Archives: Resources
Institute for Global Environmental Strategies
The Institute for Global Environmental Strategies focuses on sustainable development, the atmosphere, land formations such as volcanoes, and energy. Web resources are integrated along with offline resources and … learn more
Bugscope
The Bugscope project from the University of Illinois provides free interactive access to a scanning electron microscope (SEM) so that students anywhere in the world can explore the … learn more
Space Weather
At Space Weather, updated daily by Dr. Tony Phillips, students can learn about meteor showers, solar flares, auroras, and near-Earth asteroids.
Data Science Games
The age of data science is upon us! The more experience students have working with data, the better prepared they are to contribute to the data-driven society they … learn more
Drones in remote sensing
Dr. Anita Simic, a geology faculty member at Bowling Green State University, is a firm believer in engaging her students in scientific exploration. And for her there is … learn more
Earthshots
EarthShots, from the USGS, introduces remote sensing by showing how satellite imagery is used to track change over time. The site provides outstanding images of sites around the … learn more
Mapping the Invisible
This video explores the basic principles used by optical sensors like Landsat, AVIRIS, and other remote sensing sensors to record the things that we can’t see with our … learn more
Sally Ride EarthKAM
Middle school students around the world can request images of specific locations on Earth during Sally Ride EarthKAM missions – periods when the Sally Ride EarthKAM camera in … learn more
What is Remote Sensing?
Remote sensing is the science of obtaining information about objects or areas from a distance, typically from aircraft or satellites. Here’s a quick overview from NOAA.
Best Online Learning Apps in 2021
Besides suiting the needs of students of all ages, the best educational apps also cover a wealth of subjects and skills. Whether it’s academic subjects, such as math, … learn more
50 Smartphone Apps For Teachers
In The 50 Best Smartphone Apps For Teachers Arranged By Category, Terry Heick discovers a seemingly endless collection of smartphone apps that teachers can put to work in … learn more
Sample Education BYOT Policies
In this article, TeachThought looks at 11 sample education BYOT (Bring Your Own Technologies) policies. The goal to help you craft or update a BYOT policy for your … learn more
The Concord Consortium
Bob Tinker, founder of the Concord Consortium, has pioneered the use of remote sensing devices, linked to computers, and hands-on physics experiments. (Activities for both these approaches are … learn more
GLOBE Observer
Sponsored by NASA, GLOBE Observer is an international network of citizen scientists and scientists working together to learn more about our shared environment and changing climate. To participate, … learn more
National Geographic Climate Change News
The National Geographic Society has dedicated a portion of their web site to climate change news and information. Check out these pages for current items and topics, encouraging … learn more
National Center for Science Education
The National Center for Science Education is a great resource on this topic. Their goal is to defend the integrity of science education against ideological interference. NCSE works … learn more
NASA: Climate Change
NASA has a site devoted to Climate Change. This resource includes latest information and long term trends, images, videos and potential solutions.
Nature Is Speaking
Conservation International has created a series of videos looking at Climate Change and our impact on the planet. In this video Julia Roberts is the voice of Mother … learn more
Global Warming vs. Climate Change
Q:* What’s the difference between “global warming and “climate change”? This NASA post looks at the differences. A:* Global warming refers to surface temperature increases, while climate change … learn more
Seaworld – Animal Sounds Library
Seaworld has an extensive collection of sounds from animals of all sizes. Don’t forget to check out the Teacher Guides.
Nature Sound Studio
Lang Elliott has created this site to celebrate the wonder and beauty of nature through cinematography and sound.
Bioacoustic Animal Sound Gallery
Animal Sound Gallery includes audio clips, photos and videos collected while studying animal behavior at the Moscow Zoo and other zoos both in Russia and abroad.
What happens when…
What happens when you pour 1200F molten aluminum into an anthill? A greater insight into how truly remarkable ants are and some interesting works of art.
14 Beneficial Insects for Natural Garden Pest Control
Not all insects are bad pests. There are some insect species referred to as beneficial insects that may provide a long-term sustainable pest control solution by preying on … learn more
Arthropods – Invertebrate Powerhouses
About 75% of all animal species are arthropods. There are more different types of arthropod than any other group on the plant. Arthropods include insects, spiders, crabs, lobsters, … learn more
Monarch Butterfly Migration
Monarchwatch is a popular online activity, because students and scientists in many locales can plot the annual paths within a telecollaboration model. This site is maintained by the … learn more
Ask an Entomologist
Ask an Entomologist tackles your student’s hardest questions about insects, their biology, ecology, physiology, or whatever else your curious about. The have a whole section devoted to Entomology … learn more
Butterflies and Moths of North America
Based on work started by the U.S. Geological Survey, this site is an ambitious effort to collect, store, and share species information and occurrence data. In addition to … learn more
NASA: Mars Weather Report
For a different perspective, check out the current weather on Mars. NASA’s InSight mission provides reports on temperatures and wind speeds from its home at Elysium Planitia. For … learn more
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Up-to-date information on regions within the US are posted at NOAA.
Asian Tsunami Imagery
Digital Globe shows the impacts of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami using descriptions and satellite images.
Environmental News Network
Catch a preview of upcoming weather events at the Environmental News Network.
WeatherBug
WeatherBug is different in that it has sensors deployed at thousands of schools, major sports stadiums, broadcast stations and public safety facilities across the U.S. (Possibly in your … learn more
Old Farmers Almanac
Since 1792, The Old Farmer’s Almanac has spoken to all walks of life: planting charts for those who grow their own food; recipes for those who live in the kitchen; … learn more
Weather Underground
The Weather Underground is a comprehensive site for teachers, administrators and parents, discussion of environmental issues is conducted via e-mail, current news can be matched to your curriculum, … learn more
Forces of Nature
“Forces of Nature” by National Geographic links volcanoes, earthquakes, hurricanes, and tornadoes for their commonalities and differences.
U.S. Forest Service Kids Resources
The U.S. Forest Service has resources on everything from recycling to wildflowers, coloring activities and videos. A great resource to engage younger students.
Grand Canyon National Park webcam
Provides a real time look at the Grand Canyon, an every changing view.
The Geology of the Grand Canyon
This site look at the theories on how the Grand Canyon was formed and why it looks the way it does.
The Great Smoky Mountains
Learn about the mountain range between North Carolina and Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains.
Yosemite HD II
A 200+ mile backpacking experience through Yosemite National Park captured by Colin Delehanty and Sheldon Neill. This project was filmed over the course of 10 months. They spent … learn more
Glacier Iceberg Time Lapse
Glaciers & icebergs fall apart and crash into one another. The heat penetrates their icy surfaces and creates mini creeks, rivers and tunnels. This video brings home why … learn more
All About Glaciers
Like great rivers of ice, glaciers have sculpted mountains and carved out valleys. They continue to flow and shape the landscape in many places today. This site explores … learn more
California Academy of Sciences
The California Academy of Sciences exhibits a four story rainforest with many micro-ecologies. Take-home kits widen the student base.
Costa Rica Wildlife
Virtually the whole country of Costa Rica is an eco-friendly environment. The rainforest includes animals like the poison dart frog, Capuchin monkeys, and macaws.
Why Do Venomous Animals Live In Warm Climates?
Derek Muller always wondered why Australia has so many venomous animals that can kill you while Canada has virtually none. But it’s not just Australia – it seems … learn more
Rainforest Alliance – Teacher Resources
The Rainforest Alliance helps people of all ages to understand the role that each one of us plays in biodiversity conservation, and provides both lesson plans and resources.
Incredible Wetlands
As long as humans have walked the planet, wetlands have been a part of our lives. Some people turned to these saturated lands for resources while others saw … learn more
Wetlands Teachers’ Resources
This site looks at coastal restoration projects in Louisiana. Maintained by the USGS National Wetlands Research Center, it includes instructor resources, a kids corner, slide shows and videos.
School of Freshwater Sciences
The School of Freshwater Sciences is a particularly interesting application of telecommunications in network science. To those of us who do not live in this region the environment … learn more
World Biomes: Estuary
NCEAS ecologists and teachers in Santa Barbara, Goleta, and Carpinteria schools are working with 5th grade classes to design and conduct scientific experiments in ecology. Students learn the … learn more
About The Lakes
Learn more about the Great Lakes — Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie and Ontario. Together they form the largest fresh surface water system on earth, containing about one-fifth of … learn more
Building a Natural Pool
Talk about bringing nature to you. David Pagan Butler has created a Natural Swimming Pool. It’s a swimming pool that has clear water without using chemicals. These pools … learn more
Chesapeake Bay
Chesapeake Bay has received attention not only for its ecology but also for its nearness to our nation’s capital Washington, D.C. This site illustrates the plants and animals … learn more
The Canal Age
For about 50 years canals connected fresh water rivers and salt water portals. Learn about the history of canals, especially for transportation,at The Canal Age.
Bridging the Watershed
Science in the Great Outdoors Help your students discover science in National and state parks across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C. with Alice Ferguson Foundation’s Bridging the Watershed program. … learn more
Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies
Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies is dedicated to understanding how ecosystems work. Our scientists are global experts in the ecology of: freshwater, forests, disease, and cities. Through collaborative … learn more
How Wolves Change Rivers
When wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park in the United States after being absent nearly 70 years, the most remarkable “trophic cascade” occurred. What is a trophic … learn more
Osher Map Library
The Smith Center for Cartographic Education The Osher Map Library at the University of Southern Maine features exhibits series of maps over times such as World II, the … learn more
The World Wide Panorama
The WorldWidePanorama is a huge gallery of panoramic images that keep being built from the contributions of more than one thousand photographers all around the world – amateurs … learn more
NASA’s Visible Earth
For a different view of the Earth, take a look at NASA’s Visible Earth site, showing everything from The Big Blue Marble to recent fires.
Central Pacific Railroad Maps
The Central Pacific Railroad Maps show the transcontinental phenomena of railroads, migration patterns, and transportation policies.
Topographic Maps
Topographic maps offer good content for “scaffolding” geographical features and land use. They are an alternative to traditional visuals. The new site is simple and easy to use, … learn more
Atlapedia Online
Atlapedia® Online contains full-color physical maps, political maps as well as key facts and statistics on countries of the world.
National Park Service – Junior Ranger Programs
The Junior Ranger programs below are designed to encourage our young visitors to explore nature! Dive underwater, explore a cave, or look up at the night sky. There … learn more
Google Earth
For an interactive, highly detailed, 3D look at the world, check out Google Earth. It’s free to use, but requires that you use the Google Chrome browser. Google … learn more
Bagheera: Endangered Species Classroom
During the early days of the Web wildlife sites seemed to hurl animals into the classroom because they appeared so “real”. For instance, a student can look into … learn more
Alaska Science Center Multimedia
The Alaska Science Center, part of the USGS, has a wide variety of images, videos, animated maps and more available for free download. You’ll find videos of polar … learn more
For more wonder, rewild the world
Wolves were once native to the US’ Yellowstone National Park — until hunting wiped them out. But when, in 1995, the wolves began to come back (thanks to … learn more
Cheetahs for Kids
The Cheetah Conservation Fund is another site promoting conservation and providing facts on the fastest animal in the world.
Koala
Information about particular animals, such as koalas, can be obtained at sites dedicated to the animal. More efficient than sifting thru online search engine results.
Sign Like Koko
Koko, a Lowland Gorilla born at the San Francisco Zoo, was an ambassador for gorillas all over the world. She spent her life at The Gorilla Foundation sanctuary … learn more
Photographing Meerkats
Will Burrard-Lucas talks about his travels to the Makgadikgadi Pans region of Botswana and go into detail on “some of the most charismatic (and cutest) creatures in Africa … learn more
Journey North
Journey North involves tracking the coming of spring around the world to help students gain a global systemic perspective.
Meerkats!
Will Burrard-Lucas went to Botswana, Africa to photograph meerkats (think Timon in The Lion King). Who knew they were not afraid of humans.
Animals: Facts, Pictures, and Videos
National Geographic Kids provides the excellent site with information on animals, great and small, from around the world.
Worm Woman
Learn more than you ever imagined about the role of worms in soil conservation at Worm Woman.
Bat Conservation
Find out why bats will not get tangled in your hair at Batcon, i.e., Bat Conservation.
Ocean Conservancy
Ocean Conservancy is working with you to protect the ocean from today’s greatest challenges.
American Veterinary Medical Association – Educators
Tools for K-12 educators. Teachers, counselors, parents, and advisors play important roles in guiding students – including future veterinarians – toward rewarding careers. AVMA materials are available to … learn more
Animal Detector
In contrast to zoos is a wonderful site called Animal Detector. It describes a family who left enticing food on the back porch at night so they could … learn more
Switch Zoo – Teacher Resources
Visitors to this unique zoo make new creatures by switching the animals’ heads, legs, and tails. As students play, they can read about the animals that make up … learn more
Smithsonian National Zoo – Education
At the Smithsonian National Zoo’s website, you can solve jigsaw puzzles and crossword puzzles, take a virtual world tour, send an e-card, and learn about animals and their … learn more
Sea Turtle Restoration
The Sea Turtle Restoration Project has made a video, Last Journey for the Leatherback, free to teachers.
Coral Reef Alliance
Our mission is to save the world’s coral reefs. We work at local, regional, and global levels to keep coral reefs healthy, so they can adapt to climate … learn more
Virtual Silurian Reef
425 million years ago most of North America was covered by a Silurian reef. This distance learning project Virtual Silurian Reef encompasses geology and ecosystems.
Sea Turtle Conservancy
Located in Gainesville, FL, this organization provides in-depth information on Sea Turtles.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Support children’s learning at home for grades PreK through 12. These online courses and family-friendly science activities encourage a sense of wonder and connection to the natural world … learn more
Deep-Sea Bestiary
For a display of deep sea life look at NOVA’s Deep-Sea Bestiary. The descriptions of adaptation to this life are especially interesting.
Blue World: Sponges!
A sponge might not look like much, but these simple animals with no brain or ability to move have lived on Earth for hundreds of millions of years. … learn more
YouthCan
Any student can participate in the YouthCan workshops held at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City via an IRC. Usually held in April, this … learn more
The Washington Youth Summit on the Environment
George Mason University, along with distinguished partners the National Geographic Society and the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, is proud to host the Washington Youth Summit on the Environment (WYSE). … learn more
NASA TV
NASA TV, in addition to it’s cable channel, maintains an Education Channel for students and teachers. View it on-line.
eePRO: Environmental Education
eePRO, part of NAAEE, is an online platform that provides environmental education (EE) professionals and students from around the world with opportunities to network, discuss important issues, and … learn more
Encyclopedia of Earth
The EoE is still a free, expert-reviewed collection of content contributed by scholar/professionals who collaborate and review each other’s work. We have been offline for much of 2016 while we … learn more
Environmental Science
Environmental science is the study of the effects of natural and unnatural processes, and of interactions of the physical components of the planet on the environment. This site … learn more
North American Association for Environmental Education
NAAEE is a network of people who believe in teaching people how to think about the environment, not what to think. They use high-quality teaching methods to show … learn more