WEB SITES FOR EARTH DAY & ECOLOGY –

APRIL 22nd

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.

All of the sites listed were active as of March 14, 2008. 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.

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

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 ANIMALS AND INSECTS - LINKS

http://www.suelebeau.com/animals.htm

A page of links for elementary students on animals and insects. Excellent

ALL ABOUT ENERGY

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

http://www.suelebeau.com/environment.htm

A page of links to websites on the environment. Suitable for elementary students. Excellent

ALL ABOUT THE RAINFOREST – LINKS

http://www.suelebeau.com/rainforest.htm

A page of links for elementary students on the rainforest. Excellent

ALL ALONG A RIVER

http://library.thinkquest.org/28022/

A site for students by students on rivers and river ecosystems. Sections: Physical Aspects of Rivers, Case Studies and Rivers of the World. More detailed than it looks at first. Suitable for students in grades 5-8. 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

AQUIFER VIRTUAL FIELD TRIP NEW!

http://www.spokaneaquifer.org/vft/trailhead.htm

“On this field trip, you'll learn amazing things about water. For example, if you were asked what an aquifer is, or what you know about the hydrologic cycle, could you answer? Well you'll know this and a whole lot more by the end of this trip, so get ready for some fun exploration!

You will learn why and how it is important to protect the source of your drinking water, and some unique details about the Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer, one of the great wonders of the world!” 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

BBC SCIENCE AND NATURE: ANIMALS NEW!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/animals/

A huge site with a variety of information and activities including games, videos and more. Highlights: World on the Move, Explore Nature UK, Springwatch 2008, Planet Earth Explorer. Sections: Planet Earth, Birds, Mammals, UK Wildlife, Sea Life, Wildfacts, Conservation, More Articles and Pets. Outstanding. 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

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

CENTER FOR IMPROVED SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING NEW URL!

http://www.k12science.org/currichome.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

CONGO GORILLA FOREST NEW URL!

http://www.congogorillaforest.com/congohome

“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

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

DESERTS: NOT JUST FOR LIZARDS NEW!

http://www.teachnet-lab.org/miami/2002/rsampedro/index.html

Links to information about deserts. Sections: What is a Desert?, Types of Deserts, What Causes Deserts?, Deserts of the World, Desert Plants, Desert Animals, Culminating Activities and Desert Links & Resources. Sections include Lesson Plans and Activities. Excellent

DRAGONFLY TV – LIVING THINGS

http://pbskids.org/dragonflytv/show/livingthings.html

Investigations and video clips for kids on a variety of living things and nature topics such as: Baby Animals, Dolphins, Colorblind Dogs, Horse Ears, Kelp Forest, Lizard Habitat and more. Each topics has an investigation with a video report on their findings. Also check out: Do It (experiments), Games and Riddles. For intermediate/junior students. Excellent

EARTH 911 – MAKING EVERY DAY EARTH DAY

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 – NOW KABOOSE

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 NEW URL!

http://childfun.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=18

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 NEW URL!

http://www.earthforce.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

ECOLOGY.COM

http://www.ecology.com/

News, articles, quotes, and more. Sections: News Links, Feature Stories, Origins of Life, Ecology Today, Earth at a Glance, Ecoscene, About Ecology, Links, Quotes, and InfoKiosk. Includes: Test Your EQ!, a Students’ Corner, and Ecology Radio. 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

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 ELECTRIC AVENUE NEW!

http://www.firstenergycorp.com/kids/index.html

A site to teach children about electricity and energy. Sections: What’s It All About?, Let’s Explore Energy, Energy Efficiency, Play It Safe, Energy Fun Factory, and Glossary. 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

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

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

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

ENDANGERED SPECIES RESOURCES ON THE WORLD WIDE WEB

http://www.cdli.ca/CITE/endangered.htm

Links to resources on endangered species for elementary students. Includes several categories. Includes a Teacher’s Resources section with links and lesson plans. Excellent

ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

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 – HEAT, LIGHT AND SOUND – LIST OF LINKS

http://edtech.kennesaw.edu/web/heatener.html

A list of links about energy. Suitable for elementary students. Includes Research/Informational Sites and Lesson Plans/Activities. Also in Lesson Plans section. 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

THE ENERGY STORY NEW!

http://www.energyquest.ca.gov/story/index.html#table

An online book about energy. Includes 20 chapters on different types of energy such as Wind Energy, Solar Energy, Hydro Power, etc. Outstanding. A good resource for upper elementary and up. Excellent

THE ENVIROLINK NETWORK

http://www.envirolink.org/

A portal for an enormous number of environmental website links. With topics from Agriculture to Wildlife, this is a huge resource. Includes: Envirolink U.S. Atlas, News Headlines, and Anima Concerns. Excellent

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION LINKS – CLASSROOM RESOURCES

http://eelink.net/classroomresources-directories.html

Large list of topics with environmental education resources and materials. Excellent

ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS NETWORK NEW!

http://www.enn.com/

An online news source for environmental news. Sections: Top Stories, Wildlife, Agriculture, Ecosystems, Energy, Business, Climate, Pollution, Green Building, Sci/Tech, Lifestyle and Health. Excellent

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE – LIST OF LINKS

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. Definitely worth checking out. Excellent

EXPLORING THE ENVIRONMENT – CORAL REEFS MODULE

http://www.cotf.edu/ete/

A learning module for grades 7-12 on the environment of the coral reefs. Sections: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Coral Reefs, Remote Sensing, Situation and Spheres. Students use real data to solve problems. Excellent

42EXPLORE SITES

ANIMAL HOMES 42EXPLORE NEW!

http://42explore.com/animhom.htm

Basic information for elementary students on animal homes including activities and webquests. Excellent

ANIMAL TRACKS 42EXPLORE NEW!

http://www.42explore.com/animaltracks.htm

Basic information for elementary students on animal tracks including activities and webquests. Excellent

BATS 42EXPLORE NEW!

http://www.42explore.com/bats.htm

Basic information for elementary students on bats including activities and webquests. Excellent

BEARS 42EXPLORE NEW!

http://www.42explore.com/bears.htm

Basic information for elementary students on bears including activities and webquests. Excellent

BEES 42EXPLORE NEW!

http://www.42explore.com/bees.htm

Basic information for elementary students on bees including activities and webquests. Excellent

BIRDS 42EXPLORE NEW!

http://www.42explore.com/birds.htm

Basic information for elementary students on birds including activities and webquests. Excellent

BUTTERFLIES 42EXPLORE NEW!

http://www.42explore.com/butter.htm

Basic information for elementary students on butterflies including activities and webquests. Excellent

CAVES 42EXPLORE NEW!

http://www.42explore.com/caves.htm

Basic information for elementary students on caves including activities and webquests. Excellent

CORAL REEFS 42EXPLORE

http://42explore.com/reef.htm

Basic information for upper elementary students on coral reefs including activities and webquests. Excellent

DESERTS 42EXPLORE NEW!

http://www.42explore.com/deserts.htm

Basic information for elementary students on deserts including activities and webquests. Excellent

DROUGHT 42EXPLORE NEW!

http://www.42explore2.com/drought.htm

Basic information for elementary students on drought including activities and webquests. Excellent

ELECTRICITY 42EXPLORE NEW!

http://www.42explore.com/electric.htm

Basic information for elementary students on electricity including activities and webquests. Excellent

FARMING 42EXPLORE NEW!

http://www.42explore.com/farming.htm

Basic information for elementary students on farming including activities and webquests. Excellent

FLOODS AND FLOODING 42EXPLORE NEW!

http://www.42explore2.com/flood.htm

Basic information for elementary students on floods and flooding including activities and webquests. Excellent

FROGS AND TOADS 42EXPLORE NEW!

http://www.42explore.com/frogs.htm

Basic information for elementary students on frogs and toads including activities and webquests. Excellent

GLOBAL WARMING – 42EXPLORE

http://www.42explore.com/globewrm.htm

Basic information plus activities and webquests on global warming. Excellent

HEDGEHOG 42EXPLORE NEW!

http://www.42explore.com/hedghog.htm

Basic information for elementary students on hedgehogs including activities and webquests. Excellent

HORSES 42EXPLORE NEW!

http://www.42explore.com/horse.htm

Basic information for elementary students on horses including activities and webquests. Excellent

INSECTS 42EXPLORE NEW!

http://www.42explore.com/insects.htm

Basic information for elementary students on insects including activities and webquests. Excellent

INVASIVE SPECIES – 42EXPLORE

http://www.42explore.com/invasive.htm

Basic information for students on invasive species. Includes activities and webquests. Excellent

MARSUPIALS 42EXPLORE NEW!

http://www.42explore.com/marsupial.htm

Basic information for elementary students on marsupials including activities and webquests. Excellent

OWLS 42EXPLORE NEW!

http://www.42explore.com/owls.htm

Basic information for elementary students on owls including activities and webquests. Excellent

POLAR REGIONS 42EXPLORE NEW!

http://www.42explore.com/polar.htm

Basic information for elementary students on polar regions including activities and webquests. Excellent

POND LIFE 42EXPLORE NEW!

http://www.42explore.com/pond.htm

Basic information for elementary students on life in ponds including activities and webquests. Excellent

PRAIRIES 42EXPLORE NEW!

http://www.42explore.com/prairie.htm

Basic information for elementary students on prairie habitats including activities and webquests. Excellent

RECYCLE, REDUCE & REUSE – 42EXPLORE

http://www.42explore.com/recycle.htm

Basic information on recycling plus activities and webquests. Excellent

RIVERS 42EXPLORE NEW!

http://www.42explore.com/rivers.htm

Basic information for elementary students on rivers including activities and webquests. Excellent

TIDE POOLS 42EXPLORE NEW!

http://www.42explore.com/tidepool.htm

Basic information for elementary students on tide pools including activities and webquests. Excellent

TREES AND FORESTS 42EXPLORE NEW!

http://www.42explore.com/treesforests.htm

Basic information for elementary students on trees and forests including activities and webquests. Excellent

TURTLES AND TORTOISES 42EXPLORE NEW!

http://www.42explore.com/turtle.htm

Basic information for elementary students on turtles and tortoises including activities and webquests. Excellent

WATER 42EXPLORE NEW!

http://www.42explore.com/water.htm

Basic information for elementary students on water including activities and webquests. Excellent

WETLANDS – 42EXPLORE

http://www.42explore.com/wetland.htm

Basic information on wetlands along with activities and webquests. Excellent

WHALES AND DOLPHINS 42EXPLORE NEW!

http://www.42explore.com/whale.htm

Basic information for elementary students on whales and dolphins including activities and webquests. Excellent

WHERE DO ANIMALS LIVE? NEW!

http://www.billybear4kids.com/animal/whose-toes/regions/the-world.html

A map and links showing which animals live in which type of habitat. For elementary students. Good

WIND 42EXPLORE NEW!

http://www.42explore.com/wind.htm

Basic information for elementary students on wind including activities and webquests. Excellent

WOLVES 42EXPLORE NEW!

http://www.42explore.com/wolves.htm

Basic information for elementary students on wolves including activities and webquests. 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

FRESH WATER AND FRESH WATER RESOURCES ON THE WORLD WIDE WEB

http://www.cdli.ca/CITE/water.htm

Links to resources on the water cycle and water resources for elementary students by category. Includes Teacher Resources with links to websites and lesson plans. Excellent

GEOGRAPHY ACTION!

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/geographyaction/

A National Geographic site for children on geography and the environment. The current theme is Migration: The Human Journey. Past themes were: Biodiversity, Conservation, Habitats, Population, Rivers and U.S. Public Lands. Includes a wealth of resources including articles and lesson plans. Excellent

GEOGRAPHY ACTION! HABITATS

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

GF AWESOME

http://www.gfawesome.org./homepage_flash.html

The kids site from Global Forest. Hosts Maurice the Mountain Goat and Lu Lu the Lynx host a range of informative articles, nature photos, factoids, cool activities and more. Sections: Cool Articles, Mad Gallery, Crazy Activities, GF Research, Tree Guide, Challenge a Scientist and Scientists’ Answers. Outstanding. Excellent

GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE RESEARCH EXPLORER

http://www.exploratorium.edu/climate/

“At this Web site, you can explore scientific data relating to the atmosphere, the oceans, the areas covered by ice and snow, and the living organisms in all these domains. You’ll also get a sense of how scientists study natural phenomena—how researchers gather evidence, test theories, and come to conclusions.” Sections: Atmosphere, Hydrosphere, Cryosphere, Biosphere, and Global Effects. Includes maps, graphs, glossary, questions about each section. Suitable for grades 7 and up. Excellent

THE GLOBAL WATER SAMPLING PROJECT

http://www.k12science.org/curriculum/waterproj/index.shtml

“From March 27 until June 2, 2006, students will team up around the globe to test fresh water. Join us in this collaborative project, comparing the water quality of your local river, stream, lake or pond with other fresh water sources around the world. The focus of the project is: ● To assess the quality of water based on physical characteristics and chemical substances. ● To look for relationships and trends among the data collected by all project participants.

All students are welcome to participate, however, it is recommended for high school students (ages 14-18) due to the nature of the tests required for the project. There is no fee to participate, however, please read the "Project Instructions" area prior to registering for participation.” Includes classroom activities and lesson plans. Excellent

GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK NEW!

http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/

The gateway to information on the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. Click on ReefEd for resources for teachers and students. A wealth of information. 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

http://www.zoomschool.com/biomes/

Information for primary students on habitats. Provides a basic explanation of what constitutes a habitat. Click on each of the habitats in the colored blocks for printouts to color and information specific to each. Excellent

HABITATS/LANDFORMS – LIST OF LINKS

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

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

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

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 URL!

http://www.npca.org/marine_and_coastal/

Information on the different marine and coastal environments.  Sections: Coral Reefs: Rainforests of the Sea; Marine Wildlife: Creatures of the Deep; Beaches and Coastal Habitats; and Wetlands: Our Priceless Ecosystems.  Suitable for elementary to junior high grades.  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

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

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

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. Note: We could not locate the lesson plans included in previous years. 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

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

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

http://www.pestworldforkids.org/home.html

A site for kids on pests such as insects and rodents. Sections: Amazing Pests, Threats & Prevention, Learning Games, Send a Pestcard and For Teachers (includes lesson plans and classroom resources). Excellent

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

THE QUEST FOR LESS - A TEACHER’S GUIDE TO REDUCING, REUSING AND RECYCLING NEW URL!

http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/education/quest/index.htm

“The Quest for Less provides hands-on lessons and activities, enrichment ideas, journal writing assignments, and other educational tools related to preventing and reducing trash. Each chapter includes one or more fact sheets providing background information on each topic. In addition, each chapter includes an index showing the grade ranges, subject areas, and skills used for each activity to help teachers select the appropriate activities.” For grades K-6. Excellent

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

RAIN FOREST – LIST OF LINKS

http://edtech.kennesaw.edu/web/rforest.html

A list of links about the rain forest. Suitable for elementary students. Includes Research/Informational Sites and Lesson Plans/Activities. Also in Lesson Plans section. Excellent

RAINFOREST ALLIANCE

http://www.rainforest-alliance.org/index.cfm

“The mission of the Rainforest Alliance is to protect ecosystems and the people and wildlife that depend on them by transforming land-use practices, business practices and consumer behavior.” Includes a variety of Alliance programs and news stories. Click on Education for a link to the Learning Site. Excellent

RAINFOREST HEROES: KIDS THE EARTH CAN COUNT ON

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

RECYCLING – LIST OF LINKS

http://edtech.kennesaw.edu/web/recycle.html

A list of links about recycling. Suitable for elementary students. Includes Research/Informational Sites and Lesson Plans/Activities. Also in Lesson Plans section. Excellent

RIVERS OF LIFE

http://cgee.hamline.edu/rivers/index.htm

“Rivers of Life is a full model for contextual learning; a flood of projects, adventures, and resources to help K-12 teachers and students learn about and from their watershed.” Sections: Mississippi Adventure, Watershed Atlas Project, Teacher Support, Students, Inquiry Projects, and River of Resources. “The Mississippi Adventure, a comprehensive study of the relationship between you and your watershed. Using the legendary Mississippi River as a model, you and your students will both learn about your watershed, and discover ways to protect the natural system around you. The Watershed Atlas Project, an interdisciplinary project that takes students out into their local watershed to gain an intimate knowledge of the place they call home.” Excellent

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

SCI4KIDS

http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/kids/

A fun site from the US Dept of Agriculture on science and the environment. “Sci4Kids is a series of stories about what scientists do here at the ARS. Geared to kids about 8 to 13 years old, it is produced by the ARS Information Staff in Beltsville, Maryland. We bet you'll agree that much of what our scientists do is not what you might expect.

You may be a student today but may already be on your way to a career in science or farming or computers. Or maybe you're curious about some of the strange creatures that share the planet with you. (Other than your brother or sister.)

Science is not something far away in a laboratory. It's wired right into your daily life--to the food you eat, the clothes you wear, the water you drink. Whatever your interest in science, we hope Sci4Kids will help you find out that it can be fun as well as informative.” Click on things in the picture to go to the sections. Includes: Environment, Soil, Plants, Animals, High Tech, Nutrition, Insects, Farming, Science Careers, Test Tubes, Weird Science, Small Towns, Cities, Transportation, Satellite, Water, The Suburbs, and Aquaculture. There’s also information on science projects. Suitable for grades 4 and up. Excellent

SEA TURTLE RESTORATION PROJECT NEW!

http://seaturtles.org/index.php

The site for a group trying to protect and research sea turtles. Click on Students and Teachers for Lesson Plans, Fact Sheets and much more. 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: 5000 MILES OF SILENCE

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

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

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 –ENVIRONMENTAL KIDS CLUB

http://www.epa.gov/kids/

Join the 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

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

VIRTUAL RIVER – ONLINE GEOLOGY LAB

http://vcourseware5.calstatela.edu/VirtualRiver/

“Welcome to VirtualRiver. Here you will find two interactive exercises designed to help you learn about river processes like discharge, flooding, and flood frequency. Each activity requires you to make careful observations and measurements, do simple calculations, and answer questions about your work. A "Certificate of Completion" will be available to you at the end of each activity.” Suitable for upper elementary and up. Excellent

WATCHING OVER THE WORLD – TIME FOR KIDS

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

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– LIST OF LINKS

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?

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. Note: We have the video series that goes with these websites. Order VT502861 Temperate Deciduous Forest VT502862 The DesertVT502863 The Grasslands VT502864 The Rainforest VT502865 The Tundra VT502866 The Taiga VT503863 Shorelines VT503864 Temperate Oceans VT503865 Tropical Oceans VT503866 Ponds and Lakes VT503867 Rivers and Streams VT503868 Wetlands Excellent

WORLD BIOMES NEW!

http://www.worldbiomes.com/

“WorldBiomes.com is a site covering 5 of the major world biomes.  What's a biome? Biomes are the various regions of our planet which can best be distinguished by their climate, fauna and flora. Scientists argue on the exact number, or different types of biomes in existence.  As it is with everything in nature, similar biomes of often exhibit unique qualities which set them apart, but are not enough to distinguish them completely from the others.  A rainforest may contain an area which would not be that dissimilar from a wetland, or a desert may contain an unusual number of plants and wildlife, but not enough to make it into a grassland. 

We will then attempt to provide you with various sub-divisions and examples of the 5 types of biomes we have chosen to cover, so that you may attain a better understanding of the relationships and features distinguishing one type of biome from another.” 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

AQUARIUS – AMERICA’S INNERSPACE STATION

http://www.uncw.edu/aquarius/

“Aquarius is an underwater laboratory and home to scientists for missions up to 10 days long, but to call Aquarius a home is like calling the space shuttle Discovery a mode of transportation. Aquarius is made to withstand the pressure of ocean depths to 120 feet deep. Presently, Aquarius is located in a sand patch adjacent to deep coral reefs in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, at a depth of 63 feet. The laboratory is attached to a baseplate that positions the underwater habitat (underwater laboratories are also called habitats) about 13 feet off the bottom. This means that the working depth of those inside the laboratory is about 50 feet deep. Located inside the 81–ton, 43 x 20 x 16.5–foot underwater laboratory are all the comforts of home: six bunks, a shower and toilet, instant hot water, a microwave, trash compactor, and a refrigerator even air conditioning and computers linked back to shore by wireless telemetry! Using Aquarius as a base for research diving expeditions definitely has its advantages.” You can take a virtual tour, view the lab through a streaming webcam and follow along on missions. During missions, you see a Mission Summary, Aquanaut Profiles, Expedition Journals and Mission Pictures. The Teachers and Students section includes several lesson plans. Very Good

THE ARCTIC NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE – A SPECIAL REPORT

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 NEW URL!

http://www.nwf.org/backyard/

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

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

CREATURE WORLD – KRATT’S CREATURES

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 NETWORK NEW URL!

http://ww2.earthday.net/~earthday/

Includes: How To; Today’s Headlines; Grist Magazine; What Happened Around the World on Earth Day 2005; Earth Car-Free Day, Earth Day Events; and more. Includes an Earth Day and Schools section and a Teacher’s Corner. Very Good

EARTH FLOOR – BIOMES

http://www.cotf.edu/ete/modules/msese/earthsysflr/biomes.html

Students explore various biomes. Sections: Biomes, Biomes Summary, How to Read a Climograph, Arctic Tundra, Desert, Taiga, Tropical Rainforest and Tropical Savanna. Very Good

EARTHWATER STENCILS – STORM DRAIN STENCILING

http://www.earthwater-stencils.com/

“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

ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT QUIZ

http://www.myfootprint.org/

How much of a “footprint” do you leave? You would think that one person wouldn’t be very much but multiply the resource and energy usage and the figures are shocking. A good discussion starter. Very Good

EDUCATING FOR CONSERVATION: U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

http://www.fws.gov/educators/

Sections: Conservation Library, Pictures, Training Courses, Maps, Video (videos to purchase), and FAQ. Very Good

EDUGREEN NEW URL!

http://www.edugreen.teri.res.in/index.asp

A site for elementary students with information, games, puzzles, fun facts, e-cards and more. Sections: Life on Earth, Forest, Energy, Water, Air Pollution, Climate Change, Biotechnology and Solid Waste. Activities: Play and Learn, Network, Surf. 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

NEW URL!

http://library.thinkquest.org/25014/

A student-created site on endangered species. Sections: Introduction, What?, Why?, How?, Species Profiles, Media Gallery, and Facts & Quotes. The Media Gallery contains several video and sound clips from the San Diego Zoo. 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 INVESTIGATION AGENCY

http://www.eia-international.org/

“Working undercover to expose international environmental crime -such as the illegal trade in wildlife, illegal logging and trade in timber species, and the world-wide trade in ozone depleting substances - EIA has directly brought about changes in international laws and the policies of governments, saving the lives of millions of rare and endangered animals and putting a stop to the devastating effects of environmental criminals.” Sections: Species in Peril, Success Stories, Forests for the World, and Global Environment. Very Good

ENVIRONMENTAL SCORECARD

http://scorecard.org/

Get environmental maps for different issues such as air and water pollution. Enter your zip code to get an environmental scorecard for your local area. See what pollutants are being released into your community and who’s doing it. 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

THE EVERGLADES ECOSYSTEM

http://www.nps.gov/ever/eco/

Information on the ecosystem of the Florida Everglades National Park. Sections: Everglades 101: Introduction to the Ecosystem, Everglades Habitats, Endangered Species, Animal Profiles, Geology, Florida Bay Interagency Science Center, A Park in Danger: Threats and Restoration Efforts, Fire Management, Research, Species Checklist and History. 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

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

http://www.groundwater.org/kc/kc.html

Groundwater basic information and activities for students and teachers. Includes games and puzzles. Very Good

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

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

INDOOR AND OUTDOOR AIR POLLUTION

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

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

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 NEW URL!

http://www.laep.org/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

THE MICROBE ZOO

http://commtechlab.msu.edu/sites/dlc-me/zoo/

A site on microbial ecology that discusses the role of microbes in the environment. Sections: Information, Dirt Land, Animal Pavilion, Snack Bar, Space Adventure, and Water World. Something different. 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

NBII – NATIONAL BIOLOGICAL INFORMATION INFRASTRUCTURE NEW!

http://www.nbii.gov/portal/server.pt

“The National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII) is a broad, collaborative program to provide increased access to data and information on the nation's biological resources.” Sections: What is the NBII?; Plants, Animals & Other Organisms; Habitats; Ecological Topics; Geographic Perspectives and Toolkit. Contains a huge amount of information on the natural resources of the U.S. For senior high students. Very Good

OZONE DEPLETION

http://www.epa.gov/ozone/

“Welcome to EPA's ozone depletion web area! Within this area you'll find information about the science of ozone depletion, information about the regulatory approach to protecting the ozone layer, and information on alternatives to ozone-depleting substances, as well as information on a number of other topics.” Sections: Chemicals, Resource Center, Ozone Science, Rules & Regulations, Enforcement, Alternatives/SNAP, Montreal Protocol, and Fun Stuff. The Fun Stuff section has two crossword puzzles and activities for kids. Very Good

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

PEOPLE AND PLANET

http://www.peopleandplanet.net/

“Welcome to the People & the Planet website. This provides a global gateway to the greatest issue of our time: the future health and wellbeing of the human family as it presses ever more heavily on the natural resources of our planet. Happy browsing in our 16 topic sections and Picture Gallery - and please send us your feedback” Includes: Population Pressures, Food and Agriculture, Health and Pollution, Coasts and Oceans, Renewable Energy, Poverty and Trade, Climate Change, Green Industry, Eco Tourism, Biodiversity, Mountains, Forests, Water, Cities and Global Action. Includes a Factfile, Glossary and more. Very Good

POWERING A GENERATION OF CHANGE

http://americanhistory.si.edu/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

QUEST OF THE RING LEADERS – GAME

http://www.hi-cone.com/ringleader/quest/welcome.asp

An adventure game. Become a Ring Leader and travel to distant worlds that are destroying themselves. Use your powers to save them. 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

SEA TURTLE TRACKING NEW!

http://www.seaturtle.org/tracking/

Information about efforts to track different species of sea turtles. Click on For Teachers for downloadables and information on how to get your class involved. 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

SQUIGLY’S EARTH DAY FUN

http://www.squiglysplayhouse.com/Holidays/EarthDay.html

Coloring pages, Crafts, Pencil Puzzles, Postcards, Online Games & Activities and Vote. 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

TIGER HOMES

http://www.tigerhomes.org/education.cfm

“Tigerhomes.org is a privately-run exotic animal sanctuary that strives to stimulate a global interest in wildlife conservation, education, and habitat protection via the Internet. We serve our goals by inviting our members, fans, teachers, students, and the general public directly into the naturalistic habitats and lives of the sanctuary resident Tigers, Lions, Leopards, Lemurs, and other rare and endangered animals.” Includes several Animal Cams, Video Gallery, Photo Gallery, Education Center and more. The Video Gallery includes online video clips of the animals. Very Good

TROPICAL RAINFORESTS – ENCHANTED LEARNING

http://www.zoomschool.com/subjects/rainforest/

Information for primary students on rainforests. Provides a basic explanation. Click on animal printouts for coloring pages. Very Good

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 COURSEWARE – GLOBAL WARMING

http://vcourseware5.calstatela.edu/eec/GlobalWarming/

A web-based activity on global warming. Includes a section for Educators. Sections: Demonstrations, Energy Budget Model, Future Climate Change, and Tutorials. Note: You have to register your class to participate but it appears to be free. Very Good

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

http://www.msu.edu/~brechtjo/VRainforest/

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

THE WATER CYCLE

http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/watercycle.html

A printable diagram of the water cycle. Available in several languages. Click on the sections of the diagram online for links to detailed information on each section ie, Condensation, Spring, etc. 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

http://www.bellmuseum.org/distancelearning/watershed/watershed2.html

“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

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

WETLAND WATCH

http://www.ontariosciencecentre.ca/scizone/e3/wetland/default.asp

Check out the webcam on the wetlands at the Ontario Science Center. Includes video clips of past cam shots. Play Croaker Concentration to match up the frog sounds. Also, play Secrets of the Marsh a game about food webs. 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

WORLD RESOURCES INSTITUTE NEW!

http://www.wri.org/

A site for a conservation organization. Check out the Topic Areas and Earth Trends. Very Good

ALFY’S PICKS FOR EARTH DAY

http://www.alfy.com/teachers/teach/thematic_units/Earth_Day/Earth_Day_1.asp

Eight links for Earth Day for elementary students. Good

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 15th NEW URL!

http://www.nrc-recycle.org/americarecycles.aspx

Information about America Recycles Day which is November 15^th. Click on Recycling 101 for 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

AMERICAN ENVIRONMENTAL PHOTOGRAPHS 1891-1936 NEW!

http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/collections/ecology/index.html

“This collection consists of approximately 4,500 photographs documenting natural environments, ecologies, and plant communities in the United States at the end of the nineteenth and the beginning of the twentieth century. Produced between 1891 and 1936 by a group of American botanists generally regarded as one of the most influential in the development of modern ecological studies, these photographs provide an overview of important representative natural landscapes across the nation. They demonstrate the character of a wide range of American topography, its forestation, aridity, shifting coastal dune complexes, and watercourses. Comparison of early photographs with later views highlights changes resulting from natural alterations of the landscape, disturbances from industry and development, and effective natural resource usage.” For senior high students. 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. For elementary students. 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

BACKYARD CONSERVATION TIP SHEETS

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/feature/backyard/

Tip sheets on topics such as composting, mulching, water conservation and more. Online and printable PDF files. Good

BIO-TECH LIFE SCIENCE DICTIONARY

http://biotech.icmb.utexas.edu/search/dict-search.html

A dictionary of life science terms. For senior high students. Good

BIOMES AND ECOZONES – A RESEARCH GUIDE FOR STUDENTS

http://www.aresearchguide.com/biomes.html

A page of links to websites about biomes and ecosystems. Suitable for middle school and up. Good

BURNING ISSUES – AIR POLLUTION NEW URL!

http://burningissues.org/car-www/index.html

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

CAUGHT IN THE WEB: STOP WILDLIFE TRADE ON THE INTERNET

http://www.caughtintheweb.co.uk/site/c.omL4KkN2LtH/b.951745/k.736C/Caught_in_the_Web__Home.htm

Information for students on the trade of wildlife through the Internet. “The Internet is increasingly being used to buy and sell wildlife on a vast scale. This trade in live animals and parts of endangered species is causing untold suffering to millions of exotic animals traded as "pets" and pushing endangered species closer to extinction. Much of the global wildlife trade is illegal and those involved risk heavy penalties and prison sentences.” Includes readings and more. Good

CAVE BIOTA WEBUMENTARY

http://www.cavebiota.com/

A collection of video clips on lifeforms in caves such as bats, millipedes, fish and more. Good

CHANGES IN THE ANTARCTIC ICE SHEET

http://octopus.gma.org/surfing/antarctica/ice.html

“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

CHESAPEAKE BAY RESTORATION NEW!

http://www.chesapeakebay.net/bayrestoration.aspx?menuitem=13989

Discusses efforts to restore the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed from pollution. Sections: Restoring Water Quality, Habitat Restoration, Managing Fisheries, Protecting Watersheds and more. Good

COMPOSTING FOR KIDS

http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/sustainable/slidesets/kidscompost/cover.html

A slide show for elementary students on composting. Good

CONSERVATION INTERNATIONAL NEW URL!

http://conservation.org/Pages/default.aspx

An international organization with a wide range of conservation projects. Good

CORAL REEF ALLIANCE NEW!

http://www.coralreefalliance.org/CORAL.html

The site for an international organization working to save world coral reefs. Check the Resource Library for information on coral reef species. Includes a Photobank. Good

THE CYBERZOO: BIOMES

http://lsb.syr.edu/projects/cyberzoo/biome.html

A student-created site that places animals in the context of their biome – a cyber zoo. Sections available: Biomes, History, Forum, Global, Animal List and Animal Movies. The Animal Movies section has video clips of animals such as geese, turkeys, bears, birds and more. Suitable for grades 4 and up. Good

DEATH OF THE DREAM – FARMHOUSES IN THE HEARTLAND

http://www.pbs.org/ktca/farmhouses/

A companion site to the PBS program. Sections: The Film and More, Homes on the Prairie, Literary Connection, Virtual Farmhouse, A Sustainable Future and Resources. Good

DELAWARE RIVERKEEPER NETWORK NEW URL!

http://www.delawareriverkeeper.org/

Information on the Delaware Riverkeeper Network which is dedicated to preserving and protecting the Delaware River watershed. Find out what’s happening locally. Good

DINO PAL TIPS TO SAVE THE EARTH

http://members.aol.com/kidz4peace/dinopals/earthday.htm

A page with six simple tips to save energy such as turning off lights and planting a tree. A worksheet for primary students. Good

DISCOVER CANADA’S WETLANDS

http://www.aquatic.uoguelph.ca/wetlands/wetlandframes.htm

An online book with photos on all aspects of wetlands. Most locations in Canada. Good

EARTH DAY 2008

http://earthday.envirolink.org/

Includes the history of Earth Day and suggestions for Earth Day events. Good

EARTH DAY 2008

http://www.earthsite.org/

Information on the origin of Earth Day. Includes: Earth Charter, Earth Day, Earth Magna Charta, The 77 Theses, Earth Day Founder and more. Good

EARTH DAY GROCERIES

http://www.earthdaybags.org/

“The Earth Day Groceries Project is a cost-free environmental awareness project in which students decorate paper grocery bags with environmental messages for Earth Day.” Good

EARTH DAY ON YOUR BLOCK

http://www.allspecies.org/neigh/block.htm

Detailed instructions on planning and organizing an Earth Day block party and neighborhood cleanup/beautification project. Includes ideas such as picking up trash, planting a garden, a pet parade, a compost demonstration and more. Can be adapted to a school environment. Good

EARTHSAVERS WATER CONSERVATION TIPS FOR KIDS

http://www.familyeducation.com/article/0,1120,22-5860,00.html

A brief list of tips for water conservation for kids. Good

EARTHTRUST- WILDLIFE CONSERVATION WORLDWIDE

http://www.earthtrust.org/

Site for an organization with wildlife conservation and protection programs, mostly focused on dolphins and marine life. Good

EARTHWORKS

http://www.earthworks-jobs.com/

“Jobs in energy, oil, mining, geoscience, seismology, geodesy, earth system science, environmental science, remediation, contaminated land, agriculture, forestry, ecology, plant science, meteorology, atmospheric science, oceanography, marine science, hydrology, hydrogeology, soil science, remote sensing, GIS, geomatics, geotechnical / civil engineering, asbestos surveying, EIA, EMS, waste management and related subjects” This site has job postings and jobs wanted. Shows students the wide range of jobs available. Good

ECO-EARTH.INFO – THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY PORTAL

http://www.ecoearth.info/

A portal to a large number of links to websites on the environment and environmental issues. Also various news articles, discussion forums, blogs, and more. Good

ECONET

http://www.owc.org.mn/econet/html/home.htm

Sections: Population, Competition, Symbios, Cycles, Biomes and more. Each section has several subsections with information. Includes Links. Good

ECOPHOTOGRAPHY

http://www.ecophotography.com/

An online gallery of nature photos from Jerry and Marcy Monkman. Focuses on New England. Photos. Good

ECOREGIONS – SIERRA CLUB

http://www.sierraclub.org/ecoregions/

Information on the ecoregions as divided by the Sierra Club. Each section talks about the ecosystems and the problems facing them. Good

ECOSYSTEMS/BIOMES

http://members.aol.com/bowermanb/ecosystems.html

A page of links to websites on ecosystems and biomes. Good

ECOSYSTEMS WEBQUESTS AND RESOURCES – FOURTH GRADE NEW!

http://pseweb.rockdale.k12.ga.us/HTML_Pages/WebQuest_Files/Ecosystem_WebQs_Res.htm

A collection of links to resources and webquests for 3^rd grade students. Some links are broken. Good

EDISON’S MIRACLE OF LIGHT NEW!

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/edison/

A PBS site about Thomas Edison and his development of a system for an electrical light system. Includes a transcript of the video, Special Features, Timeline, Gallery, and Teacher’s Guide. Can be used without the video. Good

EL NIÑO AND LA NIÑA – WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

http://www.fi.edu/fellows/fellow5/feb99/index.html

An examination of the ocean events termed El Niño and El Niña. A student-created site. Good

ENDANGERED OR EXTINCT

http://www.nature.ca/notebooks/english/enexpg.htm

A list of endangered or extinct animals, each with an illustration and specifics. Good

ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT – LINKS

http://zebu.uoregon.edu/energy.html

A page of links to websites on energy and the environment. Good

ENERGY CONSERVATION

http://www.spa3.k12.sc.us/GuidedTours/Energy/EnergyConservation.html

Activities for primary students on energy conservation. Good

ENVIRONMENT CANADA

http://www.ec.gc.ca/environment_e.html

Links to a long list of environmental topics. Note that a lot of the links are specifically Canadian but many cover North America and general information. Good

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ON ENDANGERED ANIMALS

http://library.thinkquest.org/2878/

A site for students by students on endangered animals. “This page has been designed to increase the awareness of the effects that our actions have on the animal life around us by supplying specific information on endangered animals. We have chosen to first focus on forty endangered animals in California and Texas. However, the problems are not limited to those two states and the same ideas can be applied to plant and animal life worldwide.” Sections: Search for Animal, State Listings, State & Federal Info, Add an Animal, The Animal Game and Other Links. Good

ENVIRONMENTAL LITERACY COUNCIL

http://www.enviroliteracy.org/

“The Environmental Literacy Council is dedicated to helping citizens, especially young people, participate wisely in this arena. An independent, non-profit organization, the Council gives teachers the tools to help students develop environmental literacy: a fundamental understanding of the systems of the world, both living and non-living, along with the analytical skills needed to weigh scientific evidence and policy choices.” Sections: Air & Climate, Land, Water, Ecosystems, Energy, Food, and Environment & Society. Each section includes relevant links. Good

E-SPECIES FACT SHEETS

http://www.kidsplanet.org/factsheets/map.html

Fact sheets on animals by continent. Good

ESTUARIES – CHARACTERISTICS

http://www.onr.navy.mil/focus/ocean/habitats/estuaries1.htm

Information on estuaries. Good illustrations. Good

ESTUARIES: WHERE RIVERS MEET THE SEA

http://www.estuaries.gov/welcome.html

“This is the official Web site for National Estuaries Day and a resource for teachers, students and anyone interested in learning more about the magical places where rivers meet the sea National Estuaries Day is an interagency celebration that takes place the last Saturday in September (9/30/2006). The featured event is Estuary Live, a free, interactive field trip over the internet hosted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Estuarine Research Reserves in collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's National Estuary Programs. From this Web site, you will be able to register in August 2006 and view the 2006 EstuaryLive program. Check the "Special Features" section on this page for updates.” Note: The 2004 and 2005 Estuaries Live online field trips are archived. Good

EVERY DAY IS EARTH DAY

http://www.starfall.com/n/holiday/earthday/play.htm?f

A brief online book for primary students. They place the paper, plastic and cans in the right receptacles to bring wildlife back to the woods and stream. Good

EXPLORING ESTUARIES

http://www.epa.gov/owow/estuaries/kids/index.htm

Includes: About Estuaries, Visit an Estuary (virtual tour), Games & Activities, Teacher’s Page, Resources, Glossary and more. Includes a Coloring Book. Good

GET OUTDOORS! GET AWAY FROM YOUR COMPUTER!

http://sln.fi.edu/qanda/spotlight6-7/spotlight6-7.html

A photo journey from the Franklin Institute of the U.S. Good

GLOBAL FOREST

http://www.globalforestscience.org/homepage_flash.html

An environmental action and education organization involved in forest research and conservation. Good

GREENTIMES – THE GLOBAL HABITAT PROGRAM

http://www.greenscreen.org/

“Nature News for Kids by Kids”. Articles by kids for kids on environmental issues. You can subscribe to print versions. The Links page has links for students and teachers. Good

THE GREEN SQUAD

http://www.nrdc.org/greensquad/

An resources online interactive site for students in which they investigate ways in which their school can conserve, reuse and recycle resources. Students follow the Green Squad members throughout the school and click on the problem areas. Good

HABITAT WEBQUESTS AND RESOURCES – THIRD GRADE NEW!

http://pseweb.rockdale.k12.ga.us/HTML_Pages/Habitat_webquests_resources.htm

A collection of links to resources and webquests for 3^rd grade students. Some links are broken. Good

HELPFUL HINTS FOR PLANET EARTH

http://www2.lhric.org/pocantico/earthday/earthday.htm

A primary-level site created by students with information about Earth Day and activities. Good

HOW TO CONSERVE ENERGY FOR FAMILIES

http://www.familyeducation.com/article/0,1120,67-5862,00.html

A brief list of tips for conserving energy at home. Good

ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF WIND POWER DEVELOPMENT

http://telosnet.com/wind/

A history of wind power in the United States and abroad. Chapters: The Case for Wind Power, Early History Through 1875, 20^th Century Developments, Government Programs, Recent Market Developments, and The Future of Wind Power. “Information on developments since 1975 is based primarily on my personal experience with the U.S. Federal Wind Energy Program, my extensive reading (and editing) of wind energy journals and research reports over the last twenty years, my conversations with wind energy researchers, interactions with members of the wind energy community, and my personal view of wind power developments and of the wind industry. Opinions expressed here are my own, of course” Good

INVESTIGATE BIODIVERSITY

http://investigate.conservation.org/xp/IB

Sections: Basics of Biodiversity, Science Project, Expeditions, Saving Biodiversity, Conservation Careers, and Species Focus. The Science Projects includes a database of science fair projects. Good

INVESTIGATE THE ISLANDS

http://www.units.muohio.edu/dragonfly/webs/polis.htmlx

A look at an island ecosystem and how the plants and animals have adjusted. For grades 2-3. Good

KEEP THE PLANET GREEN NEW!

http://themes.pppst.com/greenplanet.html

Links to sites on recycling and more for students. Good

KIDS DO ECOLOGY

http://www.nceas.ucsb.edu/nceas-web/kids/

Sections: Learn About Ecology, World Biomes, Marine Mammals, KDE Santa Barbara, EcoLinks, and Conservation Projects. Includes a For Teachers section with links. Good

LIFE IN EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS

http://www.astrobiology.com/extreme.html

Information on life in places that used to be considered too extreme for living things such as deep ocean vents and more. Good

LIGHT POLLUTION

http://www.njaa.org/light.html

Information on the problem of light pollution with details of the problem. Includes links and news articles. Good

LIVING WORLDS – BIOMES

http://library.thinkquest.org/C0113340/

A site by students for students on biomes. “Each biome section on this web site includes interesting facts about climate, location, animal and plant adaptations, land formation, and soil. The impact section includes information about social and environmental human disturbances that occur in each biome. This section also offers information on conservation efforts made in each biome. All highlighted words in the text can be clicked on for a better explanation. All pictures can also be enlarged by clicking on them. To start learning about biomes, choose a biome that you are interested in from the menu at the left. You can always participate in the discussion on biomes using the "Your Say" box on the right.” Suitable for intermediate level students. Good

MANATEE REHABILITATION PROJECT NEW!

http://www.wildtracks.org/Florida/home.html

Information about a project which tracks manatees and releases those who are rehabilitated back to the wild. Click on Meet the Manatees for reports on specific animals. Good

MANGROVE ACTION PROJECT NEW URL!

http://www.mangroveactionproject.org/

“The Mangrove Action Project is dedicated to reversing the degradation and loss of mangrove forest ecosystems worldwide. Its main goal is to promote the rights of traditional and indigenous coastal peoples, including fishers and farmers, to sustainably manage their coastal environs.” Articles and projects on the issue of threatened mangrove ecosystems. Sections: About MAP, Learn about Mangroves, Get Involved, and Photo Gallery. Good

MELTDOWN AT THREE MILE ISLAND NEW!

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/three/

A PBS site on the events at the Three Mile Island nuclear power facility in 1979 when an accident almost caused a meltdown of the core. Includes a transcript of the video, Special Features, Timeline, Maps, People & Events and Teacher’s Guide. Can be used without the video. Good

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC RADIO EXPEDITIONS

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/features/radiox/frame.html

“Heard on National Public Radio's Morning Edition, Radio Expeditions blends narrative, interviews, and digital sound to document stories of our world's threatened environments and diverse cultures.” Expeditions: Yellowstone Fires, Landmark Trees, Y2Y: Yellowstone to Yukon, Caribou Crossing, and Humpback Whales. Good

NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

http://www.state.nj.us/dep/

Official site for the NJ Dept. of Environmental Protection. Includes reports, events and more. Good

NJ DEPT. OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION – EARTH DAY

http://www.nj.gov/dep/seeds/earthday/eday.htm

“The purpose of the site is to support and promote the state's interests and activities related to the annual celebrations of Environmental Education Week, Earth Day (April 22) and Earth Week. This two-week period of heightened public awareness provides an annual springboard to begin and highlight new and ongoing opportunities for environmental learning and stewardship amongst all ages. This website also serves to promote and/or link with other environmental education and Earth Day efforts being hosted throughout the state.” Good

THE NIGHT SKY IN THE WORLD

http://www.lightpollution.it/dmsp/

Information on light pollution and how we can measure it from satellites. Includes: How We Surveil the Situation of the Night Sky From Satellites, The DMSP Satellite and its Operational Linescan System, The World Atlas of Sea Level Artificial Night Sky Brightness, Maps of the Artificial Night Sky Brightness, Maps of the Total Night Sky Brightness, Maps of the Growth of Light Pollution and more. Good

NJ OZONE ACTION

http://www.nj.gov/dep/airmon/ozact.htm

Information on ozone pollution in New Jersey. Brief but informative. Includes an Ozone Forecast Scale. Good

OCEAN PLANET: SEA STORE

http://seawifs.gsfc.nasa.gov/OCEAN_PLANET/HTML/ocean_planet_sea_store_fish.html

See how we use the ocean’s resources for trade, food and more. Sections: SEAcrets, PharmaSEA, SEAfoods, Inspiring FantaSEA, Via SEAways, SightSEAing, SEA Services, and Smart SEA Shopping. Good

ON CRAWFORD’S POND

http://home.insightbb.com/~g.mager/Pond/Crawfords-pond.html

“Crawford's Pond is not an ordinary pond that you would find in the meadow. As a matter of fact it is not even outside! I am Mrs. Crawford and our pond is in my 5th grade classroom. Every week my students are able to observe, ask questions and devise experiments to explore pond life. I have created a curriculum and my students have gathered research, all of which is presented in this site.” Good

POLLUTION – A THINKQUEST SITE

http://library.thinkquest.org/C005003F/?tqskip1=1

A student-created site on pollution. Sections: Air, Water, Acid Rain, Soil, Food and Sound. Good

SCHOOL BUILDING ENERGY SURVEY

http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/classactivities/SchoolBuildingSurveyIntermediate.pdf

A survey sheet students can use to determine the energy efficiency of their school. Good

SAVE WATER 49 WAYS NEW!

http://www.americanwater.com/49ways.htm

49 tips for saving water both indoors and outdoors. Good

SEA TURTLE TRACKING PROGRAM NEW URL!

http://www.cccturtle.org/satellitetracking.php

Students can follow the migration of sea turtles being tracked by satellite. Good

SEEDS – NJ STATE ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION DIRECTORY WEBSITE

http://www.nj.gov/dep/seeds/

“This web site was designed, and is maintained by, the Environmental Education Program in the Office of Communications, part of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The site is updated on a regular basis. Its comprehensiveness and currency are made possible through the ongoing cooperation of numerous department programs and staff.

The purpose of this web site is two-fold:

To promote the environmental education information and resources that are directly supported by DEP, either through its programs or through formal and ongoing alliances and partnerships; and,

To educate the public about the field of environmental education, including its purpose, goals and role in the DEP.The availability of the resources, expertise and materials listed varies from program to program. In most cases the materials are free of copyright restrictions and can be freely reproduced.

Users of these materials, projects and programs should note that they usually can be adapted to many instructional settings and audiences beyond what is recommended at this site.” Check out “Classroom Materials” for print-outs, activities and much more. Good

SOUTHEAST ASIA’S ILLEGAL WILDLIFE TRADE – RADIO EXPEDITIONS

http://www.npr.org/programs/re/archivesdate/2003/nov/wildlife/index.html

Hear the audio of this NPR program on the illegal trade in wildlife. There are additional radio program links at the bottom for additional programs. Good

SPACE RADAR IMAGES OF EARTH

http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/radar/sircxsar/

Uses radar images of the Earth from space to produce maps with uses for several disciplines. Sections: Archeology; Cities; Ecology & Agriculture; Geology; Interferometry; Oceans; Rivers; Snow, Ice, Glaciers; and Volcanoes. These are radar images, not photos. Detailed information is given of each. Good

SPECIES UNDER THREAT NEW URL!

http://www.unep-wcmc.org/species/data/species_sheets/

A list of 140 threatened species with specific details. Good

STRANGE DAYS ON PLANET EARTH

http://www.pbs.org/strangedays/index_flash.html

Companion site for a PBS series on the changes in the planet and what the future may hold. Sections: Invaders, The One Degree Factor, Predators and Troubled Waters. See the For Educators section for Activity Guides for the four episodes. Note: The activities do not require viewing of the videos. Good

THREATENING CLOUDS: AIR POLLUTION ON THE EVE OF THE NEW MILLENNIUM – A THINKQUEST SITE

http://library.thinkquest.org/28313/?tqskip1=1

A student-created site on air pollution. Section: CFCs, Smog, Acid Rain, Ozone Depletion, and Global Warming. Good

THE TOXIC HOUSE

http://www.cbc.ca/natureofthings/toxic_flash/toxic_house_flash.html

A site on indoor air pollution from the many substances in our homes. Click on the rooms in the blueprint to see what pollutants are present, i.e. in carpets or lead paint. Good

TREE MUSKETEERS

http://www.treemusketeers.org/index.asp

“Marcie the Marvelous Tree inspired third graders in 1987 to launch TREE MUSKETEERS as the nation’s first youth environmental organization–a nonprofit charity where kids are boss! While taking action to help the planet, kids teach other kids to become active citizens and community leaders. Neighborhood by neighborhood, kids can rescue Earth!” Get ideas for programs. Good

WATER POLLUTION

http://www.njscuba.net/biology/misc_pollution.html

Information on the types of water pollution from New Jersey Scuba Diver. Good, detailed information. Good

THE WETLANDS INSTITUTE

http://www.wetlandsinstitute.org/

Official site of the Wetlands Institute in Stone Harbor. Not much information online. Good place for a field trip. Good

WETLANDS READING LIST FOR K-12

http://www.epa.gov/OWOW/wetlands/science/readlist.html

A reading list of books on wetlands for grades K-12. Grouped by grade level. Good

WHAT IS A PESTICIDE? NEW!

http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/about/

Information from the EPA on pesticides. Good

WHAT’S WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE?

http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/kids/whatwrng.htm

A page to printout showing people polluting. Students have to find the wrong activities. Good

WILDAID

http://www.wildaid.org/eng.asp?CID=1

An organization dedicated to stopping the illegal trade of wildlife. Check out: The Illegal Wildlife Trade and Endangered Species Overview sections. Good

WOODSY OWL

http://www.symbols.gov/woodsy/

Known since 1970 for his “Give a Hoot, Don’t Pollute”, Woodsy’s new message is “Lend a Hand – Care for the Land”. Includes Coloring Sheets and an Activity Guide with samples and where to send for the complete guide. Good

THE WORLD’S BIOMES

http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/glossary/gloss5/biome/index.html

A look at the world’s biomes: Aquatic, Desert, Forest, Grasslands, and Tundra. Good

YOUNG AND YOUNG AT HEART! – SING ALONG MIDIS AND LYRICS ON THE ENVIRONMENT

http://www.niehs.nih.gov/kids/musicchild.htm

A list of songs with lyrics and midi files for children to sing along. Good

SEE PARTS 2 & 3 FOR LESSON PLANS & CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES AND WEBQUESTS

LESSON PLANS & CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES FOR EARTH DAY & THE ENVIRONMENT

ABOUT A TREE: THE LIFE AND WORK OF EMERGING EXPLORER MARK OLSON – LESSON PLAN

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/06/g912/molson.html

A lesson plan on extinct and threatened plant species for grades 9-12. “In this lesson, students will learn about Olson's efforts to identify extinct or nearly extinct plants, and the reasons for the plant losses, and consider the issues surrounding conservation efforts in these dry tropical regions. Students will read articles highlighting the tension between wildlife conservation and agriculture, compare the perspectives of those who are most intensely involved in both, and form an opinion as to what might be done to resolve the conflict. Students will research both sides of the issue and write an editorial or letter to Congress supporting their opinion.” Excellent

ACID RAIN – LESSON PLANS NEW URL!

http://www.nature.nps.gov/air/edu/Lessons/AcidRLessonPlan.cfm

A set of five lesson plans for grades 6-8 on acid rain.