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!
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 15th. 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 3rd 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 3rd 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, 20th 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. Excellent
ACTION BIOSCIENCE – LESSON
PLANS
http://www.actionbioscience.org/lessondirectory.html
Lesson plans in six areas of bioscience: Biodiversity, Environment,
Genomics, Biotechnology, Evolution, and New Frontiers. Go to the Home Page for the articles on each
topic. Excellent Also in Websites section
AIR
POLLUTION: WHAT’S THE SOLUTION? – CLASSROOM PROJECT NEW!
http://www.k12science.org/curriculum/airproj/index.html
“Welcome
to Air Pollution: What's the Solution? an
educational project for students, grades 6 - 12, that uses online real time
data to guide student discovery of the science behind the causes and effects of
outdoor air pollution.
Through this project, students
will focus on outdoor air pollution; what it is, what factors contribute to its
formation and the health effects from breathing polluted air. Students
will use data and animated maps from the Internet and monitor for the presence
of air pollution. Students are challenged to think critically and
creatively about the problems surrounding air pollution.” Excellent
ALIEN INVASIONS: EXAMINING INVASIVE PLANT SPECIES IN YOUR COMMUNITY –
LESSON PLAN
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20050726tuesday.html
A lesson plan on invasive species
for grades 6-12. “In this lesson, students create an
educational pamphlet on the origins, spread and impact of invasive plant
species in their community.” Excellent
ALL
ABOUT WATER – CURRICULUM UNIT NEW!
http://www.courses.dsu.edu/eled320-360/Spring%202002/Gottschall/IntropageGottschall.htm
A curriculum unit for 3rd grade
students on water. “This is an interdisciplinary unit
that incorporates science, language arts, and socials studies. Students will
learn that water is the most important substance on earth because it supports
life. All living organisms depend on water to live, but there is only a fixed
amount of water on the earth. This unit is 5 days in length and touches on
these subjects: the properties of water, the water cycle, water works, water
pollution and water conservation. This unit is web-based and features several
computer activities. Activities include demonstrations, writing paragraphs for
understanding, worksheets for note taking purposes and computer webquests.” Excellent
ALLIANCE TO SAVE ENERGY LESSON PLANS
http://www.ase.org/educators/download.htm
A large number of online lesson plans on energy
divided by elementary, middle school and high school. Excellent
ANIMAL COMMUNICATION –
LESSON PLAN NEW!
http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/lessons.cfm?DocID=388
A lesson plan
for grades 6-8 on animal communication. “The focus of this lesson is threefold. First, to expose
students to the fact that all species have a capacity for communication.
Second, to enlighten students to the fact that communication abilities range
from very simple to extremely complex, depending upon the species. Third, to
realize that communication is influenced by a species' genetic makeup, its
environment, and the numerous ways by which animals and humans respond to and
adapt to their surroundings.” Excellent
ANSWERING THE CALL OF THE WILD:
SPECIES REINTRODUCTION AND
RESEARCHING ANIMAL CONSERVATION EFFORTS – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/19990205friday.html?searchpv=learning_lessons
A lesson plan for grades 6-12 on animal conservation. “Students explore wildlife conservation by
investigating the reintroduction of species into their natural habitats and by
researching a species that is near extinction. Students will then defend the
protection of the endangered species researched in class by creating an
informational poster and by writing a position paper that explains the
importance of preserving this species.” Excellent
THE ANTARCTIC ECOSYSTEM: WHERE WOULD IT BE
WITHOUT KRILL? – LESSON PLAN NEW!
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/08/g68/antarcticeco.html
A lesson plan on the Antarctic ecosystem for grades 6-8. “Krill, a thumb-sized, shrimplike
animal, is a keystone species in the Antarctic ecosystem. In recent years,
scientists have discovered evidence of declining krill populations, which could
spell big trouble for other animals that depend on it for food. This lesson
asks students to investigate the importance of krill to the Antarctic ecosystem
by researching the animals that depend on it and drawing a food web. They will
conclude by writing paragraphs explaining the potential consequences of a
decline in krill populations.” Excellent
AQUATIC INVADERS – LESSON PLAN NEW!
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/14/g68/invaders.html
A lesson plan
for grades 6-8 on aquatic invasive species.
“In this activity, students will explore the ways that native species
interact in a healthy Chesapeake Bay. They
will then learn about some of the ways that exotic or invasive species can
threaten the balance of the ecosystem. Students will discover how the various
elements of the Bay ecosystem are interconnected and investigate some of the
issues associated with invasive species.”
Excellent
ARAL
SEA IN
TROUBLE – LESSON PLANS NEW
URL!
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/activities/14/aral.html
A lesson plan/classroom activity
on the Aral Sea which is in danger of
disappearing. There are lesson plans for
grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12, each with a different focus. “The Aral Sea
is in trouble, as are the people who live nearby. Help figure out why people in
the Aral Sea region have so many complaints.” Excellent
ARE HAMMERHEADS A KEYSTONE SPECIES? – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/08/g68/seasshark.html
A lesson plan for grades 6-8 on
keystone species. “Students will first learn what a
keystone species is, and then they will draw a simple food chain to see why
tiger sharks are considered a keystone species in Shark Bay.
Next, they will turn their attention to hammerheads, reading about the
hammerhead diet and the reasons sharks (including hammerheads) are threatened
by fishing practices. They will consider how scientists might go about trying
to determine if hammerheads are keystone species, and they will conclude by
creating public education brochures or reports describing why this would be
such a significant discovery.” Excellent
ARE SHARKS AS DANGEROUS AS WE THINK THEY
ARE? – LESSON PLAN NEW!
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/14/g35/dangershark.html
A lesson plan for grades 3-5 on sharks. “Students probably know that many
people have negative impressions of sharks and may assume that most sharks hunt
people, posing a major threat to swimmers. In this lesson, students will
conduct research to address the question, "Are sharks as dangerous as we
think they are?" They will present their findings in oral presentations.” Excellent
THE ATMOSPHERE AND THE ENVIRONMENT: FOUR ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS – CURRICULUM GUIDE
http://www.cis.yale.edu/ynhti/curriculum/units/1993/5/93.05.02.x.html
A curriculum guide for 8th grades students on the environment. “The unit will use a variety of teaching techniques and emphasis is placed on hands-on experiences. How Connecticut and New Haven are affected by these three problems (ozone, global warming and acid rain) will be emphasized. Also, the realities and myths of each problem will be discussed. Furthermore, an appendix of data supporting each problem will be included. This enables the unit to be adaptable to different student abilities and also provides practice in a critical area of science and math-interpretation of data.” Excellent
BARBALOOT SUITS: PRESERVING
BIODIVERSITY – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/06/gk2/molson.html
A lesson plan for grades K-2 on biodiversity. “In this lesson, students will learn about how
and why Olson studies plants. Students will compare a situation in which
farmers unknowingly destroyed a plant species with the conservation themes
outlined in Dr. Seuss's The Lorax,
and then summarize the Seuss work through illustration.” Excellent
BE AN ENERGY SAVER – LESSON PLAN
http://www.econedlink.org/lessons/index.cfm?lesson=EM526&page=teacher
A lesson plan for grades 6-12 on energy conservation. “This lesson focuses on the scarce and
nonrenewable nature of fossil fuels in order to stimulate student thinking
about energy conservation. It emphasizes the fact that saving energy can be
good for the wallet as well as the earth's future. Students play a memory game
that challenges them to find people-powered substitutes for things that use
electricity and gas. Students then use the federally-mandated Energy Guide
labels to estimate the cost savings of energy- efficient home appliances. In a
final activity, students explore positive and negative economic incentives that
motivate people to conserve energy. Many federal energy-related programs and
policies are featured in this lesson. These include, besides the Energy Guide
label, Energy Star certification, the Fuel Economy Guide for motor vehicles,
and a diverse collection of taxes, tax breaks and subsidies.
In this lesson, students examine options for reducing their dependence
on energy resources, especially by substituting people power for other forms of
energy and purchasing energy efficient home appliances. Students also explore
some of the government programs that are influencing consumer choices in the
marketplace.” Excellent
THE BEST HOPE FOR NORTHERN RIGHT WHALES –
LESSON PLAN NEW!
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/14/g912/righthope.html
A lesson plan for grades 9-12 on northern right whales. “This lesson asks students to
research current and proposed methods of assisting the recovery of northern
right whale populations. Students will conduct Internet research to investigate
the best strategies to help save right whales.”
Excellent
BETWEEN A ROCK AND
A HARD PLACE: DEBATING THE FATE OF ENDANGERED WILD SALMON AND THE ECONOMIC VIABILITY OF A DAM…..- LESSON PLAN
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/19990927monday.html?searchpv=learning_lessons
A lesson plan for grades 6-12 on endangered species. “Students will consider what information they
might need to determine how to rule on the issue of breaching a dam in order to
possibly save wild salmon versus the potentially negative economic impact such
an act might cause. They then will investigate this scenario in depth through a
class discussion about the related article. After, they will divide into
proponent and opponent teams that will address Congress regarding the breaching
of Little Goose Dam.” Excellent
BIODIVERSITY
– LESSON PLAN NEW!
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/08/g68/noaabiodiversity.html
A lesson plan for grades
6-8 on biodiversity. “In this lesson, students will
explore the biodiversity of two National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA) national marine sanctuaries. Following a discussion of the term
"biodiversity" and why biodiversity is important, students will take
virtual trips (via video footage) to Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary,
located off the California coast, and the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale
National Marine Sanctuary. They will then work in groups to further explore one
of the two ocean treasures, noting the types of wildlife the sanctuary
supports, the importance of the ecosystem, and the threats it faces. Groups
will also consider how each sanctuary's location might affect its health and
long-term outlook. To conclude, the class will come back together to share
their findings, and compare and contrast the two national marine sanctuaries.” Excellent
BIOLUMINESCENCE
– LIVING LIGHT – LESSON PLAN NEW!
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/08/g68/seasbiolum.html
A lesson plan on
bioluminescence for grades 6-8. “Below 3,300 feet (1,000 meters),
the waters of the ocean are dark and cold. No sunlight penetrates these depths,
and 90 percent of the creatures here produce their own light in a chemical
process called "bioluminescence." In this lesson students will learn
about bioluminescent creatures and the underwater world in which they live.” Excellent
BIOMES OF THE WORLD – CURRICULUM UNIT NEW!
http://www.teachersfirst.com/lessons/biomes/index.html
An online
research project on biomes for middle school or upper elementary students. Excellent
BIONIC TREES: DEBATING THE
VALUE OF GENETICALLY DESIGNED TREES TO DECREASE POLLUTION AND INCREASE CONSUMER PRODUCTS – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20040803tuesday.html
A lesson plan for grades 6-12 on trees.
“In this lesson, students examine and evaluate the use and value of DNA technology on trees in various contexts. They
will then synthesize their knowledge by writing letters to their congressional
representatives supporting or refuting the practice of genetically altering
trees.” Excellent
BIRD BATHS: CLEANING UP
WILDLIFE AFTER OIL SPILLS – LESSON
PLAN http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/14/g35/dawnducks.html
A lesson plan for grades 3-5 on the effects of an oil spill on
wildlife. “In this lesson, students will
explore the causes and effects of events such as oil spills and contaminations.
They will then experience first-hand the feel of oil spills, determine an
environmental problem that affects their community, and develop an "action
plan" to minimize the risk to one form of wildlife. Finally, they will
examine ways in which public and private organizations partner to keep the
environment, and its wildlife, healthy.”
Excellent
BLAST FROM THE PAST: REVISITING
CHERNOBYL 20
YEARS LATER – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20050907wednesday.html
A lesson plan for grades 6-12 on the long-term effects of the Chernobyl nuclear
accident. “In
this lesson, students revisit the April 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster and compare the
projected health, environmental, social and economic impacts to new scientific
findings. They then create public service announcements educating the people of
the region on these new findings.” Excellent
BLOWING IN THE WIND – LESSON PLAN
http://www.econedlink.org/lessons/index.cfm?lesson=EM298&page=teacher
A lesson plan for grades 9-12 on the financial feasibility of wind
generation. “Wind energy is becoming a viable
alternative to more traditional forms of energy generation. In this lesson,
students will determine the feasibility of wind generation in different areas
of the United States.
Finally, students will explore the possible role of government in providing
incentives for wind energy generation.” Excellent
A BRIGHT IDEA: UNDERSTANDING WAYS
TO HARNESS ELECTRICITY – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20050215tuesday.html
A lesson plan for grades 6-12 on electricity. “In this lesson, students establish an
understanding of electricity and then demonstrate that understanding by creating
a basic experiment involving a lemon battery. They then reflect on the
importance of electricity, especially in poorer and rural areas of the world
which its supply is limited.” Excellent
A BURNING ISSUE: UNDERSTANDING THE DYNAMICS
OF FOREST FIRES – LESSON PLAN NEW!
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20070626tuesday.html?searchpv=learning_lessons
A lesson plan for grades 6-12
on forest fires. “In this lesson, students reflect
on the ecological and chemical changes caused by forest fires. Then they work
in groups to create diagrams showing how specific variables can affect a forest
fire and the chemical reactions that take place during combustion. Finally,
students use their knowledge to evaluate fire prevention and management
techniques.” Excellent
BURROWING OWLS – LESSON PLAN NEW!
http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/lessons.cfm?DocID=84
A lesson plan
for grades 9-12 on the interaction between humans and species. “This lesson uses the
example of the Burrowing Owl to illustrate how human activities can control the
fate of a species. In addition to exploring the negative impact community
development has had on the owl's habitat, students will read about proactive
steps people have taken to reverse this destruction. In particular, they will
read about a small group of concerned citizens at Mission
College in Santa Clara, CA,
who got involved and created a plan of action to protect the Burrowing Owls on
campus.” Excellent
CAN CAPTIVE
BREEDING SAVE SPECIES? – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/08/g912/breeding.html
A lesson plan for grades 9-12 on endangered
species. “When studying endangered and threatened
species and habitats, students should become familiar with programs that strive
to preserve biodiversity, such as captive-breeding programs and
species-survival plans adopted by zoos, aquariums, and other institutions. This
lesson asks students to research and assess these programs.” Excellent
CAN CRITTERCAM HELP PROTECT HUMPBACKS? –
LESSON PLAN NEW!
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/18/g68/cchumpback.html
A lesson plan
for grades 6-8 on humpback whales. “In
this lesson, students will learn about the bubblenet feeding process and how
Crittercam is being used to investigate it underwater. They will read and
discuss a National Geographic News article about Crittercam. They'll also
consider the implications of this research for humpback conservation efforts
and write letters to the director of a whale conservation organization
describing how Crittercam research might help the organization in its
conservation efforts.” Excellent
CAN RESEARCH SAVE THE LEATHERBACK TURTLE? – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/18/g68/cleatherback.html
A lesson plan for grades 6-8. “Students
will learn about leatherbacks and the threats they are facing, and they'll read
about how volunteers are helping to study the turtles. The students will look
at some data that volunteers have collected and explain what the research shows
and how it's important for leatherback conservation. The students will also
consider how Crittercam can add to these studies, and they'll conclude by
designing "slide shows" that illustrate information about
leatherbacks and leatherback conservation.”
Excellent
CAN THE CHIRU BE SAVED? –
LESSON PLAN
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/11/g68/ridgeway.html
A lesson plan on the endangered chiru of Tibet for grades 6-8. “This
lesson introduces the "chiru" of Tibet. A small deerlike animal, the
chiru is endangered because it is hunted and killed for its luxurious wool.
Many people are working to save the few remaining chiru from extinction.” Excellent
CAN WE KEEP THE LAKE
CLEAN? – LESSON PLAN NEW!
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/14/gk2/clean.html
A lesson plan for grades K-2 on
freshwater lakes. “This lesson introduces students
to the water cycle by having them help draw a picture of a lake ecosystem,
adding human impacts that affect water quality. Students will help fill in the
components of a drawing of a water system. They will conclude by creating their
own illustrations of human-induced changes to the freshwater habitat of a lake
ecosystem.” Excellent
CELEBRATING EARTH DAY WITH
STUDENTS – CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES
http://www.woodrow.org/teachers/bi/1991/earthday.html
A list of classroom activities for Earth Day
for grades 3-12. Excellent
THE CHESAPEAKE
BAY WATERSHED: A TIMELINE FOR CHANGE, A MODEL FOR CHANGE – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/04/gk2/chesapeake.html
A lesson plan for grades K-2 on the Chesapeake watershed. “In this lesson, students will conduct
research on the Chesapeake Bay, from Captain
John Smith's explorations of Native American settlements in the early
seventeenth century to the present, and examine how these changes over time can
help illuminate the interrelationships between people and places. They will
then apply a similar approach to their local area. Through an examination of a
timeline of change, students will make connections between present interactions
with a place and its future and consider ways that they can help shape the
future course of both the Chesapeake Bay
watershed and their own community.” Excellent
CHILLING PREDICTIONS: EXPLORING THE ECONOMIC, POLITICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES THAT GLOBAL WARMING HAS CREATED FOR THE ARCTIC
– LESSON PLAN
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20051011tuesday.html
A lesson plan for grades 6-12 on
the Arctic and global warming. “In this lesson, students will research and
prepare an almanac on the Arctic. They then
examine the laws that attempt to provide jurisdiction over this area and
consider how these laws will be affected if geography of the Arctic continues
to change due to the effects of global warming.” Excellent
THE CHIPS ARE DOWN: A NATURAL SELECTION SIMULATION – PROJECT NEW!
http://www.indiana.edu/~ensiweb/lessons/ns.chips.html
Students “Demonstrate
how natural selection operates, using different colored paper chips to
represent prey and a piece of fabric as a background (the environment). The
predator (student) will hunt (select chips) to show that the best adapted, by
color, are NOT chosen, and others which are poorly adapted (by standing out)
ARE chosen (removed). Thus, the best adapted survive and reproduce to pass on
their traits. Survivors then "reproduce", and subsequent generations are preyed upon.” Excellent
CICADA INVASION – LESSON PLAN NEW!
http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/lessons.cfm?DocID=409
A lesson plan for grades 3-5 on cicadas. “This
lesson encourages students to observe the interactions among the cicadas and
the other organisms within an environment. Students will be asked to observe
some images of cicadas in an interactive and to study how they interact with
other organisms in an environment.” Excellent
CLASSROOM CRITTERS – CURRICULUM
GUIDE
http://www.cis.yale.edu/ynhti/curriculum/units/1992/5/92.05.02.x.html
A curriculum
guide for primary students on the care of plants and animals in the classroom. “As a primary level teacher with limited time
and knowledge of science I’ve decided to approach the subject by introducing
plants and animals, very small ones, to my classroom. In addition to their
learning value, I believe they will make an important contribution to the
aesthetic quality of the room. Further, they will be the focus for developing a
sense of responsibility in the children as they assume responsibility for their
care. As many students come from homes where they experience little nurturing
themselves, I especially hope to stimulate those feelings in the children as
they care for the plants and animals. By observing, doing and concluding, the
students will learn how plants grow, how some animals live and about the
interdependency of plants and animals. The visual richness and complexity of
the aquarium and terrariums, self contained communities, provide many more
opportunities for learning through observation and hands-on activities.
My
unit objectives will be met by developing three ecosystems, an aquarium, a
terrarium and a vivarium. Rabbits, guinea pigs and the like strike me as both
limiting and overwhelming. Personally, I have concerns about the lessons we
inadvertently teach when we have caged animals in the classroom. When we assume
the care of an animal we must remember that they are dependent on us. We should
ask ourselves whether we want to create a prison or a home for them. Consider
the difference between putting two goldfish in a glass bowl devoid of plants
and creating an ecosystem, a sophisticated, complex, natural environment.
Animals are best kept under the supervision of a responsible adult so they do
not fall prey to mishap. Animals that die for lack of proper care provide a
lesson better not learned.” Excellent
CLIMATE AND
CO2: ANALYZING THEIR RELATIONSHIP – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/07/g912/co2.html
A lesson plan on climate for grades 9-12. “In this lesson, students will speculate on
various scenarios of future world climates if the greenhouse effect increases.” Excellent
CLIMATE CONTROLS – LESSON PLAN NEW!
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/08/g68/climatecontrols.html
A lesson plan for grades
6-8 on climate. “This lesson has students consider how
various parts of the world and the United States are affected by
climate controls such as world air currents. They will read about climate
controls and will create maps showing how these controls affect the climate in
various places around the country.” Excellent
COASTAL QUANDARY: DEBATING WHETHER TO EVACUATE OR DEVELOP DANGEROUS
COASTS – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20051005wednesday.html
A lesson plan on coastal
development for grades 6-12. “In
this lesson, students will learn about the debate among development and
environment experts on evacuation coastal areas. They then take part in their
own debate representing the different perspectives on the “evacuation versus
redevelopment” dialogue.” Excellent
COLORING
BOOKS TO PRINT NEW!
http://www.noteworthy.com/products/coloring_books
A collection of free
printable coloring books. There are
several books on different topics. The
ones for Earth Day are: You Can Make Recycling Work; The Earth is in Our Hands;
Don’t be a Little Bug’ A Child’s Book of Recycling; and Clean and Green. Click on the link below the illustration to
open the coloring book as a PDF file which you can then view and print. Excellent
COMMUNITY SCIENCE ACTION GUIDES
http://www.fi.edu/guide/index.html
Action guides for primary through secondary grades on environmental
topics such as Protecting Resources Today, Making Tomorrow Safe, Producing
Energy Now, and Using Water Wisely. Each
guide has resources, lesson ideas, lesson plans and much more. Outstanding.
Excellent
COMPARING THEORIES:
LAMARCK AND DARWIN – LESSON PLAN NEW!
http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/lessons.cfm?DocID=387
A lesson plan for grades 9-12 on evolution theories. “This
lesson provides an opportunity for students to compare the theories of two
historically important evolutionary scientists: Jean Baptiste Lamarck and
Charles Darwin. In this lesson, students explore the basic principles behind Darwin's mechanism of
natural selection. They then extend their understanding of Lamarck's and
Darwin's models by using them to explain phenomena and by comparing them to one
another. Furthermore, this lesson presents a helpful way of concluding an
examination of Lamarck's ideas and preparing for a more in-depth study of Darwin's model of natural
selection.” Excellent
COMPETITION
ON SABLE ISLAND – LESSON PLAN NEW!
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/08/g68/ccsable.html
A lesson plan for grades
6-8 on competition among species. “In this lesson, students will
discuss the concept of competition in nature and will learn about competition
between the gray seals and harbor seals of Sable Island.
They will conclude by illustrating maps of the island to show the seals'
feeding behaviors and the shark's predatory activities, and they'll write
paragraphs describing their maps.”
Excellent
CONFLICT YELLOWSTONE
WOLVES PROJECT - WEBQUEST
http://www.powayschools.com/projects/mt&r/ConflictYellowstoneWolf.htm
A project in which students study the controversy surrounding the
reintroduction of gray wolves to Yellowstone
National Park. Although the wolves were re-introduced to
their natural habitat, the surrounding ranchers have sued to have them
removed. Students must research the
issue, take a position and write an editorial supporting their position. Note: We found a couple of broken links on
this site. Excellent
CONTAMINANTS
IN THE WATER CYCLE – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/14/g912/tgsouhegan.html
A lesson plan for grades 9-12 on water
pollution. “Students will review the water cycle and
investigate how a region's water supply can become contaminated. They will look
at a list of the Environmental Protection Agency's maximum contaminant levels
for drinking water, and sketch the water cycle of a fictitious town that is
affected by several pollutants. Students will conclude by writing paragraphs
explaining what a group of concerned citizens in this hypothetical town might
do to improve the quality of its water supply.”
Excellent
CONTRASTS IN BLUE: LIFE ON THE CARIBBEAN CORAL REEF AND THE ROCKY COAST OF MAINE – CURRICULUM UNIT
http://smithsonianeducation.org/educators/lesson_plans/contrast/cover.html
A unit comparing the coast of Maine with a coral reef in the Caribbean
for elementary students. “The
striking contrasts between these two dynamic ecosystems are the theme of this
website and are among the many topics visitors can ponder in Exploring Marine
Ecosystems, a permanent exhibition at the Smithsonian's National Museum
of Natural History. The activities that follow encourage students to consider
the role of temperature, sunlight, waves, and tides in the creation of unique
marine environments.” The
lessons are in PDF format to print out as well as online. Includes 3 lessons
plans, a Background Essay and Resources.
Excellent
CONVERTING ENERGY – LESSON PLAN
http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/Lessons.cfm?DocID=153
A lesson plan for grades 6-8 on energy.
“Purpose To introduce students
to energy through the idea of energy transformations and conversions, and to
develop students’ ideas of what energy is and how it can be measured.” Excellent
CORAL
BLEACHING: MAKING OUR OCEANS WHITER – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/04/g68/bowercoral.html
A lesson plan on coral reefs for grades 6-8. “Coral reefs such as the Great Barrier Reef
are some of the most productive and important ecosystems on earth, and they are
vanishing at an alarming rate. Students will learn what coral reefs are and
about the different types of reefs, the ecology surrounding these biological
playgrounds, and the human impact on them. Additionally, this lesson will
provide an opportunity for students to debate whether human contact should be
impeded around coral reefs, a constructive approach for defending controversial
environmental issues.” Excellent
CORAL SEAS – BLUE PLANET SERIES – LESSON PLAN
http://school.discovery.com/lessonplans/programs/BP_coralseas/
A lesson plan on the coral reefs and their ecosystem from Discovery for
grades 6-8. “Students will • speculate about
the changes that are taking place in our galaxy; • research the latest ideas on
Blue Planet: Coral
Seas; and • discuss the
consequences of events that may happen in the future.”
You may borrow the Blue Planet series from the AVA Center.
Order VT507065 Coral
Seas.
Excellent
CROCS, THEN AND NOW –
LESSON PLAN NEW!
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/08/g68/crocsthennow.html
A lesson plan
for grades 608 on crocodiles. “This
lesson has students investigate the geographical distributions, habitats, and
other features of modern crocodilians and SuperCroc (Sarcosuchus imperator). Students will consider the things we
can learn about one species by studying the other. They will create Venn
diagrams to compare and contrast one modern species with SuperCroc. They will
conclude by writing paragraphs describing this comparison and explaining how
each species helps us learn about the other.”
Excellent
CREATE A WETLAND SCENE – LESSON PLAN NEW!
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/16/g35/freshwater35.html
A lesson plan on
wetlands for grades 3-5. “In
this lesson, students will learn about the importance of wetlands. They will
learn about the different types of freshwater wetlands, and the things that
threaten their health. Finally, they will study specific examples of wetland
areas of the U.S.,
and what is being done to protect them.”
Excellent
DELAWARE ESTUARY – A FOURTH GRADE UNIT
http://www.fi.edu/fellows/fellow7/dec98/delaware.html
A unit on the Delaware River estuary for 4th grade students,
developed by students from Vineland. Sections: Water, Oysters, Ethics, History,
References and Author. The sections
contain information, puzzles and activities.
Excellent
DEPARTMENT OF CRANE-LAND SECURITY – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/activities/14/cranecam1.html
A lesson plan on the protection of endangered cranes. “You
have just joined the Department of Crane-Land Security. Your mission is to join
the security advance team for the sandhill crane migration. Where will the
cranes go? How will you protect them? Will they be safe and have what they need
during their travels? Your job is to learn about the locations these cranes
visit and what you need to do to ensure a safe journey when you fly with them.
We're counting on you!” Excellent
DESIGN A REGIONAL “ECO-PARK” – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/08/g35/tgecopark.html
A lesson plan for grades 3-5 on regional ecosystems. “Students will use the Web to find out about
the plants and animals that live in their local area. They will design
"eco parks" containing local plants and animals. If there is time,
have students extend their research into the "real world" by doing
some outdoors observations near school or their homes.” Excellent
THE DIVERSITY OF LIVE –
CURRICULUM MODULE
http://www.fossweb.com/modulesMS/DiversityofLife/index.html
A curriculum module for middle school students. “The Diversity
of Life Course emphasizes the use of knowledge and evidence to construct
explanations for the structures and functions of living organisms. Students
observe and maintain protists, plants, and animals in the classroom and study
their characteristics. The study progresses from macroscopic to microscopic
observation to discover the fundamental unit of life, the cell. Students then
investigate organism subsystems and behaviors and consider their diversity of adaptive
structures and strategies.” For
middle school students. Excellent
DIVING IN TO
SAVE THE MONK SEAL – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/18/g68/ccmonkseal.html
A lesson plan for grades 6-8 endangered species. “Students will use the Internet to
learn about monk seal research and the ecosystem reserve that's been
established in part to protect the seals. They'll consider the particular
challenges scientists face in studying monk seals on projects such as
Crittercam and they will write questions they would ask if they were conducting
monk seal research. The students will conclude by writing plans they would use
on a trip to study the Hawaiian monk seal.” Excellent
DNA AND
ENDANGERED SPECIES – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/08/g68/brainpopdna.html
A lesson plan on endangered
species for grades 6-8. “In
this lesson, students will learn some basics about DNA
and genetics and will then learn how DNA
can be used to study and help endangered animals. They will visit a Web site
with information about specific research projects, and write paragraphs
explaining how DNA and genetics
research might be used to help an endangered or threatened species.” Excellent
A DUCK’S BILL ON CAPITOL HILL?: TAKING A STAND ON WILDLIFE
CONSERVATION LEGISLATION – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20051228wednesday.html
A lesson plan on conservation
legislation for grades 6-12. “In
this lesson, students examine the positions of various parties on proposed
federal ecosystem conservation legislation, including private property owners,
legislators, and conservationists, in order to represent their perspectives in
a class discussion.” Excellent
DUGONGS AND ELEPHANTS – COUSINS? – LESSON
PLAN NEW!
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/08/g35/ccdugong.html
A lesson plan comparing dugongs and elephants for grades 3-5. “In this lesson, students will focus on the
relationship between dugongs and elephants. They will look at pictures of these
animals and describe the similarities and differences in their appearances.
They'll read about and discuss the dugong's special adaptations to ocean life
and they'll draw evolutionary trees showing dugongs and elephants. They will
finish by adding text to their trees describing dugong adaptations.” Excellent
DUGONGS,
ELEPHANTS AND EVOLUTION – LESSON PLAN NEW!
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/08/g68/ccdugong.html
A lesson plan for grades
6-8 on dugongs and elephants. “In this lesson, students will
compare and contrast the physical appearance and adaptations of dugongs with
those of elephants, and they'll consider the evolutionary relationship between
these two animal species. They will discuss how the dugong's adaptations have
made it well suited to life in the ocean, and they will conclude by writing
paragraphs about the things they've discussed and learned.” Excellent
EARTH AND
THE ENVIRONMENT – LESSON PLANS
http://theory.uwinnipeg.ca/lts/earthenv.html
A page of links to classroom activities and lesson plans on the
environment. Excellent
EARTH DAY
TEACHER’S LOUNGE
http://earthday.wilderness.org/teachers/classroom.htm
Nine classroom activities ranging from K-12 on Earth Day. Excellent
EARTH SCIENCE LESSON PLANS
http://www.reachoutmichigan.org/funexperiments/agesubject/earthsciences.html
A list of links to lesson plans
on Earth Science topics including Acid Rain, Water Pollution, the Greenhouse
Effect, Waste Management, Recycling, Alternative Energy Sources, Conservation
and more. Divided by Early Elementary,
Later Elementary, Middle School, and High School. Excellent
EARTH SCIENCE LESSON PLANS
http://school.discovery.com/lessonplans/earthsci.html
Earth science lesson plans for various grade levels. Examples: Earth’s
Waters, Protecting Our Planet, Aquatic Habitats, Protecting Habitats and
Species, Energy and Cars: What Does the Future Hold. Excellent
ECO-CHALLENGES
– AFRICA – LESSON PLAN
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/africa/tools/eco/goals.html
A lesson plans on the two environmental threats to Africa:
desertification and scarcity of clean water.
For intermediate students and up.
“In this lesson, students will address two of
the more pressing issues confronting continental Africa
Ñ the related concerns of growing desertification and the scarcity of clean
water. Students will examine these issues within the context of Africa’s development and the environmental, economic, and
personal impact it has upon its citizens. More specifically, students will
explore a variety of Internet resources, learn about Africa’s geography and
natural resources, read and respond to African art and literature, and write
and produce a documentary-style news broadcast report.” Excellent
ECO-CYCLE:
FINDING THE PARTS OF AN ECOSYSTEM – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/08/g35/ecocycle.html
A lesson plan for grades
3-5 on ecosystems. “An
ecosystem exists when plants and animals interact with each other and their
physical environment. This lesson will use the Eco-Cycle Station to introduce
students to ecosystems in Hawaii,
as well as the plants and animals that make up the ecosystems. Students will
seek out the key animals and plants as they read about the ecosystems.”
Excellent
ECOLOGY LESSON PLANS
http://school.discovery.com/lessonplans/ecol.html
Ecology lesson plans for various grade levels. Examples: Habitats of the World, Biomes:
Coastlines and Seas, Champions of the Land.
Excellent
THE
ECONOMICS OF RECYCLING – LESSON PLAN
http://www.econedlink.org/lessons/index.cfm?lesson=EM218
A lesson plan on recycling for high school students. “You
will be asked to indicate why Japan's
recycling efforts (rates) are surpassing that of the US. Then you will predict how
consumers, repair services and appliance makers respond when government changes
incentives for recycling. Then given new incentives, predict what happens to
supply and demand for a good and resulting impact on equilibrium quantities.
You will do this by analyzing the effectiveness of Japan's appliance recycling law
enacted in April 2001.Finally you will be asked to develop strategies for
reducing the amount of waste disposal at landfills.” Excellent
ECOSYSTEM SERVICES – WATER
PURIFICATION – LESSON PLAN
http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/lessons.cfm?DocID=275
A lesson plan for grades 6-8 on water.
“This
lesson was developed by Dr. Penny Firth, a scientist, as part of a set of
interdisciplinary Science NetLinks lessons aimed at improved understanding of
environmental phenomena and events. Some of the lessons integrate topics that
cross biological, ecological, and physical concepts. Others involve elements of
economics, history, anthropology, and art. Each lesson is framed by
plain-language background information for the teacher, and includes a selection
of instructional tips and activities in the boxes.” Excellent
ECOSYSTEMS: TOOLS FOR MATH AND
SCIENCE TEACHERS
http://www.cis.yale.edu/ynhti/curriculum/units/1992/5/
A collection of
curriculum guides for math and science teachers focusing on ecosystems.
Includes 10 guides such as: Ecosystems: Can I Help?, Biosphere 2 and Beyond, Classroom
Critters (on this list), Organic and Inorganic Recycling and more. Excellent
ELEMENTARY ECOSYSTEMS – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/08/gk2/ecosystem.html
A lesson plan for grades K-2 on ecosystems. “This lesson teaches students the basics of
species interdependency within an ecosystem or habitat. Students will perform a
simple simulation to see how one species can affect many others, and gain a
basic understanding of the importance of biodiversity. For older students, you
may want to define and use the word "ecosystem" in the lesson.” Excellent
Emission STATEMENT – EXPLORING HOW
INDUSTRIALIZED NATIONS CONTRIBUTE TO GLOBAL WARMING AND
ARE AIMING TO COMBAT IT – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20010725wednesday.html
A lesson plan from the New York Times on Global
Warming for grades 6-8 and 9-12. “In
this lesson, students investigate the emission of greenhouse gases by
industrialized nations. After participating in an international global warming
conference, students assess whether or not the United States should take part in
the international climate accord.”
Excellent
ENDANGERED SPECIES – LIST OF
LINKS - LESSON PLANS
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 Websites section. Excellent
ENERGY
– HEAT, LIGHT AND SOUND – LIST OF
LINKS – LESSON PLANS
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
SOURCES AND USE – LESSON PLAN
http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/lessons.cfm?BenchmarkID=8&DocID=13
A lesson plan for grades 3-5 on energy use. “This
investigation uses many resources from Energy Quest, an Educational Supersite.
The recommended readings and activities in this investigation would be most
appropriate for fourth or fifth grade students. However, this site provides
ample resources for adapting the lesson to a wide variety of reading levels.
You may
wish to preview The Energy Story prior to introducing these activities, to
gather background information on energy resources and to identify the most
appropriate resources for your students.”
Excellent
THE ENFORCERS – CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES NEW!
http://insected.arizona.edu/enforcers/default.html
“The
Enforcers is intended to be used as a teacher guide for teachers of students in
grades 9-12.”
A collection of activities
studying the roles of predator-prey in the insect world. Excellent
ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS – LESSON PLAN
http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/Lessons.cfm?DocID=139
A lesson plan for grades 3-5 on waste management. “To use Internet
resources to explore the side effects of technology; to design, implement and
evaluate solutions related to the problem of waste disposal.” Excellent
ENVIRONMENT THEME PAGE - LESSON PLANS & ACTIVITIES
http://www.theteachersguide.com/Environment.html
A theme page for teachers with lesson plans and activities. Sections: Trash and Recycling; Air Quality;
Global Warming and Ozone Depletion.
Excellent
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE: A HANDS-ON APPROACH – CURRICULUM GUIDE
http://www.cis.yale.edu/ynhti/curriculum/units/1993/5/93.05.10.x.html
A curriculum guide for grades K-2 on the
environmental sciences. “Environmental Science is a vast pool of facts,
experiments and concepts that describe the world around us. For the K-2
teacher, Environmental Science may seem too complex a subject to communicate to
the students. On the contrary, Environmental Science is one of the easiest
subjects to convey to the primary level student. The study of Environmental
Science begins with the immediate surroundings of the K-2 child. Familiar
topics such as weather, your home and garbage provide the classroom teacher
with a foundation of knowledge great enough to introduce each lesson’s concept
B . seasons community helpers, and the food chain are basic concepts taught in
the primary grades. These concepts, which are integral parts of the study of
Environmental Science, are expanded to allow for a firm understanding of the
environment and how we can control it.” Excellent
ENVIRONMENTS – CURRICULUM
MODULE
http://www.fossweb.com/modules3-6/Environments/index.html
A curriculum module for grades 3-6. “All living things depend on the conditions in
their environment. The study of the relationships between one organism and its
environment builds knowledge of all organisms. With this knowledge comes an
awareness of limits. Changes in an environment can be hard on organisms. Such
knowledge is important because humans can change environments. To do so without
awareness of possible consequences can lead to disasters. The Environments
Module consists of six investigations that introduce students to these
basic concepts in environmental biology.”
. Excellent
EXPLORING THE ENVIRONMENT (CURRICULUM GUIDE)
http://www.cotf.edu/ete/
Features an integrated approach
to environmental earth science through modules and activities. Modules: Strangers in Paradise (grades 7-12),
Mars Landing (7-12), Rift Valley Fever (7-12),
Korean Enigma (7-12), Volcanoes (7-12), Water Quality (7-12), Mountain
Gorillas (7-12), UV Menace (10-12), Earth on Fire (10-12), Severe Weather:
Hurricanes! (5-12), Yellowstone Fires (5-8), Temperate Rainforest (9-12),
Global Climate Change (5-12), Tropical Poison (7-12), El Niño: The Child
Returns (9-12) and Florida Everglades
(5-8). Each module contains a situation
and what needs to be done. Includes an
extensive teacher guide. An outstanding site. Excellent
THE FACTS OF LIFE: TELLING TALES OF EXTINCT SPECIES USING
VARIOUS SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH METHODS – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20050104tuesday.html
A lesson plan for grades 6-12 on extinct species. “In this lesson, students learn about the
different ways scientists gather information about extinct animals. They then
utilize these methods to create illustrated story books about a particular
extinct animal.” Excellent
FARMING IN SPACE – CLASSROOM ACTIVITY
http://quest.arc.nasa.gov/space/challenge/learning/farming/
A classroom
activity in which students replicate the experiments being done on the space
shuttles and International Space Station in growing food plants in space. “The Farming
in Space activity has been designed to coordinate with the flight
experiment. It offers teachers and students a chance to examine a number of
basic principles and concepts in plant biology and crop production through
hands on experiments using a simulated Biomass Production System and the same
seed stocks that the researchers will be using during the flight experiments.
Questions that students can examine are similar to those of interest to the
scientists, and the materials used will reinforce students' understanding of
proportionality and statistical summation. The basic experiment is suitable for
upper elementary students and higher grades.”
For upper elementary and up.
Excellent
FISHING FOR SOLUTIONS:
PROPOSALS TO SOLVING THE GLOBAL OVERFISHING PROBLEM…. - LESSON PLAN
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/19990310wednesday.html?searchpv=learning_lessons
A lesson plan for grades 6-12 on natural resources. “In this lesson, students investigate the
many ecological and economic issues related to overfishing the world's marine
resources. Working in committees, students will research the related topics of
equipment and fishing techniques, economic impact, 'by-catch,' environmental
impact and pollution, and ecosystem preservation, culminating in the drafting
of statements addressed to the other committees and to the United Nations
regarding their topics and proposals.” Excellent
FLY AWAY! – CURRICULUM UNIT
http://www.nps.gov/akso/ParkWise/Teachers/Nature/DENA_FlyAway/overview.htm
A unit for grades 3-8 on animal
migration. “Students will use real tracking
data from juvenile golden eagles of Denali
National Park and
Preserve to gain an understanding of animal migration. Using satellite
telemetry data collected by Carol McIntyre, a wildlife biologist at Denali,
students will discover the migratory pathways, winter range and summer range of
Denali's juvenile golden eagles. Park managers
need to know where these eagles spend time around the year so that they can
protect them.” Excellent
FLYING OFF THE THREATENED
SPECIES LIST: CONSIDERING THE DELISTING OF BALD EAGLES AND
OTHER THREATENED SPECIES -
LESSON PLAN
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20010403tuesday.html?searchpv=learning_lessons
A lesson plan for grades 6-12 on endangered species. “In this lesson, students research the status
of species that have been removed from the Federal Register of endangered and
threatened species to help them determine whether or not the American bald
eagle should also be removed from the list”
Excellent
FOLKTALES AND ECOLOGY: ANIMALS AND HUMANS
IN COOPERATION AND CONFLICT – LESSON PLAN UNIT NEW!
http://edsitement.neh.gov/view_lesson_plan.asp?id=380
A lesson plan
for grades 3-5 on the interaction between animals and humans. “Study of humans and
animals in cooperation and conflict within folktales lends itself well to a
simple lesson on ecology and endangered species, where students can explore how
humans' cooperative relationship with nature has been compromised. By studying
basic ecology, students can make connections between the relationships between
human beings and animals in folklore and the relationship between people and
the environment in our world.” Includes three lesson plans.
Excellent
FOREST
GRUMP: EXAMINING HOW DEFORESTATION AFFECTS PLANTS AND
ANIMALS OF THE CANADIAN BOREAL – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20030924wednesday.html?searchpv=learning_lessons
A lesson plan on deforestation for grades 6-12. “In this lesson, students consider the
definition of an ecosystem as it relates to the Canadian boreal, discover how
deforestation is affecting this forest and recreate ecosystems found in this
forest. Then, students will write persuasive letters urging politicians or
business people to help save the forest.” Excellent
THE FRAGILE FRINGE – A GUIDE TO TEACHING ABOUT WETLANDS - LESSON PLANS
http://www.nwrc.usgs.gov/fringe/ff_index.html
“The intent of this material is
to provide a basis from which a comprehensive study of coastal wetlands can be
developed by the teacher on the basis of individual needs. Each teacher has
students with varying needs and must, therefore, plan accordingly. The
information and activities are provided as a framework and may be used and
revised to accommodate different levels of students. Some activities may be
used as demonstrations rather than student activities for younger students. Any
grade level designation is only a suggestion; if it works for your students,
use it.” Excellent
FROZEN SEAS – BLUE PLANET SERIES – LESSON PLAN
http://school.discovery.com/lessonplans/programs/BP_frozenseas/
A lesson plan on life in the Arctic
and Antarctic oceans for grades 6-8. “Students
will • research the behavioral and physical adaptations of an animal from the Arctic or Antarctic; and
• create a poster and make a presentation about the animal.” You may borrow the Blue Planet
series from the AVA Center. Order VT507066 Frozen Seas. Excellent
GARBAGE
LESSON PLANS
Two lesson plans on garbage for grades 3-5. Excellent
1/ GARBAGE – THE ROOTS OF TRASH
http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/lessons.cfm?Grade=3-5&BenchmarkID=8&DocID=384
“Garbage 1: The Roots of Trash invites students to
take a closer look at the everyday items they throw in the trash. Students are
prompted think about what everyday products—such as bottles, cans, cartons,
plastic, and food—are made of and how they are generally produced. They learn
about natural resources, both renewable and nonrenewable, and work in teams to
further research and report on how these resources and products are developed
and used up before being discarded in the trash.”
2/GARBAGE – RECYCLING
http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/lessons.cfm?Grade=3-5&BenchmarkID=8&DocID=386
“In Garbage 2: Recycling, students apply what they
have learned about throwaway products—and the valuable natural resources from
which they're derived—by thinking about where garbage goes after they throw it
out. They also examine their own ideas and habits about recycling and discover
what a serious effect litter and mass waste disposal have on the environment.
They should come to realize that recycling is one solution to limit this
ongoing global problem. They learn about how recycling generally works, what
kinds of products can be recycled, and what other valuable products recyclable
materials can be turned into.”
GEOGRAPHIC TECHNOLOGY ASSISTING
AFRICAN CONSERVATION – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/01/g912/geotech.html
A lesson plan for grades 9-12 on conservation. “In response to continued growth
of the global human population, the conservation of Earth's natural resources
has become an increasingly pressing issue. In this lesson, students will study
the impact of human population growth by conducting a study of its influence on
Africa. Using the National Geographic magazine feature Africa
MegaFlyover and other resources, students will examine research gathered
through the conservation efforts of Dr. Michael Fay and the Wildlife
Conservation Society. They will also analyze the role that geographic
technology currently plays in mitigating population growth's negative effects.” Excellent
GEOTOURISM:
BE A FRIEND TO OUR PARKS – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/06/gk2/geofriendly.html
A lesson plan for grades K-2 on geotourism. “This lesson will introduce students to the concept of geotourism,
briefly described as "traveling without trampling." Coined by
Jonathan Tourtellot, geotourism editor of National Geographic Traveler magazine, geotourism is more than
just that, though. Geotourism is "tourism that sustains or enhances the
geographical character of a place—its environment, heritage, aesthetics,
culture, and the well-being of its residents." Most
students at this age have not traveled extensively, but they are likely to have
been to parks or other preserved areas. In this lesson, they will learn about
what geotourism means and make up rules for visitors to one of our National
Parks.” Excellent
GEOTOURISM:
HONDURAS
AS A WORKING MODEL – LESSON PLAN NEW!
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/06/g912/geofriendly.html
A lesson plan for grades
9-12 on geotourism. “In this lesson, students will learn about a
partnership between the government of Honduras and the National
Geographic Society to highlight the concept of geotourism and its benefits.
Students will study the opportunities for geotourism available in Honduras,
and then extend their understanding of those concepts by planning geotourist
expeditions to other parts of the globe.”
Excellent
GET YOUR MOTOR RUNNIN’: UNDERSTANDING THE
TECHNOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL EFFICIENCY OF HYBRID VEHICLES – LESSON PLAN NEW!
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20060418tuesday.html?searchpv=learning_lessons
A lesson plan on
hybrid vehicles for grades 6-12. “In
this lesson, students will examine the technology of hybrid vehicles and the
claims made on their behalf. Upon further exploration, students will research
and decide which cars, hybrid or non-hybrid, might perform best under various
circumstances.” Excellent
GETTING INTO HOT WATER: LEARNING ABOUT GREENLAND’S
ECOLOGY AND THE MECHANISMS OF
GLOBAL WARMING – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20040609wednesday.html
A lesson plan for grades 6-12 on global warming. “In this lesson, students study Greenland's ecology as a means to understanding the
central role of water in global warming. Then they write essays that compare
the effects of global warming on different world regions.” Excellent
GIS:
HELPING TO SAVE THE AFRICAN WILD – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/01/g68/geotech.html
A lesson plan for grades 6-8 on protection
efforts for African wildlife. “There are approximately 6 billion people on
our planet, and that number is growing! Population growth not only affects
humans, it threatens plants and animals that rely on the same resources as
humans (food, land, and water). In this lesson, students will learn about a
geographic tool known as GIS, and
about how it is assisting the conservation efforts of ecologically minded
individuals such as Dr. Michael Fay and the environmentalists at the Wildlife
Conservation Society.” Excellent
GLOBAL CHANGE AND
ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS: IS THE WORLD BECOMING MORE DISASTROUS? – LEARNING MODULE
http://www.aag.org/HDGC/www/hazards/toc.html
“The
module is divided into Units, i.e., sections that are thematically coherent and
that could, if necessary, stand alone. In addition, the module contains a
Reference Section, Supporting Materials and an Appendix. The Supporting
Materials can be used to facilitate the teaching of this module or simply to
augment it with interesting ideas and information. Additional sections with
further information may or may not be present, e.g., a list of acronyms, or a
glossary. ……..Each Unit consists of Background Information that can be used as
a hand-out for students or as the basis for an in-class presentation; an
Instructor's Guide, consisting of suggestions on how to teach the various
learning activities associated with a given Unit; Student Worksheets; and the
Answers expected for each activity.
Some
activities have their own Student Worksheet for ease of preparing hand-outs for
students.
The
activities are geared toward the theme(s) and concepts discussed in a
particular Unit. The particular skills and themes emphasized vary among the
activities. Choose one or more activities per unit to fit you class size, time,
resources, overall course topics, and student skill levels. Be sure to vary the
types of activities you choose throughout the module.” There is no grade designation but it
appears to be for high school students.
Excellent
GLOBAL CHANGE LESSON PLANS
http://interactive2.usgs.gov/learningweb/teachers/globalchange.htm
“Global change is a relatively
new area of scientific study using research from many disciplines to determine
how Earth systems change, and to assess the influence of human activity on
these changes. The Global Change section of the Learning Web consists of an
introduction and five activities. In teaching these activities, four themes are
important: time, change, cycles, and
Earth as home.” For
grades 4-6. Excellent
GLOBALIZATION COMES TO THE
TABLE – LESSON PLAN
http://www.microsoft.com/education/GlobalTable.aspx
A lesson plan for grades 9-12 on globalization. “Summary: Protests about globalization
have become almost as much a fact of life as globalization itself--but how well
do your students understand the complex issues at stake? In this project, teams
of student explore globalization by researching the issues surrounding one of
several controversies involving food, then grappling with those issues in a
summit.” Excellent
GOT WATER? – LESSON PLAN NEW!
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/globalconnections/mideast/educators/resource/lesson2.html
A lesson plan
looking at the problems of delivering fresh, clean water to various populations
around the world. “Students
will learn that delivering clean, fresh water to citizens around the world
involves and affects politics, economics, international relations, and
technology.” Excellent
THE GREAT ENERGY DEBATE –
LESSON PLAN
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/16/g912/energydebate.html
A lesson plan for grades 9-12 on energy.
“This lesson explores the controversial issues surrounding the energy
debate in the United States.
Students will research recent initiatives being taken in this area and analyze
their implications. They will then assume the roles of pivotal stakeholders in
this debate and testify to a mock congressional committee responsible for
making decisions about public lands and energy resources.” Excellent
THE GREATER SALT LAKE VIRTUAL TOUR AND LEARNING MODULE
http://www.colorado.edu/geography/virtdept/contents.html
A virtual tour
and learning module for senior high students.
“This module introduces students to the geography, geology, ecology,
and history of The
Greater Salt Lake Ecoregion. Saline
lakes are some of the most unusual, and misunderstood, physical regions of the
world. It is often assumed that these are
"dead" environments--like the DEAD SEA of Israel and Jordan. In fact, saline lakes
in general and The Great
Salt Lake in particular, supports a tremendous diversity of
life.
The
Great Salt Lake Ecoregion is also one of North America's
fastest growing urban regions. Along theWasatch
Front can be found such rapidly growing cities such as Ogden,
Sundance/Provo and Orem, Salt Lake City and its suburbs. And of course, in 2002
the region hosted the Winter Olympics.
This
makes the region an ideal place to study human-environment interaction and the human dimensions of global environmental change. Whether
you're visiting this web site for fun or study, we hope you have an enjoyable
and stimulating trip.” Excellent
HABITATS/LANDFORMS – LIST OF
LINKS – LESSON PLANS
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
Websites section. Excellent
HARVESTING THE OCEAN FOR MEDICAL SCIENCE –
LESSON PLAN NEW!
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/08/g68/seasharvest.html
A lesson plan for grades
6-8 on harvesting ocean resources. “This lesson introduces students
to two marine species, one (the horseshoe crab) that is currently invaluable in
the field of medicine and another (Bugula
neritina) that is likely to prove beneficial in the future. Students
will read articles discussing these species and brainstorm the challenges and
benefits of harvesting them from the ocean. They will conclude by writing plans
pretending they're scientists who are going to harvest the species for medical
purposes.” Excellent
HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE –
LESSON PLAN
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/14/g912/tghazardous.html
A lesson plan for grades 9-12 on hazards in the home. “In this lesson, students will survey their
homes for hazardous materials and tally the results as a class. They will use
the Web to find out about proper waste disposal methods and the potential
consequences of improper disposal. Students will conclude by creating pamphlets
or multimedia presentations showing what they have learned.” Excellent
HUMAN IMPACTS IN THE AFRICAN
RAIN
FOREST: WHAT CAN WE DO? – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/14/g912/fayhuman.html
A lesson plan for grades 9-12 on
the African rain forest. “This
lesson asks students to examine the human impacts that conservationist Michael
Fay noticed on his Congo
Trek, and Africa MegaFlyover projects as well
as the areas that are so far free from human impacts. Students will write
recommendations to the region's governments and businesses, explaining what
should be done about human impacts and considering some of the underlying
causes for environmental threats.” Excellent
IF YOU HEAR
A HOOT, THEN THIS SITE IS KAPUT –
LESSON PLAN
http://www.econedlink.org/lessons/index.cfm?lesson=EM137&page=teacher
A lesson plan for grades 9-12 on endangered species. “Should the Endangered Species Act of 1973
be left alone so the legal system is left to decide the toughest cases? Should
the Endangered Species Act of 1973 be revised in order to increase economic
growth without endangering listed species? Can this even happen? In this
Economics Minute, you will learn about which species are covered under the 1973
Endangered Species Act, the different organizations and their philosophies on
how to protect these species, and how each group's policies are driven by self
interest as you weigh each group's costs and benefits.” Excellent
IN THE WAKE OF A STORM: INVESTIGATING THE NEEDS OF SPECIAL INTEREST
GROUPS CONCERNING PLANS TO REVITALIZE THE LOUSIANA MARSHLANDS – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20051115tuesday.html
A lesson plan for grades 6-12 on
marshland restoration. “In
this lesson, students share thoughts about the effects of Hurricane Katrina on Louisiana's natural
environment. They then assume the role of advisors to examine the needs of
special interest groups affected by preservation efforts, and respond to the
corresponding needs of other groups.” Excellent
THE INCREDIBLE PRAIRIE PICTURE SHOW –LESSON PLAN
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/08/gk2/prairiek2.html
A lesson plan on the grasslands ecosystem for grades K-2. “As a grassland ecosystem, the dominant
vegetation of the prairie is grass. However, the diversity of plant and animal
species is astounding, reaching beyond the well-known mammal species—bison and
black-footed ferret—to the mountain plover, the tiger salamander, and countless
grass and insect species. On an acre of prairie, there may be a million animals
that eat grasses and/or other plants. In this lesson, students will use their
prior and newly found knowledge to create their own vision of the prairie by
creating a prairie ecosystem mural.”
Excellent
INTRODUCING BIODIVERSITY – LESSON PLAN NEW!
http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/lessons.cfm?DocID=440
A lesson plan
for grades 3-5 on biodiversity. “In this lesson, biodiversity is introduced by having students
identify and talk about what they know about the various habitats around them,
including the amazing variety of life. Using online resources, they identify
the basic components necessary for biodiversity, the critical and countless
benefits of habitats, as well as the serious present and future threats to
their ongoing existence.” Excellent
INVASIVE SPECIES – LESSON PLAN NEW!
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/14/g68/newsinvasive.html
A lesson plan
for grades 6-8 on invasive species. “Human
beings have often moved different species from their original habitats to new
locations in order to meet some human need. When this happens, the environment
is altered, but not always in the manner intended. While some people support
human manipulation of the habitats of various species, others argue that it may
not be worth the potential risks.” Excellent
IS THE ENVIRONMENT IN DEEP
WATER? EXPLORING NATURAL AND HUMAN
THREATS ON FRESH WATER AND MARINE
ECOSYSTEMS – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/19991130tuesday.html?searchpv=learning_lessons
A lesson plan for grades 6-12 ecosystems. “Students closely examine, in small groups,
various fresh water and marine ecosystems, researching the aquatic life they support,
threats from nature and humans, and preservation efforts. Each group then
creates a model of their researched water ecosystem that demonstrates both
physical form and the natural and human threats to this system.” Excellent
IT’S GETTING HOT IN HERE: EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF THE ENACTMENT
OF THE KYOTO PROTOCOL ON
COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20041214tuesday.html
A lesson plan on the Kyoto Protocol for grades 6-12. “In this lesson, students will investigate
different countries’ varying levels of support of the Kyoto Protocol. They will then write articles
for foreign newspapers from the perspectives of delegates at the current
convention in Buenos Aires
at which the protocol is being enacted, sharing their educated perspectives on
the impact of the protocol on their countries.”
Excellent
IT’S ONLY NATURAL: EXAMINING
SOME OF THE WORLD’S ENVIRONMENTAL AND
CLIMATIC CHALLENGES AND
TECHNOLOGIES EMPLOYED TO THWART THEM – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20050223wednesday.html
A lesson plan for grades 6-12 on the environment. “In this lesson, students consider a plan to
stop flooding problems in Venice
and then research other environmental and climatic challenges that have
technological "solutions." They then create thematic world maps illustrating
these problems and write reaction papers about whether or not technology should
be used to stop or alter nature's path.”
Excellent
IT’S TOUGH TO BE A LEATHERBACK TURTLE –
LESSON PLAN NEW!
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/18/g35/ccleatherback.html
A lesson plan
for grades 3-5 on leatherback turtles. “In
this lesson, students will learn about leatherback turtles and the threats they
are facing, and they'll see pictures of volunteers studying the turtles and
their eggs on the beach. The students will consider how Crittercam can add to
these studies, and they'll conclude by creating signs that might be posted on
the beach to inform visitors of leatherback research and conservation and
appropriate ways to behave on beaches where leatherbacks nest.” Excellent
IT’S UP IN THE AIR: CONDUCTING SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH ON
THE AIR QUALITY IN YOUR SCHOOL COMMUNITY – LESSON PLAN NEW!
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20060509tuesday.html?searchpv=learning_lessons
A lesson plan on
air quality for grades 6-12. “In
this lesson students will conduct a scientific experiment that reveals what
types of particles are in the air at their school. Students will then report on
these results and write letters to Steven Johnson, the Administrator for the
Environmental Protection Agency.” Excellent
JUST
TURN IT OFF – LESSON PLAN
http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/Lessons.cfm?DocID=23
A lesson plan for grades K-2 on energy
conservation. “In this lesson, students will probe the problem of what happens to a
battery-operated flashlight when it is not turned off. Students will extend
this context to household items like lights, radios, televisions, and
computers.
This lesson is designed to begin to enable
students to construct understanding of the consumption of energy by themselves
as consumers. At this age, the concept of energy can be very misleading to
students. Young children think of energy as being used up. They do not readily
understand conservation of energy. Also, they do not understand that once
energy is converted it is not necessarily in a usable form. These are
misconceptions that students develop early and hold through much of their
school careers.” Excellent
KEEP OFF THE REEF!: EXAMINING THE
ENDANGERMENT OF CORAL REEFS AS A BYPRODUCT OF GLOBAL WARMING – LESSON PLAN NEW!
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20060404tuesday.html?searchpv=learning_lessons
A lesson plan on
coral reefs for grades 6-12. “In
this lesson, students conduct research to prepare proposals for an aquarium
exhibit that highlights the significance of coral reefs. Students will focus
their study on global warming and its impact on coral reefs around the world.” Excellent
LAND AND
PEOPLE LESSON PLANS
http://interactive2.usgs.gov/learningweb/teachers/landpeople.htm
“Land
and People: Finding a Balance is an environmental study project that engages
high school students in studying earth science resource issues. The project
focuses on the interaction between people and the environment in three regions
of the United States: Cape
Cod, Los Angeles, and the Everglades.
Each section of this project is devoted to one of the three regions.” For grades 7-12. Excellent
LEARNING TO GIVE: LESSON PLANS
http://www.learningtogive.org/lessons/index_page.asp
Lesson plans that focus on
environmental and societal issues through organizational and volunteer
efforts. A different but practical
approach to the topics. Excellent
●ARE YOU A RIVER KEEPER? – CURRICULUM UNIT
http://www.learningtogive.org/lessons/unit5/
A unit for
grades 6-8 on river quality. “Learners
will examine the health of a river by conducting scientific quantitative and
qualitative analysis. They will measure temperature, discover macroinvertebrate
diversity and pH levels. They will examine processes of sediment deposition and
draw conclusions based on data. Through learning about the four sectors,
learners will relate the roles each have in supporting healthy water for all
stakeholders. Students will understand the role of the legislature and
nonprofit organizations in maintaining a healthy river and relate concepts of
community capital, stewardship, individual and collective responsibility. They
will complete a service project presentation that will educate other students,
connect public interest nonprofit groups and involve learners in an action plan
to improve river quality.” Includes
4 lessons. Excellent
●BUILDING A MINI-PARK AND BIRD SANCTUARY – CURRICULUM UNIT
http://www.learningtogive.org/lessons/unit11/
A unit for
grades 3-5 on creating a park and bird sanctuary. “The
learner will: ● read trade books about others who
have built or helped to build parks and gardens that were meant to bring joy
and peace into their own and others' lives. ● design a mini-park and bird
sanctuary. ● locate an area on their own campus or in the surrounding area
of their school, obtain the proper permission to build the park and/or garden,
do the scientific studies needed to prepare for the park/garden, purchase
needed supplies. ● take all the steps necessary to build and maintain the
park/garden.”
Includes 7 lessons. Excellent
●ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS AND
THE THREE ECONOMIC SECTORS – CURRICULUM UNIT
http://www.learningtogive.org/lessons/unit27/
A unit for grades 9-12 on
organizations focused on the environment.
“This unit sets the stage for an introduction to the three economic
sectors: "profit,"
"nonprofit"
and "government."
The students learn what makes an organization fit into its appropriate
category. Taking that information, they apply it to researching environmental
groups within the three categories. Students must decide into which sector they
fall and why. The students then take their knowledge of nonprofit organizations
and apply that information to the research of nonprofit environmental
organizations. The historical focus of this unit is the 1960's and the students
are introduced to the factors that led to the creation of the environmental
movement. The unit has a strong economic focus as well that allows student to
interpret data about environmental nonprofit organizations investigated. This
information is used as students decide how to invest their time and money in a
nonprofit environmental organization.” Includes 3 lessons. Excellent
●FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
HUNGER, AROUND THE BLOCK, AROUND THE WORLD –CURRICULUM UNIT
http://www.learningtogive.org/lessons/unit172/
A unit for grades 9-12 on world
hunger. “Learners will describe proper
nutrition and compare their own eating habits with what is recommended by
experts. They will define hunger and malnutrition and investigate local
organizations from the four sectors of society which provide food for the
hungry. Learners will research governmental and nongovernmental domestic and
global programs dealing with hunger and describe the importance of
nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in feeding the hungry.” Includes 4
lessons. Excellent
●HELPING OTHERS TO FEED THEMSELVES –
CURRICULUM UNIT
http://www.learningtogive.org/lessons/unit140/
A unit for
grades K-2 on nutrition and hunger. “In
conjunction with a unit on nutrition, the students learn what they can do to
help people who are living in poverty to be able to provide the necessary
nutrition to their own families. (You could do this unit during October for
World Hunger Day or in March for March is Reading Month. You might also do it
in April in conjunction with Earth Day.)
Teacher Notes: You
will need to order in advance a free leader’s guide from Heifer International.
The guide arrives in 7-10 days and includes a book, video and complete
instructions and materials for the “Read-to-Feed” program. Call 1-800-422-0474 or go
to Heifer International’s Website <www.readtofeed.org>. “Read to Feed” is a reading activity in which children solicit
pledges for each book they read. Through pledges from friends and family,
readers earn money to “purchase” food-producing animals and training for hungry
families who lack necessary resources.
Be sensitive to the socio/economic and ethnic effects on the perception of a
balanced meal or good diet.” Includes
4 lessons. This unit uses a guide from
Heifer International for the project. It is free. Excellent
●THIS LAND IS OUR LAND:
PERISH OR FLOURISH? – CURRICULUM UNIT
http://www.learningtogive.org/lessons/unit188/
A unit for grades 6-8 on the use
of public and private land. “A
comparison is established in Lesson
One: How
Does My Government Grow? between the well being of living things and our
democracy. Learners will describe the importance of Core Democratic Values in a
democratic government and analyze the way they support philanthropy. The
learner then investigates science concepts regarding plant life as the
comparison continues to be further developed. Learners also learn about the
many influencing factors when deciding how to use private and public land.
During the academic service component, learners will have the opportunity to
provide direct service as they plant and/or maintain flowers. Learners are
empowered with many choices as they are engaged in many hands-on activities and
group interaction which emphasize critical thinking and substantive
conversation throughout the unit.” Includes
5 lessons. Excellent
●WATER RESOURCES AND THE
ROLE OF THE INDEPENDENT SECTOR – CURRICULUM UNIT
http://www.learningtogive.org/lessons/unit124/
A unit for grades 6-8 on water
resources. “Water is an essential element
for life as we know it on earth. We know that the amount of water on the earth
is finite. It is not an infinite resource nor is it strictly a renewable
resource. We, as inhabitants of the planet, are constantly using and reusing
the water we have. We know that the amount of water on the earth is the same
now as it was two thousand years ago and beyond. The big difference between now
and past milleniums is the amount of water per person, distribution of the
water in relation to our ever increasing population and the quality of the
water at our disposal. This unit will direct students to study these issues and
to understand the role government(s), business and industry, the independent
and family sectors play in preserving our water resources.” Includes 4 lessons. Excellent
LEATHERBACK SEA TURTLES
AND THEIR SPECIAL COMPASSES – LESSON PLAN
NEW!
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/09/gk2/migrationturtles.html
A lesson plan for grades K-2 on leatherback sea turtles. “Students
will learn some basic information about leatherbacks and hypothesize why
individual leatherbacks were able to find their way from Costa Rica to the Galápagos
Islands without any obvious navigational aids. They will learn to
use compasses and hear about research indicating that leatherbacks might have
their own internal compasses. Finally, students will draw pictures of people
and leatherbacks navigating the ocean and write paragraphs to explain their
drawings.” Excellent
LEOPARD SEALS AND PENGUINS: A DELICATE
BALANCE – LESSON PLAN NEW!
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/08/g68/seasseal.html
A lesson plan on seals and
penguins for grades 6-8. “The Crittercam leopard seal video
describes the delicate relationship between leopard seals and penguins.
Students will consider the factors that could contribute to the disruption of
this balance. They will brainstorm their ideas about this topic, but feel free
to provide them with hints or add your own ideas. The primary goals of the
lesson are for students to learn some basic information about leopard seals and
the Antarctic ecosystem and to think carefully about the fragility of the
ecological balance. This concept can naturally be extended to any ecosystem.
Students will conclude the lesson by drawing diagrams of the Antarctic food web
and factors that could potentially change its structure and by writing
paragraphs describing their drawings.” Excellent
LESSONS ON THE LAKE
– LESSON PLANS
http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/of98-805/lessons/index.htm
“The goal of Lessons on the Lake:
An Educator's Guide to the Pontchartrain Basin
is to educate students, grades 5-12, about the environmental importance of the Lake Pontchartrain Basin. The guide facilitates instruction
for teachers, allows easy access to information on environmental issues
surrounding the watershed, and captures the interests of students. The activities provide youngsters with an
understanding and appreciation of the Lake Pontchartrain Basin
and give them the skills to identify environmental concerns, make changes, and
solve problems. The ultimate goal of Lessons
on the Lake is that, in addition to
learning about the watershed, students will also acquire a strong sense of
stewardship.” Although this
focuses on the Lake Pontchartrain
Basin, there is a lot of
general information on wetlands.
Excellent
LIQUID DENSITY AND OIL SPILLS – LESSON PLANS
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/14/g68/trythisoil.html
A lesson plan on grades 6-8
on oil spills. “Students are probably aware that oil and
water form separate layers when mixed together, but they may not have thought
of this fact in terms of density. They will conduct a simple experiment
demonstrating the variable densities of corn syrup, water, glycerin, and
vegetable oil. Students will then transfer this concept to an examination of
cleanup methods used in the Exxon Valdez oil spill. They will conclude by
writing paragraphs hypothesizing what would happen during an oil spill if oil
and water were the same density and therefore mixed together easily.” Excellent
LIVING IN THE BIOSPHERE: PRODUCTION, PATTERN, POPULATION AND DIVERSITY – LEARNING MODULE
http://www.colorado.edu/geography/virtdept/module/biosphere/toc.html
“Biogeography examines questions
of organism inventory and pattern, organisms' interactions with the
environment, and the processes that create and change inventory, pattern, and
interactions. What organisms are present in the assemblage of a space is an
inventory question. The productivity of that space is a question of the
environmental interactions of the organisms there. The question of an
organism's distribution in differing abundance is a pattern problem. This
module uses time series maps and simple simulation models to illustrate how
human actions alter biological productivity patterns at local and global
scales. The module also demonstrates how human alterations of land cover change
the dispersal processes that affect the distribution patterns and diversity of
organisms.” For grades 9 and up.
Excellent
MAD
ABOUT MADAGASCAR:
EXPLORING A BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOT – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20040330tuesday.html?searchpv=learning_lessons
A lesson plan for grades 6-12 on biodiversity. “In this lesson, students research the
biodiversity of Madagascar
and write policy statements with recommendations on how to preserve this island
hotspot.” Excellent
MAGGIE’S EARTH ADVENTURES NEW!
http://www.missmaggie.org/
A collection of lesson plans and theme units on various
environmental topics. Students click on
Cartoons to choose their “missions”.
Outstanding. Note: Includes
several items for sale in addition to the free materials. Excellent
MAJOR BIOMES OF THE WORLD – LEARNING MODULE
http://www.colorado.edu/geography/virtdept/contents.html
“This
module presents basic content on
the distribution and nature of the world's major biomes. It considers the
structure, characteristic growthforms, and taxonomic affiliations of the
vegetation; major soil order(s); and common adaptive characteristics of the
fauna of the tundra, boreal forest, temperate broadleaf deciduous forest,
tropical broadleaf evergreen forest, tropical savanna, temperate grasslands,
desertscrub, and Mediterranean shrub biomes. Study hints and critical thinking
questions follow the content units.” For
senior high students. Excellent
MANAGING THE EVERGLADES
ECOSYSTEM – LESSON PLAN
http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/Lessons.cfm?DocID=79
A lesson plan on the Everglades for grades 9-12. “This
lesson uses the Internet to explore the Everglades ecosystem using the
resources on the Everglades
National Park website,
providing students with experiences that they may not be able to acquire
firsthand. This investigation is most appropriate for a 9th or 10th grade
biology class.” Excellent
MATERIALS 2: RECYCLED MATERIALS
– LESSON PLAN
http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/Lessons.cfm?DocID=17
A lesson plan for grades K-2 on recycling. “In Materials 2:
Recycled Materials, students are introduced to the idea that some materials can
be recycled. They will investigate the types of materials that can be reused,
as well as potential uses for each type of recyclable material.” Excellent
MATHEMATICS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS – CURRICULUM UNIT
http://illuminations.nctm.org/index_o.aspx?id=84
A curriculum unit with five lesson plans applying math to environmental
concerns. For grades K-8. “In
the following lessons, students participate in activities in which they
investigate the data in connection with recyclable materials and develop plans
to help the environment. This lesson includes an individual activity for
four different levels and one for parents to complete with their child at
home. The grade levels for the four activities are: K-1, 2-4, 5-6, and
7-8. The fifth activity is appropriate for grades K through 8.” Excellent
METEOROLOGY CLASSROOM
ACTIVITIES
http://ww2010.atmos.uiuc.edu/(Gh)/guides/crclm/act/home.rxml
Nine 90 minute classroom activities on topics such as Pressure, Air
Masses, Precipitation Along Fronts, etc.
Each classroom activity is accompanied by a teacher guide. There are also projects and other
resources. A very extensive site. See also ONLINE METEOROLOGY GUIDES Excellent
MIDDLE SCHOOL ENERGY EDUCATION MODULES NEW!
●YOU MAKE IT HAPPEN! – MIDDLE SCHOOL
ENERGY EDUCATION MODULE 1
http://www.earth.uni.edu/EECP/mid/mod1.html
A learning
module on energy education for middle school students with activities, projects
such as creating a video and more. Excellent
●ENERGY CONVERSIONS – MIDDLE SCHOOL
ENERGY EDUCATION MODULE 2
http://www.earth.uni.edu/EECP/mid/mod2.html
A learning
module on energy education for middle school students with activities, projects
and more. This unit studies energy
conversions such as from food to fuel.
Excellent
●THE POWER TO MOVE A STATE – ENERGY
AND TRANSPORTATION – MIDDLE SCHOOL ENERGY EDUCATION MODULE 3
http://www.earth.uni.edu/EECP/mid/mod3.html
A learning
module on energy education for middle school students with activities, projects
and more. This unit studies the energy
used for transportation. Excellent
●REDUCING OUR ENERGY CONSUMPTION –
MIDDLE SCHOOL ENERGY EDUCATION MODULE 4
http://www.earth.uni.edu/EECP/mid/mod4.html
A learning
module on energy education for middle school students with activities, projects
and more.
This unit
studies ways to reduce our consumption of energy. Excellent
● GLOBAL ENERGY PERSPECTIVE – MIDDLE SCHOOL ENERGY
EDUCATION MODULE 5
http://www.earth.uni.edu/EECP/mid/mod5.html
A learning
module on energy education for middle school students with activities, projects
and more.
This unit studies the global
effects of pollution and global warming.
Excellent
THE MIGHTY HUDSON STRETCHES ITS MUSSELS: COMPARING
NOTABLE ECOSYSTEM DISRUPTIONS… LESSON PLAN
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20000404tuesday.html?searchpv=learning_lessons
A lesson plan on ecosystem disruption for grades 6-12. “In this two-day lesson plan, students
investigate how human and natural disturbances can impact the functioning and
health of an ecosystem. Students research 'disturbed ecosystems,' present their
findings to the class, and visually represent similarities and differences
among ecosystem disturbances.” Excellent
MINE OVER MATTER: INVESTIGATING
THE COAL MINING INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20060104wednesday.html
A lesson plan for grades 6-12. “In
this lesson, students learn about the January 2006 Sago, West Virginia coal mining accident. They
then research coal mining in the United States and use their data to
create illustrated posters. Students' work will reflect the history, uses, and
methods of mining as well as address health and safety hazards and concerns.” Excellent
MODELING ORBITAL DEBRIS
PROBLEMS – LESSON PLAN
http://illuminations.nctm.org/index_d.aspx?id=376
A lesson plan for grades 9-12 on orbital debris. “In this lesson, students examine the
problem of space pollution caused by human-made debris in orbit to develop an
understanding of functions and modeling. It allows the students an opportunity
to use spreadsheets, graphing calculators, and computer graphing utilities.” Excellent
MOUNTAIN ADVENTURES: EXPLORING
THE HIMALYAS, ANDES AND APPALACHIANS -
CURRICULUM UNIT
http://www.kidsgardening.com/TMI/teachers/introduction.htm
A curriculum unit for grades 5-8 exploring three mountain rangers and
their plant life focusing on the diversity of plants and water resources. “Welcome to Mountain Adventures: Exploring the Himalayas, Andes, and Appalachians. This curriculum is designed to
introduce students (grades 5-8) to the role and importance of native plants in
the United States
and abroad. As students conduct situational simulated expeditions in the
tallest (Himalayas), longest (Andes), and oldest (Appalachians)
mountain ranges in the world, they explore different themes related to native
plants, such as biodiversity and ethnobotany. Throughout the five modules
comprising the curriculum students also conduct related local activities,
enabling them to learn about their surroundings and to consider local/global
commonalities.” Excellent
MUTANT INSECTS – LESSON PLAN NEW!
http://artsedge.kennedy-center.org/content/3804/
A lesson plan
for grades 5-8 on mutant insects. “Students
will learn about mutation, types of mutagens, and their impact on animal
species. They will compare and contrast the scientific concept of mutation with
the artistic concept of "morphing." Students will research the
bodies, habitats, and life cycles of different types of insects. Students will
use problem-solving skills to develop a unique "mutant" insect, then
make a clay model on which they will build a papier-mâché insect.” Excellent
MYSTERIES OF THE MONK SEAL – LESSON PLAN NEW!
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/18/g35/ccmonkseal.html
A lesson plan
for grades 305 on monk seals. “This
lesson asks students to think about why species become extinct and why monk
seals are on the verge of extinction. They will write questions to help figure
out why the monk seal is endangered, and discuss how Crittercam might help
answer these questions. They'll conclude by writing and performing skits
pretending they are Crittercam scientists studying monk seals.” Excellent
THE NILE
IN CRISIS- LESSON PLAN
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/03/g912/morellcrisis.html
A lesson plan for grades 9-12 on the Nile River
and its human settlements.
“High school students should be able to analyze the interrelationships
between physical systems (such as rivers) and human settlements and activities.
This activity asks them to examine the current water situation in the Nile
River region, focusing on the Blue Nile and the Egyptian Nile, and to
investigate ways in which the damming of the Nile has changed this river significantly
from the way it was in ancient times.” Excellent
NINE LIVES, ONE HABITAT: EVALUATING POTENTIAL SITES FOR
REINTRODUCING THE ENDANGERED FLORIDA
PANTHER – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20021015tuesday.html?searchpv=learning_lessons
A lesson plan for grades 6-12 on endangered species. “In this lesson, students explore the
concept of the reintroduction of endangered species into new habitats. Students
research and promote possible sites for reintroducing populations of Florida panthers outside of their current habitat in the Big Cypress Swamp region of southwest Florida.”
Excellent
NO MAGIC BORDERS – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/01/gk2/nomagic.html
A lesson plan for grades K-2 on pollution. “Governments all over the world have protected
natural areas of particular value or beauty. Various regulations determine what
is allowed and what is prohibited in these areas. Yet, for a number of reasons,
regulations may not be enough to protect wild areas and the resources within
them. For example, neither exotic plants entering our communities nor polluted
air from industrial areas observe borders. An arbitrary line on a map will not
keep wildlife such as grizzly bears, wolves, or birds from leaving a protected
area in search of food or force wildlife to follow a traditional migration
pattern. In this lesson, students will learn about how important it is to take
care of our land and protect it from pollution.” Excellent
NOT JUST A CORNY IDEA:
EXPLORING CUTTING-EDGE METHODS
USED IN THE PRODUCTION OF ETHANOL AND
THEIR POTENTIAL FOR ALTERNATE ENERGY SOURCES – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20060207tuesday.html
A lesson plan for grades 6-12 on
alternate energy sources. “In
this lesson, students explore the ways in which ethanol can be created using
alternate energy sources. Students will gain a broader understanding of the
promising practices currently being utilized so that “ethanol can realize its
potential” as a viable alternative to oil.”
Excellent
NURTURING NATURE: ANALYZING THE
IMPACT OF HUMANS IN ENVIRONMENTAL DISASTERS
- LESSON PLAN
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20010123tuesday.html?searchpv=learning_lessons
A lesson plan for grades 6-12 on the environment. “In this lesson, students identify some of
Earth's most serious environmental problems and what causes them. They then
look into legislation and regulations designed to address these problems, and
write letters to a relevant environmental organization stating their views
about the ways that the problems are being addressed.” Excellent
ONE FOOT, TWO FOOT, RED FOOT, GREEN FOOT:
PROPOSING SOLUTIONS TO DECREASE YOUR TOWN’S CARBON FOOTPRINT – LESSON PLAN NEW!
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20080122tuesday.html?searchpv=learning_lessons
A lesson plan
for grades 6-12 on a town’s carbon footprint.
“In this lesson, students reflect on the meaning of a “carbon
footprint” and methods of reducing it. They then research various technological
innovations designed to decrease greenhouse gas emissions and develop a
proposal packet for their city or town detailing ways to reduce the carbon
footprint of their local municipality.”
Excellent
OPEN OCEAN – BLUE PLANET SERIES – LESSON PLAN
http://school.discovery.com/lessonplans/programs/BP_openocean/
A lesson plan on life in the open ocean for grades 6-8. “Students will • research facts about animal
species featured in the video; • prepare illustrated cards with facts; and •
create a food-web display.”
You may borrow the Blue Planet series from the AVA Center.
Order VT507067 Open
Ocean. Excellent
OUR MISSION: SAVE PLANET EARTH – CURRICULUM GUIDE
http://www.cis.yale.edu/ynhti/curriculum/units/1993/5/93.05.03.x.html
A curriculum guide for grades 4-6 on environmental problems. “The purpose of this environmental unit is for students at the fourth to sixth grade levels, working in cooperative groups, to research several key environmental problems and brainstorm possible solutions after intense investigation. My students ‘ “mission “ will begin in the Amazon Basin of South America Here the “scientists “ will research the devastating effects that deforestation and global warming have on the rain forest’s ecosystem. After analyzing data and developing theories for preserving the rain forests, our “scientists” will travel to Yaldez, Alaska, to evaluate clean-up techniques after the March 1989 Exxon spill that poured eleven million gallons of toxic, crude oil into Prince William Sound. After experimenting with various clean-up techniques, our research group will reach its final destination, the Antarctic Ocean to determine the effects that chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons have on our depleting ozone layer.” Excellent
PASSENGER PIGEONS: NOMADS LOST
– LESSON PLAN
http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/lessons.cfm?BenchmarkID=5&DocID=374
A lesson plan for grades 6-8 on extinction. “This lesson will help
the class consider the human forces that drove the extinction, including both
the collective mentality regarding conservation and the new technologies that
made extinction a possibility. The lesson will also show how the biology of
this bird locked it into a death spiral once its population had declined below
a critical threshold. Finally, the lesson will suggest some implications of the
loss of an abundant species for the ecosystems of which it was a part and how
events that occurred a century or more ago can impact our modern world.” Excellent
PEOPLE AND ENDANGERED
SPECIES – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/08/g35/endangered.html
A lesson plan for grades 3-5 on
endangered species. “This lesson provides students with an overview of some endangered
species and of the ways that human activities contribute to species
endangerment. When studying these topics, it is important to provide students
with a sense of optimism and to help them figure out ways they can help protect
species. Students will be asked to devise their own species protection plans.” Excellent
PETS: OH
BEHAVE – LESSON PLAN NEW!
http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/lessons.cfm?DocID=288
A lesson plan for grades 6-8 on animal behavior. “This
benchmark talks about the wide range of behaviors among species. This lesson
will focus on pets, specifically cats, dogs, birds, and small mammals. These
animals are generally attractive to humans because they can learn behaviors.” Excellent
PHOTOSYNTHESIS, TREES AND THE GREENHOUSE
EFFECT – LESSON PLAN NEW!
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/08/g68/brainpopphoto.html
A lesson plan on photosynthesis for grades
6-8. “In this lesson, students will study photosynthesis and then transfer
their understanding of this topic to a consideration of how trees can help
reduce the negative impacts of the greenhouse effect. They will read a Web page
describing the greenhouse effect, carbon dioxide's role as a greenhouse gas,
and the role of humans in exacerbating this effect.
Students will also browse the Web site of an organization that sponsors
tree planting programs and consider how these programs might help reduce or
slow down the increase of the greenhouse effect. They will conclude by writing
paragraphs telling younger kids about the benefits of trees and plants.”
Excellent
PILOT WHALES’ PLACE IN THE OCEAN – LESSON
PLAN NEW!
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/08/g35/ccseaswhale.html
A lesson plan
for grades 3-5 on pilot whales. “Pilot
whales are extremely social animals, living in pods that sometimes contain
hundreds of individuals. Their social bonding is so strong that they sometimes
follow each other to their deaths upon beaches, an event which happened in 2002
on Cape Cod. Students will learn about pilot
whales' sociability and bonding and will consider how Crittercam might help
scientists learn more about their social behaviors. Students will write
research plans proposing questions that scientists could ask when using
Crittercam to study pilot whale social behavior in deep water.” Excellent
PLANET EARTH – A SUITE OF INTERACTIVE LEARNING ACTIVITIES ON ECOLOGY –
CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES
http://www.powayschools.com/projects/mt&r/PlanetEarthMainPage.htm
Web-based classroom activities on
ecology aimed at grades 5-9. Topics:
Make a Difference in Your World, the Earth’s Treasures, Ecology Hotlist (list
of ecology links), and Conflict Yellowstone Wolves Webquest. Includes a Teacher Toolbox. Excellent
POLAR
REGIONS: ARCTIC ADAPTATIONS AND GLOBAL IMPACTS – LESSON PLAN
NEW!
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/08/g68/seatoshiningsea2.html
A lesson plan for grades
6-8 on the Arctic region. “Ocean literacy involves
understanding, among other things, that the ocean supports a great diversity of
life and ecosystems, and that the ocean and humans are inextricably
interconnected. This lesson explores these principles through the From Sea to Shining Sea
map (PDF, Adobe Reader required), using the habitat of the Beaufort
Sea and other Arctic communities as examples. Students will learn
about the adaptive capabilities of animals and people living in these
environments, look at recent climate changes, study the effects of global
warming on polar regions such as the Beaufort Sea area, and ultimately
understand the interconnectedness of life in these regions with life around the
world. Finally, they will learn about, and practice articulating, the message
of the upcoming International Polar Year.”
Excellent
POLLUTION – LIST OF LINKS –
LESSON PLANS
http://edtech.kennesaw.edu/web/pollute.html
A list of links about habitats and landforms. Suitable for elementary students. Includes Research/Informational Sites and
Lesson Plans/Activities. Also in
Websites section. Excellent
POPULATION ISSUES IN CHINA AND
INDIA
– LESSON PLAN
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/09/g912/population.html
A lesson plan for grades 9-12 on
population density. “China and India are the two most
populous countries in the world, but they have taken very different approaches
to population control. Students will gather population statistics for these two
countries, read about population issues in both places, and determine whether
India should adopt a one-child policy like the one implemented by the Chinese
government.” Excellent
POPULATIONS AND ECOSYSTEMS – CURRICULUM MODULE
http://www.fossweb.com/modulesMS/PopulationsandEcosystems/index.html
A curriculum module for middle school students. “The Populations
and Ecosystems Course explores ecosystems as the largest organizational
unit of life on Earth, defined by their physical environment and the organisms
that live in them. Students learn that every organism plays a role in its
ecosystem and has structures and behaviors that allow it to survive. Students
raise populations of organisms to discover population dynamics and interactions
over a range of conditions. They learn that food is the source of energy used
by all lifeforms in all ecosystems to conduct life processes. Reproduction
(including limiting factors), heredity, and natural selection are explored as
ways to understand both the similarity and the variation within and between
species.” For middle school
students. Excellent
POSTCARDS FROM THE EDGE:
ENDANGERED SPECIES – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/08/g68/habitat68.html
A lesson plan for grades 6-8 on
endangered species. “In this lesson, students will
learn about endangered species in the United States, some of the reasons
they are endangered (e.g. habitat destruction or the introduction of invasive
species), and what is being done to protect them. Students will choose one
species to focus on and examine the reasons it is endangered, and why it is
important to make an effort to save it.” Excellent
THE POWER OF OBSERVATION: CREATING A FIELD
GUIDE OF SPECIMENS FOUND IN A LOCAL ENVIRONMENT – LESSON PLAN NEW!
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20060808tuesday.html?searchpv=learning_lessons
A lesson plan
for grades 6-12 on observing wildlife. “In
this lesson, students practice observing and recording the details of a
specimen. In pairs, they collect and record observations about a particular
specimen they find in the wild and write a detailed description of it for a
comprehensive field guide.”
Excellent
POWER PLANS: ROLE-PLAYING A
COMMITTEE HEARING ON NUCLEAR POWER AND
SAFETY – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20040810tuesday.html
A lesson plan for grades 6-12 on nuclear power. “In this lesson, students will consider what
they already know about nuclear power and its uses and then examine an accident
at a nuclear power plant. They then research and create reports on nuclear
energy.” Excellent
POWER PLAY: EXAMINING THE
CURRENT CLIMATE OF ENERGY CONSERVATION AND
CONSUMPTION IN THE UNITED STATES – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20010521monday.html?searchpv=learning_lessons
A lesson plan for grades 6-12 on energy conservation. “In this lesson, students explore their own
attitudes and practices regarding energy use, and then examine the perspectives
of others in order to develop their understanding of the current political
debate on energy policy.” Excellent
THE POWERS THAT BE: EXAMINING
THE LEGISLATION UNDERLYING U.S.
ENERGY POLICIES SINCE 1970 – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20030414monday.html?searchpv=learning_lessons
A lesson plan on energy policies for grades 6-12. “In this lesson, students investigate past
energy legislation, then write letters to Congress from the perspective of
citizens trying to influence the original passage of these bills.” Excellent
PRAIRIE CHICKEN PAGEANT –
LESSON PLAN
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/16/g35/prairie35.html
A lesson plan for grades 3-5 on prairie chickens and the efforts to
preserve them. “In this lesson, students will
learn about the challenges of saving the prairie-chicken in its American
habitat. They will study the habits of prairie-chickens and learn about what is
being done to save them, and the conserve the areas in which they live.” Excellent
PRESERVATION IS IMPORTANT? SAYS
WHO? – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/06/g35/molson.html
A lesson plan for grades 3-5 on preservation. “In this lesson, students will learn about
Olson's efforts to identify extinct or nearly extinct plants, and consider the
issues surrounding conservation efforts in a variety of contexts. Students will
read National Geographic Kids News articles and identify different viewpoints
regarding conservation issues. They will then explain the ways in which
people's backgrounds and experiences influence their views of conservation.” Excellent
PRESERVATION ISSUES: COMPETING
INTERESTS – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/06/g68/molson.html
A lesson plan for grades 6-8 on preservation. “In this lesson, students will learn about
Olson's efforts to identify extinct or nearly extinct plants, and consider the
issues surrounding conservation efforts in a variety of contexts. Students will
compare the perspectives of those who are most intensely involved in both
wildlife conservation and agriculture, and form an opinion as to what might be
done to reconcile their conflicting priorities. Students will research two
sides of a specific issue and construct arguments supporting specific
viewpoints.” Excellent
PRESERVING HEALTH THROUGH BIODIVERSITY –
LESSON PLAN NEW!
http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/lessons.cfm?DocID=438
A lesson plan
for grades 9-12 on biodiversity. “As the Benchmarks for
Science Literacy states, students do not generally have difficulty
grasping the notion that species depend on one another and on the environment
for survival. But their awareness must be supported by knowledge of the kinds
of relationships that exist among organisms, the kinds of physical conditions
that organisms must cope with, the kinds of environments created by the
interaction of organisms with one another and their physical surroundings, and
the complexity of such systems.” Excellent
PRESERVING PARADISE: LOCATING
ENDANGERED ECOSYSTEMS AROUND THE WORLD – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20060125wednesday.html
A lesson plan for grades 6-12 on
endangered ecosystems. “In
this lesson, students learn about the death of conservationist Joan Root and
her efforts to protect Kenya’s
Lake Naivasha. They then research other
endangered “hotspots” around the world and design ad campaigns to help create
public awareness of these ecosystems.” Excellent
THE PRICE OF POWER: TAKING A
STANCE ON THE DEBATE OVER ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY REGULATIONS FOR
COAL-BURNING POWER PLANTS - LESSON PLAN
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20020827tuesday.html?searchpv=learning_lessons
A lesson plan on energy resources for grades 6-12. “In this lesson, students learn about the
current political debate over regulating power plant emissions. They then
research, formulate, and present arguments regarding selective catalytic
reduction systems for coal-burning plants.”
Excellent
THE PROS AND CONS OF
ARTIFICIAL REEFS – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/08/g912/artificialreefs.html
A lesson plan on artificial reefs
for grades 9-12. “This lesson asks students to
consider whether artificial reefs (human-made objects in the ocean or sea) are
good for marine ecosystems. Students will look at pictures of artificial reefs
and read articles describing the pros and cons of these structures. They will
conclude by writing paragraphs explaining whether they think a new artificial
reef should be created in Florida
waters.” Excellent
PROTECT OUR PLANET – CURRICULUM
UNIT
http://mars.ecesc.k12.in.us/units/planet/PROPLA~1.HTML
A curriculum unit for upper elementary students designed to promote
environmental awareness. Contains eight
lesson plans. Excellent
PROTECTING
AFRICA’S WILDLIFE – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/14/gk2/africawildlife.html
A lesson plan for grades K-2 on protecting
wildlife. “In this lesson, students will consider how
people affect the natural environment in their home area and in Africa. They will learn about two African habitats (the
savanna and the rain forest) and some of the animals that live there, and focus
on how cheetahs and chimpanzees make use of their habitats. Students will
conclude by creating posters to encourage people to protect the savanna and the
rain forest, as well as the animals in the area where they live.” Excellent
PROTECTING HOLY COWS: THE
EFFECTS OF POLLUTION, INDUSTRIALIZATION, AND
OTHER HUMAN ACTIVITIES ON THE WORLD’S BIOMES – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/19981021wednesday.html?searchpv=learning_lessons
A lesson plan for grade 6-12 on pollution. “In this lesson, students reflect on and
research how humans affect animal life, plant life, and environmental
conditions of specific biomes, particularly due to pollution and industrialization.” Excellent
PUBLIC LANDS: PRESERVE OR DEVELOP? – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/13/g68/preserveordevelop.html
A lesson plan on public land
management for grades 6-8. “This
lesson introduces students to the various ways that public lands are valued,
used, and managed in the United
States. Students will compare and contrast
different types of public lands, then simulate the decision-making and
communication involved in converting private land to public land, taking into
consideration the location, terrain, and climate of the land, as well as the
needs and desires of the region's residents. Students will imagine that they
are able to bequeath a parcel of land to their state for public use, then
create an argument for the best use of the property.” Excellent
PUMP IT UP: EXAMINING THE USE AND IMPORTANCE OF GASOLINE AND
OTHER ENERGY SOURCES AROUND THE WORLD – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20040602wednesday.html?searchpv=learning_lessons
A lesson plan for grades 6-12 on energy sources.
“In this lesson, students explore the rising cost of gasoline and how it
impacts people around the world differently. They learn about gasoline usage
and alternate forms of energy used in several countries, and then consider the
relationship between people in their country and oil.” Excellent
THE QUEST FOR LESS – ACTIVITIES
AND RESOURCES FOR TEACHING
K-6
http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/education/quest/index.htm
A teacher resource from the EPA on the environment, pollution, waste
management and more. Click on the topics
on the left for a list of activity sheets and lessons. Excellent
RACE FOR SURVIVAL – CLASSROOM ACTIVITY NEW!
http://www.nps.gov/archive/maca/learnhome/cur_p_rac.htm
A classroom activity for grades 1-8 on species
survival. “GOAL: Given an environmental change the student will select a possible
adaptation for survival.” Excellent
RAIN
FOREST – LIST OF LINKS – LESSON PLANS
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 LESSON PLANS
http://www.rainforest-alliance.org/programs/education/teachers/curriculum/index.html
A collection of lesson plans for grades K-8 on the rainforest. Each grade has multiple lesson plans plus
additional information and activities. Outstanding. Now expanded to 8th grade. Excellent
REALLY WILD ANIMALS: WILL PEOPLE CHANGE
THEM FOREVER? – LESSON PLAN
NEW!
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/14/g35/faywild.html
A lesson plan
for grades 3-5 on animals in the wild. “Students
have probably already learned a little about animal behavior and threats to the
tropical rain forest. This lesson asks them to consider the ways in which human
activities in the rain forest might affect the behaviors of some well-known
African mammals, particularly in the Congo
River Basin.” Excellent
RECYCLING
– LIST OF LINKS – LESSON PLANS
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
REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE: PREPARING A
NEWSLETTER FOCUSING ON COMMUNITY RECYCLING – LESSON PLAN NEW!
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20071011thursday.html?searchpv=learning_lessons
A lesson plan on
recycling for grades 6-12. “In
this lesson, students share opinions about products that can be reused and
recycled. They then investigate and create articles focusing on recycling
issues for a newsletter.” Excellent
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES –
LESSON PLAN
http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/Lessons.cfm?DocID=26
A lesson plan for grades 6-8 on renewable energy sources. “This lesson is
designed to help students investigate and evaluate renewable energy sources. Most
students can name several renewable resources, but have little understanding of
them. It's important for students to examine controversial issues associated
with renewable energy sources from multiple perspectives; by exploring
benefits, drawbacks, and social ramifications, students will develop a deeper
appreciation for these complex issues. “
Excellent
RESEARCH AND
CONSERVATION: DOING THE LEGWORK – LESSON PLAN
NEW!
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/14/g68/fayresearch.html
A lesson plan for grades 6-8 on conservation. “In this lesson, students learn
about the ways in which geographical studies can be put to practical use, such
as in helping to preserve the rain forest. Students will think about the
importance of counting and studying all the species in an ecosystem, such as
the Congo River Basin. Students will learn about
biogeographical barriers, biodiversity, and conservation.” Excellent
RESPONSIBLE WHALE WATCHING – LESSON PLAN NEW!
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/14/g35/seaswhale.html
A lesson plan
for grades 3-5 on whales. “This
lesson asks students to think critically about the positive and potentially
negative aspects of whale-watching tours. Students will explore two Web sites
with pictures and information about tours, and brainstorm the pros and cons of
whale watching. They will take a close look at a poster that shows guidelines
for responsible whale watching and write essays explaining their views on
whale-watching tours and guidelines.” Excellent
RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD:
ENDANGERED SPECIES SURVIVING ON THE BRINK OF EXTINCTION - LESSON PLAN
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20001024tuesday.html?searchpv=learning_lessons
A lesson plan for grades 6-2 on endangered species. “In this lesson, students research
endangered animal species that have 'beaten the odds' as they continue to
survive longer than scientists had expected. Students write individual pages
for a class book about endangered species.” Excellent
RIGHT WHALE AND PEOPLE –
LESSON PLAN NEW!
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/14/gk2/rightpeople.html
A lesson plan
for grades K-2 on right whales. “This lesson introduces students to a highly
endangered species—the northern right whale—and asks them to think about how
this species' geographical distribution places it in direct contact with human
threats such as ships. Students will draw pictures of right whales and add
commercial ships and other human activities to their drawings. They will
conclude by writing sentences explaining how the whales they have drawn might
be affected by the human activities and what might be done to help the whales.” Excellent
SABLE ISLAND’S SEALS, SHARKS AND SAND LANCES – LESSON
PLAN NEW!
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/08/g35/ccsable.html
A lesson plan
for grades 3-5 on Sable
Island wildlife. “In this lesson, students will discuss the
concept of competition in nature and will learn about competition between these
two seal species on Sable
Island. They'll conclude
by drawing food chains showing sharks, seals, and sand lances and writing
paragraphs explaining what their food chains show.” Excellent
SAND
DOLLARS: EXAMINING THE BENEFITS AND
DRAWBACKS OF LAND DEVELOPMENT IN
THE BAHAMAS
– LESSON PLAN
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20000301wednesday.html?searchpv=learning_lessons
A lesson plan for grades 6-12 on development of resources. “In this lesson, students debate the issues
of economic prosperity, cultural preservation and environmental preservation in
examining the proposed development of land in the Bahamas.” Excellent
SCHOLASTIC’S CELEBRATE EARTH DAY – CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES
http://teacher.scholastic.com/lessonrepro/lessonplans/earthday/index.htm
Seven activities for Earth Day.
Excellent
SEASONAL SEAS – BLUE PLANET SERIES – LESSON PLAN
http://school.discovery.com/lessonplans/programs/BP_seasonalseas/
A lesson plan on seasonal changes in the oceans for grades 6-8. “Students will • research a marine
invertebrate and create an illustrated report; and • contribute to a classroom
exhibit.” You may borrow the
Blue Planet series from the AVA Center. Order VT507068 Seasonal Seas. Excellent
SEEING THE FORESTS FOR THE
TREES: EXPLORING TROPICAL FORESTS AS NATURAL RESOURCES - LESSON PLAN
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20020821wednesday.html?searchpv=learning_lessons
A lesson plan for grades 6-12 on natural resources. “In this lesson, students explore changing
logging practices in the Congo
Republic and research the
many roles of tropical forests as a natural resource. To synthesize their
understanding, students write letters to loggers in Africa,
urging them to adopt responsible logging practices.” Excellent
SEEING
THE HUMAN IMPACT ON AFRICA: WHAT CAN YOU LEARN
FROM A PLANE? – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/01/g68/africa
plane.html
A lesson plan for grades 6-8 on the human
impact on Africa. “After visiting the National
Geographic magazine feature Africa MegaFlyover reading the National
Geographic News article about Michael Fay, Africa Explorer Takes Off on
Yearlong Aerial Survey, students will analyze several maps of Africa to see
where the greatest levels of human impact can be observed. They will look at
photographs from different parts of Africa
showing both its human and natural landscapes, and will consider what these
images might look like from the air. Students will conclude by writing letters
pretending they are traveling on the MegaFlyover project and predicting the
human impacts they will observe.” Excellent
SHEDD EDUCATIONAL ADVENTURES –
SHEDD AQUARIUM – LESSON PLANS
http://www.sheddaquarium.org/sea/
Lesson plans, activity guides and other resources on the ocean, ocean
creatures, and aquatic habitats.
Excellent
SIMFOREST SOFTWARE
http://ddc.hampshire.edu/simforest/index.html
“Students can plant trees from a pool of over 30 regional species, set
environmental parameters such as rain fall, temperature, and soil conditions,
and watch the forest plot grow and evolve over many years. A forest plot's
sensitivity to natural and man-made disturbances can be evaluated, and emergent
properties such as species succession can be observed. Graphing and analysis
tools are provided to make inquiry more efficient. There are two versions of
the SimForest educational simulation that you dan download from this site: the
"back box" simulation and the "glass box" simulation. In
the more advanced glass box version learners can inspect and modify the
underlying forest growth model (however, the glass box version is still an
early prototype--download at your own risk!).”
Click on
Curriculum Materials for the curriculum guide.
The software and curriculum materials are aimed for grades 7-12. There does not appear to be any charge for
using the program. Excellent
SOCIAL STUDIES RECYCLING
CURRICULUM FOR K-5
http://www.mcps.k12.md.us/curriculum/socialstd/Recycle.html
Four to six lesson plans per grade for grades K-5 on
recycling. Outstanding. Excellent
SOLAR ENERGY – CURRICULUM
MODULE
http://www.fossweb.com/modules3-6/SolarEnergy/index.html
A curriculum module for grades 3-6. “The Solar
Energy Module consists of four investigations that allow students to
experience solar energy firsthand and to investigate the variables that affect
solar-energy transfer.” Excellent
SOLVING THE SEA TURTLE MYSTERY – LESSON
PLAN NEW!
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/08/g68/ccloggerhead.html
A lesson plan
for grades 6-8 on sea turtles. “Students will consider the reasons for this
significant difference in vulnerability between the green turtle and the
loggerhead turtle. They will be asked to think critically about hints they'll
be given concerning Shark Bay's sea turtles and their ability to evade tiger
sharks.” Excellent
A SORE SIGHT FOR EYES:
EXAMINING VISUAL POLLUTION WITHIN OUR COMMUNITIES – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20000907thursday.html?searchpv=learning_lessons
A lesson plan for grades 6-12 on blight. “In this lesson, students consider 'visual
blights,' including technology-related ones, in their communities. Students
will closely examine one 'eyesore' and present planning recommendations to a
mock local zoning board.”
Excellent
SPACESHIP
EARTH – LESSON PLAN
http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/lessons.cfm?DocID=295
A lesson plan for grades 6-8 on the Earth as
a system. “This lesson is entitled
Spaceship Earth to reinforce the idea that our planet is–in reality–like a
spaceship hurtling through space on a long-duration mission. There is no
resupply from outside sources. Recycling is as much a part of the natural order
of things as is the sunrise everyday. Pollution occurs when there are outputs
that cannot be used as inputs for something else. Pollution is harmful and can
be downright dangerous. The connections between parts of the natural system are
imperative to its normal operation. By actively thinking through what it takes
to keep people alive on a spaceship, the students will come to understand more
fully what it takes to keep people alive on this planet.” Excellent
SPECIES FOR SALE: ENDANGERED SPECIES AS COMMODITIES- A
SCIENCE LESSON – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/19990504tuesday.html?searchpv=learning_lessons
A lesson plan for grades 6-12 on endangered species. “Students explore wildlife conservation by
investigating animal species that are near extinction due to their value as
commodities. Students defend the protection of an endangered species researched
in class by creating an informational poster and by writing a position paper
that explains the importance of preserving this species.” Excellent
SPIRIT BEAR SPEAKS:
PROMOTING CULTURALLY SENSTIVE AND
ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE ECOTOURISM IN THE GREAT BEAR RAIN FOREST – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20060208wednesday.html
A lesson plan on ecotourism for
grades 6-12. “In this lesson, students learn
about the recent groundbreaking agreement to preserve five million acres of Canada’s Great Bear Rain Forest. They then create
informative ecotourism brochures highlighting such topics as Native Canadian
culture and history, animal species and aquaculture of the Great Bear,
responsible logging, ecotourist activities and accommodations, and others.” Excellent
SPRAWL: THE LOCAL AND
NATIONAL SITUATION – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/12/g912/sprawlnational.html
A lesson plan on urban sprawl for
grades 9-12. “Since urban sprawl is such a
noticeable part of today's American landscape, students may already be familiar
with many of the characteristics of sprawl and the issues that accompany it. In
this lesson, they will investigate how sprawl impacts the environment, people's
daily lives, and the local and regional economy. Students will draw mental maps
to illustrate their impressions of modern suburbs, and view maps and aerial
photos of a nineteenth century town that has recently become a modern suburb.
They will conclude by researching and reporting on the sprawl situation in a
nearby metropolitan area.” Excellent
SQUARE OF LIFE –
STUDIES IN LOCAL AND GLOBAL
ENVIRONMENTS – A COLLABORATIVE PROJECT
http://www.k12science.org/curriculum/squareproj/index.htm
“In this project students will plot square meters in their
school yards and record the living and non-living things that are found
therein. They will submit this information to the project database for all to
view. Students will then compare and contrast their information with that
submitted by other classes and prepare a brief report or presentation that will
be posted to the project web site. Throughout the run of the project, classes
will be encouraged to communicate with other schools via the Discussion Area.” For middle school/junior high students. Excellent
THE SUN
TIMES – THE GLOBAL SUN TEMPERATURE
PROJECT – A COLLABORATIVE PROJECT
http://www.k12science.org/curriculum/tempproj3/en/
“The
Global Sun Temperature Project is an Internet-based multidisciplinary project
which will enrich a student's learning experience through "Unique and
Compelling" applications of instructional technology. In particular, this
project taps into some of the exciting applications of the Internet in
education by having students collaborate in large numbers across great
distances to determine how proximity to the equator affects average daily
temperature and hours of sunlight.”
For middle school/junior high students.
Excellent
SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST? –
LESSON PLAN NEW!
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/08/g912/crocssurvival.html
A lesson plan for grades 9-12 on crocodilians. “Crocodilians, including
crocodiles and alligators, are ancient animals that survived the period of mass
extinction at the Cretaceous/Tertiary boundary about 65 million years ago.
While scientists are not sure why crocodilians are so hardy, they have plenty
of evidence from modern and prehistoric crocodilians like SuperCroc (Sarcosuchus imperator) to develop
hypotheses on this question. Students will investigate this evidence and write
reports on their findings.” Excellent
TAIGA – LIST OF LINKS – LESSON
PLANS
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 Websites section. Excellent
TAKE A DIP: THE WATER IN OUR LIVES PROJECT – A COLLABORATIVE PROJECT
http://www.k12science.org/curriculum/dipproj2/en/
“this project taps into some of
the exciting applications of the Internet in education by having students
collaborate in large numbers across great distances to compare water quality
data and organisms found at the water sampling site. By participating in this
project, students also have the opportunity to interact with experts online,
use an online asynchronous discussion board to to discuss project-related
topics, and publish their own work to this project web site.” For middle school/junior high
students. Excellent
TAKING CARE OF OUR OCEANS
– LESSON PLAN
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/14/gk2/seascare.html
A lesson plan for grades K-2 on
oceans. “In a 2000 report, the World
Resources Institute stated the following: "In 1995, over 2.2 billion
people—39 percent of the world's population—lived within 100 km of a coast, an
increase from 2 billion people in 1990. The coastal area accounts for only 20
percent of all land area." According to 2002 data from the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, over 50 percent of people in the United States live within 50 miles of the ocean
or Great Lakes. High coastal population densities
have an impact on marine life, such as sea turtles and manatees. In this
lesson, students will consider why so many people live near the coast and learn
about the impacts of this trend on ocean animals. They will make posters to
educate coastal residents and visitors about human impacts on marine life.” Excellent
TAKING FROM THE GIVING TREE:
EXPLORING LEGISLATION RELATING TO THE PRESERVATION OF URBAN TREES – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20060131tuesday.html
A lesson plan for grades 6-12 on
preservation of trees. “In
this lesson, students explore the ways in which various American cities
negotiate the protection of their “green infrastructure,” gaining a broader
understanding of proposed and enacted legislation as it relates to preserving
and planting trees in urban environments.”
Excellent
TALKING TRASH ABOUT THE OCEANS:
CREATING A COMMUNITY SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO STOP OFFSHORE DUMPING – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20000718tuesday.html?searchpv=learning_lessons
A lesson plan for grades 6-12 on pollution. “In this lesson, students create a community
service advertising campaign that raises awareness about the importance of
keeping trash out of the marine ecosystem. Students work in teams to create
different ad campaigns geared toward particular target audiences. Students
implement their plans by producing posters promoting their messages.” Excellent
TEACHING CHILDREN ABOUT
BACKYARD CONSERVATION - LESSON
PLANS
http://www.wildlifehc.org/managementtools/backyard-lessonplans.cfm
Lesson plans and information for teaching grades 3-12 about
conservation measures to take in our own backyards and our communities.
Excellent
THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME: DISCUSSING IN
SITU AND EX SITU CONSERVATION – LESSON PLAN NEW!
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20060606tuesday.html?searchpv=learning_lessons
A lesson plan on
conservation of endangered species for grades 6-12. “In this lesson, students learn how
conservationists have collected endangered frogs from a Central American
rainforest in an attempt to save different species from extinction by the
lethal chytrid fungus. They then take part in a “fishbowl” discussion on the
various aspects of “in situ” versus “ex situ” conservation.” Excellent
There's No Place Like Home -
Exploring How Animals and Insects
Adapt to Habitat Fragmentation – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20020108tuesday.html
A lesson plan from the New York Times for
grades 6-12. “In this lesson, students speculate about why animals
leave their natural habitats and how various species react differently to
habitat fragmentation. They then synthesize their understanding of habitat
fragmentation by designing a shopping district that would aim to minimize the
harmful effects of habitat fragmentation on certain species in their city or
state.” Excellent
THIRSTY FOR DROUGHT RELIEF:
EVALUATING DIFFERENT STRATEGIES FOR MANAGING DROUGHT CONDITIONS - LESSON PLAN
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20030128tuesday.html?searchpv=learning_lessons
A lesson plan for grades 6-12 on drought. “In this lesson, students research a variety
of drought-related concerns, acting as part of a ‘drought preparedness
taskforce.’ They then propose next steps for the government to take in case of
drought and assess the viability of these proposals.” Excellent
30 GOOD REASONS FOR TREES –
CLASSROOM ACTIVITY
http://www.eduplace.com/rdg/gen_act/earth/trees.html
A science activity for elementary classes in which they produce a book 30
Good Reasons for Trees. Excellent
TIDAL SEAS – BLUE PLANET SERIES – LESSON PLAN
http://school.discovery.com/lessonplans/programs/BP_tidalseas/
A lesson plan on tidal changes in the oceans for grades 6-8. “Students will • discuss specific examples of how tides
affect the hunting, survival, or breeding behaviors of animals; and • work in
pairs to create their own "Tidal Trivia" game.” You may borrow the Blue Planet series
from the AVA
Center. Order VT507069 Tidal Seas. Excellent
TILMAN’S ECOSYSTEM SURVIVAL KIT: THE EXPLORATION OF ECOSYSTEMS: A LESSON FOR
THE SCIENCE CLASSROOM – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/19981006tuesday.html
A lesson plan on ecosystems for grades 6-12. “Students will explore the relationship
between species and how species survive and coexist in their specific
environments. Students will read and discuss pertinent facts from the Times
article 'Scientist at Work: Ecologists Measures Nature's Mosaic, One Plot at a
Time.' Finally, students will conduct their own research project on a specific
ecosystem.” Excellent
TOO BRIGHT AT NIGHT? – LESSON PLAN
http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/lessons.cfm?DocID=242
A lesson plan on light pollution
for grades 6-8. “In this lesson, students will
consider the negative consequences of nighttime lighting, enabled by the
invention of electric lights at the close of the 19th Century. They will
discover that there are unintended consequences resulting from our ability to
illuminate the night, just as there are benefits. In particular, they will learn how excessive
night lighting in suburbs and in rural areas from street lamps and other
sources of "light pollution" have obscured our view of
constellations, meteor showers, and even the planets. This has had an impact
not only on our enjoyment of the night sky, but also on the science of
astronomy which relies on observations of extremely faint objects that can be
made only with large telescopes at sites free of air pollution and urban sky
glow.” Excellent
TOUR DU JOUR: PROJECTING THE
IMPACT OF INCREASING GLOBAL TEMPERATURES ON THE TOURIST ECONOMY – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20060315wednesday.html
A webquest for grades 6-12 on global environmental changes. “In this lesson, students learn
how warmer temperatures have impacted ice drift tourism on the northern coast
of Hokkaido, Japan. They then consider the ways
a continued warming trend might impact other global tourist destinations in the
future.” Excellent
TOXIC TECHNOLOGY: EXAMINING MATERIALS USED TO MAKE COMPUTERS AND PERSUADING LOCAL COMMUNITIES TO RECYCLE THEM
PROPERLY – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20051025tuesday.html
A lesson plan for grades 6-12 on
recycling in which students learn about the materials used in computers and the
need to recycle them. Excellent
TRACKING GORILLAS IN THE MIST:
EXPLORING THE INTEGRATION OF TECHNOLOGY INTO CONSERVATION – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20000411tuesday.html?searchpv=learning_lessons
A lesson plan for grades 6-12 on conservation. “In this lesson, students investigate the
technologies used in monitoring and tracking the habitat of the mountain
gorilla to better understand how technology is being integrated into
conservation efforts.” Excellent
TREAD LIGHTLY: INVESTIGATING WAYS TO REDUCE
CARBON FOOTPRINTS – LESSON PLAN NEW!
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20070508tuesday.html?searchpv=learning_lessons
A lesson plan on
carbon footprints for grades 6-12. “In
this lesson, students learn about the exchange of carbon credits to offset
corporate emissions. They then investigate their own “carbon footprints” and
reflect on how they can reduce their impact on the environment.” Excellent
TREES – CURRICULUM MODULE
http://www.fossweb.com/modulesK-2/Trees/index.html
A curriculum module for grades K-2.
“The giant sequoia is the most massive living organism on Earth.
It is a tree, magnificent in dimension and awe inspiring in its longevity and
durability. To stand in the company of such giants is to experience the scale
of life.
To a kindergartner the oak on the corner, the pines at the park, and
the mulberry trees at school are giants. Systematic investigation of trees will
bring students to a better understanding of trees' place at school and in the
community, and will provide some solid experiences on the way to understanding
all plants.” Excellent
TUNDRA– LIST OF LINKS – LESSON
PLANS
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 Websites section. Excellent
TURNING THE TIDE ON
TRASH: MARINE DEBRIS CURRICULUM
http://www.epa.gov/OWOW/OCPD/Marine/contents.html
A curriculum unit for junior/senior high
students on marine debris, its impact on marine life and possible
solutions. Excellent
UNDERSTANDING WILDERNESS – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/13/g912/wilderness.html
A lesson plan on wilderness for
grades 9-12. “This lesson introduces students
to the concept of wilderness and the role that wilderness preservation has
played throughout American history. Students will conduct research on different
historical wilderness issues or events and analyze those events in the context
of the political and cultural climate of that particular time.” Excellent
UP FOR RENEWAL: EXPLORING MODERN RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES- LESSON PLAN
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20050727wednesday.html
A lesson plan for grades 6-12 on
renewable energy. “In this lesson, students learn
about China’s
nationwide renewable energy law and its expanding wind energy industry. They
then explore various types of modern renewable energy sources and the ways in
which they are implemented” Excellent
URBAN
ECOSYSTEMS– LESSON PLAN SERIES
A series of five lesson plans for grades 6-8
showing that cities are a special type of ecosystem. Excellent
1/ URBAN ECOSYSTEMS 1: CITIES ARE
URBAN ECOSYSTEMS
http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/lessons.cfm?DocID=276
“Urban Ecosystems 1 introduces
some of the principles of ecology, including the definition of an ecosystem as
a community of living organisms interacting with its non-living environment.
Students will be introduced to the study of ecosystems and models that are used
by urban ecologists. The class will be invited to visit websites to see where
the cities are on the planet, and they will have a chance to try some hands-on
urban nature education activities.
A common student misconception related to this topic is
that cities are separate from nature and do not need to be considered in the
study of ecosystems. According to urban historians, this view is largely a
phenomenon of the Enlightenment and Romantic period, which gathered particular
strength in the new United
States following the American Revolution.
The founders had a strong focus on agrarianism and there were very definite
fears of urban growth corrupting American politics and society—as they felt had
happened in the Old World.”
2/URBAN ECOSYSTEMS 2: WHY ARE
THERE CITIES? AN HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/lessons.cfm?Grade=6-8&BenchmarkID=4&DocID=277
“Urban Ecosystems 2 looks at
the conditions that led to the development of early cities (i.e. food
production), as well as some of the factors that caused the decline of early
cities (i.e. unsustainable resource use). Students will visit a variety of online
sites to see pictures and perform exercises. They will try to bring their
learning back home again in the summary exercises that focus on their personal
family histories and the history of their local urban ecosystems.
A common student misconception related to this topic is
that because of technology, cities are not governed by the natural laws that
apply to other ecosystems. In fact, because of their intensive resource use in
nearby areas, cities throughout history give us very good examples of how unsustainable
use of natural resources can result in disaster.”
3/ URBAN ECOSYSTEMS 3: CITIES AS POPULATION CENTERS
http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/lessons.cfm?Grade=6-8&BenchmarkID=4&DocID=278
“Urban Ecosystems 3 looks at
the enormous increase in size and number of cities in the very recent past and
the influence of fossil fuel use in particular on urbanization. In this lesson,
students will visit a variety of websites that deal with urban population,
fossil fuel consumption, and the signals (i.e. carbon dioxide emissions) that
can be used to track population changes.
A common student misconception
related to this topic is that “what is now has always been.” In fact, the last
two generations have seen astronomical growth in the size of cities, in the
proportion of the world population that lives in cities, and in fossil fuel
use.”
4/URBAN ECOSYSTEMS 4: METABOLISM OF URBAN ECOSYSTEMS
http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/lessons.cfm?DocID=279
“Urban Ecosystems 4 will show
students that most of the materials and energy used by a city come from outside
the city boundaries. Students will need to have at least a general working
understanding of the concepts of flow (as in energy flow) and cycles (as in
nutrient cycles) in order to get the most out of this lesson. The Development
section includes elements of a tutorial. A general ecology text, or the ecology
chapter of a biology text, could be consulted for more detail.”
5/ URBAN ECOSYSTEMS 5: IN DEFENSE OF CITIES
http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/lessons.cfm?DocID=280
“In Urban Ecosystems 5, the class
will learn about the concept of an ecological footprint. They will use an
online ecological footprint calculator to compare the environmental impact of
different levels of resource use, kinds of transportation, and similar factors.
The second exercise will explore the natural world that exists in their
community, no matter how urban it might be. Finally, they will brainstorm the
qualities and characteristics of what they might consider an excellent, livable
community.”
End of part 2
USING PHOTOGRAPHY TO HELP SAVE THE OCEANS –
LESSON PLAN NEW!
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/18/g35/doubiletphoto.html
A lesson plan for grades 3-5 on the oceans. “In this lesson, students will
learn about the importance of ocean conservation. They will think about how
photography can help humans understand the impact they are having on the oceans
by looking at the photography of David Doubilet. They will look at animals that
are endangered because of human behavior, and choose one to study in depth.
Finally, students will draw the animal they choose and describe why it is in
peril and how it can be protected.”
Excellent
USING VENN DIAGRAMS TO COMPARE TWO ECOSYSTEMS – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/08/g68/venn.html
A lesson plan for grades 6-8 on
ecosystems. “The following lesson helps
students identify and describe differences between two related ecosystems. By
acquiring geographic information from a number of sources, and by using that
information to complete a Venn diagram—two overlapping ovals in which one can
chart the exclusive and shared characteristics of two ecosystems—students will
understand the distribution of temperate and tropical rain forests and the
unique characteristics of both.” Excellent
WANTED: A BREATH OF FRESH AIR: INVESTIGATING CAUSES, EFFECTS AND METHODS TO CONTROL AIR
POLLUTION - LESSON PLAN
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/19990520thursday.html?searchpv=learning_lessons
A lesson plan for grades 6-12 on pollution. “In this lesson, students examine the causes
and effects of air pollution, as well as ways in which various industries and
government organizations are aiming to control it. Students first use the
Internet to answer a series of questions about air pollution and to compile a
list of related Web sites, and then use these Web sites to create informative
posters about specific air pollution topics.” Excellent
WASTE
NOT, WANT NOT: PREPARING PUBLIC INFORMATION CAMPAIGNS IN SUPPORT OF WATER
CONSERVATION – LESSON PLAN NEW!
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20071024wednesday.html?searchpv=learning_lessons
A lesson plan for grades
6-12 on water conservation. “In this lesson, students share
opinions about the causes and effects of droughts. They then investigate and
prepare public information campaigns supporting water conservation in their
community.” Excellent
WATER – CURRICULUM MODULE
http://www.fossweb.com/modules3-6/Water/index.html
A curriculum module for grades 3-6. “Water is the most important substance on
Earth. Water dominates the surface of our planet, changes the face of the land,
and defines life. These powerful, pervasive ideas are introduced here. The Water Module consists of four
investigations in which students explore properties of water, changes in water,
interactions between water and other earth materials, and how humans use
water.”
Excellent
WATER, WATER, EVERYWHERE –
LESSON PLAN
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/04/g912/newswater.html
A lesson plan on water conservation for grades 9-12. “Most Americans take an endless supply of
drinkable water for granted. This is not so in all parts of the world. The goal
of this lesson is to familiarize students with the realities about water supply
in other nations, as well as in the United States, and what the future
holds.” Excellent
WATER WHAT-IFS: WATER
QUALITY AND MACROINVERTEBRATES – LESSON PLANS
NEW!
http://www.ncsu.edu/sciencejunction/depot/experiments/water/lessons/macro/index.html
Lesson plans for
middle to high school students on macroinvertebrates in water. “Macroinvertebrate Lessons 1, 2, and 3 are
intended for middle school and high school science students. These lessons
focus on macroinvertebrate surveys, and how a pH change and the introduction of
pesticides and fertilizers can affect an aquatic ecosystem.” Excellent
WATT’S UP? A CO-NECT ENERGY
PROJECT
http://exchange.co-nect.net/Teleprojects/project/?pid=1&session=vvsj9ZSHz1G&cid=1
“Through this project, students monitor electricity use in their
school, compare this data with other schools, develop and implement a
conservation plan, and try to significantly curtail electricity use and
spending.” A project for upper elementary students in
which they learn how to monitor electricity use and develop a conservation
plan. Covers 4 weeks. Needs a free sign-up. Excellent
WEATHERING THE WEATHER:
EXPLORING THE EFFECTS OF GLOBAL WARMING ON YOUR COMMUNITY – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/19990518tuesday.html?searchpv=learning_lessons
A lesson plan on global warming for grades 6-12. “In this lesson, students investigate global
warming through initial discussion of recent findings regarding weather
patterns. Students act as city planning 'committees' concerned with how the
trends in global warming will affect the agriculture, industries and other
aspects of their city. Each committee develops a series of strategies to better
prepare for global warming trends in their city, as well as proposes ideas for
ways in which people in the city can combat the causes of global warming.” Excellent
WETLAND WELFARE: PREPARING ORAL
PRESENTATIONS ABOUT WETLANDS IN THE UNITED STATES – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20050906tuesday.html
A lesson plan on wetlands for
grades 6-12. “In this lesson, students
research wetlands in the United
States and create visual aids for use in
oral presentations that make recommendations on preserving or restoring wetland
welfare.” Excellent
WETLANDS– LIST OF LINKS –
LESSON PLANS
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 Websites section. Excellent
WHAT ARE MANATEES? – LESSON PLAN NEW!
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/14/gk2/manateeswhat.html
A lesson plan
for grades K-2 on manatees. “This
lesson introduces students to manatees. Students will learn about manatees'
behavioral characteristics and how manatees in captivity interact with people.
They will conclude by creating "manatee booklets" to educate others
about this species.” Excellent
WHAT’S SO KEY ABOUT A KEYSTONE SPECIES? – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/07/g912/co2.html
A lesson plan for grades K-2 on keystone species. “Students will learn about Tiger
Sharks through Web sites such as National Geographic: Filming Tiger Sharks.
Students will draw food chains and conduct a simulation to see the relationship
between members of the Shark
Bay ecosystem and to
understand why the tiger shark is considered a keystone species. They will
conclude by writing paragraphs describing these relationships.” Excellent
WHAT’S WRONG WITH THE OCEANS? CAN
PHOTOGRAPHY HELP?– LESSON PLAN
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/18/g912/doubiletwrong.html
A lesson
plan for grades 9-12 on the environmental problems facing the world’s oceans. “Students at this level should be
continuing their studies of the world's environmental problems and the factors
that contribute to these problems, as well as learning about and hypothesizing
potential solutions. In this lesson, students will research environmental
problems facing the world's oceans and will think about how the art of
photography can help solve these problems, using David Doubilet's photography
as an example.” Excellent
WHEN THINGS START HEATING UP –
LESSON PLAN
http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/lessons.cfm?DocID=330
A lesson plan for grades 3-5 on the heat generated by human
activities. “Purpose To understand how and why heat is produced
from things that give off light, from machines, or when one thing is rubbed against
another.” Excellent
WHEREFORE THE BEEF?: DIAGRAMMING ENERGY
COSTS RELATED TO THE PRODUCTION OF MEAT – LESSON PLAN NEW!
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20080129tuesday.html?searchpv=learning_lessons
A lesson plan on
energy costs associated with the consumption of meat for grades 6-12. “In this lesson, students conduct a
one-question interview on issues related to the production and consumption of
meat, then demonstrate and discuss the inherent and additional energy costs
related to the production of meat.” Excellent
WHICH TURTLE FOR THE TIGER
SHARK? – LESSON PLAN NEW!
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/08/g35/ccloggerhead.html
A lesson plan for grades 3-5 on sea turtles. “In this lesson, students will
consider the reasons for the significant difference in vulnerability between
the turtle species. They will be asked to think critically about hints they'll
be given concerning Shark Bay's sea turtles and their ability to evade tiger
sharks.” Excellent
WHO GIVES A HOOT? DISCOVERING
THE INTRICACY OF FOOD CHAINS –
LESSON PLAN
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20050308tuesday.html
A lesson plan for grades 6-12 on food chains. “In this lesson, students consider an
unusually large wave of owl migration and its various impacts on the
environment and food chain. They then understand how different biological and
environmental factors affect a food chain by creating a model and posing
questions about a particular species.” Excellent
WHO PAYS THE PRICE WHEN A SEA DISAPPEARS? – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/14/g68/disappear.html
A lesson plan
for grades 6-8 on environmental changes.
“This lesson asks students to learn about the problems in the Aral Sea region and to discover how the sea's water loss
is affecting specific groups of people, such as babies and fishers. They will
work in groups to prepare statements that these people might make, and will
present their statements to a mock United Nations panel.” Excellent
WHO SEES THE SEAS AS IMPORTANT?
– LESSON PLAN
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/06/gk2/thys.html
A lesson plan on the importance of our oceans for grades K-2. “In this lesson, students will learn about
some people who think the ocean is so important that they have devoted their
lives to studying it and its inhabitants. Students will learn about a specific
type of fish, and compare it to other fish using information gathered by people
who are studying these animals.” Excellent
WHOOPING CRANES AND
THEIR HUMAN FRIENDS – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/09/gk2/migrationcranes.html
A lesson plan for grades K-2 on whooping cranes.
“This lesson shows students how people are helping endangered whooping
cranes by teaching cranes raised in captivity how to live in the wild and how
to migrate. Students will view videos or photographs of whooping cranes being
raised by mechanical crane-like puppets and being led in their first migration
journeys by piloted ultra light aircraft disguised as birds. They will conclude
by creating timelines showing the process by which whooping cranes are raised
in captivity and taught migration routes.” Excellent
WHO’S AFRAID OF THE
REINTRODUCED WOLF?: THE EFFECTS OF REINTRODUCING SPECIES INTO HABITATS CHANGED
BY HUMANS – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20000314tuesday.html?searchpv=learning_lessons
A lesson plan for grades 6-12 on endangered species. “In this lesson, students investigate the
impacts of the reintroduction of animal species to the animals' natural
habitats, the animals themselves and humans.”
Excellent
WHOSE RITE IS IT? EXPLORING NATIVE AMERICAN AND WILDLIFE PROTECTION LAWS
– LESSON PLAN
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20001120monday.html?searchpv=learning_lessons
A lesson plan for grades 6-12 on endangered species. “In this lesson, students explore and debate,
from multiple perspectives, a petition to allow Hopi Indians to take golden
eagle hatchlings from a federal wildlife sanctuary for use in a religious
ceremony.” Excellent
WHY PRESERVE BIODIVERSITY?
– LESSON PLAN NEW!
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/08/g68/preserve.html
A lesson plan for grades 6-8 on
biodiversity. “People take different approaches
when making the case for preserving biodiversity. Some argue that biodiversity
is important to ensure access to new medications, while others emphasize the
importance of maintaining healthy ecosystems for recreational purposes such as
fishing or camping. Of course, many people use more than one argument when
calling for biodiversity protection. Students will discuss the importance of
maintaining ecosystems and will learn about the various arguments that people
make in favor of preserving the Earth's biodiversity.” Excellent
WILD HORSES: PUBLIC
PROPERTY? – LESSON PLAN NEW!
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/16/g912/wildhorses.html
A lesson plan on wild horses for grades 9-12. “Public lands, though owned by the
citizens of the United
States, are managed for multiple use. What
happens when allowing one species to freely graze on the property endangers
another plant or animal? This lesson introduces students to the challenge of
maintaining balance among the “competing” species that coexist on public
lands.” Excellent
WILD WILDLIFE: EXPLORING THE
MORAL, ECONOMIC AND ECOLOGICAL
IMPACTS OF ANIMAL EXTINCTION - LESSON PLAN
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/19991012tuesday.html?searchpv=learning_lessons
A lesson plan for grades 6-12 on extinction. “In this lesson, students investigate the
moral, economic and ecological impacts of the extinction of various animal
species. Students first assess how and why people support and refute actions
that lead to the extinction of animals. They then examine how the wild tiger
population has grown from near-extinction due to conservation efforts. Finally,
after research on a specific animal currently near extinction, students defend
the protection of that endangered species through a persuasive speech.” Excellent
WORKING TOGETHER FOR THE
MANATEE – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/14/g68/manateeworking.html
A lesson plan for grades 6-8 on the endangered manatee. “In this lesson, students will research the
manatee to find out why it is endangered. They will write speeches they might
give to boaters who are interested in helping protect the manatee.” Excellent
WORLD BUILDERS –
CURRICULUM NEW!
http://curriculum.calstatela.edu/courses/builders/index.html
A curriculum
resource on building your own world. “This
website ● has step by step information and hundreds of links to help you
design your world ● supports a university distance education course, EDIT
472 World Builders (March-June, 2007) ● is a resource for teachers who
want to teach their students how to build worlds ● is a model course
using constructivist and project-based learning ● welcomes home
schoolers, science fiction fans, and anyone who shares our interests ● provides
rubrics to guide projects in PowerPoint and web page authoring programs.” Look around the site for a wealth of
resources. Excellent
WORM BIN PROJECT UNIT
http://commtechlab.msu.edu/sites/letsnet/NoFrames/Subjects/science/b2u1.html
A unit on decomposition of waste
using worm bins for middle elementary students.
“ In this unit, students will learn about decomposition and the
life cycle by creating worm bins. Through direct observation, they will develop
an understanding of the effects different organisms, including humans, have on
one another. They will collect and share scientific data with students in
another school over email. Such activities will give students an opportunity to
explore scientific concepts in a manner that makes science more personally
relevant and meaningful.
Students will be able to collect background
information on the worm bin project using some of the resources provided as
well as directed Internet and library searches.
The plans for this unit are tailored to fit
classroom situations where students and teachers have access to several
computers that have internet access. To accommodate the fact that few
classrooms will have access to a computer lab with full Internet access,
students will work in research groups to explore internet sites and conduct
internet research.” Excellent
ALL ABOUT WATER - LESSON PLANS
http://www.courses.dsu.edu/eled320-360/Spring%202002/Gottschall/Unit/teacherwebsite.htm
Five
lesson plans on water, water pollution and water conservation, all for 3rd
grade. Very Good
BE A
PROTECTOR OF THE EARTH – RECYCLING COLORING AND ACTIVITY BOOK
NEW!
http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/Publications/RecyclingColoring.pdf
A printable coloring and
activity book on recycling. 19
pages. Very Good
BRINGING THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT DOWN TO EARTH – CLASSROOM ACTIVITY
http://www.fi.edu/tfi/activity/earth/earth-4.html
A classroom activity for grades 9-12 on the Greenhouse Effect. Very Good
DEAD ZONES: WHY ARE THE WATERS DYING? – LESSON PLAN
http://www.actionbioscience.org/environment/lessons/howarthlessons.pdf
A lesson plan for high school students on the factors that disrupt
underwater ecosystems. Students read
articles about oxygen depletion and how it leads to “dead zones” in the
ocean. There are two scenarios for
discussion. Includes discussion
questions for teachers. Very Good
DISCOVERING LIFE – CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES NEW!
http://members.ozemail.com.au/~macinnis/scifun/live.htm
A collection of
ideas for science activities. Very Good
DOWN THE DRAIN: HOW MUCH WATER
DO YOU USE? – COLLABORATIVE PROJECT
http://www.k12science.org/curriculum/drainproj/index.html
“How much water do you use everyday in your home? Would you be
surprised to learn that according to the USGS the average American uses between
80-100 gallons (approx. 300 - 375 liters) of water per day? Do you think
people in other parts of the world use more or less water than Americans? Well,
this collaborative project will help you find out the answers to these
questions. By collecting data on water usage from people around the world you
will be able to see how your water use compares to others and determine what
you might do to use less water.” For
grades 4-8. Very Good
EARTH DAY
FROM ABC TEACH – CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES
http://www.abcteach.com/directory/theme_units/month_to_month/d_april/earth_day/
A collection of puzzles and activities for Earth Day. Very Good
EARTH
PROBLEMS – CLASSROOM ACTIVITY NEW!
http://www.ac-nancy-metz.fr/enseign/anglais/Henry/earthwq.htm
Students study problems
such as Air Pollution and Vanishing Species and answer specific questions about
each topic. Very Good
ECOSYSTEMS/BIOMES
GAMES
http://members.aol.com/bowermanb/ecogames.html
A large collection
of games on ecosystems. Very Good
EEK! –
NATURE’S RECYCLERS COLORING BOOK NEW!
http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/caer/ce/eek/cool/natrec.htm
A printable coloring book
for elementary students on recycling.
Includes drawings of “nature’s recyclers” such as worms, microbes, and
more that break down organic compounds as well as pages showing children
recycling. 16 pages. Very Good
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION LESSON PLANS
http://www.geoec.org/lessons/index.html
A group of lesson plans on
environmental topics. Very Good
ENVIRONMENTAL
ISSUES IN THE POLAR REGIONS – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/05/g912/polarregions.html
A lesson plan for grades 9-12 on the polar regions and
their environment. “The polar regions are frequently neglected in discussions of the
environment, but they shouldn't be. The environment of the polar regions is
particularly susceptible to human impacts such as pollution and the depletion
of the ozone layer. Moreover, the effects of global warming on the polar
regions are likely to have major repercussions in the rest of the world. Students will learn about how environmental
problems affect the polar regions, and they will create magazine ads to educate
the public about these problems and to convince people to pay more attention to
human impacts on the Arctic and Antarctic.” Very Good
GLOBAL WARMING – CURRICULUM UNIT
http://commtechlab.msu.edu/sites/letsnet/noframes/subjects/science/b5u1.html
A five-lesson curriculum unit on
Global Warming for middle-senior high students.
Very Good
THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT IN A JAR – CLASSROOM ACTIVITY
http://www.fi.edu/tfi/activity/earth/earth-5.html
A classroom activity for grades K-8 on the Greenhouse Effect. Very Good
HOW DOES ACID RAIN AFFECT AN ECOSYSTEM? – DIRTMEISTER’S SCIENCE LAB
http://teacher.scholastic.com/dirt/ecosys/index.htm
Students follow the Dirtmeister, perform experiments and share the
results. Has a Teacher’s Guide. Very Good
HOW MUCH RAIN IN A RAINFOREST? – CLASSROOM ACTIVITY
http://teacher.scholastic.com/lessonrepro/lessonplans/theme/rain1.htm
“Activity: Students
compare the annual rainfall of the world’s major ecosystems, then create a bar
graph comparing the annual rainfall of the Amazon rain forest to the annual
rainfall in different regions of the United States. They will apply
graph skills to see how rainfall varies in different ecosystems and parts of
the world.” Very Good
HYDROTHERMAL VENT
COMMUNITIES – LESSON PLAN
http://www.botos.com/marine/vents01.html
A lesson plan for grades 7-10 on
hydrothermal vents. “This webpage will familiarize
students with a hydrothermal vent habitat. Students will learn where vents are
likely to form, how they form, and how physical conditions contribute to the
development of a living vent community and to its eventual demise.” Includes information on the various aspects
of geothermal vents. Very Good
A LOOK AT THE POPULATION DENSITY OF THE UNITED STATES
– LESSON PLAN
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/01/g912/density.html
A lesson plan on population density for
grades 9-12. “Students will create maps showing the
population density of the U.S.
at different scales. This will enable students to organize spatial information
in categories, analyze the information, and draw conclusions.” Very Good
LOW-LEVEL NUCLEAR WASTE: A GEOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS
– LESSON PLAN
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/18/g912/nuclearwaste.html
A lesson plan for grades 9-12 on nuclear waste. “In
this lesson, students will learn how to analyze the problems surrounding
nuclear waste. They will compare and contrast low- and high-level nuclear
waste, and make decisions concerning how to dispose of low-level nuclear
waste.” Very Good
RAIN: FRIEND OR FOE? – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/07/g68/rain.html
A lesson plan on rain for grades 6-8.
“In this lesson students will use their knowledge of rainfall, vegetation,
and the slope angles of hillsides to make decisions, predict outcomes, and
analyze the effects of certain events or practices (e.g., overgrazing, forest
fires, and clear-cutting woodlands resulting in deforestation). This lesson will help students appreciate the
complex relationships between various physical processes and the features they
help create. It is essential that students understand the physical processes
affecting the Earth's surface and, using that knowledge, make intelligent
predictions and decisions.”
Very Good
SAFE
HOUSE, SAFE ME! HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS
WASTE COLORING BOOK
NEW!
http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/Publications/HHW/50094046.pdf
A 16-page coloring book to
print out on hazardous household chemicals and wastes. Very Good
SLICK SEA SPILLS –
CLASSROOM ACTIVITY
http://www.fi.edu/tfi/activity/earth/earth-2.html
A classroom activity for grades 4-6 on what happens in an oil
spill. Very Good
TRASH BASHER – CLASSROOM
EXPERIMENTS
http://www.galaxy.net/~k12/recycle/
Twelve simple experiments for 1st grade students on trash
and waste management. Very Good
TRASH TRAITS – MARINE DEBRIS – LESSON PLANS
http://www.marine.usf.edu/beachbuddies/background.html
Information on the problem of
marine debris, what constitutes trash, and what to do about it. Developed for Tampa
Bay but adaptable to New Jersey’s coast. Includes Background and 4 Lesson Plans. Very Good
Waste
Not, Want Not - A Target Science Waste
Management & Recycling Teacher Resource Unit
http://www.lalc.k12.ca.us/target/units/recycle/index.html
A unit of study on waste management and
recycling. Sections include: Recipes for
a Cleaner Environment, Lessons and Investigations, Los Angeles Waste Management
and Recycling Project, and Related Web Sites and Other Resources. Very Good
WASTE – WHERE DOES IT COME FROM?
WHERE DOES IT GO? – LESSON PLAN
http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/enved/Rec_Lessons/waste.htm
A K-12 unit on waste management focusing on
the various waste materials generated by the school. Students examine what wastes are generated
and how they are disposed of. Very Good
WHAT ON EARTH ARE YOU DOING FOR EARTH DAY?
– CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES
http://www.education-world.com/a_lesson/lesson059.shtml
Suggestions for classroom activities for Earth Day. Very Good
ADAPTING TO THE LAND –
LESSON PLAN
http://www.eduplace.com/ss/act/adpland.html
A lesson plan for primary grades on how humans
adapt to their environment and how the United States has different
environments in different regions. Good
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCES – CLASSROOM ACTIVITY
http://www.leeric.lsu.edu/educat/lesson3.htm
A classroom activity in which
students use a parabolic solar collector to “cook” marshmallows. Good
ANIMALS: LIFE CYCLES CROSSWORD PUZZLE NEW!
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/xwords/20010202.html
A crossword puzzle from the NY Times on the life cycles of
animals. Good
AUNTIE POLLUTION AND
ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS COLORING BOOKS
http://www.niehs.nih.gov/kids/colauntie.htm
Twenty-four
coloring pages to download and print to color, all on environmental
topics. Good
BIODIVERSITY CROSSWORD PUZZLE
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/xwords/19980901.html
A crossword puzzle from the New York Times on biodiversity. Good
BIOMES CROSSWORD PUZZLE
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/xwords/20000402.html
A crossword
puzzle from the New York Times on biomes.
Good
CLOUDY CONTRAILS – LESSON PLAN NEW!
http://www.nasaexplores.com/show_58_teacher_st.php?id=030109110655
A lesson plan for
grades 5-8 on the effects of plane contrails.
“Objective: To explore the effects of contrails on the environment.” Good
COMPOSTING LESSON PLANS – URBAN ECOLOGY WASTE REDUCTION PROJECThttp://cpmcnet.columbia.edu/dept/physio/schools/318/complp.html
A collection of lesson plan in
sequence on composting. Includes a list
of foods found in school cafeterias suitable for composting. Good
CONSERVATION OF ENERGY – LESSON
PLAN
http://www.lessonplanspage.com/ScienceConservationOfEnergy810.htm
A lesson plan for grades 8-10 on energy. “Objective: To demonstrate the law of the
conservation of energy (blocks) without counting the units of energy directly.” Good
CREATING A LANDFILL – LESSON PLAN
http://www.lessonplanspage.com/ScienceCreateLandfillPreventErosionIdea48.htm
A lesson plan on landfills for grades 4-8 in which students make their
own miniature landfill. Good
ECOSYSTEMS/BIOMES
GAMES
http://www.quia.com/jg/515.html
Four word games on
ecosystems and biomes. Matching,
Concentration, Flashcards, and Word Search.
Good
EDUCATING YOUNG PEOPLE ABOUT
WATER – CURRICULUM GUIDE DATABASE
http://www.uwex.edu/erc/eypaw/
“Use the Educating Young People About
Water database to find a curriculum that is appropriate for
learners. Curricula listings include education topics and goals, and other
unique resources useful in creating a water education opportunity or event.” Includes 150 curricula. Good
ENDANGERED
SPECIES COLORING BOOK
http://www.epa.gov/espp/coloring/index.htm
A printable coloring book for kids on endangered species. “This picture book will introduce you to 21
endangered and threatened plants and animals found in the United States. Print the pages and
use your crayons to bring to life oceans, swamps, deserts, islands and a
variety of plants and animals. If we all work together, we can continue to
share the earth with these fascinating and important species and enjoy them in
the wild -- not only in the pages of books.”
Good
ENDANGERED
SPECIES CROSSWORD PUZZLE
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/xwords/20000802.html
A crossword puzzle from the New York Times on endangered
species. Good
ENERGY CONSERVATION GAME
http://www.econedlink.org/lessons/em526/popupActivity.html
A brief matching game in which students match items to their energy
saving equals. Good
EVERYTHING IS COMING UP MOSSES!
– LESSON PLAN
http://www.scsc.k12.ar.us/TyeE/
Information on mosses and their important role in ecosystems. Includes a lesson plan for elementary
students. Good
FREE CLIPART FROM EARTH DAY
AT KIDS DOMAIN
http://www.kidsdomain.com/holiday/earthday/clip.html
Colorful clipart
from Kids Domain. Good
GLOBAL WARMING CROSSWORD PUZZLE NEW!
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/xwords/20060501.html
A crossword puzzle from the NY Times on global warming. Good
GREAT BASIN DESERT ECOSYSTEM LESSON PLAN
http://www.scsc.k12.ar.us/1999outwest/members/LachowskyR/lesson_plan.htm
A lesson plan on the desert
ecosystem for grades 5-6. “Students
will become familiar with the Great Basin
Desert and how it differs from the
other deserts of the Southwestern United States.” Good
HAPPY EARTH DAY COLORING BOOK
http://www.epa.gov/region5/publications/happy.pdf
A printable coloring and activities book for Earth Day. Good
HAZARDOUS WASTE AWARENESS –
LESSON PLAN
http://www.lessonplanspage.com/ScienceCIHazardousWasteAwareness610.htm
A lesson plan for grades 6-10 on hazardous waste. “Objectives: 1. Locate hazardous chemicals
in the home 2. Describe the dangers
posed by hazardous compounds in the home 3. Demonstrate a knowledge of safer
alternative compounds to use.” Good
HOW MUCH WATER CAN WE SAVE
WHILE BRUSHING OUR TEETH? – LESSON PLAN
http://www.eduref.org/cgi-bin/printlessons.cgi/Virtual/Lessons/Mathematics/Process_Skills/MPS0016.html
A lesson plan for water conservation for grades 3-5. “Students will learn how much water they
waste by leaving the water running when brushing their teeth in a day. They
will also use the data that they collected to create a number of graphs.
Activities can be extended to focus on water conservation and ecology, or on
healthful dental habits.” Good
“I’M WARM NOW” – LESSON PLAN
http://www.col-ed.org/cur/sci/sci161.txt
A lesson plan
for grade 3 on water conservation. “Students are made
aware of just how much clean fresh water is wasted as we wait for the water
to become warm in our spigot. The
students make predictions both in the amount of time and the quantity of water
wasted. They collect data for both the
kitchen and bathroom sinks. They use
their calculators to find the class average of time and
water wasted per sink. They are then introduced to PROJECTIONS and the students find the amount wasted per day per person and make projections based on the population of the city, state, and country per day, month, and year. A large graph showing these projections makes quite an impressive picture. They discuss possible solutions and place the graph in a strategic spot for other students to observe.” Good
JUNK MAIL AIRMAIL – LESSON PLAN
http://www.col-ed.org/cur/sci/sci120.txt
A lesson plan on conservation of natural resources for 3rd grade students. “OVERVIEW: Most homes receive large amounts of unsolicited and unwanted mail every year. This mail costs millions of dollars and wastes valuable natural resources. Much of this junk mail ends up as litter or in overfilled landfills. PURPOSE: Students need to learn that they can make a contribution to the junk mail problem.” Good
THE LORAX’S SAVE THE TREES GAME
http://www.randomhouse.com/seussville/games/lorax/
A fun game for
kindergarten/primary students. Catch the
truffula seeds and plant them to grow a forest.
Good
MAKE A RAINSTICK –
CLASSROOM ACTIVITY NEW!
http://www.make-stuff.com/kids/rainstick.html
An activity for
elementary students in which they make a rainstick. Good
MAKE A RAIN STICK FOR EARTH DAY
http://www.kid-at-art.com/htdoc/lesson44.html
Instructions and a materials list for making a rain stick,
used for centuries by man in hopes of bringing rain. Good
MAKE YOUR OWN PAPER – CLASSROOM
ACTIVITY
http://www.kinderart.com/recycle/makepaper.shtml
A classroom activity for kindergarten/1st grade students in
which they use recycled materials to make paper. Good
MANATEE MANSION- CLASSROOM ACTIVITY
http://www.seaworld.org/animal-info/info-books/manatee/classroom-activities-mm.htm
A classroom activity for grades
9-12 in which students design a manatee exhibit. Good
OIL
SLICK EXPERIMENT
http://teacher.scholastic.com/lessonrepro/lessonplans/instructor/oilslick.htm
A simple experiment that shows how hard it is to eliminate an oil spill
on water. Good
PEOPLE CHANGING THE ATMOSPHERE – CLASSROOM ACTIVITY
http://sln.fi.edu/tfi/activity/space/sp-1.html
A classroom activity on air
pollution. “Although students may
understand the cause and effects of global warming due to the greenhouse effect,
many may not establish the connection between their own behavior and its
impact. By keeping a "CO2 Journal," each student establishes this
connection, while simultaneously discovering what he or she can do to reduce
global warming.” Good
POLLUTED SOIL EXPERIMENT
http://teacher.scholastic.com/lessonrepro/lessonplans/pollutedsoil.htm
A simple experiment for elementary grades to see if plants will grow in
polluted soil. Good
POLLUTION WORD SEARCH
http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/kids/word.html
A word search game
on pollution. Good
RECYCLING PAPER – LESSON PLAN
http://www.col-ed.org/cur/sci/sci167.txt
A lesson plan for elementary students on recycling paper in which students recycle paper by making it into new paper sheets. Good
SINK OR SWIM?
BIODEGRADABLE MATERIALS – CLASSROOM ACTIVITY
http://www.leeric.lsu.edu/educat/sink_or_swim.htm
A classroom activity for elementary students in which they determine
how packing materials break down in landfills.
Good
THINK GLOBALLY, ACT LOCALLY –
CLASSROOM ACTIVITY
http://www.kidsgardening.com/TMI/images/pdfs/2cra.pdf
A classroom activity for elementary students on biodiversity. Good
THREE PANDA DIORAMAS –
CLASSROOM ACTIVITY NEW URL!
http://www.newton.k12.ma.us/Angier/DimSum/Panda%20Diorama%20Lesson.html
Three sets of instructions for making dioramas of the giant panda in
its natural habitat. “In this activity, students research the giant
panda's habitat and make a 3-D representation of the panda in its habitat by
making any one of three dioramas. The choices for the construction of the
dioramas are: individual shoe box diorama, small individual triangle diorama
and group large box diorama.” For elementary students. Good
TROPICAL COLORING BOOK
http://www.rainforest-alliance.org/programs/education/kids/coloring-book/index.html
Printable pages for coloring. On
screen they are filled in, click on the picture to get a copy suitable for
coloring. Good
WASTE
MANAGEMENT AND RECYCLING COLORING PAGES TO PRINT NEW!
http://www.edupics.com/en-coloring-pages-pictures-photo-recycling-c129.html
Twelve pages to print for
coloring on recycling and waste management.
Good
WASTE PREVENTION CLIPART
http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/gallery/wasteprev/default.asp
Clipart on waste prevention so students can create
their own posters and other activities.
Good
WATER
POLLUTION – LESSON PLAN NEW!
http://www.nasaexplores.com/show_58_teacher_st.php?id=03011090350
A lesson plan for grades 5-8 on water pollution. “Objective: To learn about different types of
water pollution and how each type affects the water and the wildlife in and
around the water.” Good
WETLANDS – LESSON PLAN
http://www.lessonplanspage.com/ScienceWetlandsIdeaHS.htm
A lesson plan for grades 7-12 on
wetlands. “Reading assignment: Read about wetlands. Use
a variety of sources such as the Internet, Audubon Society nature guides,
encyclopedias, etc. Pick one wetland
system. Describe the ecosystem. Include water regime, common plants and
animals, soil types if available, and any economic benefit to humans. Draw a food web for your ecosystem.” Good
WETLANDS MIGRATION – LESSON PLAN
http://www.col-ed.org/cur/sci/sci45.txt
A lesson plan for grades 2-6 on wetlands. “OBJECTIVES: 1. Students will be able to operationally define migration. 2. Students will be able to visualize the dependence of wetlands for Migrating birds.” Good
WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE? –
LESSON PLAN
http://www.eduplace.com/rdg/gen_act/guests/whatdo.html
A primary lesson plan in which students draw
scenes of different environments and then introduce unexpected visitors to
those environments. Students have to
show how those visitors would react to the environment. Good
WHAT’S A WATT? – LESSON PLAN
http://www.leeric.lsu.edu/educat/whats_a_watt.htm
A middle school lesson plan on
electricity. Good
WILDFLOWERS COLORING BOOK
http://www.nps.gov/plants/color/txhill/
Print out these pages and
color. Includes a separate coloring
guide for each page to tell what colors.
Although the book is from Texas,
many are common wildflowers. Good
WEBQUESTS
ACID RAIN
WEBQUEST
http://www.swlauriersb.qc.ca/english/edservices/pedresources/webquest/rainwq.htm
A webquest on the issue of acid rain.
“A local citizens' group has
hired you, and a group of other researchers, to investigate acid rain. You will
take on the role of either a Chemist, Ecologist, Health Scientist, or Economist
and examine the issue from that perspective. Working within this team, you will
create a web site detailing the problems caused by acid rain and recommending
ways that these problems can be alleviated.”
Excellent
AFRICAN SAFARI WEBQUEST NEW!
http://ccs.clarityconnect.com/NRiggs/AfricanSafari.html
A webquest on African animals for grades 3-5. “You have arrived at your destination in Africa. You only have two days, so you and your group are
going to have to go in different directions to find as many animals as
possible. For the next two days, you're going to travel parts of Africa, and you will be discovering different wildlife
along the way. After your safari, you'll return and give a presentation to
educate the officials on what the animals of the African deserts and savannas
are like and how to care for them.” Excellent
ALIEN INVASION OF HAWAII – WEBQUEST
http://www.nevada.edu/~karla/
A webquest for
middle school students on the damage by introduced species to native species. “The Quest: In this WebQuest,
you will examine the damage being done by "introduced species" to
native species of plants and animals in Hawaii,
the United States,
and throughout the world. You will explore ways to save native species of
plants and animals, prevent further damage by harmful "non-indigenous
species", and investigate ways to increase public awareness about this
important issue.” Can be
adapted to other areas. We found one broken link on this site. Excellent
AMAZON FOOD
WEB – WEBQUEST
http://www.callunafineflowers.com/memorial_middle_school/WebQuest/index.htm
A webquest for
middle school students on food webs. “The
Museo de Sud America
has employed you and your partner(s) as their research biologists. The members
of the museum are concerned about the Selvas region of South
America. This region is tropical rainforest and better known as
the Amazon jungle. The rainforest is being destroyed on a daily basis and the
museum wants to educate the public about the living things that form the
forest. Their hope is to preserve the forest through education. Since the
organisms within the forest are dependant upon each other, as well as we are
dependant on the forest, the focus of this project is on the forest's delicate
food web.” Excellent
BARRIER ISLANDS:
TO BUILD OR NOT TO BUILD – WEBQUEST
http://www.glencoe.com/sec/science/webquest/content/barrierisland.shtml
A webquest on development of
barrier islands for junior/senior students.
“Your job in this WebQuest is to develop an educated opinion as to
whether or not people should build permanent structures on barrier islands. You
will need to learn about the geological and physical nature of barrier islands,
and how barrier islands change over time. You will look at development of
barrier islands and find out how the beaches on these islands are maintained.
You will find out how different states handle the protection or development of
their barrier islands. You will also find out what happens to permanent
structures that are built on barrier islands. Finally, you will form an opinion
as to whether permanent structures should be built on barrier islands. Once you have done your research, you
will prepare an open letter to the editor of a newspaper in which you outline
what you have learned about barrier islands and state your opinion on whether
permanent structures should be built there. Your letter should include
information about the geology and ecology of barrier islands as well as the
changes they are subject to. Your goal is to convince readers of the newspaper
that your conclusion is correct, and to encourage them to write to the
appropriate agencies in support of your position.” Excellent
BAYQUEST – AN INTERNET WEBQUEST
ON CHESAPEAKE BAY WATER QUALITY
http://www.pcee.org/ProfDevInit/Resources/bayquest.htm
There are numerous environmental problems effecting Chesapeake
Bay. Your class has been
hired to investigate the problems and causes of nutrient pollution in the
bay. Excellent
BE A SOLUTION TO STORM DRAIN POLLUTION – WEBQUEST
http://projects.edtech.sandi.net/miramesa/drains/
A webquest for
senior high students on storm drain pollution.
“Your task will be to use the web and the resource links to gather
research data and information, and to develop and support your solution to
pollution.
To help solve the storm drain pollution problem, you will produce an
educational ad campaign which will require you to: ● Prepare a display
board to be used as a visual aid illustrating storm drains, research
statistics, and your solutions. ●
Create an educational pamphlet featuring methods of cleaning up our
storm drains -OR- ●
Produce a 2-3 minute persuasive video describing storm drain
pollution and your solution ●
Create a logo to reflect your solution to pollution ● Present your culminating project including
all the above elements for peer and teacher evaluation.” Excellent
THE BIG WIDE
WORLD WEBQUEST
http://www.kn.pacbell.com/wired/bww/
A webquest for
grades K-4 about life on earth. “Some
people think elementary school students should be coloring inside the lines,
circling words in a search, or copying sentences from the board. Maybe that's
okay, but we'd rather you figure out what life's all about. You know, what
about this earth we live on and share with all the plants and animals. Also,
what about people who live far away? What are their lives like?
These
aren't easy questions so you'll be working as a group to combine your ideas. Be
sure to read the evaluation rubric for this WebQuest before
going on to The Big Question and Your Task.” Sections: Introduction, The Big Question,
Windows on the World, Group Work, Conclusion, Scoring Rubric and Teacher’s
Guide. Excellent
BIOMES, ECOSYSTEMS
AND HABITATS – WEBQUEST NEW!
http://rbcarlton.com/webquest.htm
A webquest for 8th
grade students on biomes, ecosystems and habitats. “Great
news! You and a partner have a new summer job working for a travel agency. You
have been hired to create a brochure and a multimedia presentation that will
persuade travelers to visit a specific geographical biome. The boss has told
you that it is important to be informative and creative to help draw potential
customers into the office.
Working
in groups of two you will choose one of the following major biomes: Aquatic,
Desert, Forest, Grassland and Tundra. Below is
a table illustrating some of the specific ecosystems and habitats within each
of the main biomes…” Excellent
CORAL REEF
RESCUE – WEBQUEST
http://oncampus.richmond.edu/academics/education/projects/webquests/coralreefs/
A webquest for 3rd grade students
on coral reefs. “Find out who (or what!) is the culprit in
the coral reef murders. Along the way, you must also determine the most likely
cause(s) of death of the coral reefs, the effects of coral reef death on other
organisms, and one method by which this death can be stopped.
This
is a very serious mission. You have been given top-secret clearance because of
the sensitivity of the case - no one knows who the culprit is and everyone is
on edge anticipating that the truth will come out. You must work quickly and
efficiently with the other team members, but most importantly work quietly.
Beware, there are unauthorized teams working on this same case, but their
intentions are impure, they are out only for themselves.
Stay
on your toes, beware of wandering eyes and never leave your research
unattended. If you are careful, your team will crack this case wide open, we'll
catch the murder(s) before its too late, and we'll figure out a way for the
surviving coral reefs to be saved. I am your contact person during the course
of this investigation. If you have questions, need help or advice, approach me,
but please keep it quiet, you never know who is lurking around the next corner!
Good luck - you'll need it.” Excellent
DEAD MOSQUITOES VS. DEAD CHILDREN – WEBQUEST
http://www.geocities.com/malariacontrol/webquest/index.html
A webquest on pollution for
grades 9-12. “To create a logical argument supporting or opposing the worldwide ban
on DDT 1. Each student group
member will research various opinions and facts about DDT and the controversy
surrounding the proposed worldwide ban.
2. Individually you will present the information you have researched to a
group.
3. As a large group, you will compose a logical argument supporting or opposing
the worldwide ban 4. The group will work
together to form a PowerPoint presentation demonstrating your logical argument
supporting or opposing the worldwide ban on DDT.”
Excellent
DECOMPOSERS OR DESTROYERS? – WEBQUEST NEW!
http://warrensburg.k12.mo.us/webquest/decomposers/index.htm
A webquest for
grades 3-4 on whether some animals/insects have a place in the biome. “We humans often think that certain animals
serve no purpose other than to cause us problems! These animals (like the mouse) cause
destruction to crops, pollute our environment, spread diseases, and contaminate
the food we eat! But. . . is this really all they do?? This Web Quest will allow you to discover for yourself if these organisms
are more friend or more foe?Are they mostly just pesky
destroyers, or does their role in our environment as decomposers outweigh the
harm they cause?
Excellent
DENALI PLANNING WEBQUEST
http://www.nps.gov/akso/ParkWise/Teachers/Planning/DENA_WebQuest/intro.htm
A
webquest for grades 7 and up on planning for the best use of Denali National Park
land. “Currently, there is only one
road into the park. It is 90 miles long and ends at an old mining town called
Kantishna. Visitors must take a bus, bike or walk into the park beyond mile 14
of the road. The road is narrow and winding and is difficult and expensive to
maintain. The road is closed in the winter.
Several
different action plans are being considered for the future of Denali National Park
and Preserve. You and the members of your group have been asked by the Denali
National Park Planning Department to review and comment upon an action plan for
the future of Denali
National Park and
Preserve.” Excellent
DESIGNING AN OCEAN HABITAT – WEBQUEST
http://www.schenectady.k12.ny.us/users/title3/Future%20Grant%20Projects/Projects/ocean/ocean.html
A webquest for
grades 1-4 on ocean habitats. “Ready, set, dive!! We are
building an aquarium of ocean animals for our town. We will create a
virtual ocean on the Web. You will investigate what your animal looks
like, where your animal lives, what it eats, and who eats it! What
will your animal need to live and be happy?”
Excellent
DISASTER – THE EXXON VALDEZ WEBQUEST
http://projects.edtech.sandi.net/encanto/disaster/
A
webquest for 5th -7th grade students on the aftermath of
the Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska. Students investigate what happened and its
causes and develop ways to prevent or mitigate future environmental impacts
should another spill occur. Excellent
DISCOVERING WORLD BIODIVERSITY – WEBQUEST
http://web.syr.edu/%7Ejfboswor/biodiversity/biodiversity.html
A webquest for
12th grade students on biodiversity. “During this computer lab
session, you'll explore some of the most threatened species in the world,
several threats to species preservation and biodiversity, and many of the
reasons for preserving the biodiversity of all of the world's communities.” Excellent
DON’T DRINK THE WATER! – WEBQUEST
http://www.personal.psu.edu/faculty/j/x/jxz8/Student_Webquests/Fields/QuestSAF/index.htm
A webquest for high school students on water
quality. “DON'T
DRINK THE WATER!!! Hundreds of people in your community have already become ill
from unknowingly consuming microbe-infested H2O! Now you are among
those responsible for curing their sickness and preventing this disease from
becoming an epidemic. It's a challenge, but it's one that you must accept--and
one that your friends and neighbors know you will achieve for the sake of your
town's health and well-being. First, you and your co-investigators must
identify and classify the microorganism that has contaminated the town's
drinking water supply. Then, you will need to propose and test an
environment-friendly biological remedy for this problematic situation. Your
community anxiously awaits your successful solution!” Excellent
ECO-QUEST- DESERT EDITION – WEBQUEST
http://members.aol.com/QuestSite/1/index.html
A webquest for grades 7-8 on the
desert ecosystem. Students take on roles
and investigate the desert through the eyes of their character. Sections: Teaching Guide, Introduction, The Mission, The Procedure,
Roles, Summation, and Questionnaire.
Role: Desert Ecologist, Meteorologist, Landscaper, Land Developer,
Government Employee, and Utilities Manager.
Excellent
ECOSYSTEM ECOLOGY – WEBQUEST NEW!
http://www.webquest.org/questgarden/lessons/23191-060421044159/
A webquest on
ecosystems for grades 5-6. “Greetings Young Scientists! This is
an historic day for planet Xanderon! Your team has been selected to begin
exploration of a small, life-bearing planet in the Sol system located in the
western arm of the galaxy.
Until
now, we have been forced to study this planet from afar, using only telescopes
and remote probes. Today, we are pleased to announce that we have
developed the technology to study the ecology of this planet (called
"Earth" by one of the more advanced native
species) more in depth.
You
will need to work in groups of four and you will need to access the
"Internet" to complete your mission. All of the details and
instructions can be found under the "Task" and "Process"
sections to the left.
When
you have completed your mission, we will be expecting a thorough report on your
findings. Good luck in your research!”
Excellent
ECOSYSTEMS – WEBQUEST NEW!
http://www.gmpdc.org/webquests/kellyrogers/Ecosystem%20WebQuest/WebQuest.htm
A webquest on ecosystems for 5th
grade students. “You will be working with a group
of 2-3 students researching an animal from a particular ecosystem. After
you have chosen your animal you will then become that animal and try to find
out which ecosystem best fits its needs. In doing this you will learn a lot
about your animals ecosystem and be able to find answers to the following
questions: 1) What ecosystem does your animal live in? 2) Where is this ecosystem
located? 3) What kinds of plants
(flora) live there? 4) What kinds of
animals (fauna) live there? 5)
What is the climate like?” Excellent
ENDANGERED SPECIES WEBQUEST
http://www.websterschools.org/classrooms/dewittlibrary/webquest.htm
A webquest for upper elementary
students on endangered animals. “The
second graders have been studying animals. They are curious as to
what endangered animals are. Our library materials on this subject are
difficult for them to read and understand. You are an animal expert and
have been asked to teach second grade students about endangered animals.
It is important for the students to not only understand the problem but to be a
part of the solution. You and two other experts will work together to create
materials to help them understand the concept and plan an activity that
students can do to help animals.”
Excellent
ENDANGERED SPECIES – WEBQUEST
http://warrensburg.k12.mo.us/webquest/endangered/index.htm
A webquest for 4th
grades students on endangered species. “The
Endangered Animal Foundation needs contributions to continue its efforts to
save endangered animals around the world. As an Endangered Animal Specialist (EAS), you have been hired to give PowerPoint
presentations to encourage donations to the Endangered Animal Foundation.
As an
Endangered Animal Specialist, you will research an endangered animal and
present its description, habitat, food web, adaptations, reasons for
endangerment, and other critical information to convince groups and individuals
to do their part to preserve the unique animal species we have on the earth
today.” Excellent
ENERGY CHOICES WEBQUEST NEW!
http://www.personal.psu.edu/faculty/j/x/jxz8/Student_Webquests/hysick/frameset.htm
A webquest for
high school students on energy production.
“You and the other members of your group are on the city council for
your town. In the past several years, there has been an increase in the amount
of industry and commercial businesses in the town. The concern now is that the
industry is using too much energy and at least two brownouts have been reported
in the last year and a half. The commercial businesses in the area have been
extremely upset and many of the town's residents are complaining as well.
You
are now responsible, as city council members, for working with the local power
company to determine what the best form of energy production is for the area.
During the next several days, you will ● research several forms of energy
production, ● determine the pros
and cons of different energy sources, ● make a presentation to the town
(your class) regarding your reccomendation for energy source. Good luck. The economic vitality of your
town depends on your decisions!!” Excellent
ENERGY CONSERVATION WEBQUEST
http://www.ccsd.net/schools/carson/webquests/energy/energyquest.html
A webquest for
upper elementary/middle school students on energy conservation. “To complete this task, you and your
teammates will gather information on energy sources, how energy is used, and
suggestions on energy conservation. This information will be recorded and
discussed within your team. Each team will present their information to the
entire class through a presentation. How this presentation will be structured
will be determined by the teacher and or student input. At the conclusion of
this group interaction, each individual will compile a list (at least five) of
conservation suggestions which they can use at home or at school to save
energy.” Excellent
ENERGY QUEST – WEBQUEST
http://www.geocities.com/brookwebquest1/
A webquest on energy for sixth
grade and up. “The year is 2050 and, to the
surprise of all environmental analysts, humankind has completely exhausted all
of our planet's non-renewable resources.
In this day and
age, energy has become something that is used globally, with the exception of
few countries in the world. Humankind has become so accustomed to energy -
using it to do work, to light cities, to power vehicles, to heat homes, to
cook, grind and chop food, to play music, to give us pictures on television, to
connect us to others via the Internet, and the list goes on and on and on…
Without energy, society as we have come to know it, will cease to exist.
Without the help of energy resource specialists like you, there is no hope... The fate of humankind is in your
hands!” We found some broken links on
this site. Excellent
ENERGY WEBQUEST NEW!
http://www.catawba.k12.nc.us/techtrac/plus/muckinhoupt/
A webquest on
renewable and non-renewable energy forms for grades 4-6. “The city council wants to use one renewable
energy form and one nonrenewable energy form to produce the city's electrical
power. You will work with a team of three other energy engineers to determine
the best forms of energy for this city to use.”
Excellent
EXPLORING THE ECOSYSTEMS – WEBQUEST NEW!
http://www.beverlyschools.org/schools/exploringecosystems/index.html
A webquest for 5th
grade students on ecosystems. “This
is the beginning of your study of the (6) six land ecosystems: the Rainforest,
Tundra, Grasslands, Desert, Deciduous, and Coniferous forests of the world.
An Ecosystem is a community of organisms and its interaction with its
environment. Ecosystems are classified according to their climate
conditions, the most common plant life, and the many characteristics found in
its organisms to adapt to their environment.
Every ecosystem has
its own unique food chain. Organisms can be categorized by the function
they serve in an ecosystem. It is composed of producers, consumers, and
decomposers. This "Circle of Life" is a cycle of energy that is
transferred from plant to animal, animal to plant, and then recycled back into
the soil for nutrients.
In every ecosystem,
competition exists. It is the struggle among organisms for food, water,
space, etc. Competition is another factor involved in maintaining this
balance of nature.
When organisms
changes, with the seasonal weather conditions, the plant or animal's very
existence is dependent upon the traits or characteristics it has developed to
survive. This ability for plants and animals to change is
called adaptation.” Excellent
EXPONENTIAL GROWTH AND THE HUMAN POPULATION
– WEBQUEST NEW!
http://www.west.asu.edu/achristie/548/WQ/Ray/Ray.html
A webquest for 8th
grade students on human population growth. “Exponential Growth, what is it and what is it
all about? Is it the concept that Thomas Maltus brought to the King of England
with a warning that he must do something about the ever increasing population?
Is it some obscure mathematical theory thought of by the ancient Greeks?
Through this exercise in inquirery learning, your group is going to find out
what it is and how it relates to the human population. If Mr. Maltus was right
about exponential growth and the number of people on the Earth, how will it
affect you, your family, and even when you start your own family. In an effort
to help others who do not understand the perceived problem of too many people
as well as you do; your job is to come up with methods to inform and educate
the general population using the resources available to you.” Excellent
THE FATE OF THE RAINFOREST – WEBQUEST
http://www.spa3.k12.sc.us/WebQuests/Rainforests/index.htm
A rainforest webquest for upper
elementary students. “Today's
changing world has created new challenges for the survival of the rainforests.
New forces, man-made, are in conflict with each other and with the existence of
the rainforests. This conflict becomes important as people gain awareness that
changes in one area of the world have an impact on all areas of the world.
There are several points of view as to how to best manage the rainforest:” We found a few broken links on this
site. Excellent
FIXING DEER OVERPOPULATION – WEBQUEST
http://www.web-and-flow.com/members/khaines/population1/webquest.htm
A webquest on
deer populations for grades 11-12. “What's the truth and who says so? In the old
days (say just before you were born), people could read books, study, and feel
pretty sure they knew what was going on. Then things started changing. We
realized everyone had an opinion and if we listened, we could learn something.
We also found that a lot of topics weren't separate, but connected to each
other. So thinking in little boxes didn't work so well. Then along came the
Web. Ah-oh... Because anyone can publish a Web page and passionate people tend
to want to get their ideas out there, almost any interest, concern or issue has
its online community.
Guess
what: you're going to use the Web for learning. And grabbing someone else's
ideas without giving them a close look is worse than silly. Think of it as
intellectual slavery. So let's break the chains.
As a group you're going to explore the topic of Deer Population Growth. Each
member of your team will become an expert in one part of the topic. Then you'll
have to come back together to answer a question that gets to the heart of
'what's the truth and who says so?' Local parks often are overpopulated by
deer. There are several solutions to this problem but each solution ends up
with some people not happy. Your job is to research the problem of
overpopulation from one of four perspectives and then debate and decide as a
group the best method to control the population. Of course there will be some
math along the way..... We want you to do a good job, so why not read the
evaluation rubric for this WebQuest?” We
found some broken links on this site.
Excellent
FOOD WEBS ON THE WEB
– WEBQUEST
http://academics.uww.edu/cni/webquest/HallOfFame/foodchain/foodchain.htm
A webquest on food webs for grades 4-8. “Imagine what life would be like
without supermarkets. You would have to hunt or search in the wild for
your own food. What would you look for? What would you hunt?
What if you were being
hunted?! You are part of an ecological system called a food web.
Food webs are made up of food chains, which show what eats what.
Understanding food chains and food webs is a very important part of
understanding the relationships between living organisms. When one
element of a food chain changes, for example, a decrease in a population
because of pollution, all other members of the food chain are impacted.
Your job as an ecologist is to construct a food web made of three food chains
(at least three organisms in length), and discuss a problem of and potential
solutions for one of the food web’s players. When you are finished, your
group will present your food web to and share your analysis with the class.” We found several broken links among
the many on this site. Excellent
THE FORCE OF WATER: DRIPS OR DISASTER? –
WEBQUEST NEW!
http://cte.jhu.edu/techacademy/fellows/Johnson-M/Webquest/mbjindex.html
A webquest on
water for upper elementary students. “Drip,
drip, drip. For millions of years water has dripped on rocks and carved
pathways into the sides of mountains making canyons, gullies, and
ditches. The force of water is tremendous. Often water comes
in great amounts causing damage and destruction. These great waves of
water or floods have many causes. This Webquest will explore how
the force of water can change and shape our environment over a short period of
time or many years.” Excellent
A FOREST
FOREVER WEBQUEST
http://www.teachtheteachers.org/projects/MBergey/index.htm
A webquest for 5th grade students on the forest ecosystem
and making wise choices in using our forests.
Students research issues impacting our forests, take on a
role/perspective and present a PowerPoint presentation to the “public” based on
their findings. Excellent
FREAKY FROGS – WEBQUEST
http://projects.edtech.sandi.net/sessions/frogs/
A webquest on the increasing
number of frog mutations. “You
are taking a nature walk with your friend and you decide to stop and look at
the nearby pond. You hear the croaks get louder as you approach the water. You
see the creatures hopping nervously as you walk by them. You grab one and
observe what looks like a frog and yet it has 2 extra legs. Your friend catches
2 of them but one has only 1 leg.
What causes freaky frogs? Discover some exciting, disturbing, and
enlightening ideas from different sources regarding the subject of frog
deformities. Form opinions about your findings and have fun doing it! Make sure
your classmates, teacher and the world know how you feel.” Excellent
GATOR GAZETTE WEBQUEST
http://wneo.org/gasp/webquest.htm
A webquest for
elementary/middle school students on the Everglades. “Get your Press Pass
ready! You have now become the editors of your own single issue of a newspaper.
Your job is to cover the controversy involved in the diverting of the water
from the Everglades to farming and urban use.
There are five required articles for your newspaper: 1) a news article about
the diversion of water that formerly flowed from Lake Okeechobee to the
Everglades being diverted to farms and urban areas; 2) a news article about one
of the animals you would find in the Everglades; 3) a human interest story; 4)
an editorial; and 5) a letter to the editor. You may include other items such
as political cartoons, drawings, pictures, etc. You may take whatever position
you believe in—the need to protect and restore the Everglades
or the need of the farmers and inhabitants using the area—that is based on what
you discover in your reading.” We
found one broken link on this site. Excellent
GE FOODS(GENETICALLY ENGINEERED) – FRIEND OR FOE?
– WEBQUEST
http://home.earthlink.net/~spcemonk/webquest.html
Foods are now being genetically engineered to
increase certain nutrients, reduce fat and calories and much more. Many people feel that genetically engineered
foods are dangerous. Student teams will
examine the issues and report at the World Food Conference. Very detailed. Excellent
GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOODS –
WEBQUEST
http://www.maxwell.syr.edu/plegal/tips/t4prod/leewq2.html
A webquest on the effects of genetically modified foods on people and
the environment for junior/senior high school students. “Genetically modified foods (GMF)
have been dubbed as “Frankenstein foods” by critics who fear they could pose
dangers to human health or the environment. Since 1994, GM crops have become
common in the American supermarket and diet. Many of these plants contain genes
from other organisms. Genetic modification has the potential to offer very
significant improvements in the quantity and quality of the world’s food
supply. However, there are concerns about the development and use of these
genetic altered foods. The U.S.
Department of Agriculture has commissioned you to form a research team to
investigate whether GM food is safe for human consumption. Your team will
assess the benefits and the risks of food biotechnology for an upcoming
conference with the president. Based on your team’s research you’ll need to
convince the president of your viewpoint.”
We found some broken links on this site. Excellent
GRIDLOCK – WEBQUEST
http://imet.csus.edu/imet2/stanfillj/projects/grid/intro.htm
A webquest on
gridlock for high school students. “Your
task is to find a way to alleviate the condition of gridlock and to create a
report or presentation of recommendations that includes supportive evidence.
The report or presentation will be delivered to an agency that has some
influence on the problem of gridlock in your reporting area. You are to: ● identify a problem ● propose a solution or remedy ● provide supportive evidence Your team will look at the current
structure of how people move within the city, its suburbs and the
transportation paths connecting them. Your suggestions should lead to an
improvement in transportation. Considerations may include: ●
alternative modes of transportation ● restructuring the way some
employees currently work out off offices using on-line technology ●
rezoning for business and housing to mix in cooperative structures ● urban housing development ● new pathways for moving people ● reducing the number of vehicles on
the roads and freeways” Excellent
HELLO DOLLY – A WEB QUEST
http://www.powayschools.com/projects/dolly/
A webquest on cloning for high
school students. Student teams take a
position on the issue of cloning, research that position and prepare a
presentation for a “Cloning Summit” to determine whether or not cloning should
be banned. Sections: Introduction, Task,
Process, Resources, the Summit,
Take a Stand, Tell the World, Conclusion, At a Glance, and Teacher
Toolbox. Excellent
A HOT TOPIC: GLOBAL
WARMING - THE KYOTO PROTOCOL – WEBQUEST
http://cmcweb.lr.k12.nj.us/webquest/Scheinberg/Global%20Warming%20Webquests.htm
A webquest for high school students on global warming. “With
the convening of a new crop of U.S.
legislators for 2003, there has been a call to review our participation in the Kyoto Protocol. In light
of this controversy, the Congress of the United States is conducting
hearings on the issue of Global Warming. You have been invited to speak
at the convening of the "Congressional Hearings on the Global Warming
Issue, and the Kyoto Protocol" to be held
in Washington.
You will represent one of the following interests on this issue and make
recommendations to the committee along with your team members who represent the
other interests on the list. Remember,
look at the issue from the point of view of one of the following experts.
Use a PowerPoint presentation to convince Congress that they should or should
not support the international treaty to reduce greenhouse gases called the Kyoto Protocol.” We
found some broken links on this site.
Excellent
KID POWER: ENVIRONMENTAL
CHOICES – A WEBQUEST FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
http://www.cobb.k12.ga.us/~keheley/kidpower/kidpower.htm
A webquest for 3rd grade students on the environment. “Have you ever thought about what our
environment will be like when you're an adult? Will there be clean
air? Will you be able to swim in the ocean? Will there be enough
farmland to provide food for all of us? Will we have trees to climb? Yikes! These are hard questions!
What do you think? For this activity, your teacher has given you a role
to play.” Excellent
LAGOON LAMENT – CAN’T WE ALL
GET ALONG? – WEBQUEST
http://home.cfl.rr.com/mrshebert/Lagoon/index.htm
A webquest based on the problems of the Indian
River Estuary for grades 4 and up. Teams
are established to work on a usage plan to protect the estuary while allowing
some recreational use. Excellent
LEAD A SUMMER SAFARI – WEBQUEST NEW!
http://schoolweb.missouri.edu/nixa.k12.mo.us/sullivan/safariwebquest/index.htm
A webquest for
grades 1-2 on African habitats. “You have been hired by a new company, Safaris "R" Us, to lead a
trip to Africa this summer! As the tour guide
you will be teaching the tourists about five of the animals they will see in Africa.
Your
group of tourists will be here in three weeks, so there isn't much time. Learn
the names of the five animals and be able to describe them. Find out about the
diet, habitat, and size of each animal, and be ready to teach your tour group
what you know.” Excellent
MAKE A DIFFERENCE! – WEBQUEST
http://warrensburg.k12.mo.us/webquest/makeadiff/
A webquest for 7th
grade students on recycling. “In
this lesson, students will choose roles to research about solid waste
management, ways to recycle, and how kids can make a difference. They will then
evaluate and share their information with the other groups and write a
"Can Do" essay explaining paper waste reduction and a way they can
help in their community.” Excellent
MARINE BIOLOGY WEBQUEST
http://www.ga.k12.pa.us/academics/US/science/mbiowqst/temp.htm
A webquest for
middle/junior high students on marine biology and ecosystems. “You, as a marine biologist have been selected
to help decipher important scientific data pertaining to life forms which have
been found on a new planet, Tetramarina. There was a scientific team, headed by
the world renowned Dr. Nemo, sent there to investigate the different ecosystems
and inhabitants. Unfortunately the last data transmission received from the
search party was incomplete, and there has been no further contact. You will
observe that this last transmission also must be scientifically decoded because
it is written in Latin and scrambled English! It is your job to help decipher
this transmission describing the newly discovered marine species and also help
to determine the environmental conditions of this new planet, Tetramarina. Good luck!”
We
found some broken links on this site.
Excellent
MISSION: PROJECT
RESCUE – WEBQUEST
http://oncampus.richmond.edu/academics/education/projects/webquests/projectrescue/
A webquest for 3rd grade students
on wildlife habitats. “We interrupt this program for a special
bulletin. Five crates, each containing an animal, were found on the side of the
interstate. Apparently, the crates fell off the back of a truck. When Officer
West arrived at the scene, the driver of the truck drove off before he could be
questioned. We are glad to report that the animals were not harmed in any way.
These animals must be returned to their homes as soon as possible. We need your
help! The animals are counting on you to return them safely to their natural habitats.” Excellent
MISSION TO STOP OCEAN POLLUTION – WEBQUEST
http://www.maxwell.syr.edu/plegal/tips/t4prod/briggswq1.html
A webquest on ocean pollution for
grades 5 and up. “Agents of the Department of
Commerce and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in
conjunction with members of the (EPA) The Environmental Protection Agency and
International Public Policy Administration (IPPA) have reported many disturbing
facts pertaining to ocean pollution.
Several industrial nations are
dumping toxic waste in the oceans. Oceans comprise over 70% of the
Earth’s surface. Water is undoubtedly one of the most precious natural resource
that exists on our planet. Clean, uncontaminated oceans are essential to
everything on our planet, including the continued existence of marine life
growth and human survival. Since the industrial revolution many
industrialized nations have been polluting our waterways and oceans with toxic
pollutants that are destroying this precious natural resource. The destruction
of water will have severe consequences to our marine life and planet.” Excellent
MONARCH BUTTERFLIES FLYING TOWARDS SURVIVAL
– WEBQUEST
http://cte.jhu.edu/techacademy/fellows/Mass/webquest/ymindex.html
A webquest for
upper elementary/middle school students on land use and butterfly habitat. “Sometimes
it is difficult to come to an agreement when other people disagree with you and
feel strongly about their ideas. Your class has recently studied the life cycle
of a butterfly and your class agrees that the Monarch Butterfly's habitat
should be protected. Your task is to seek information that supports your
position, present your findings to the planning committee and convince them to
preserve the Monarch Butterfly's habitat.”
Excellent
NUCLEAR FUSION? NOT IN MY BACKYARD - WEBQUEST
http://www.manteno.k12.il.us/webquest/high/Science/NuclearFusion/nuclearfusion.htm
A webquest for
high school students on nuclear fusion as a power source. “Your
research team is in need of a highly sophisticated research facility to
complete your work. An ideal facility has been located in a nearby town.
Unfortunately, the town's residents have perceived the research to be dangerous
and seek to prohibit your team from starting up in their town.
Your research team anticipates
that you will meet up with this type of resistance wherever you choose to
establish your laboratory because of typical public perceptions. The public
unknowingly confuses nuclear fusion
with nuclear fission (atomic
energy). For many people, nuclear fission does not have a favorable reputation
due to well-known nuclear accidents and even Hollywood's depiction of its dangers in the
movies. So your team is convinced that to avoid any delays, you should pursue
locating in this facility because of its suitability.
Your research team is committed
to working closely with the public to educate them about the differences
between nuclear fusion and nuclear fission and help them understand the
potential benefits nuclear fusion can offer as an energy source. Your team is
scheduled to present your plans to the town at the City's Planning and
Development Council meeting in three days time. You will be prepared to present
to them a clear message, persuading them to accept your proposal to move into
their community.” Excellent
NUCLEAR WASTE DUMP WEBQUEST NEW!
http://www.phy.ilstu.edu/pte/311content/probbaselearn/pblexamples/nucwastePBL.html
A webquest for
middle school/junior high students on nuclear waste dumps. “As a county board member you must weigh
scientific evidence and social social concerns, and decide whether or not the
proposed low-level nuclear waste dump should be given approval -- even should
that decision oppose the wishes of a significant number of people living in
your community. As a board, and as an individual board member, you need to do
the following: ● state and examine the claims of the nuclear waste dump
opponents that there are significant health and safety threats to humans
working at and living within a short distance of the proposed waste dump;
● state and examine the evidence presented by contemporary scientists
supporting the safety of low-level nuclear waste dumps; ● examine the issue
from all sides, including biology (biohazards), chemistry (nature of
radioactive materials), geology (site requirements), and physics (nature of
radioactivity); ● reach an individual decision about whether or not the
low-level nuclear waste dump should be approved for your county; ● create
and "publish" a Web page that details arguments surrounding the
issue, presenting your own position publicly as a board member, and indicating
the way you will vote; ● based on the work of your Web page, publicly
state and defend your position at a meeting of the county board; and ●
reach a county board decision (simple majority prevails) about whether or not
to permit development of the low-level nuclear waste dump.” Excellent
OFFSHORE WIND FARMS IN THE
UNITED STATES? – WEBQUEST
http://www.web-and-flow.com/members/polson/webquest/webquest.htm
A webquest for grades 10-12 on
wind energy. “While offshore wind farms have
already been operating in Europe for some time, the first offshore wind farms
are just now being proposed for development in the United States. Despite the many
ideal characteristics of wind power, other aspects of wind power can create
environmental and community concerns. Should the United States develop offshore wind
farms as part of the national energy policy?
You are a member of an independent team researching wind power as a renewable
energy source that will help meet the United States’ energy needs and
reduce global warming. Your team will examine the potential as well as the
concerns for developing offshore wind farms in the United States. Why are wind farms being proposed as part of
the solution to the US
energy needs? Who regulates the development of offshore wind farms? Who has
concerns and objections? Can the needs and concerns of all groups be met? You
and your team members will research wind power in the United States and in other parts of
the world. What can the United
States learn from other countries who have
developed offshore wind farms? Are some offshore sites more feasible for
development? Your team will combine
their research to discuss what they have discovered and make a recommendation
as a presentation to a public forum and write a persuasive letter to a member
of Congress.” Excellent
OPERATION REEF RESCUE – WEBQUEST
http://www2.lhric.org/kat/CORAL.HTM
A webquest on
coral reefs for elementary students. “NEWSFLASH!!! Titanic Asteroid Approaching Earth's Polar Ice Cap! Scientists
predict that the subsequent melting ice cap will destroy the ecological balance
of the oceans, resulting in the eradication of the coral reef communities. In
order to prevent the extinction of this essential biome, the government has
recruited teams of specialists to respond to the crisis…● Marine Biologists ● Marine Botanists ●Coral Research Divers● Marine
Environmentalists” We found some
broken links on this site. Excellent
OVERPOPULATION: IS IT A PROBLEM? – WEBQUEST
http://www.dcboces.org/teachers/srenzi/
A webquest for
10th grade students on overpopulation. “In October, 1999, it was estimated that the
world's 6 billionth person was born. Many people feel that the world's
population is growing too quickly and that serious problems loom large in our
future as a planet. Groups as diverse as the World Wildlife Fund to Zero
Population Growth to the United Nations have all addressed this issue in recent
years. As a teenager who still has his/her whole life ahead of them, do
you feel at all threatened by the possibility of there being too many people in
this world?
My
question to you is: Is overpopulation truly a problem in this world? If
it is, is there any solutions to this problem? If it is not, what are
some world issues that need to be addressed in your future?” We found one broken link on this
site. Excellent
PAPER OR PLASTIC – AN INTERNET WEBQUEST ON RECYCLING
http://oncampus.richmond.edu/academics/education/projects/webquests/paper/
A webquest for upper elementary grades on
whether plastic or paper bags are better for the environment. Sections: The Process & Resources,
Evaluation, Conclusion, Student Dictionary and Teacher Resources. Excellent
PLASTICS BY THE NUMBER – WEBQUEST
http://www.yorkville.k12.il.us/webquests/webqwille/webqkwillie.htm
A webquest for 7th
grade students on recycling plastics. “You
need to research the importance of plastics in our society, research the
plastic coding system and the plastic recycling process. Your final
assignment is to choose one type of plastic and to route the process of the
creation of that piece of plastic, how it will be used, what happens to the
plastic when it goes to be recycled and what that plastic will become once it
is recycled. Then report out your findings in a presentation product
which could be a poster, power point, video, pamphlet or other teacher approved
assignments. ● Recognize the place
of plastic in our society. ● Research
and be able to recognize the plastic code system. ● Perform an activity to demonstrate
the process of recycling plastics.
● Route the life of a plastic container and present findings in a
final product.” Excellent
POPULATION
DYNAMICS – WEBQUEST NEW!
http://www.catawba.k12.nc.us/webquest/moore/
A webquest for 8th
grade students on population growth. “Starvation, overcrowding, poor health, human
rights, and ethics are all issues YOU will have to be dealing with in your
life-time. As more people continue to populate this limited space called
earth, many decisions will have to be made. You will evaluate our
county's population, our nation's population and finally, the world's
population and growth.” Excellent
POPULATION PYRAMIDS – WEBQUEST NEW!
http://www.hf.k12.mn.us/~jkreger/Population%20webquest/population_webquest.htm
A webquest for
middle school students on population growth. “Population Pyramids are a visual and graphic
way to study, compare, and analyze population growth of various countries
throughout the world. Population Pyramids are age structure diagrams that allow
users to compare population distributions by age and sex to make
generalizations of the world's population growth.” Excellent
POWER! POWER! WE NEED MORE POWER! – WEBQUEST
http://www.hallsville.org/elementary/stillwell/webquests/energywq/index.html
A webquest on energy for 3rd
grade students. “You are about to set a record
for the highest score on your favorite video game when suddenly the screen goes
black! You hear on the news that there has been a power shortage in your
state. The Governor is asking citizens to find better sources of
energy. Only those citizens knowledgeable enough about energy to pass his
Energy Quiz will be selected to present their reports to him.” Excellent
RAIN FOREST DILEMMA – WEBQUEST
http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Sparta/7374/intro.htm
A webquest for high school students on rain
forest preservation. “In this Webquest, it is
hypothesized that a group of investors affiliated with the Malaysian Office of
Tourism Development want to build a better road and accompanying bridge
so people can drive directly to the park from other cities in Malaysia or nearby Singapore. In addition, they
want to build a lodge about 4 kilometers from the Park Headquarters where
visitors can spend the night further into the jungle. Currently the only places
to stay overnight in the interior are several primitive hides built around
salt-licks where one can occasionally view tapirs, wild pigs and tigers.
Your
class will be assigned to groups representing various stakeholders in the
decision-making process. When you receive your assignment from your
teacher, you will go with your group to the computer and read background
information about the stakeholder and their needs. You will then decide if you
agree or disagree with the plan to build the road, bridge and housing
based on the point of view of your stakeholder group. You also may come up with
another alternative that is more compatible with your stakeholder's needs.” Excellent
RAINFOREST VACATIONS? – WEBQUEST
http://oncampus.richmond.edu/academics/education/projects/webquests/rainforest/
A webquest for 3rd
grade students on ecotourism and the rainforest. “HELP! The native chief and community
elders of a village deep in the heart of the Ecuadorian rainforest really need
your expert opinions on a very important decision they face. They are trying to
decide whether or not to allow ecotourism in their native village and area of
the rainforest.
What is ecotourism you ask? Ecotourism is
taking vacations or trips to places that have unspoiled natural
resources. For example: taking trips to cloud forests in Costa Rica,
or exploring the Rainforest in the Amazon.
The chief's tribe
needs to feed their families and have to cut down the rainforest to grow food
so they can eat. But the rainforest is endangered and disappearing very
quickly. Instead of cutting down the forest, they have turned to ecotourism as
a possible alternative to cutting down the forest. The money from vacationers
might help the tribe survive so they arenât forced to cut down more of the
rainforest.
But there are many
considerations before deciding to allow ecotourism. How might this affect the
land? The animals in the forest? The plants? The natives themselves? You will
be working with a group of experts to decide whether or not to recommend
ecotourism in the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest, where the tribe lives. You will
present your combined expert opinion to the Chief and his council. The future
of the tribe is in your hands!!” Excellent
REEF RESCUE WEBQUEST NEW!
http://www.reefed.edu.au/home/students/web_quest/reef_rescue
A webquest for
middle school students on coral reefs. “!!!
NEWSFLASH !!! Asteroid Plummeting Towards Earth's Polar
Ice Cap!
Scientists
predict that the subsequent melting ice cap and sea level changes will destroy
the ecological balance of the oceans, resulting in the loss of many coral reef
communities in the Great Barrier
Reef Marine Park.
In
order to preserve this essential biome, the Australian government has recruited
your company "Biome Builders
International" and its highly trained team of
specialists to respond to the crisis…
The B.B.I. Team consists of the following specialists: ● Marine
Biologists ● Marine Botanists ● Coral Research Divers ●
Marine Ecologists.” Excellent
THE RISE AND FALL OF THE MAMMOTHS – LESSON
PLAN NEW!
http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/lessons.cfm?DocID=287
A lesson plan
for grades 6-8 on the evolution of the mammoths. “This lesson will help
students to examine the evidence for evolution using the woolly mammoth and
related species, of which there happens to be a sizable fossil record. By
exposing students to the diversity and apparent relatedness of various mammoth
species, this lesson will help to prepare students to understand natural
selection as a proposed mechanism for evolution.” Excellent
SAVE THE CORAL REEF – WEBQUEST
http://www.swlauriersb.qc.ca/english/edservices/pedresources/webquest/oceans/oceans.htm
A webquest on coral reefs for elementary students. “The coral reef around Little Island is endangered. A hotel has been built on the
island and tourists will soon be snorkeling around the coral reef. As a
scientist working for the World Wildlife Organization, you've been asked to go
to Little Island to gather information because scientists are concerned that
the tourists might do more damage to the coral reef. The hotel opens in four
weeks and your display must be ready for the grand opening.” Excellent
SAVE THE WHALES – WEBQUEST NEW!
http://projects.edtech.sandi.net/kroc/whales/
A webquest for 7th
grade students on whales. “Your
expertise is needed immediately! KW, a young killer whale, has been transferred
to Aqualand Marine Aquarium and is showing signs of distress. Aqualand has
hired your team of experts to evaluate the conditions at KW's new home to
determine which factors may be causing the symptoms. After analyzing the
situation, your team will present a final report based on your findings to the
board of directors of Aqualand. This report will include recommendations which
may help improve KW's condition.” Excellent
SAVING WATERVILLE – WEBQUEST NEW!
http://www.gmpdc.org/webquests/villiard/SavingWaterville.htm
A webquest for 4th
grade students on water conservation.
“HELP! The water supply in Waterville
has drastically decreased! If the residents of Waterville do not change their water use
practices, they will run out of water! You have been chosen to be a water use
detective. You will examine four residents of Waterville and determine if their water use
practices are wise or wasteful. If you find any wasteful water practices, you
will need to convince the wasteful residents to change their ways and keep Waterville on the map!” Excellent
SLIPPING AWAY: AN E-ROSION WEBQUEST
http://www.blackcatracing.com/runoff/erosion_webquest.htm
A webquest for
grades 9-12 on erosion. “You are given a role by your teacher that is
key to the future development of a rural town that wants to strike a balance
between development and nature. You are trying to advocate your biased land use
to the Planning Commissioner (your teacher). Within your role you want
primarily what is best for your group’s interests, but you are aware that you
have to be partially aware of the sustainable nature of the land and community
public opinion. You will assume one of
the following three roles: •
Representative for Association of Farmers
• Representative for Association of Ranchers • Representative for Association of Off-Road
Enthusiasts” Excellent
SOLID
WASTE MANAGEMENT – A WEBQUEST
http://www.biopoint.com/WebQuests/GBS/title.htm
A webquest for elementary students on solid
waste management. “In your previous activity you investigated
what solid waste is, where it comes from, and how much of it we produce. In
this WebQuest you will decide what to do with it. As populations continue to
grow in urban and suburban areas, it becomes more important to find ways to
deal with the garbage that each of us produces everyday. Current landfills are
filling up and space is at a premium. Many communities are beginning to
investigate other options. While you complete this WebQuest over the next few
days, realize that many of the issues you will deal with here are being
considered by cities across the country.”
We found a couple
of broken links on this site. Excellent
SURVIVORS OF THE DESERT – WEBQUEST NEW!
http://www.whps.org/library/webquests/elementary/wolcott/Desert%20Animals/template.htm
A webquest for 3rd
grade students on desert inhabitants. “Jeff
Probst, host of the CBS series, Survivor, has begun exploration for the
next series production of this show. He is considering a new location to
be in a remote part of a desert in the southwest or far west region of the United States.
He has called us, requesting help in his important research. He needs to
find out what types of animals and plants exist within these desert regions and
background knowledge about them. He also wants to know if any of these
organisms are dangerous or helpful to human beings.” Excellent
TAKE A BIOME VACATION WEBQUEST NEW!
http://www.dowslane.org/biomeweb.html
A webquest for middle school
students on biomes. “Welcome to the Dows Lane
Travel Agency where traveling to exciting places and discovering new things is
our first priority. Are you tired of those same old family vacations? Want to
see new and exciting places? Take a trip to the most interesting Biomes of the
World. Visit and discover what the Rain Forest, Grasslands, Tundra, Desert, and
Marine Biomes have to offer. Learn about the plant life, animal life, climate,
location and much more. Use the sites in the Resource section below to
choose a biome.” Excellent
URBAN SPRAWL OR PROGRESS? – WEBQUEST
http://www.bv229.k12.ks.us/bvideas/resources/urbansprawl/index.htm
A webquest on land use for high
school students. “In this WebQuest, you'll play the role of a community member
involved in the decision to annex the town of Stilwell
into the larger city of Overland Park.
By the end of the WebQuest, you will have researched the issue of suburban
growth from the perspective of a community member and collaborated on a plan
for appropriate growth of a community.” Excellent
VIRTUAL
ECOSYSTEMS – WEBQUEST NEW!
http://coe.nevada.edu/sstewart/
A webquest for
junior/senior high students on ecosystems. “Congratulations! Your team of
scientists has been chosen by the Coronado
Museum of Natural History
to take part in an ecology research educational project. Your team of
distinguished scientists includes a botanist, zoologist, environmentalist and
ecologist. Your task is to research an ecosystem and design a virtual ecosystem
museum display to educate other students. Before you embark on your
project, we need to have a proposal on file. Your proposal will state
five questions you hope to be able to provide answers for. We have some
basic objectives for each scientist to achieve. These will be explained
in the task. The details on how to achieve these objectives can be
found in the process.
The
museum requires that you utilize and cite sources that are endorsed by the
museum. These resources can be found under resources. Before
submitting your final product, your team must be sure that your display adheres
to the museum's strict standards of performance. To ensure that your
display is not turned down by the board of directors, review the evaluation.
The
board of directors has demanded that all virtual displays be launched during
Eco Week, therefore we have strict timelines and deadlines that you must adhere
to. Our representative will be meeting with you to assign the
ecosystem. Good Luck! We look forward to your final product.” Excellent
WETLANDS WEBQUEST
http://chsweb.lr.k12.nj.us/dscheinberg/Wetlandswebquest/
A webquest on
wetlands for high school students. “You are a member of a team employed by the
New Jersey Environmental Protection Agency. Each year a big traveling
display is constructed to demonstrate one of the important environmental issues
in the state. The display is taken around to schools, universities, and
Earth Day fairs and it includes brochures for students to take and learn about
the theme. The theme for this year's display is
"Wetlands." You will work with your team members to research
the important issues, facts, and problems associated with the wetlands.
Each person on the team needs to concern themselves with one or more of the
main issues:” Excellent
WHERE DO YOU FIT IN? ANACAPA ISLAND
– WEBQUEST NEW!
http://mirascience.com/Where%20Do%20You%20Fit%20In%20webquest.htm
A webquest for 8th
grade science students on protesting marine habitats. “You
have been selected for a very important mission!
Plans
are being made to establish a new marine reserve near Anacapa Island.
The waters around Anacapa island are unique. The sea around the island is
both biologically rich and economically important. The waters here
support many kinds of marine animals and plant life such as kelp, seals, many
species of fish as well as brown pelican and seal rookeries found
on the island. In addition Anacapa island is also a very popular place to
fish and dive.
Your
mission is:
"To protect, maintain, restore and
enhance living marine resources...through new management strategies that
encompass an ecosystem perspective and promote collaboration between competing
interests" (jasonproject 2002)
You
and your team are stakeholders in what happens to Anacapa Island.
Decide whether your team will represent the local squid fishermen, kelp
processors, conservation group, recreational diver, recreational fishing boat
captain, sanctuary manager, or resource manager for the California Department
of Fish and Game.” Excellent
WHERE IN THE WORLD ARE
WE FROM?... A SEARCH OF THE WORLD’S BIOMES – WEBQUEST
http://warrensburg.k12.mo.us/webquest/biomes/index.htm
A webquest on
biomes for 7th grade students.
“Now that you know some general information about the biomes, it is time
to get to work. Your job will be to work with a team of scientists to gather
information about one of the biomes of the world. Each team will consist of a
Climatologist, a Biologist, an Environmentalist, and a Geologist. You will each
conduct a web search for information in your special field of science and then
collaborate to produce an informational display for the 1st annual Biomes
Conference. This conference will be
attended by others in your fields and the general public. You will need to
prepare an educational display and be prepared to give short talks and answer
questions. Your educational display should include the following: ° The
information obtained by each of the four scientific researchers °
The areas of the world that are a part of this biome marked on a map or a
globe ° Visual examples to help support your written information” We found a couple of broken links
among the many on this site. Excellent
WHO CONTAMINATED PLUME TOWN, USA?
– WEBQUEST
http://www.manteno.k12.il.us/webquest/high/Science/HydroQuest/hydroquest.htm
A webquest on groundwater for
high school students. “The purpose of this learning
unit is to help you (the student group) understand basic groundwater concepts,
get a flavor for hazardous chemical properties and foster an appreciation for
our trusted friend below the surface. During the process of completing this
HydroQuest you will be able to answer the following questions (and hopefully
many more): 1/ How does a groundwater
system work? 2/ How does groundwater become contaminated with
chemicals? 3/ What kind of chemicals could be found in drinking water supplies
and how dangerous are they? 4/ Should we worry about big business potentially
polluting our water supplies? 5/ What can I do to prevent groundwater
contamination? You will do this by assuming different roles and completing assigned
tasks concerning a fictional town (Plume
Town, USA),
with fictional companies and fictional conditions. Did I mention that this is
all fictional? The result of this quest will be a presentation of what you
learned in the form of a written opinion paper and your participation in a
classroom hearing which will include all affected parties in the case study.
Your participation in this classroom hearing will play a big part in
determining your grade for this unit.” Excellent
WILD AFRICAN SAFARI – WEBQUEST NEW!
http://www.manteno5.org/webquest/middle/Science/AfricanSafari/wild.htm\
A webquest for 6th
grade students on African habitats. “Karibuni
(welcome in Swahili) to the "Wild African Safari" on the Massai Mara
in Kenya, East
Africa. You are about to embark on the most exciting and
adventurous journey of a lifetime. You will safari through the great Maasai
Mara in search of the "Big Five". The "Big Five" are the
five most sought after animals in all of Africa:
the cape buffalo, the elephant, the leopard, the lion, and the rhino.” Excellent
WORLD POPULATION GROWTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL
CHANGE – WEBQUEST
NEW!
http://www.woodsidehs.org/WHS_LMC/Human%20Population%20WebQuest%20Homepage.htm
A webquest for
high school students on world population growth. “Does
environmental change affect population growth, and if so, how? Does population
growth affect environmental change, and if so how? You are part of a team that
has been assigned by your government to investigate whether the two latter
questions are true in your country. Your team will be responsible for making
recommendations to your government as to what changes they should make to their
environmental and population policies. These recommended changes will put your
team at the forefront of environmental and population policies in your country
and the world for years to come.” Excellent
ACID
RAIN WEBQUEST NEW!
http://www.maxwell.syr.edu/plegal/tips/t4prod/barrettwq1.html
A webquest for upper
elementary students on acid rain. “Acid rain is causing severe damage to
the environment. Many forests and agricultural land are being destroyed due to
this condition. You have been asked to develop public policies to reduce
the emission of the gases into the atmosphere that cause acid rain. What can
you do that will help?” Very Good
AIR POLLUTION
WEBQUEST: WHAT IS HAPPENING TO OUR BLUE
SKIES?
http://home.sullivan.k12.il.us/teachers/williams/airpol..htm
A webquest for middle school students. “We are faced with a severe problem. This problem is the decreasing
quality of our air. With the increase of factories, the increase use of motor
vehicles, and the reduction of the rain forests the problem is going to
continue to become more severe. It is your job to provide a detailed report on
what is being done and what can be done to lessen the harmful effects of air
pollution.” Very Good
ALTERNATIVE FUELS WEBQUEST NEW!
http://www.glencoe.com/sec/science/webquest/content/altfuels.shtml
A webquest for
middle school students on alternative fuels.
“Your job in this WebQuest is to discover what alternative fuels are,
and find out how the use of such fuels can reduce overall air pollution from
vehicles. You will explore the different types of alternative fuels, and
identify those that appear to be most cost-effective. You will also learn about
other energy sources that could be used to power vehicles. Finally, you will
answer a set of questions about alternative fuels to demonstrate what you have
learned.” Very Good
ARK HELPERS SOCIETY WEBQUEST
http://www.ufrsd.net/staffwww/stefanl/Webquest/animals/index.htm
A webquest in which students must
create a brochure on an endangered species.
Seems to be intended for grades 9-12.
“Welcome to your future. As a member of the Ark Helpers Society, you will be assigned
the difficult job of the preservation of one of Mother Nature's special
children. Not happy with what has happened to some of her favorites, like the
Dodo bird, the moa, the Tasmanian wolf and the Stellars sea cow, Mother Nature
would like for you to help save some of her threatened and endangered animals.” Very Good
THE ATLANTIC CANADA CORAL INITIATIVE – WEBQUEST NEW!
http://www.webquest.org/questgarden/lessons/04727-051013170248/
A webquest for 9th grade students
on coral reefs. “I am writing you in hopes that
you and your assembled team can help us here at WWF Canada. We do not currently have
coral reef experts in our employ and are desperate to save our Atlantic coral
reefs. We have lobbied the government for years, and have finally been granted
an audience with the Minister of the Environment (Honorable Stephane Dion,
M.P.) and the Minister for International Cooperation (Honorable M. Aileen
Carroll, M.P.). It is our hopes that we can count on you and your team to
prepare a report and act on our behalf at our audience on October 21, 2005, on
Parliament Hill.
Your assembled team must consist of an ecologist, botanist, and a zoologist.
Together you should be able to completely analyze a coral reef ecosystems and
explain to the ministers the importance of preserving our Altantic Canada
Corals.” Very Good
THE BIOLOGY OF CORAL REEFS – WEBQUEST
http://projects.edtech.sandi.net/mission/coralreefs/
A webquest for
high school students on coral reefs. “The
purpose of this web quest is to discover how coral reefs are formed and the
factors that cause destruction of the worlds reefs. We will also look at some
of the types of animals that live on the reefs and the importance of reefs to
man.” We found some broken links
on this site. Very Good
BIOMES – WEBQUEST
http://coe.west.asu.edu/students/dmatousek/webquest.htm
A webquest for 6th
grade students on biomes. “You have a new summer job working for a
travel agent. You have been hired to create brochures and posters that will
persuade travelers to visit a specific geographical biome. You have the
opportunity to be extremely creative for the summer!” We found some broken links on this site. Very Good
CARNIVOROUS PLANTS WEBQUEST
http://schoolweb.missouri.edu/moniteau.k12.mo.us/mathys/carnivorousplantswebQ.html
A webquest on
carnivorous plants for 4th grade students. “There
are about 450 species of Carnivorous Plants in the world. Fourth graders,
working in pairs, will learn about the characteristics of these beastly
eaters. They will then use their knowledge to "create" a 3-D
model of a new species and make a field guide entry for it. In addition,
the students will plan a Hyperstudio Presentation to be shown at the Plant
Preservation Society's Annual Meeting to share the discovery.” We found several broken links on this site. Very Good
CHANGING SEASONS WEBQUEST
http://warrensburg.k12.mo.us/webquest/seasons/
A webquest for 3rd
grade students on the effect of the changing seasons on plants and animals. “The seasons are an annual cycle that tell us the time to
plant, the time to harvest, the time to go swimming and the time to go
sledding. The amazing changes of color,flying snows, blooming flowers, and hot
days are signals of the seasons.
Your
job is to investigate the effects of these changes in the seasons on plants and
animals. This knowledge will help the class make the decision as to which
season of the year would be best for planting in our outdoor classroom to
increase our plant and animal population.”
We found a couple of broken links on our site. Very Good
CHEMICAL POLLUTION WEBQUEST
http://www.maxwell.syr.edu/plegal/tips/t4prod/sternwq2.html
A webquest on chemical pollution of the environment for high school
students. “You are a member of an
Environmentalist Organization. Your goal is to convince the State
Legislature to pass stronger Laws preventing the release of chemical pollutants
into the environment.
Create a PowerPoint presentation or a 3-page typed paper on a certain
chemical. Provide:
1. The scientific name of a chemical pollutant.
2. The name of a corporation that is releasing it into the environment.
3. The effects of this chemical on the environment.
4. How the release of this chemical is being limited, and why you feel
this is not sufficient.
5. If you choose to create a PowerPoint make sure you include
appropriate graphics.
6. If you choose to do a paper include at least one drawing depicting
chemical pollution in the environment. You may also insert pictures from
the Internet or photocopied. Be sure to include a reference.
7. Be prepared to present your project to the class at the end of the
term.” We found a couple of broken links on this
site. Very Good
COASTAL EROSION – WEBQUEST
http://projects.edtech.sandi.net/kearny/coast/
A webquest for
upper elementary/middle school students on coastal erosion. “This project will study coastal erosions:
what causes it, what people do to prevent it, and the effects of those
preventative measures. You and your 3 partners will play roles to simulate the
various perspectives people bring into consideration while trying to determine
the best solution to the problem of coastal erosion for their town. Your team
will come together at the end, discuss the options, determine the best
solution, and then compose a letter (with illustrations) to the Mayor of the
city with your recommendation and why your team reached that conclusion.” Very Good
CORAL REEF WEBQUEST NEW!
http://www.amphi.com/teachers/crolewski/webquest1/home.html
A webquest for upper elementary
students on coral reefs. “As a
SCUBA diver, you are becoming more and more worried about coral reefs. On your
last dive trip, you learned that coral reefs are found in 109 countries
throughout the world, but in at least 93 of those countries they are really
damaged, or even destroyed, by things that humans are doing!
With each reef lost, countless
types of unique tropical marine life move closer to extinction. Coral reefs are
home to more than a quarter of all known fish species! Not only that, but some
native communities who rely on these reefs to survive will need to move!
You know that if you don’t do
something to get involved, the coral reefs will be lost!” Very Good
CORAL REEFS –
WEBQUEST NEW!
http://www.rblewis.net/technology/EDU506/WebQuests/coralreefs/coralreefs.html
A webquest for
grades 5-8 on coral reefs. “Coral
Reefs are beautiful! Anyone who has ever had the opportunity to see them would
agree. But are they necessary? Do they have a purpose other than to "look
pretty" for scuba divers, snorkelers and folks in glass bottom boats? What
would happen if coral were to go the way of the dinosaurs and dodos? Is this
likely to happen in the near future? What can and should be done about
it? You are an ambassador from the Island Nation of Palau in Micronesia where are located some
of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world. You will be attending a meeting
of several countries that have coral reefs - Australia, the Hawaiian Islands of
the United States, to name a few.. All of these have representatives who are
also concerned about the destruction of the coral in their area, but you will
need to work together to convince the non-coral countries of the world that the
coral reefs are worth saving.” We
found several broken links on this site.
Very Good
DDT: TO BAN OR NOT TO BAN –
WEBQUEST
http://projects.edtech.sandi.net/roosevelt/silentspring/
A webquest for 9th
grade students on pesticides. “Pesticides?
What's the big deal? Someone is regulating them aren't they? The use of DDT is
currently banned in the United
States but not in other countries. You are
part of a United Nations Task Force that must decide whether or not to persuade
other countries to join in on the ban of DDT.
In order to make a decision, you and your
colleagues must gather information on this subject. To do this, your team will
need to divide up the roles and explore each of the areas within your role.” We found some broken links on this site. Very Good
A DESERTIFICATION WEBQUEST
http://education.nmsu.edu/webquest/wq/deserti/Desertification.html
A
webquest on desertification for upper elementary/junior high students. “Working in small groups of three to five
students, you will focus on the causes and the consequences of desertification,
as well as the solutions. You will use the WWW
to conduct your research. Additionally, you will investigate books, videos, and
additional resources about desertification based on research topics explained
in "The Research Topics" section. Each group will research one aspect
of desertification. Then you will make a presentation at the end of your
investigation based on what you have learned about the specific aspect of
desertification. Try to be as creative as possible when planning your
presentation.”
We
found a few broken links on this site.
Very Good
DISAPPEARING NATURAL ECOSYSTEMS
WEBQUEST
http://www.lz95.lake.k12.il.us/mss/lz95online/mintroduction.htm
Consists of three webquests for 6th and 7th grade
students. 1/Prairie Restoration
2/Wetlands Mystery 3/Community Development.
All focus on the disappearance of natural ecosystems. Very Good
DON’T TREAD ON ME: LAND USE IN MISSION BAY
– WEBQUEST
http://projects.edtech.sandi.net/mission/Landuse/landuse.html
A webquest for junior high students on land
use and the effects of development on habitats. “In
the next ten years the land surrounding Mission Bay
High School will change
dramatically. The land now occupied by Campland and the DeAnza Trailer Park
will be turned over to developers. The developers will undoubtedly elect to
build a large resort on the property. The Kendall Frost Marsh is adjacent to
this property. It is not clear what impact the development will have on the
marsh reserve. History has shown us that there are times when protected lands
are traded off to make room for development.”
We found several broken links on this site. Very Good
DR. GREEN’S RAINFOREST MYSTERY
– WEBQUEST
http://oncampus.richmond.edu/academics/education/projects/webquests/drgreen/
A webquest on the rainforest for
3rd grade students. “You
and your research team at the Animal
Protection Center
are in the middle of an important conversation when your boss comes running
into your office, waving a folder of papers in the air. He informs you that the
notes were found among the journals of the renowned rainforest explorer and
animal rights advocate, Dr. George Green. Unfortunately, Dr. Green died
recently. However, he left all of his journals to our Animal Protection
Center.
Since you and your
colleagues head up the research branch of the center, you have a lot of
experience in gathering and using data about rain forest animals' behaviors,
physical characteristics, and living environments to make inferences and
conclusions about their identity. Because of your extensive knowledge in this
area, your boss hands the folder to you and tells you to complete Dr. Green’s
findings about an unfamiliar animal. It is important that you work quickly
because the animal could be endangered, and the center may need to start
immediate protection efforts!”
We found a couple of broken links on this site. Very Good
EARTH DAY
WEBQUEST
http://www.scsc.k12.in.us/SMS/Teachers/Elliot/Earth%20Day%20WebQuest/Earth%20Day%20Webquest.htm
A webquest for 8th grade
students on Earth Day and ecology. “ In order to have a variety of topics
addressed in class a limit of 4 presentations from each topic area will be
assigned. A random drawing will be held to determine the order for
selection. Your poster and oral report must be related to your assigned topic
area. You may select a topic discussed in class or choose one that you
find on your own. LIMIT YOUR TOPIC TO ONE
IDEA. (Example: If you choose to do a Poster / Oral Report on an Endangered
Species choose one animal or plant. If you choose Recycling as your
topic focus on one form of recycling such as the recycling of aluminum.)
Special Note: Many issues are rarely simple and one
sided. Be prepared to discuss other points of view or priorities on the
subject. TOPIC AREAS Fresh
Water Resources / Pollution Soil Conservation Endangered Species Trees (Forests) Air Quality / Pollution Oceans
Recycling” Provides links to search engine sites
but no resource sites. Very Good
ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT WEBQUEST NEW!
http://www.geocities.com/jehoshaphat_2000/DMR/footprint.htm
A webquest for middle school student on the ecological footprint and
how students can analyze their “footprint” to try and conserve resources. “Ecological
Footprints document a given population's consumption and waste production
expressed in biologically productive land and ocean areas necessary to maintain
these services. By aggregating data on the consumption of various resources and
on the ability of the earth to provide them, the Ecological Footprint *accounts
provide a means to compare various components of consumption and ultimately
serve as an indicator of sustainability - or, in the case of deficits, of
unsustainability.” Very Good
ENDANGERED SPECIES WEBQUEST
http://imet.csus.edu/imet2/dunnagane/especies/task.htm
A webquest for grades 6-9 on
endangered species. “You are a reporter for the local
newspaper and your editor has given you your first assignment as a reporter.
You are to research an Endangered Specie from the United States. You use your article
to teach people about what an endangered specie is, what causes them, should
they be safe or not and why do you think this. You are also to show an example
of what an endangered specie is. Before you can do this, you must first acquire
a basic understanding of what an endangered specie is, what causes them, what
is being done to stop this problem, and how does species going extinct effect
us, as humans. You will do research to gather information on your specified
endangered specie.” Very Good
ENDANGERED WHALES – WEBQUEST
http://www.swlauriersb.qc.ca/english/edservices/pedresources/webquest/whales/index.html
A webquest for 4th
grade students on whales.
“You are a group of environmental scientists working for Greenpeace. It
will be your job as a team to investigate all endangered species of whales. You
must also discover all the causes of why whales are becoming an endangered
mammal.
Did you know that several whales are endangered? Did you know that some
whales will become extinct before your
children grow up? Whales are the last of earth’s giant creatures. As you work
on this webquest, I am sure you will grow to care about them even more. You may
even want to help them somehow!” We found a couple of broken links on this
site. Very Good
ENVIRONMENT:
HOW CAN YOU HELP? – WEBQUEST
http://www.gumbo.appstate.edu/coop01/webquests/Environment/environment.html
A webquest for 7th grade students
on the environment. “You CAN make a difference! How can you
help to protect the air, water, and land? How can you clean up the water
you drink and the air you breathe? How do you do to contribute to global
warming and where does acid rain come from? Everyday you make decisions
that affect your environment.
Are
you ready to take affirmative action? You will need to become an
environmentalist, a political activists, an author, an artists, and a
dramatist. The choice is yours!” We
found some broken links on this site.
Very Good
EXPONENTIAL GROWTH AND
THE HUMAN POPULATION – WEBQUEST
http://www.west.asu.edu/achristie/548/WQ/Ray/Ray.html
A webquest for 8th
grade students on population growth. “Exponential
Growth, what is it and what is it all about? Is it the concept that Thomas
Maltus brought to the King of England
with a warning that he must do something about the ever increasing population?
Is it some obscure mathematical theory thought of by the ancient Greeks?
Through this exercise in inquirery learning, your group is going to find out
what it is and how it relates to the human population. If Mr. Maltus was right
about exponential growth and the number of people on the Earth, how will it
affect you, your family, and even when you start your own family. In an effort
to help others who do not understand the perceived problem of too many people
as well as you do; your job is to come up with methods to inform and educate
the general population using the resources available to you.” We found some broken links on this
site. Very Good
FORESTS AND TREES – WEBQUEST
http://www.eats.ecsd.net/curricular/webquest/trees_forests/
A webquest for 5th grade students. “ “Our Forests Are in Jeopardy,” read the title to the
column on the first page of yesterday’s Globe and Mail. As you place the
paper on your desk, you are often left scratching your head and pondering
whether such articles are reliable sources of information. Are journalists,
reporters and writers of such material, sometimes misinformed about the plight
of our forests and therefore, either intentionally or not, misleading their
readers?
Coincidently, the Alberta
Forestry Association has decided that it is time to re-educate the people of
our great province about one of our precious resources, forests. In doing so, they have called on your expertise as
a forest ranger to aid them with their mission.” Adaptable for New Jersey. Very God
THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT –
WEBQUEST
http://www.maxwell.syr.edu/plegal/tips/t4prod/barrettwq2.html
A webquest for junior high students on the greenhouse effect. “Your
objective is to do a research on the cause and effects of global warming on the
environment and use the six steps of the Public Policy Analyst to find evidence
of that the problems exists and develop a policy that will allow you to
develop public policies that you think will reduce or eliminate this condition.
Using the TIPS format you will present your research in the form of a three
page written report.” Very Good
HABITAT
WEBQUEST
http://www.riverside.k12.oh.us/Habitat%20Webquest/habitat_webquest.htm
A webquest for primary/elementary students on
habitats. “You have been chosen to return 5
of the animals below back to their proper home environment. To complete the
task, you must explore animal habitats around the world.” Very Good
HABITAT ADVENTURE – WEBQUEST
http://www2.lhric.org/course/irvingtn/rothchan/Habitat1.htm
A webquest for 3rd
grade students on habitats in which students research five difference habitats
and then create a diorama, mobile, collage or drawing of their habitat. Very Good
THE HEAT IS ON – WEBQUEST
http://oncampus.richmond.edu/academics/education/projects/webquests/global/
A webquest on global warming for
4th grade students.
“Over the past 100 years the temperature on earth has increased by 1
degree Fahrenheit. Why is this happening? Could we as human beings be causing
the earth to warm up? If so, what will happen to the Earth and what can we do
to stop the process? Global warming is a serious issue that must
be addressed. You and your team must prepare to investigate the causes and
effects in order to come up with a proposal to prevent further damage. Good
luck!” We found a couple of broken links on this
site. Very Good
HOW IS OZONE DEPLETION AFFECTING US? – WEBQUEST
http://www.maxwell.syr.edu/plegal/tips/t4prod/leewq1.html
A webquest on ozone depletion for
9th grade students. “You are a famous political talk show
commentator and a former head of the E.P.A.
(Environmental Protection Agency). The year is 1999, and the
breaking news of the “Antarctic Hole” is producing serious concerns throughout
the country. As a leading expert in this area, the president has invited
you to Capitol Hill to brief him on his cabinet about the Montreal Protocol Treaty of 1987
(MPT). A top priority on your agenda is to alert the president that
the MPT has not succeeded in halting the deterioration of the ozone layer and
that the U.S. agencies
responsible for implementing the Montreal
Protocol were ineffective.
The president has the executive authority to enact a number of
necessary reforms and recommendations for a new policy. You have recruited the
top experts in the field to accompany you on your trip to Washington D.C.
Now you must work together to prepare a cogent presentation that will convince
the president to enact new legislations in preserving the stratospheric ozone
layer.” We found a
broken link on this site. Very Good
HUMAN
POPULATION GROWTH WEBQUEST
http://www.shenet.org/high/hsacaddept/science/jstdenis/human_population_growth_web_quest.htm
A webquest for grades 7 and up on population growth. “Read the
information provided and follow the links to answer the questions on your
separate answer sheet.
Worries about human population growth are not a new
phenomena. A little over 200 years ago (1798) Thomas Malthus published An Essay on the
Principle of Population. He identified the fact that the human
population expansion was outpacing the production of food.
In 1804 the human population of Earth reached 1 billion, it
topped 2 billion by 1927, 3 billion by 1959, 4 billion in 1972 and 5 billion by
the late 1980's. On October
12th 1999, the human population of Earth reached 6 billion.
Prior to 1950, the death rate was high, which kept the numbers of
humans from increasing rapidly. In the 19th Century, the agricultural
revolution increased food production and the industrial revolution improved
methods of transporting food and other goods. The 2oth Century produced
advances in medicine, sanitation and nutrition.” Not the typical webquest
format. Very Good
HYBRID VEHICLES WEBQUEST NEW!
http://www.glencoe.com/sec/science/webquest/content/hybrid.shtml
A webquest for
middle school students on hybrid vehicles. “Your job in this WebQuest is to discover
what hybrid electric vehicles are, and find out how these vehicles work. You
will explore the reasons that automobile manufacturers are producing these
vehicles, and how these vehicles can help reduce air pollution. You will learn
about the types of hybrid vehicles, and how each type works. You will also find
out the advantages and disadvantages of each type of hybrid electric vehicle.
Finally, you will answer a set of questions about hybrid electric vehicles to
demonstrate what you have learned.” Very Good
INVESTIGATING A SALTWATER WETLANDS HABITAT
– WEBQUEST
http://projects.edtech.sandi.net/pbmiddle/wetlands/
A webquest for
middle school students on saltwater wetlands.
“This project is a continuation of the web quest: "Whales in Mission Bay"
from Pacific Beach
Middle School in Pacific Beach, California.
In that web quest you were asked to investigate a scenario in which a group of
whales entered and were more or less trapped in the confines of the bay. You
were to explore the topic of whales in general, gray whales specifically and
then to investigate how the local community might react to such an event.
We
would now like you to take a closer look at the makeup of Mission
Bay and compile some data and
observations about Mission
Bay and then compare this
information with students from other areas of the country or world who might
also live near such a wetlands habitat. Any students or schools involved with
the "Globe Project" will see the connection of our investigations and
Globe Protocols (exact ways to take and record data).” Very Good
THE LOVE CANAL DEBATE – WEBQUEST
http://www.spa3.k12.sc.us/WebQuests/LoveCanal/index.htm
A webquest for
grades 6 and up on the Love
Canal waste problem and
the current situation. “It has
been at least 40 years since wastes have been dumped at Love Canal.
With all of the clean-up efforts that have taken place over the past 25 years,
do you think Love
Canal would be a good
place to live today? Imagine that the following scenario exists: You have been
offered a job making $100,000 per year in this particular community. In
addition, the housing market is very inexpensive here.
Your
task is to analyze the living conditions that exist today in Love Canal.
Choose a role below and use the goal statements to help you decide. After each
team member has made a selection, click on the appropriate role to gain a clear
understanding of the issues involved. Would you accept the job and move your
family to Love Canal?”
Not a lot of links provided.
Very Good
MANAGING OUR FORESTS – WEBQUEST
http://www.blackgold.ab.ca/ict/Divison2/forestManagement/index.htm
A webquest for middle school
students on forest management. “In
this activity you will examine the human use of the forests and gain an
understanding and awareness of the need for responsible use.
You will be looking at forests from three viewpoints: Recreation and Tourism The Industry Environment “ Very Good
ME? LIVE IN A RAINFOREST? – WEBQUEST
http://www.internet4classrooms.com/tropical_rain.htm
A webquest for middle school
students on the rainforest.
“Rainforests are being destroyed and the National Institute for
Scientific Research has decided to find out what can be done about it. You and
three of your friends have been selected to spend the next year living in a
rainforest in South America. You have three
weeks to find out how you need to prepare for this adventure. Remember, what
you don't know CAN hurt you. You will be living in a place where plants eat
animals, snakes are big enough to eat people, and ... well ... I wouldn't want
to frighten you away. You will find out more about the rainforest as you
proceed on the quest.” We found
a couple of broken links within this site.
Very Good
MERCURY (HG) POLLUTION WEBQUEST
http://www.macomb.k12.mi.us/wq/webq98/mercury.htm
A webquest in which students study the problem of mercury pollution in
the Great Lakes and produce a written report or webquest giving their
findings. We found a couple of broken
links within this site. Very Good
NUCLEAR POWER IN SEASIDE – A WEBQUEST
http://powayusd.sdcoe.k12.ca.us/projects/NUKEWEB/default.htm
A webquest on nuclear power for
middle school students. “The
city council of Seaside
has decided to gather a team of specialists to investigate the opening of the
power plant. Each specialist will present their report at a town meeting. It
has been decided that the team will consist of six members: • Standard
Electric Board Member who wants to convince the town people that a power
plant would be an economic boon in a time of recession. • Save
Our Sea Member (SOS) who
feels that the environment would be strongly affected by the opening of the
plant. •
Nuclear Fission Engineer
who is currently working for the company who won the bid to build the
plant. • Nuclear Fusion Engineer who is working on an alternative solution
to fission. • California State Senator who is running for
re-election for a fourth term of office. Seaside
is in her district. • Town
Members who are interested in the economic benefit of having a nuclear
power plant in their backyard, but are concerned about the health hazard. • The Mayor of Seaside who wants to understand the
truth behind nuclear power. • A
moderator who needs to make sure the views of all sides are heard.” We found some broken links on this site. Very Good
THE OCEAN’S IN TROUBLE! – WEBQUEST
http://projects.edtech.sandi.net/grant/oceanpollution/
A webquest for
grades 4-6 on ocean pollution. “Use
the Internet to explore and identify why oceans and beaches are in trouble. In
your learning, look for relationships between humans, animals, and the ocean.
To complete this project, you will: Task
!: Make a concept map that shows the relationship between humans, animals and
the ocean. Task2: Choose a fact or idea
that you learned. Make a poster to
inform the community about the issue. Hang the poster in your neighborhood.” We found several broken links on this
site. You can substitute your own. Very Good
OUR COMMUNITY AND THE WHITE-TAILED DEER POPULATION – WEBQUEST
http://www.biopoint.com/WebQuests/NN/Welcome.html
A webquest for high school students on
human/deer interaction and management of deer populations. “People in our community are beginning to complain about the issue of
deer overpopulation. You have been assigned to a committee consisting of four
people. Your goal is to determine the extent of the problem in our community
and how can we best deal with controlling the deer population. The committee
consists of people with very different points-of-view: a homeowner bordering
the area, a biologist, an animal rights activist, and a politician in the area.
The purpose of the demographics of this group is to force your committee to
consider the opinions and diverse views of the whole community. At the
completion of your study, your committee will be presenting a proposal on how to
control the deer population to the city council and the mayor. Your proposal
will include background information, calculations, and research along with the
proposal that your group has developed and agreed upon to deal with the
overpopulation of deer. Along with the proposal will be a brief oral
presentation to the class about your findings and conclusion.” Very Good
PARADE OF PENGUINS WEBQUEST NEW!
http://www.whps.org/library/webquests/elementary/webhill/Penguins/index.htm
A webquest for
elementary students on penguins. “Millions
of penguins, wearing black and white live in the Southern Hemisphere. From Antarctica to the equator, penguin homes can be
found. There are a few types of penguins. We will focus on four
types of penguins, the Crested, the Emperor, the Chinstrap and the Adelie. What
do you already know about penguins? What interesting facts can you find
out about penguins?” Very
Good
PERSPECTIVES ON FIRE –
WEBQUEST
http://www.blackgold.ab.ca/ict/Divison2/Fire/index.htm
A webquest for middle schools
students on the value of fire in forest management. “You are members of a community in a forested area. Recently, there
was a forest fire that came very close to the townsite. Although no serious
harm was done and the fire was successfully put out, people in the community
are very concerned about the ongoing risk of forest fire to their community.
The local TV station is doing an investigative report on this topic. They will
be conducting interviews with the following people. – Park manager – Forest
manager – Owner of a home adjacent to the forest - Timber company – Environmental/conservation
group – Town Council.” Very Good
POPULATION DYNAMICS – WEBQUEST
http://www.catawba.k12.nc.us/webquest/moore/
A webquest on
population for 8th grade students. “Throughout this WebQuest you will
be required to gather regional, national, and international statistics dealing
with population growth and trends. These statistics will be analyzed through
the use of calculations and graphs.You will culminate your findings by
producing a propaganda poster for population control and one poster for
parent's rights to choose family size” We
found several broken links on this site. Very Good
RAINFORESTS: TEMPERATE AND TROPICAL – WEBQUEST
http://its.guilford.k12.nc.us/webquests/rf/rf.htm
A webquest for
upper elementary students on rainforests.
“There are two types of rainforest in the world - temperate and
tropical. Temperate rainforests can be found in North
America. Tropical rainforests are near the equator in Central and South America. Both types of rainforest are disappearing
at an alarming rate. In this WebQuest you will explore the types of rainforests
found in North, Central, and South America.
You will compare and contrast the two types of forest and learn about the plant
life that flourishes there.” Only
a few links. Very Good
RECYCLING PLASTICS – WEBQUEST
http://www.glencoe.com/sec/science/webquest/content/recycle.shtml
A webquest for junior/senior high students on recycling plastics. “There are many different types of plastics,
and each type requires different handling in the recycling process. The next
time you pick up a milk jug or 2-liter plastic soft drink bottle, look at the
bottom. Do you see a triangle made out of three arrows? This symbol means that
the plastic can be recycled. Inside the triangle you will see a number or
perhaps an acronym made up of several capital letters. The numbers and acronyms
are part of a coding system that identifies what type of plastic the item is
made out of, and how it should be handled in the recycling process. What
exactly is a plastic? What are the different kinds of plastics? What is each
type of plastic used for? How can each type of plastic be recycled? These are
some of the questions you will be able to answer when you have completed this
WebQuest on recycling plastics.” We
found one broken link on this site.
Very Good
A RENEWABLE ENERGY WEBQUEST NEW!
http://www.sjsu.edu/depts/it/papa/webquest/
A webquest for
middle school students on alternative energy sources. “You are one of the
members on the energy resource specialist team that has been hired by the Santa Clara City Council.
As the most qualified environmentalists in the field of renewable energy your
job is to propose a solution to Santa
Clara's energy crisis. You and your team members will
need to carefully research renewable energy sources, determine which type
should be used by the city and make your recommendations to the council in a
written report.” We found some broken links on this site. Very Good
SAVING POLLUTERVILLE: AN OCEAN
POLLUTION INVESTIGATION - WEBQUEST
http://oncampus.richmond.edu/academics/education/projects/webquests/oceans/
A webquest for 5th grade students. “This WebQuest provides students an opportunity
to explore how ocean pollution impacts humans, coral reefs, and animals and
search for prevention ideas. The final product of their efforts is a
newsletter. This newsletter should include information on the different
impacts and solutions.” Very Good
SO THAT OTHERS MAY SIMPLY LIVE: AN
ECOLOGICAL STORYBOOK - WEBQUEST
NEW!
http://www.webquest.org/questgarden/lessons/34785-060926164456/
A webquest on
ecology for middle school students. “This
lesson is designed to awaken students to the idea of ecological balance.
To teach students about sustainable development, wildlife conservation and land
management. It is never to early to introduce children to the idea of
urban planning. Students have an opportunity to script the destiny of a
parcel of land chock full of endangered plants and animals. Do they
mitigate the land and allow bulldozers to destroy the habitat? Do they
implement smart, sustainable development on the land? Or is the land left as it
is, granted a conservation easement for wildlife to thrive and organisms to be
studied by biologists, land managers and naturalists.
This
project enables students to steer the future of thousands of lives including
our own. They are introduced to the pros and cons of human impact on
nature and our integral part of the ecological equation.” Does not include links to other
sites. You’ll have to add your own. Very Good
THE STRUGGLE TO SAVE BIODIVERSITY –
WEBQUEST
http://www.maxwell.syr.edu/plegal/tips/t4prod/oterowq2.html
A webquest for junior high school students on
biodiversity. “The future of biodiversity
throughout the globe is in serious jeopardy. As a result, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural
resources has hired your group to investigate this problem. There is a rapid
loss of biodiversity that is sweeping our planet.
As you already know, many species play a crucial role in the fabric of
our ecosystems. As species become extinct, other populations within the
ecosystem are affected and create a loss of biodiversity. Your job will be to
find out what’s causing the rapid extinction of so many species. In your
investigations, you will find evidence that will demonstrate the importance of
protecting all species throughout the world. Good Luck!” We found some broken links on this site. Very Good
SURVIVOR ISLAND – WEBQUEST
http://projects.edtech.sandi.net/lewis/survivorisland/
A webquest on rainforest
preservation for 8th grade students.
“The year is 2025 and a new island has been discovered! People
around the world are extremely excited about this discovery, but there is a
problem. A corporate developer named Money at all Costs (MAAC) discovered the
island and wants to clear cut the tropical rainforest for wood and to strip
mine for precious metals. Scientists Against Destruction (SAD) want to save the
island's rainforest because of the potential benefits it has to offer. The United Nations Economic and Social
Council (ECOSOC) and The United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development have
been called in to mediate between the two groups. Is there a possible solution
where both groups benefit by compromising on this issue? The Planet's dwindling resources are at
stake!” We found some broken
links on this site. Very Good
“WANTED” A SOLUTION TO POLLUTION – WEBQUEST
http://www.atlantic.k12.ia.us/wq/fgrugan/index.htm
A webquest for 7th
grade students on pollution. “You
have been summoned by our new world leader, President Cleanitup, the newly
elected president of the United Nations. In order to prevent the world
population from rotting in its own filth, President Cleanitup has ordered an
investigation. You are hereby ordered to find out what are the problems, who or
what is causing the problems, and solutions to those problems.
Each
savior will do their part in the investigation. Each savior will find
information, as listed above, from the sites that are linked in their
respective assignment. Each will take notes and write a rough draft in their
own words at least three pages long. You should also have one page of notes
that will be shared with the group when the group creates a plan of action.
This one page report will be explained in the next paragraph. ………
The
group will then discuss their findings and derive a plan of action for a
solution to pollution that is most beneficial to mankind. This should be a
final one page paper produced by the group that describes what the environment
will be like in 100 years without any changes in behavior. It should also include
recommended changes that will reverse our polluting activities. The group must
keep in mind that we want to maintain the standard of living that we have and
continue with all those enjoyable recreational activities in which we
participate, including keeping the factories running and energy to our homes.” A little confusing because none of
the links given have a description of the site linked to. Very Good
WATER CONSERVATION WEBQUEST NEW!
http://www.warrennet.org/wtsd/Sigmank/ProjectWET/waterwebquest.html
A webquest on
water conservation for 4th & 5th grade students. “This webquest was designed to help
elementary students develop a better understanding of water. You will learn how
the Earth has a limited supply of water and how it is recycled for our use. You
will learn how we get water to use, what happens to it after we are through
with it, how we all are impacted by and, in turn, impact the Earth's water
supply. You will also learn various methods to help conserve the Earth's water.
In other words, how we can use water wisely.”
Very Good
WATER POLLUTION WEBQUEST
http://www.maxwell.syr.edu/plegal/tips/t4prod/nunezwq2.html
A webquest on water pollution for junior high students. “Your Earth Science class is conducting a
research to see what happens to our water. As part of the study you have
to create a research paper, based on your findings. You will present to
the class the product of your research; your final grade will be based on both,
the research paper and your oral presentation. As a guide, to help you
conduct this research and oral presentation, you may use Public Policy Analyst.
Your research paper must include.
● Definition of water pollution ● Causes and effects ●How
can we reduce water pollution? ●How your community does treat the water?
●Examine the current policy on water pollution ● Do you agree or
disagree with the existing social policy on controlling water pollution?
●Be prepared to present” We found a broken link on this site. Very Good
WETLAND MYSTERY: THE CASE OF THE POLLUTION
PLUME – WEBQUEST
http://www.lz95.lake.k12.il.us/mss/lz95online/wetlandwq/wtindex.htm
A
webquest for 7th grade students on wetlands pollution. Students must research wetlands pollution and
create an article, brochure, newsletter or poster on the problem. Very Good
WETLANDS: TO BUILD OR NOT TO BUILD – WEBQUEST
http://projects.edtech.sandi.net/lewis/wetlands/
A webquest for 7th
grade students on wetlands preservation.
“Developers are planning to build on parts of the San Dieguito Lagoon, Mission Bay,
and the San Diego
Bay. All of the targeted
areas are classified as environmentally sensitive wetlands. Millions of dollars
are at stake. Both developers and environmental preservations have hired this
class to study one of the areas and prepare a report for the town counsel. The
town counsel will listen the reports from both groups and decide on which areas
to develop. To prepare for the town
counsel meeting, you will need to conduct research about the specific area you
are representing. Part of your research will include a number of scientific
experiments which will give you information about the health of the ecosystem.
This information will be critical to the report you will be giving the counsel
and to their decision of which areas to develop.” Very Good
A WORLD
WITHOUT PHOTOSYNTHESIS? – WEBQUEST
http://oncampus.richmond.edu/academics/education/projects/webquests/photosynthesis/
A webquest for 4th grade students
on photosynthesis and plant life. “You
live in the country of Maxomania. The dictator of your country is named Max.
Max’s favorite season is Fall. He has asked a group of environmental advisors
to build a shield that will block the sun’s rays for 20 hours of every day.
Because of the threat of global warming and the increased rate of skin cancer,
the environmental advisors think that having one permanent season of Fall is a
great idea. They think is will be a great new way of life for the people of
Maxomania.
You
and the members of your group have decided to develop a presentation to give to
Max and his advisors that will argue against the idea of the shield. You
realize that a permanent Autumn will have disastrous results on the earth. In
order to present your belief convincingly you must be able to teach Max and his
advisors about the process of photosynthesis and why it is so important.” We found a couple of broken links on
this site. Very Good
ACID RAIN
WEBQUEST
http://www.chemistryteaching.com/acidrain.htm
A webquest on
acid rain for grade 6 and up. “A local citizens' group has hired your team
of experts to investigate acid rain. You will take on the role of either
a Chemist, Ecologist, Health Scientist, or Economist and examine the issue from
that viewpoint. Your team will create a web site, newletter or powerpoint
presentation describing the problems caused by acid rain and recommending ways
of tackling them.” We found some broken links on this site. Good
ADVENTURES ON A CORAL REEF – WEBQUEST NEW!
http://web.syr.edu/~tjconena/coral_reefs.htm
Intended for
college undergraduate students, this webquest can also be used for senior high
biology students studying coral reefs. “This
coral reef web is designed to encourage you to think about the diversity and
complexity of reef ecosystems. Unfortunately, with complexity comes
vulnerability. The relationships that exist between reef organisms are
highly complex and when harm is caused to one organism in the reef it usually
affects other reef organisms as well. Fortunately, members of our government
are taking serious steps to protect the coral reefs of the world. On June 11,
1998 President Clinton issued Executive Order 13089 on Coral Reef Protection as
part of the Monterey
National Ocean
Conference. Moreover, the United Nations named 1997 the International Year of
the Reef and 1998 the International Year of the Ocean. These important measures
indicate that there is no better time than now to take a more serious look at
the threats that are faced by the world's coral reefs today and to attempt to
determine solutions to these threats.” We found several broken links on this site.
Good
ANIMALS OF THE RAINFOREST –
WEBQUEST NEW!
http://www.mmooney49.1hwy.com/rain.html
A webquest for 3rd
grade students on life in the rainforest.
“Welcome to the Rainforest.
You are now being hired as a Rainforest Animal Expert. There are many people
who want to get rid of the beautiful rainforest to make money from the land.
Over half of all plant and animal species live in the rainforest. Save the
Rainforest Project needs your help to tell these companies about so many of
these wonderful creatures and why the rainforest is important to these animals.
Your job over the next month will be to research and develop a written report,
visual project, and be prepared for an oral presentation about an animal that
lives in the rainforest. You will need to explain why your animal needs the
rainforest to survive.
After
choosing the animal in class with your teacher, you will need to follow the
steps provided to make your journey a success. You will use non-fiction books,
CD-ROMS, and the internet to gain valuable information about your animal. The
class will be starting in the library to research and take notes. There are
many books available in our school library as well as in your classroom that
you will be able to borrow. You will also use the internet for current facts
and pictures of your animal for your written report. Good Luck!” We found some broken links on this site. Good
CONTRIBUTING TO THE ENDANGERED SPECIES:
WHAT CAN WE DO TO HELP? – WEBQUEST NEW!
http://php.indiana.edu/%7Enmstaffo/esmain.html
A webquest on
endangered species for 4th grade students. “Because
our class has taken such a great concern for endangered species we will be
doing our part in helping out. Everyone will have an equal participation
in the contribution. Click your mouse below to begin.” You’ll need to replace the links
on this site. Good
CREATE A HABITAT – WEBQUEST
http://www.biopoint.com/WebQuests/dist204/Welcome.html
A webquest on habitats for middle school students. “Remember when you won your first goldfish
at the fair? You have probably all gone through several goldfish bowls in your
lives. What happened to that bowl that was left behind after the last fish
died? Does it have to be filled with water? Does it have to contain fish? What
are your options? There is an empty 10 gallon tank in our classroom that needs
to be filled! What can we fill it with that we can afford, and that we will be
able to maintain?”
Most of the links on this site were to commercial sales sites, not
informational. You might want to substitute your own links. Good
DEFORESTATION – WEBQUEST
http://www.maxwell.syr.edu/plegal/tips/t4prod/scaleswq2.html
A webquest for 8th grade students on deforestation. “You are a Science Major at a State University,
and your professor has asked you to research Deforestation. Your method
of research is to use the Internet and locate all the necessary information on
the topic. Deforestation is a very controversial topic and you must find
out all you can on it.” We found
several broken links on this site.
You’ll need to add your own. Good
ECOSYSTEMS WEBQUEST NEW!
http://www.kn.att.com/wired/fil/pages/webecosysteto.html
A webquest for
upper elementary students on ecosystems.
“Think about where different kinds of plants and animals live. Some
kinds of plants and animals live in hot, dry places, while others live in cool,
shady places. You may have seen trees, insects and mammals near your home. You
may have also seen grass, flowers, birds and worms. All these things get what
they need to live from their environment, or everything around them.In an
environment the livingand nonliving things that affect each other to form an
ecosystem.” Good
ELECTRIC ENERGY WEBQUEST NEW!
http://www.nashua-plainfield.k12.ia.us/projects/karen/
A webquest for
upper elementary students on electricity.
“Suppose that it is a hot summer night and there are big thunder clouds
in the sky. The wind begins to blow. Suddenly there is a flash of lightning and
a loud clap of thunder. The lights go off. What happens at your house when the
electricity goes off? How many things will no longer operate? Can you play your
favorite games, watch TV, cook, use the computer, keep warm, or tell time? What
do you know about electricity? Have we always had the use of electricity? Are
there other forms of energy that we can use?”
Good
EXPLORE THE CORAL REEFS – WEBQUEST NEW!
http://projects.edtech.sandi.net/sessions/coral_reef/
A webquest for
elementary students on coral reefs. “Pretend you are an oceanographer traveling in
a submarine. Suddenly, you see the most beautiful school of fish you have ever
seen. You wonder where you are and realize you have entered the amazing world
called the CORAL REEF!” We found several broken links on this site. You’ll need to add your own. Good
GLOBAL WARMING WEBQUEST
http://www.itsco.org/webquest/class/kelly/index.html
A webquest for middle school
students and up on global warming. “You are part of a team of scientists who were commissioned to study
causes, effects, and solutions to global climate change. Your findings
will be used to formulate a plan to impact the change of our climate.
Without your help our planet may soon become too warm to inhabit.” Links don’t seem to match categories. You might want to do your
own. Good
THE
HEALTH OF THE OCEANS – PRESENT AND
FUTURE – WEBQUEST
http://projects.edtech.sandi.net/morse/oceanhealth/
A webquest for elementary
students on the oceans. “The
government of the United
States is concerned about the state of the
world's oceans. The president has appointed a commission to study the current
health of the oceans and make recommendations for maintaining the world's great
resource. You, as a scientist, have the honor and responsibility of appointment
to this commission. The commission will
consist of a panel of three scientists: ● a physical scientist who
specializes in tides, ocean currents, and temperature ● a chemist who
specializes in pollutants, pesticides, and heavy metals ● a marine
biologist who specializes in the living creatures of the sea.” We found several broken links on
this site. Good
HOW CAN WE SAVE BONOBOS FROM EXTINCTION? –
WEBQUEST
http://members.fortunecity.com/roseferg1/#
A webquest on
extinction for middle school students. “You
will be assigned to a group of researchers consisting of a student, a zoo
biologist, and a gamekeeper/biologist from the Congo Basin.
You will research the Bonobo from your viewpoint. Your team will brainstorm the
problem of extinction, suggest imaginative solutions, and decide on the best
solution. You can use the Internet sites provided or find some of your own. The
work sheets will help you decide your best solution. You will present your
thinking and suggestions to the class using the overhead projector.” We found some broken links on this
site. Good
MISSION POSSIBLE – GULF WATER MONITORING –
WEBQUEST
http://asterix.ednet.lsu.edu/~edtech/webquest/mission.htm
A classroom activity using the web to research
water quality in the Gulf of Mexico with an
emphasis on human impact on the Gulf.
Adaptable to our area. Good
THE NORTHERN
SPOTTED OWL DEBATE – WEBQUEST NEW!
http://www.spa3.k12.sc.us/WebQuests/endangeredanimals/endangered.htm
A webquest on endandered
species for 4th grade students. “The Northern Spotted Owl has been the
focus of recent controversy because of its special breeding requirements. It
does not normally breed in forest areas that have been cut and cleared of
trees. In order to breed and raise its young, the spotted owl needs 100 acres
of old-growth forest among the redwoods, Douglas
firs, spruce and hemlock trees. Spotted owl populations have declined because
large areas of forests have been cleared.
In
1990, the United States
Fish and Wildlife Service listed the Northern Spotted Owl as a threatened
species and limited the legal sale of timber from the areas where the owls
usually make their nests. Because the trees in this area are worth $1 million,
this has created conflict between the timber industry representatives who want
to harvest the valuable timber and protect jobs and conservationists who want
to protect old-growth forests.
What
do we value? Is the price of progress worth the cost to the environment?” We found some broken links on this
site. You might want to update the
links. Good
THE OCEAN AND
CORAL REEF – WEBQUEST
http://www.susqu.edu/students/m/macvittie/Webquest.htm
A webquest on
coral reefs for upper elementary students. “Please help the scientists figure out what
might be causing the coral reef to die off. Other wise all of the creature that
live in those areas of the ocean will be affected, even the people that eat
those types of seafood. As scientists now, you will need to look at the
different websites to find out what might be the reason. Also find out how the
coral reefs are the home to many different types of animals and organisms and
how it will affect the entire ecosystem. The lives in the sea and land are in
danger. Please help solve this mystery.”
Good
PLANTS…PAPER…POSSIBILITIES – WEBQUEST
http://warrensburg.k12.mo.us/webquest/paper/index.htm
A webquest for
upper elementary/middle school students on recycling, conservation and
paper. “Paper in its many forms is a
product of plant fibers and for centuries has long been a part of many
cultures. Whether it is for writing on or looking at. . . it is a part of our daily
life. Let's learn how to create a product while studying conservation and
recycling at the same time!” We
found several broken links on this site.
Good
POLAR REGIONS WEBQUEST NEW!
http://www.hobart.k12.in.us/finalwq/Intro.html
A webquest for primary students
on life in the polar regions. “You
work for National Geographic Worldmagazine
as a journalist. Your job is to pick a polar region and to educate your
audience about it. 1. Make a concept map using Inspiration of a
polar region exploring the weather,people,and animals that live there. 2. Make a multimedia presentation using Kid
Pix or HyperStudio that takes a person on a tour of that polar region.” 3 out of 5 links on this site were broken. You’ll have to add your own. Good
PROJECT RIVER KEEPERS –
WEBQUEST
http://www2.gsu.edu/~mstjrh/riverkeepers.html
A webquest for upper elementary grade students on water quality in your
community. “Project River
Keepers is a collaborative project designed to help you investigate the quality
of the water in a main river near your community. In the investigation you will
be trying to assess the health of this river, and how this impacts the quality
of the water that you drink and use for living.” All three of the links on this site
were broken. Good
RAINFOREST SCAVENGER HUNT – WEBQUEST
http://www.pennmanor.net/schools/conestoga/classroomteachers/Stephan/rf/Rainforesthunt.html
A webquest for 3rd
grade students in which they use the links provided to answer questions about
the rainforest. Good
TREES AND
FOREST – WEBQUEST
http://www.mhcbe.ab.ca/ict/Projects/treesforest/treesForests.htm#Introduction
A webquest for 6th
grade students. “You will gather detailed information about your tree of choice and
prepare a PowerPoint or HyperStudio presentation to support this choice.
You will present this multi-media presentation to the selection jury who will
consider all submissions before deciding on the new Alberta tree.” Although written for Alberta, Canada, it can be adapted for New Jersey.
We found some broken links on this site.
Good
A VIRTUAL ECO-WALK
WEBQUEST
http://coe.west.asu.edu/students/micheles/biomes/index.htm
A webquest on biomes for high school students. “You
have been chosen by a conservation agency to become experts about a particular
biome. Your mission is to research
and make a virtual tour of your biome. This presentation will show government
officials (and your fellow classmates) how important your biome is to Earth.” This would also work well at lower
levels. Good
WATER ADVENTURES WEBQUEST NEW!
http://eprentice.sdsu.edu/J03OJ/stewart/WebQuestStudentWater.htm
A webquest on
the water cycle for 5th grade students. “Imagine that you have just become a water
droplet. But, what exactly is water and what do water droplets do?
You could become rain or snow, and you could live in a pond or in the
ocean. I'm sure that there are many adventures in store for you!
It
will be your job to help teach the 1st grade students all that you learn.
What path would you take through the water cycle if you were a water droplet?” We found some broken links on this
site. Good
WATER CYCLE WEBQUEST NEW!
http://www.runet.edu/~sbisset/wqh2o.htm
A webquest on
the water cycle for elementary students. “Precipitation, evaporation, and condensation
are all terms that you recognize, but what do they really mean? They are all
part of the water cycle, which is a complex process that not
only gives us water to drink, food to eat, but also helps our plants grow. Only
about 3% of the Earth’s water is fresh, and 1% of that water can be used for
many human purposes. Why can’t we use the other 2% of the fresh water found on
the Earth? What about the other 97% of the water found in the world? To find
these answers and to discover more, come along for an interactive journey
through the water cycle!” Good
WETLANDS AND LARGE BODIES OF WATER: A
BIOME/ECOSYSTEM WEBQUEST
NEW!
http://www3.cesa10.k12.wi.us/webquest/Eco/wetlands.htm
A webquest on
wetlands biomes for upper elementary students.
“Decide in your group who will
do which job. Click on your "job" for further instructions.” Good
WETLANDS UNDER ATTACK – WEBQUEST
http://www.tttc.org/projects/EFitzgerald/index.htm
A
webquest on wetlands restoration for 8th grade students. “Scientists have been researching
ways that we can save our wetlands. The Army Corps of Engineers are looking for
some solutions to our wetlands problems. A council of advisors has been
assembled to research the current wetland solutions, think about new solutions
and make a recommendation to the Army Corps of Engineers.” This was created for students in Louisiana but is adaptable to New Jersey wetlands. Good
Disclaimer: We cannot check every link within each
site.
Prepared by the Cumberland County
AVA
Center staff. Please call #856-451-0817 or email: avacenter@cumbavac.org
with questions or suggestions for future web site lists. This list is also posted on our website
at: http://www.salemcountyava.org
The site list is also posted on
two other web sites:
http://www.atlanticava.org
http://www.cjims.org/links.htm
April 2008
Clipart and photos on this site from Microsoft Office Clipart and Media
Home Page
http://office.microsoft.com/clipart/default.aspx?lc=en-us
