Participate in an amazing exploration with this virtual field trip of the Arctic. Follow the Team Arctic Transect 2004 and their 31 polar huskies on an unforgettable 3,000-mile adventure as they explore Nunavut, Canada's newest territory. Learn about arctic climate changes, meet Inuit Elders and students in remote communities, and discover the ecology of this isolated region. The team consists of six educators and explorers who comprehensively document their experiences on this interactive site. Free registration is required to download the curriculum and activity guide, and to participate in the on-line classroom features.

tag(s): arctic (40), canada (24)

This history of French exploration and settlement in what is now Canada is elegantly designed, and it shows the striking contrast between the aims of French colonists and those of their English counterparts to the south. Because the site relies almost entirely on archival images - with minimal explanatory text - it may be difficult for some students to use effectively. Still, the site offers a marked contrast to the "colonizing America" stories students hear more frequently.

tag(s): canada (24), colonial america (95), explorers (64), france (41)

This excellent effort by the Library of Congress at narrating the explorations and effects of Dutch exploration in North America is really better suited to post-secondary students. That said, motivated students will find the basics on the history of Dutch exploration and settlement, and some interesting background on the Dutch place names that persist in the U.S. today. Those interested in digging more deeply can learn more about the extent and influence of eighteenth century Dutch trade and exploration on the emerging American nation.

tag(s): explorers (64), new york (23)

The Wisconsin Historical Society offers this collection of first-hand accounts of historical events, from the early explorers through the settling of the United States. After a quirky search process, the site ultimately displays scanned images of venerable publications containing the material. While this approach is certainly historically accurate, it may be limiting for use with secondary students.

tag(s): primary sources (120)

If you'd like to incorporate elements of the history of aviation into a unit on science or history, this site's nice collection of features on significant aviation history events could be useful. There's a nice selection of items that spread over the years from the 1920s through the present. There could be more depth, but the essential information is presented well.

tag(s): air (100), aircraft (17), aviation (41), explorers (64)

Fans of the famous pilot will find this site has almost anything ever recorded about the aviator and his journeys. There is also information on several efforts to recreate the Ryan aircraft that Lindbergh flew across the Atlantic to Paris. Try this site as an add-in to a unit on the 1920s, an examination of the history of flight, or a unit on famous explorers or Americans.

tag(s): 1920s (15), aviation (41), explorers (64)

This site has wonderful resources for learning about Canadian history and Canadian explorers. Whether you're interested in early exploration in general, or specific history of the Nation, this site has information on each of Canada's multiple explorers, as well as a sequential look at the evolution of the landmass. A great site for social studies resources from the 11th through 20th Centuries.

tag(s): canada (24), landforms (39)

NASA's Mars Participate page for kids offers lots of interactive exploration options and an interactive Mars viewer. Teachers will also find links to more extensive NASA classroom resources on Mars and plans for further explorations. NASA's web resources are huge, and finding suitable materials can sometimes require some experimenting. This site will certainly interest elementary-level explorers.

tag(s): mars (26), robotics (26), space (220)

This companion site from the PBS American Experience series offers a profile of John Wesley Powell's first exploration of the Grand Canyon. While the teacher's section is closely linked to the film itself, the site offers interactive maps, biographies, and background information on the discovery of one of America's natural wonders.

tag(s): explorers (64), rivers (16)

This online exhibition site offers a glimpse of some of the many documents associated with the Lewis and Clark expedition, ranging from maps drawn by the explorers to Thomas Jefferson's secret cipher for sending coded messages. The text includes excerpts from the journals the explorers kept.

tag(s): jefferson (19), lewis and clark (14)

Follow a team of scientists visiting Antarctica from December, 2001 to January, 2002. If you miss the live events, there are lots of reports filed on activities conducted during the visit. This site also has background sections on the Antarctic climate, the history of exploration, and the scientific tools and tasks involved in Antarctic science. From the Exploratorium.

tag(s): antarctica (30), arctic (40), explorers (64)

The National Geographic Society authored this site dealing with the Lewis & Clark Expedition. Students will learn the basics of who, what, where, and when, and the format is entertaining.

tag(s): explorers (64), lewis and clark (14)

The Library of Congress has collected original writings by settlers and explorers in California during the period 1850-1900. Indexed by author, subject, and title, this site offers lots of starting points for talented students interested in using primary source materials for research in history or social studies.

tag(s): california (17), explorers (64), gold rush (16)

This site, created by the Virginia Historical Society, provides a look at recent archaeological activities around the site of the original Jamestown fort and settlement. In addition to descriptions and a number of photos, the site offers additional links to other sites dealing with Jamestown and early English settlements in Virginia.

tag(s): explorers (64)

This site from the Florida Bureau of Archaeological Research provides pictures, downloadable Abode Acrobat files, and discussions about life in Florida from pre-history through the present. There are sections on ancient cultures, sunken Spanish ships, and many other topics, each presented in enough detail for high school level research papers.

tag(s): explorers (64)

This site from the University of Virginia provides an edited version of Lewis & Clark's journals recounting their two-year journey to the Pacific and back. Good site for students interested in primary sources.

tag(s): explorers (64), lewis and clark (14), westward expansion (39)

This is the web site for Ken Burns' PBS series on the travels of Lewis and Clark. It provides a significant resource for studying the explorers' travels, along with study suggestions.

tag(s): explorers (64), lewis and clark (14)

The London Museum of Natural History created this site to chronicle the voyage of Captain Cook, who was the first European to bring natural scientists to Australia. Learn what they found and how they documented their work.

tag(s): australia (29), explorers (64)

The Library of Congress has produced this collection of historic maps in half a dozen categories ranging from convervation to cities to military campaigns. Users can view maps online or download them for inclass use.

tag(s): explorers (64), maps (225)

Find basic facts about the state of Alabama. Especially helpful is the information included about the state's weather including water and parks. Be sure to explore the state library link which includes in-depth information about the state's rich history beginning with the early Polynesian explorers up to present day statehood.

tag(s): states (125)