pigs!
earthGreat satellite images from the different provinces of Canada. Compare the types of remote sensing devices used for these shots, comparing the finer points of Landsat, Radarsat, and Spot MLA. For older students, tutorials explain the fundamentals, sensors, microwaves, and more.
earthWhat does it take to connect a continent for communication? In these days of satellite transmissions, it does not seem like such a huge task. Go back in time, and across the continent of Australia, to 1870 to connect the continent together with an overland telegraph line. This website traces the route, the stories, and the settlements that grew along its path. Students can participate in a webquest, observe Virtual Reality (VR) images of the countryside, and hear audio clips of assorted residents. Flash and Quicktime are required for certain features.
earthThis site, supported by NASA, presents environmental earth science modules that make use of remote sensing and information technology with a goal of engaging high school students in collaborative scientific inquiry and analysis. Module titles include Mars Landing, Strangers in Paradise, Hurricanes, Weather or Not, Korean Enigma, Rift Valley Fever, Mountain Gorillas, Temperate Rainforest, El Nino (Niño): The Child Returns, Tropical Poison, Volcanoes, Water Quality, Earth on Fire, and UV Menace.
earth"The Learning Through Collaborative Visualization (CoVis) Project is thousands of students, over a hundred teachers, and dozens of researchers and scientists working to improve science education in middle and high schools. They do this by approaching the learning of science more like the doing of science, and by employing a broad range of communication and collaboration technologies. " This site includes resources for designing and sharing projects & activities, data and visualization tools, information on mentoring, links to many geosciences sites, and more.
earthDaily updates and quizzes are available from this research project, sponsored by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. The current journey is exploring a mid-ocean ridge projection along the East Pacific Rise off the western coast of Central America. See Plate Techtonics in action! Join the adventure before the trip ends on May 10. More trips scheduled in 2001.
earthCreated by the Atmosphere, Climate & Environment (ACE) Information Programme and supported by the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to disseminate information on the causes, effects of and controls on air pollution and climate change. Major sections are: Earth & Man; Principles; Environment; Resource; Society; Economy; Indicators; Action; and Doing Our Bit. Within each major section are numerous sub-sections, each written in a brief narrative style with related links to definitions or related terms. Although British in flavor, the issues are global.
earthLearn about hydrology, concrete dams, enbankment dams, and spillways. All ages of students can benefit from knowledge of the ways water is stored, and shared. This website could be a starting point for examining dams and water usage in your region.
earthEarth Island Institute develops and supports projects that counteract threats to the biological and cultural diversity that sustain the environment. Through education and activism, these projects promote the conservation, preservation, and restoration of the Earth. The directory contains short descriptions and contact info to more than 30 grassroots projects.
earthThe award winning Earth & Sky radio program presents natural science in a fun and easy-to-understand way. The Web site includes the daily show (transcripts, real audio, and links), searchable archives of past shows, and more. There's even a contest for students who create a 90 second radio program!
earthLearn to use the Internet and software tools while doing atmosphere investigations for the middle school and high school, Earth/Space Science Classroom. All activities, especially the Weather Hunt, Storm Sampler and The Perfect Storm Webquest, are designed for use by cooperative groups and culminate in a final shared presentation. The Weather Hotlist and the Weather Scrapbook are easily adapted for use by individual students.
earthDesigned to provide some basic information about the nature of earthquakes, the site contains five primary sections. Under the Quake Basics heading, visitors can expect to learn about the basics of earthquakes, including some nice sections on plate tectonics, faults, and how scientists measure such phenomena. As the Exploratorium is based on San Francisco, visitors should not be surprised to find that the section titled Great Shakes includes information on the 1906 earthquake and the devastating quake of 1989 as well. There are some nice video clips here, including a video taken during the 1989 World Series and shots of the damage wrought by the quake in Santa Cruz.
earthDeveloped by a high school teacher and Exploratorium staff, this well-designed site is an introduction to auroras and the processes that create these mysterious lights. Stunning aurora images are included.
earthThe biggest, the baddest, the fastest, and the best in the natural world are all gathered at this Web site. It got a definite thumbs-up from our eight-year-old tester. Not easy on the eyes, but easy to use and written at a level that accommodates a wide range of users, Extreme Science provides pictures, short informational paragraphs, types of scientists who study these phenomena, and where to go for more information.
earthGet your hard hats on and go digging for some fun and facts. This K-6 activity was developed by students and staff at Loogootee Community Schools and the Franklin Institute of Science. Teachers will find literature connections, ideas for Internet collaborations, and science activities to help students explore how sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks are made. Short, easy to understand text segments are accompanied by illustrations. Be sure to see the West Elementary Internet Projects page for more projects and activities.
earthLate summer and early fall is always a hot time in California when it comes to wildfires. This site educates reader to the main sources of fuel for fires, and how to spot potential hotspots near your home or school or library. Interactive quizzes are available, and lessons and field trip ideas can be found in Firewise for Educators.
earthThe San Diego State University Geology Department has created an online resource that combines print information, movies, and interactive quizzes. Quicktime is required for viewing movies/animations.
earthFor anyone who has ever been interested in "the world's daily geological rumblings," Geology Link is a "must see" site. You'll find breaking news on geologic events all over the world, the latest news and discoveries, hot topics, virtual field trips, interactive forums, an image gallery and more. From Worth Publishers, this site has something for everyone.
earthLearn more about Antarctica; why is it important and what you can learn there. Researchers from prestigious institutions in Canada and the U.S. put together this site with lessons, worksheets, activities, and loads of information about this frozen continent.
earthThis international science and education program coordinates the work of students, teachers and scientists to study and understand the global enviroment. GLOBE students "make a core set of environmental observations at or near their schools and report their data via the Internet. Scientists use GLOBE data in their research and provide feedback to the students to enrich their science education. Each day, images created from the GLOBE student data sets are posted on the World Wide Web, allowing students and visitors to the GLOBE web site to visualize the student environmental observations." Portions of this site are available in French and Spanish.
earthCaves are cool! Learn about Solution Caves, Lava Tube Caves, Sea Caves and Erosional Caves. Students can also investigate caves near their homes with links in the U.S. Show Cave Directory.
earthThis WebQuest for K-2 students explores concepts of weather including short term weather changes, the influence of weather on daily human life, the effects of severe weather on human life, and the benefits of weather forecasting.
earthIn this WebQuest, sixth grade students are asked to plan a field day for their class. Some of the integrated skills include using an almanac to assist in decision making, using and interpreting weather sources, and reading and drawing maps.
earthDATES: September 26 - December 5, 2003 (Please register before October 31)Collaborate with schools throughout the world to determine how temperature and hours of sunlight per day are affected by your location and the equator. Involves general science, mathematics, language arts, and geography. They recommend upper elementary, middle school and high school students (ages 11-18). Students will: a) measure the temperature and record the number of minutes of sunlight per day; b) compare and contrast the results; and c) determine how proximity to the equator affects average daily temperature and hours of sunlight. There is NO FEE required to join this project. Sponsored by Center for Improved Engineering and Science Education
earth"Weather" is inspired by programs from Planet Earth, a video series in the Annenberg/CPB Multimedia Collection. At this site, students can explore the forces behind the weather, try their hand at tornado chasing, or discover how wind chill works. Hands-on activities include topics such as the atmosphere, the water cycle, ice and snow, and forecasting.
writtingThis page is a place for students to post their own science poetry (having to do with Nature or Natural Science, including Life, Earth, Physical and Environmental Science topics).
earthWhat's in your water? Do you really know? Do you want to know? You should know, because without water, life as we know it could not exist on earth. This educational project encourages global school participation to learn about local drinking water. Classes are encouraged to test their drinking water and to post their results to the database for others to use as real data. At the end of the project, classes are also encouraged to post web pages detailing what they have done to research their drinking water, and talk about what their plans are to protect this natural resource. This project was created by Rosemary Shaw of Millennium Middle School in Sanford, FL, part of Semionole County Public Schools.
earthA cool way to help students understand the process of fossilization--especially which variables influence production of "good" fossils. The interactive part is totally Flash-driven and lets students choose variables which lead to short movies demonstrating the outcomes. Don't overlook the Manual located in the main menu of the web page. Includes a graphic, interactive glossary. Requires Flash.
earthThis huge and growing site for geography educators and students contains more than a hundred original lesson plans and after-school activities for grades K-12, an outline map atlas with more than 1,800 free maps designed for printing or building Web sites, forums where teachers and students can discuss geography, and a fabulous 3-D virtual museum of geography built in the spirit of the game Myst.
earthWe invite you to explore a place where climate is changing faster than anywhere else on earth: the Arctic. What's up with climate change in the Arctic? What does it mean for northern people, plants and animals? Where else in the world are similar changes happening? What can we do about it? Step right up and discover how climate change at the top of the world is everyone's business, no matter where you live. In conjunction with the website, there are three lessons related to climate change. Each has a downloadable presentation (PowerPoint) and additional information (http://www.nature.ca/sila/edu/edu_e.cfm). See the Site Map for list of all available pages (http://www.nature.ca/sila/mpcrt_e.cfm). Also available in French. A Canadian Museum of Nature Web site.
earthProduced by science educator Al Bodzin, this inquiry-based science activity uses the Web to explore science in coastal Carolina. Teachers and students can use this web site independently or as a class using a number of different teaching strategies. In "The Shell Island Dilemma," students take on roles to investigate and debate complex issues surrounding oceanfront structures threatened by coastal erosion. A guide for educators provides a variety of teaching suggestions.
earthGlobal climate change is a topic of interest to all. This site, created by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, looks at droughts in North America. Weather data is collected by using fairly modern technology, and by paleoclimatologists, which gather information about climate by studying the rings of trees and sediment. (added 12/15/00)
earthThe goal of this site is "to provide middle school science students and teachers with research and investigation experiences using on-line resources." Topics include El Nino, storms (tornadoes, lightning, hurricanes, and forecasting), atmosphere, fisheries, Great Lakes, and oceans, and each topic walks students through an introduction, information gathering, data gathering and analysis, application, and enrichment. From the the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) and the College of Education at the University of South Alabama.
earthLook back in time with this PBS site to study the science and history of this massive hurricane. The survivor accounts of the storm can be harrowing, so they might not be appropriate for younger students. Lesson ideas are available in the areas of history, economics, geography, and civics. (added 3/27/02, reviewed 3/8/04)
earthPlanetpals Earthzone is an interactive site featuring characters that help teach kids the importance of caring for our planet and everything in it. Filled with free and fun activities for kids; a valuable source of earth science and ecology information.
earthCreated by teacher Keith Nuthall, this WebQuest has three parts: 1. Students obtain basic background information related to El Nino. 2. Students construct a mathematical model using both historical and real-time water temperature data from a buoy at the equator, and they then investigate the rainfall totals for San Diego during the same years. (1982-83,1995-96, present) The end result allows students to construct a model to determine if we are currently in an El Nino cycle. Students also obtain help from a national weather service expert that is working with the exact same buoy for his research. 3. Students write a speculation paper on the effects of El Nino on the rainfall in San Diego. After writing the paper, they submit the paper to a local community leader in charge of disaster preparedness for review. As do the best WebQuests, this one features interaction with information and community, concensus building within groups, no one correct answer, and stretching the limits of kids. Best of all, when students complete the project, they get to live out their speculation.
earthAn extensive site dedicated to the last two frontiers, the oceans and the universe. Explore the splendors of the sea and the wonders of the universe. Includes information, pictures, links, and interactive games.
earthSEED offers learners a real world, real people context in which to develop their interest and excitement about science. The site includes articles about scientists and projects, experiments, teacher's guides, and an "Ask an Expert" feature.
earthMore than 25 hands-on science activities are provided in classroom-ready pages for both teachers and students for exploring geology, earth, and planetary sciences.
earthThis fascinating site is part of SCRAN, a searchable archive of history and culture. Links lead to pictures of natural and manmade stone outcroppings, with the local lore included. The glossary can pump up your vocabulary a bit, too.
earthHave students view their environment in a different way. Simply type in the address you wish to see, and TerraFly delivers an aerial view of the site.
earthLearn the what, why and how of man-made satellites, then build one of three Java-based satellites with the interactive construction sets. Includes information about Communications, Earth Remote Sensing, Weather, Global Positioning, and gallery lesson plans. From the Tech Museum of Innovation in San Jose, California.
earthFind out how Geology professors are using the Web! This site catalogs the best online courses by course title and by university. Also includes course resources and field trips.
earthThe University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) has prepared middle school mathematics curriculum incorporating real-time weather data. The heart of this site are lesson plans for 15 classroom activities complete with support in English and Spanish.
earthThe Unsolved Mysteries features cutting edge research and tools currently used by environmental health scientists in the Environmental Health Sciences Center and Marine and Freshwater Biomedical Sciences Center at Oregon State University. Users of the website are challenged with an environmental mystery that they need to solve by using specialized analytical equipment. The website includes interactive lab tours, on-line quizzes, interviews and links to scientists, glossary, and additional resources. This website was created by the Community Outreach and Education Programs (COEPs) of the Environmental Health Sciences (EHS) Center and Marine and Freshwater Biomedical Sciences (MFBS) Center at Oregon State University.
earthLearn more about earth science topics that affect daily life including household water, weather's effect on streams, and preparing for volcanic eruptions.
earthThis site offers free print-based instructional materials to support elementary natural science curriculum.
earthThis site offers weather information including forecasts, information about meteorology, severe weather safety tips, and more.
gamesPlant grasses and flowers, then choose the birds and mammals that will help your prarie survive. Watch what happens! This is a great way to learn about ecosystems.