Teachers First - Thinking Teachers Teaching Thinkers

Includes various images and maps of the moon and Earth. Also included are views from satellites as well as an interactive Perigee and Apogee calculator. Images could be used in research reports.

tag(s): earth (182), moon (72)

The EPA created this site to help elementary students understand how we get our drinking water and how we keep it safe to use. There are a variety of explanations how how water is purified, and there is also a collection of simple experiments which can be conducted with commonly available materials.

tag(s): pollution (53), recycling (45)

This site from the Museum of Natural History is a rich resource for images of dinosaurs. You can select by body type, country, geologic time period, and other idicies. Apart from the images, which are watermarked, there is only basic information on the size and environment of each creature on the landing page, however, scroll WAY down to the bottom of the page for a site menu. Look for Discover, and under that Dinosaurs. On this page you will find a WEALTH of information from an Introduction to Dinosaurs to Dinosaur behavior, abilities, lifestyles, to Dinosaur Digs, and even Dinosaur Crafts and Activities. While not intended for elementary students, the navigation is simple enough for these students to use effectively in finding images.

tag(s): dinosaurs (42), reptiles (12)

This on-line magazine offers a constantly changing selection of information on desert environments - animals, insects, plant life - as well as descriptions and explanations of the landforms and geology associated with these regions. Neat introductory resource, and an interesting site to check periodically for updates. Includes some advertising, most of which appears inocuous.

tag(s): geology (61)

The title says it all. There are pictures and descriptions of most types of bears, their habits, ranges, and habitats. Simple navigation and design and attractive photos keep the site interesting. Great research site for younger students.

tag(s): mammals (22)

Investigate these lesson plans from Yale to use with your high school Chemistry and Earth Science classes. Students will learn about specific environmental pollutants, causes, effects, and possible solutions. Students will develop an understanding of DDT, heavy metals, lead poisoning, radon, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, water pollution, drinking water quality, and air pollution and their effects on the environment.

tag(s): environment (251), pollution (53), recycling (45)

Originally created by the EPA for field orientation, this is a nice collection of instructional modules which appear to have originally been powerpoint presentations. The content includes several different areas of watershed ecology, management, and preservations. Many of the topics could serve as background information for lesson development on these topics. In addition, advanced high school students may find some topics useful in their science studies.

tag(s): water (105), watersheds (8)

This collection of lesson plans from the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission includes content for primary through middle school students. Most lessons are straightforward, requiring limited use of outside resources.

tag(s): pollution (53), recycling (45)

Learn about different types of waste, different types of landfills, and different environmental topics. Examine and classify the types of waste produced by the school community, analyze how it is collected, where it ends up, and how it is eventually "processed."

tag(s): pollution (53), recycling (45)

Use this unit or parts of it to help students to understand the threat of lead in our environment and use hands-on activities to enhance critical thinking.

tag(s): conservation (101), environment (251), pollution (53)

Learn about environmental issues using case studies. This site contains 14 environmental earth science modules. Each module contains background information for the teacher and learner, and multi-disciplinary, problem-based collaborative activities. These modules include use of NASA's remote sensing information, available through the Internet. Choose between multiple versions of case studies.

tag(s): earth (182), geology (61)

This is a "resource-based curriculum unit designed to teach children the effects that humans have on the environment and how various changes to the environment can affect our health."

tag(s): conservation (101), ecology (105)

Elementary students learn about land forms, soil, the Hydrologic Cycle, Vegetation, Climate, and how all these features are interdependent.

tag(s): conservation (101), ecology (105)

This EPA page offers information on the science behind acid rain, as well as specific information for students. It also includes examples of mitigation activities, a glossary, and related resources

tag(s): acid rain (3), ecology (105), pollution (53)

This site from the US Fish and Wildlife Service's Office of Protected Resources provides detailed information on endangered species, their habitats, and the circumstances of their endangered classification. While some information is designed for working professionals, other elements are suitable for use by interested students.

tag(s): endangered species (27), species (15)

includes an Interactive Frog Dissection Kit as well as frog data and 3D constructed images. Images could be imported into presentation software.

tag(s): amphibians (17), dissection (6)

The U.S. Geological Survey maintains this registry of Earth and Environmental Science links. A wide list of topics is covered, excellent resource for research projects.

tag(s): earth (182), environment (251)

This site from NOAA offers information on tides and tidal changes on the U.S. east and west coasts, and provides resources for predicting tides at various points along the coast. Good site to help students understand the factors that contribute to variations in tides from place to place.

tag(s): tides (6)

Teach students about the positive and negative effects each of us has on our environment.

tag(s): earth (182), ecology (105)

By planting, tending, and harvesting an organic garden, students learn about environmental quality and their roles in the problem.

tag(s): agriculture (52), earth (182)