Teachers First - Thinking Teachers Teaching Thinkers

The TeachEngineering page for "Forecasting the Weather" offers a hands-on activity that guides students in understanding how meteorologists predict the weather. Through this activity, students learn to observe atmospheric conditions, record data, and use simple forecasting techniques to make weather predictions. Designed for elementary to middle school students, the activity encourages critical thinking and problem-solving by simulating real-world weather forecasting methods. This resource is ideal for science teachers looking to reinforce concepts in meteorology with interactive, practical learning that connects to students' everyday experiences with weather. The videos are hosted on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, then they may not be viewable.
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tag(s): weather (160)

This site from the University of California at Santa Barbara lets students explore selected ecology topics in several ways. There are sub-sites dealing with ecology principles, whales, and several other marine species. There's also a very nice section on Data, showing why data collection is important for scientists and illustrating different ways to present data visually. Both sections might be useful in introducing scientific method and experimental procedure.

tag(s): ecology (103), pollution (52), recycling (46)

See where the latest earthquakes have occurred, learn why they occur, and learn about the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program. This FEMA site also offers information relating to earthquake safety. Suggestions are geared to people living in earthquake-prone areas.

tag(s): disasters (37), earth (184), earthquakes (46)

This is the website of teacher Brandon Thacker. Scroll down the page to "My UEN Content" to find a collection that offers a neat set of activities built around the ecosystems of small ponds. For those without a pond nearby, there's even a virtual pond simulation that lets users select the way they want to populate their pond and then see how well the ecosystem functions. This requires you sign up for the site but does not require payment.

tag(s): ecosystems (83)

This is a surprisingly detailed collection of lesson ideas, information, and resources related to environmental issues and their inclusion in the classroom. Materials are sorted into a number of different subject areas: Air, Climate Change, Ecosystems, Energy, Health, Waste, Water. They include links to other sites for more extensive information on specific topics.

tag(s): ecology (103), pollution (52), recycling (46)

This is a beautifully produced site from an international ecological consortium. It provides detailed descriptions of the major North American ecological regions, along with photos of representative ecological features. A good overview and comparison of the differences among ecological regions in North America.

tag(s): ecology (103), pollution (52), recycling (46)

Find great ecology projects and adventurous ideas at Earthwatch, a program where everyone and anyone can get involved in making our planet environmentally safe. Sign up for their free newsletter for the latest news, events, and ways you can get involved. There is a comprehensive guide and a fact sheet. Find many, many lesson plans on the Educator Opportunities page, on the right menu. If you haven't planned your next vacation, why not do something out of the ordinary and get involved in an Earthwatch expedition? There are more than 140 expeditions from all over the world from which to choose. You will meet professional research scientists, Earthwatch guides and professionals, and like-minded volunteers like you from around the world. There are grants available to fund your expedition.

tag(s): earth (184), environment (252)

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 (184), moon (73)

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 (43), reptiles (12)

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)

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 (52), recycling (46)

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 (52), recycling (46)

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 (102), environment (252), pollution (52)

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 (184), geology (62)

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 (102), ecology (103)

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 (103), pollution (52)

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 (184), environment (252)

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)

In this web detective hunt from the University of Leicester (England) students help a scientist figure out what's making the construction workers on the Panama Canal project ill, and work to develop a cure for yellow fever. Plenty of scientific backup to explain how the cure was developed!

tag(s): diseases (67)