Education Home > The Nature
of Learning Home > Extra, Extra
EXTRA, EXTRA Read all about it!
When you click on these links you will leave a federal government Web site under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Interior. We do not control the content or policies of the sites you are about to visit. You should always check a site's policies before providing personal information or reusing content.
Ocean Explorer CD-ROM
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Ocean Explorer CD
sets feature a series ocean expeditions. CDs of the 2001-2003 ocean
expedition seasons can be downloaded or viewed from the NOAA website.
2004 explorations are now available to explore online.
http://www8.nos.noaa.gov/oceanex. (posted on 04/07/05)
Virtual Field Trips Database
University of Texas Library collection of virtual field trips and guides
throughout the United States and Canada. Developed as course components,
the sites contain local geological or earth science information and
include links to downloadable versions of published paper texts.
http://www.lib.utexas.edu/geo/onlineguides.html. (posted on 04/07/05)
New Wow Education Module: Smart Consumers
World Wildlife Fund latest education module in the Windows on the Wild
series: Smart Consumers: An Educator's Guide to Exploring Consumer
Issues and the Environment. The guide includes 14 hands-on activities, a
Community Action Guide, and a colorful Your Stuff, Your Planet poster.
North Carolina Museum of Art online educational resource, featuring
nature and science activities that can be used in environmental
education. Includes K-12 lesson plans and activities searchable by
region, subject, and grade
http://www.ncmoa.org/artnc. (posted on 12/07/04)
Gristmill Forum
New forum from Grist Magazine features "leafy green" commentary posted
throughout the day, on breaking news, discourses on ideas, and links to
other information across the Web
http://gristmill.grist.org. (posted on 12/07/04)
Earth Matters 4 Kids
Earth Matters correlates science with basic environmental principles,
helping teachers, students (K-6) and community members gain a full
understanding of how science works in natural surroundings by bringing a
virtual natural world into the classroom.
http://www.earthmatters4kids.com/main.html (posted on 12/07/04)
EPA Environmental Education Grants
The grants program sponsored by EPA's Office of Environmental
Education supports environmental education projects that enhance
the public's awareness, knowledge, and skills to make informed
decisions that affect environmental quality. Since 1992, EPA has
received between $2 and $3 million in grant funding per year and
has awarded over 2,500 grants. Grants of $25,000 or less in federal
funds are awarded in EPA's ten regional offices, and grants over
$25,000 are awarded at EPA Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Please check the EPA Web Site www.epa.gov/enviroed/grants.html
for updates before sending in your grant application.(posted on 10/05/04)
Teaching the Poetry of Rivers Online
The Colorado Foundation for Water Education has free online lesson plans for
teachers that address the interdisciplinary study of watersheds, and
assist students with submissions to the River of Words Poetry Contest.
The self-paced lesson plans integrate culture, history, poetry and
watershed science. Please visit cfwe.org/row.asp for more information. (posted on 09/30/04)
WWF Adventures Young Explorers in the Amazon
This World Wildlife Fund site features the expedition highlights of Nick
News and the Young Explorers into the Amazon. Students can learn about
the rainforest and ways to help preserve the Amazon; experience the
adventures of the explorers through their "Jungle Notes"; and play the
"Piranha Chase" and learn about the natural treasures of the Amazon.
Learn more at www.worldwildlife.org/amazonkids/index.cfm. (posted on 09/30/04)
Skyeye Weather Teacher's Corner
Helpful weather info links plus information on weather related topics
for teachers and students. Science experiments and weather education
presentation info. Elementary students enjoy asking Puffy-Q questions too.
Visit www.skyeyeweather.com/learn.html to learn more. (posted on 09/30/04)
Red Wolf Recovery Program Web site
The Red Wolf Recovery Program Web site has a new addition
an educators resource page. This section will include announcements
for future teacher workshops, information about reserving the
red wolf discovery box, curriculum, links, etc. For more information
please visit
aligatorriver.fws.gov/redwolf.html. (posted on 09/30/04)
Society for Conservation Biology "Presentation Tips for Presenting to
K-12 Students"
The Society for Conservation Biology has developed a resource called
"Presentation Tips for Presenting to K-12 Students". This is a
comprehensive list of suggestions for scientists who are giving guest
presentations to students in the K-12 curriculum. The list may be found at
www.conbio.net/scb/K-12presentationtips_en.asp. (posted on 09/30/04)
All About Birds
Developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, this site includes a video
gallery, a guide to birdwatching, and a dynamic on-line bird guide complete
with sound files of bird songs. Requires RealPlayer (free) to view the
video and audio features. Please visit www.birds.cornell.edu/programs/allaboutbirds to learn more. (posted on 09/30/04)
CIESE On-line Classroom Projects
Center for Improved Engineering and Science Education (CIESE) sponsors and
designs interdisciplinary projects that teachers can use to enhance their
curriculum through use of the Internet. The focus is on projects that
utilize real-time data from the Internet. Some of these collaborative
projects include "Down the Drain: How much water do you use?", "The Global
Water Sampling Project: An investigation of water quality" for grades 9-12,
and "The Square of Life: Studies of local and global environments" for
grades 1-5. Each project has a brief description and links to the National
Science Standards and NCTM math standards it supports. Visit www.k12science.org/currichome.html for more information. (posted on 09/30/04)
ClassroomEarth.org
The National Environmental Education and Training Foundation (NEETF) has
launched www.ClassroomEarth.org. It is a free Web site with key information
on how educators can obtain the best and most usable environmental
education programs available today. ClassroomEarth.org is a veritable
"best of the best" collection of environmental education programs and
resources for K-12 teachers, parents, and students. This new site will
help educators, after-school providers and home-schooling parents to get
started or improve their skills in environmental education. The
development of ClassroomEarth.org was funded through a grant from the
Mitsubishi International Corporation Foundation. The Foundation emphasizes
effective environmental education programming. (posted on 09/30/04)
The Linking Girls to the Land Web site is up and running!
For the most current information about Linking Girls to the Land (LGTTL)
please visit the Web site hosted by the Environmental Protection Agency at
www.epa.gov/linkinggirls. Here you will find information about local LGTTL
Girl Scout council projects, national programs and opportunities, ways to
partner with Girl Scouts and federal natural resource agencies, the Linking
Girls to the Land Resources Guide and much more. (posted on 09/30/04)
Map Machine
The National Geographic online atlas allows customizable searches for
nearly any place on Earth to view by population, climate, and much more.
View antique maps, find country facts, or plan an outdoor adventure with
a trail map. For more information visit
http://plasma.nationalgeographic.com/mapmachine/. (posted on 07/16/04)
Investigating the Climate System Grades 5-12 Classroom Modules
NASA educational product series consists of five classroom problem-based
modules for studying clouds, energy, precipitation, weather and wind.
Learning activities, assessment rubrics and prerequisite knowledge are
included in these downloadable booklets, correlated to national academic
standards for grades 5-12. Each was designed to be used independently. Learn more at
http://spacelink.nasa.gov/products/Investigating.the.Climate.System/. (posted on 07/16/04)
National Ocean Service Discovery Kits Grades 6-12
National Ocean Service (NOS) Discovery Kits were developed for high
school teachers and students and are adaptable to undergraduate or
middle school level. Discovery Kits: Corals, Tides & Water Levels, and
Geodesy, provide tutorials, roadmaps, and lesson plans designed to work
together, but can be used independently as well. For more information visit
http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/welcome.html. (posted on 07/16/04)
EETAP CD-ROM For Educators Meeting Standards Naturally
Developed by the Environmental Education and Training Partnership
(EETAP) "Meeting Standards Naturally" CD-ROM for K-12 Educators to
promote academic excellence and environmental literacy. Helps educators
learn how to use the environment as a context for learning and meet
national academic standards. CD-ROM includes the publication "Advancing
Education through Environmental Literacy," developed in collaboration
with the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD).
CD-ROM can be ordered online or downloaded from the EETAP Web site at
http://www.eetap.org/html/new_products.php#CDROM. (posted on 06/30/04)
Service-Learning: Helping Kids and Communities Grow
From Kidsgarden Thematic Explorations, this Service-Learning program
provides project ideas, success stories, and resources that integrate
community service with curriculum goals. Service-Learning provides real
world learning experiences that address community needs while providing
students with the opportunity to cultivate partnerships and see how
their actions can improve the quality of life for others. Learn more at
http://www.kidsgardening.com/themes/service1.asp. (posted on 06/30/04)
The Green Flag Program
Coordinated by the Center for Health, Environment and Justice, the
program provides resources for teachers and students to take a hands-on
approach to improving their school environments. Schools receive awards
for achieving different levels of environmental improvements. For more information visit
http://www.greenflagschools.org. (posted on 06/30/04)
Virtual Whale Watch
Organization provides a virtual Whale Watch at schools featuring a
life-size whale. Landlocked pre-K to 6th students in Mid-Atlantic states
participate in a simulated whale watch and activities to stimulate their
interest in marine science and endangered species. Site features a
"Kid's Page" with whale sounds, "Ask a Scientist," resources and
information appropriate for pre-K-6 graders. Learn more at
http://members.aol.com/passintime. (posted on 06/30/04)
Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS): An Educator's Information and Materials Guide
For K-12 teachers and non-formal educators, the AIS Guide is available online
or in PDF format. Includes aquatic exotic plants and animals educational
materials, multimedia resources and information, and species field guide.
From the University of Minnesota Sea Grant College Program. To learn more visit
http://www.seagrant.umn.edu/exotics/. (posted on 06/15/04)
Smithsonian National Zoo: Conservation Central
This habitat education program explores the temperate forest home of the
giant panda and black bear, through several online activities. Middle School
conservation curriculum aligns with national science and social studies
standards. Learn more at http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Education/ConservationCentral/. (posted on 06/15/04)
School Garden Wizard
Online guide for grades K-8, to help start a school learning garden or
enrich an existing program. Features expert advice on getting support for a
garden program, lesson plans and guidance for teaching to standards in the
garden, practical gardening advice and more. For more information visit
http://www.schoolgardenwizard.org/. (posted on 06/11/04)
EETAP Resource Library Moves to EE-Link
The EETAP Resource Library was started by Ohio State University to make EE resources more accessible to environmental educators. A major component of the Library is Info-Sheets (1-2 page descriptions that summarize a specific EE topic and identify resources for additional reading). The Info-Sheets help educators better understand specific topics related to EE and are organized into 8 major categories: History of EE; Resources for Teaching; Academic Resources; Public Understanding of EE; Capacity Building; Assessment and Evaluation; Decision-making; and Environmental Topics. New Info-Sheets continue to be added to the EETAP Resource Library collection.
For more information visit http://eelink.net/eetapresourcelibrary.html. (posted on 05/08/04)
Science Lesson Plans - John Muir Study Guide
The Sierra Club announces new standards-aligned Science Lesson Plans (K-12)
inspired by and using John Muir's adventures and explorations. Learning
about John Muir's life can serve as a launching pad to science-based
environmental studies through plant and animal habitats, ecosystems,
earthquakes, avalanches, glaciers, geology, weather, biodiversity, and
forests.
Teachers may obtain the new Science Lesson Plans free of charge:
http://www.sierraclub.org/john_muir_exhibit/lessons/science. (posted on 03/31/04)
Educators Cultivate Entrepreneurs
This National Gardening Association book, Growing Ventures: Starting a
School Business acts as a guide for educators to launch or enhance a
business with youngsters. Features stories of 18 classroom, schoolwide, and
community-based enterprises, from a youth-run farmers' market to a
hydroponics basil business in which fourth graders sell to restaurants. It
includes guidelines, activities, and resources for engaging young people
(ages 6 to 22) in planning and implementing a project that addresses
teaching and learning goals.
Purchase through NGA's online Gardening with Kids store
http://kidsgardeningstore.com/11-3110.html or by calling 1-800-538-7476,
ext. 143. (posted on 03/24/04)
Simforest Software
SimForest (for simulated forest) is a project that enables students, grades
7-12, to plant trees of more than 30 kinds and then choose the environmental
factors that affect their growth, such as rainfall, temperature, and soil
conditions. The software is intended for biology and ecology classes.
Teacher and professional development materials are included.
For complete description of project and download instructions visit:
http://ddc.hampshire.edu/simforest/. (posted on 3/24/04)
Classroom Earth.org
This new website will help educators, after-school providers and
home-schooling parents to get started or improve their skills in
environmental education. It provides up-to-date information on the most
successful, well-tested and effective national environmental education
programs available today. The pages on each program contain a clear
description, audience/grade level, overview of content and topics,
materials, educator feedback, awards and recognition, and fast steps for
obtaining and implementing the program. The site also has an Additional
Resources section that includes a Best-of-the-Web listing of portal sites
for environmental education and a special list of free environmental
education programs offered by the national environmental resource agencies.
http://www.classroomearth.org. (posted on 03/15/04)
Earthcare
This new online resource features stories about conservation and earth
stewardship, global climate change, ecosystems, and biodiversity. Many
EarthCare topics are linked to Project Learning Tree (PLT) curricula, which
meet state and national standards. Stories that correlate to PLT activities
are identified by the PLT logo, which enables teachers to easily research
and select topics for classroom activities and homework.
http://www.earthsky.org/shows/earthcare. (posted on 03/15/04)
Project Bluestem: A Prairie and Savanna Curriculum
The long awaited
update to Project Bluestem is finally finished. Project Bluestem is a
prairie and savanna curriculum for K-12 grade teachers. The new Project
Bluestem CD-ROM is now available from the Friends of the Prairie Learning
Center through the Prairie Point Bookstore for $25. When you purchase the
CD containing 20 activities you also get a copy of the new plant wheel.
The plant wheel was developed to complement several of the activities in
Project Bluestem, but would be great for anyone who is interested in
prairie plants. The wheel features 32 of the most common wildflowers and
grasses found on the prairie. The plant wheels are available for only $6
each. For more information or to order your copy of Project Bluestem,
please contact Sara Hollerich at (515) 994-3400. (posted on 02/05/04)
Woodsy Owl Invasive Species Material Available
The Woodsy Owl Invasive Species is available at the National Symbols Cache for $2.00 per pack! Please refer to the following link on how to order.
http://symbols.gov/catalog/products/woodsy_item.html?NFES%2099243. (posted on 02/05/04)
Raptors in the City
Raptors in the City is a real-time, inquiry-based science and technology program for grades 4-6 that stars the peregrine falcon. The online portion of Raptors in the City guides children through nesting season (roughly February to June) as they watch the still rare falcons live via cameras mounted on skyscrapers. The curriculum supports one semester of study, and the students learn environmental, biological, and technological lessons, as well as research skills, tied to national science and technology standards.
Curriculum materials and books for falcon study are available
at low cost.
http://raptorsinthecity.homestead.com/ProgramInformation.html. (posted on 02/05/04)
Sea to Shining Sea Partners in Conservation
The Sea to Shining Sea Partners in Conservation webcast is global in nature, covering topics and issues from Alaska to Texas. This archived webcast is divided into three major topical areas A Sense of Place: Understanding the Habitat Wildlife: Adaptations and Concerns, and Human Impact and Involvement. Within each topic one can look at the perspectives from Alaska, Texas and the nation as a whole. The information provided on the Web site is intended as a guide for educators for further classroom activities and exploration. Topics, guiding questions, curriculum standards, Internet resources and activity ideas are included.http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/expltx/eft/. (posted on 02/05/04)
New Web site Teaches Teens about the Environment!
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) unveiled a new Web site to help high school students explore and learn about their environment and ways to protect it. The site can be found at www.epa.gov/highschool. The Web site contains easy to find and easy to understand information about air and water issues, waste and recycling, conservation, health and safety, ecosystems, and community environmental conditions. It also links interested students to internship and scholarship opportunities, environmental careers and community involvement projects. (posted on 01/29/04)
|