Teachers First - Thinking Teachers Teaching Thinkers

Teach biology through this hypothesis which focuses either reductively on cell biology, biochemistry and genetics or holistically on an understanding of species in terms of its ecosystem or environment.

tag(s): cells (82)

This site from by NC State publications includes searchable animal databases. A search results in a list of links. This site would be very helpful when completing a research report.

tag(s): zoology (18)

The University of Florida has compiled a listing of insects holding the record for the biggest, fastest, smallest, etc., etc. A good collection of insect trivia, as well as a potential starting point for a more serious exploration of insects and the way they live.

tag(s): insects (68)

Check out the results of Cornell University's Feederbird counts held in February, 1999. Lots of data, maps, and related bird information sorted by location and species. An excellent starting point for a unit on migration, populations, and habitats.

tag(s): birds (46), counting (61)

Information on how gorillas, their habitat, and efforts to help preserve the species in the wild. This site is the home of Koko, who participated in an Internet chat session in the Spring of 1998. The site provides good information while promoting its cause.

tag(s): mammals (22)

Forget all the cutesy froggy sites. This site from the San Francisco's Exploratorium offers a visually impresive exploration of frogs and how they have survived through many millennia. The site includes visuals and frog sounds, as well as extensive scientific content. Good resource for any study of amphibians.
This site includes advertising.

tag(s): amphibians (17)

This is a site about microorganisms, not insects. There are concise explanations of a variety of organisms and genetic issues, most listed in a "what the heck is a..." format. It's informal, but easy to use and informative.

tag(s): insects (68)

One of the fascinating features of this site is its display of tracking information for whales, porpoises, and sea turtles that have been equipped with radio transmitters. Users can follow the movements of these marine creatures to see how they move about in the oceans. There is also a variety of reference information about whales, whale watching, and related topics.

tag(s): whales (11)

This site contains lots of images and detailed descriptions of these large, often furry arachnids. While it's not the sort of thing that everyone will love, there's lots of material for research papers, class presentations, and the like. This may be one case where viewing on the computer is better than seeing the real thing!

tag(s): insects (68), spiders (10)

This site, developed by the the Massachusetts Audobon, provides facts and illustrations on snakes found only in that state. The graphics are well done, and the information is suited to students in grades 4-6. This site could be used in a research report, or serve as an example for making a web site on a species specific to a region.

tag(s): amphibians (17)

The Space Race grew out of the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union, the most powerful nations after World War II. At the end of the Cold War, the United States and Russia agreed to build a space station and pursue other joint ventures in space. A contest that began in fear and enmity has become a partnership. At this site you get to participate in this race!

tag(s): cold war (31), space (220)

This NASA simulation lets students work their way through the final preparations for a shuttle launch, performing the same tasks the astronauts go through. Requires the Shockwave player, which is available from the TeachersFirst Toolbox

tag(s): space (220)

NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab offers this java-based site which lets students see what the solar system, or any part thereof, would look like from another location. You can see what the stars and planets would look like from the surface of Saturn or one of Jupiter's moons. The site is both a great learning tool and a wonderful simulation example.

tag(s): planets (113), solar system (108)

This very well planned site helps you and your students understand and explore astronomy. It explains astronomy in everyday language. It contains a calendar of celestial events. There are also tips for everyone. There is also software and astronomy hardware for sale. The site includes pictures of many astronomic events, lists of astronomy clubs, planetariums, science museums, and observatory locations from all around the world. You can find your hometown facility and print it out in minutes!

tag(s): stars (71)

This site, created with the help of NASA, provides a fully-illustrated introduction to rockets and the scientific principles that make them work. The illustrations make the material comprehensible for younger students, and the text provides sufficient content for those working at a more advanced level.

tag(s): rockets (12), space (220)

The National Geographic presents an introduction to Great White sharks suitable for use by lower elementary students. The site helps dispel many of the myths about sharks and their behavior. The science, artwork, and design are all typical of the quality of National Geographic materials.

tag(s): oceans (149)

This site, created by Sea World and Busch Gardens, offers a lot of information about a variety of animals. There are animal infobooks, toolboxes, sound clips, photos, "Ask Shamu," Wild World adventures in a safari and zoo, lesson plans, vocabulary, games, a teacher's guide, and more. There are lesson plans for grades K-12 (click the Animal Info and Just for Teacher's on the top menu).

tag(s): animals (293), biomes (110), ecosystems (85), mammals (22), oceans (149)

Grades 3-6 will enjoy the "Journals" section containing weekly entries by zoo interns. Students will also like the "Kids Corner." Classrooms with animals could use this site for ideas on journal writing.

tag(s): zoology (18)

Starts with an essay including an overview to help students better understand these creatures that are often misunderstood. This lesson also has a section titled "What you can do to help." Offers grade levels and educational standards. Five lessons and loads of resources with links. From the Smithsonian's lesson collections.

tag(s): amphibians (17), reptiles (12)

What's that wiggling under the microscope? This site offers a guide to microscopic organisms living in fresh-water ponds, along with links to addtional information on each organism. In addition, there are links to similar collections of microscopic fauna for oceans and other ecosystems. Interesting photos; easy to use.

tag(s): microorganisms (10), microscopes (10)