Kids' Korner
http://www.darwinfoundation.org/misc/kids/kids.html
The Charles Darwin Foundation provides this Web page for kids that focuses on the extraordinary biological diversity found in the Galapagos Islands. The site gives a brief introduction to the Galapagos, how they were formed, and the biological importance of these diverse ecosystems. Students are introduced to species distribution, natural selection, and "Lonesome George" and the idea of extinction. The site illustrates some difficult concepts with easily understood language and examples. This resource is most useful as a supplement to evolution and biodiversity lessons. [AL]
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Environment Canada: National Wildlife Week
http://www.on.ec.gc.ca/wildlife/wildweek/intro-e.html
April 7-13, 2002, is Canada's National Wildlife Week. The week, a tribute to conservation pioneer Jack Miner, is an opportunity for citizens to "celebrate wildlife and take action to protect wild plants and animals." In addition to a calendar of events across Canada, the celebration's home page features 20 things that anyone can do to protect wildlife, as well as games, activities, and fact sheets focused on this year's theme -- Climate Change. [AL]
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Crocodilians
http://www.crocodilian.com
Created by crocodile expert Dr. Adam Britton, this educational Web site provides all you need to know about crocodiles. A species list provides an overview of all 23 crocodile species, with information like taxonomy, location, habitat, and distribution. The Crocodilian Biology Database provides more detailed information on biological topics common to all crocodiles. Visitors can also listen to crocodile sounds, find other online crocodile resources, or learn about the care of captive crocodiles. This is a great site for anyone with an interest in crocodiles. [AL]
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Acres of Insects
http://insected.arizona.edu/acres.html
The University of Arizona Center for Insect Science Education Outreach has developed this new resource for high school teachers. Using insects as model organisms, the Web site examines a range of complexities involved with the world's food supply. There are currently two lesson sequences: Great Gravidity, a population ecology lesson, and The Enforcers, a lesson on predator-prey relationships that focuses on biological control of insect pests. Both lessons include introductory activities that prepare students for a long-term (3-4 week) research project, as well as including data analyses and optional activities. These substantial lesson plans have an interactive and interdisciplinary focus, making them appealing to a wide range of high school students. [AL]
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The Living Skeleton: A Tour of Human Bones
http://www.accessexcellence.org/RC/VL/xrays/
Access Excellence at the National Health Museum provides this Web site as an educational tool for learning about the human body. X-ray images and bone photos of the human skeleton are organized into eight body area categories, viewable with or without explanatory labels. Both normal bones and those having fractures or other medical conditions are included, along with links to explanations of some of the conditions. The site may be useful to those studying medicine, anatomy, or anyone who is interested in images of the human body. [AL]
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Orangutan Curriculum for Teachers [.pdf]
http://www.orangutan.com/index.htm
The education section of this Web site from the Balikpapan Orangutan Society-USA, a non-profit organization devoted to orangutan conservation, is a week-long curriculum introducing students to orangutans of Indonesia. The lessons focus on topics that include animal behavior, ecology, geography, Indonesian culture, species distribution, biodiversity, and conservation. Lessons are divided into 5 days, with each day's materials including notes to inform teacher lectures, suggested discussion points, fact sheets for students, and activities. These lessons are fairly advanced and are best suited for high school students. The rest of the site, focusing on orangutans and the Balikpapan Orangutan Society's work to protect them, is also worth a visit. Because the site uses frames, users should note that they need to click on the Education link on the left navigation bar in order to access the educational materials. [AL]
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The Search for Ancient Sharks [Quicktime, Real Player]
http://www.discovery.com/exp/prehistoricsharks/prehistoricsharks.html
This Web site from the American Museum of Natural History and Discovery.com explores the fossil remains and evolutionary history of prehistoric sharks. Students can read about the paleontologists involved in an expedition to the Falkland Islands to search for fossils of the ancient shark Pucapampella. Although the expedition has been completed, daily dispatches are still online, along with an opportunity to learn about the Falkland Islands. Other sections, like the prehistoric shark gallery and tour of the ancient seas, provide information, images, and videos that should be interesting to shark lovers and fossil hunters of all ages. [AL]
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Field Trips: Online Education Inside the Classroom and Out
http://www.field-trips.org/
This site offers a number of virtual field trips to provide an opportunity for students to interact and explore places they would not otherwise visit. These Web-based trips focus on a variety of subjects, many relating to the natural world. Some of the topics include deserts, dinosaurs, natural wonders, rainforest, and salt marshes. Each trip includes a Teacher Resources section with background information and lesson plans. Students can navigate through the field trips at their own pace, exploring different offshoots of the main trip. This site offers a unique approach to learning about these interesting subjects. [AL]
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