ReefQuest Expeditions: Biology of the Great White Shark
http://www.reefquest.com/white_shark/why_great.htm
This new section of the ReefQuest Expeditions Web site explores the "evolution, classification, anatomy, physiology, sensory capabilities, brain and cognition, diet and predatory behavior" of the Great White Shark. Text, images, and sketches of these magnificent sharks provide an in-depth look at many aspects of their biology. The site is explanatory and easy to read; navigation is also easy with an expanding menu that is visible on every page. With this vast quantity of information, almost anyone is bound to learn something of interest. [AL]
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The Environmental Classroom [RealPlayer]
http://www.greenworks.tv/tvshow/education/environ_classroom/welcome/welcome.html
Green Works Television and the Monagacci program for 7th graders in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, present this multimedia scrapbook on environmental education. Students share their thoughts and journal entries about the environmental education adventures they experienced and how the environment is connected to their lives. Parents, students, and teachers who are looking for ways to foster similar learning experiences will find the resources page useful in setting up their own environmental education curriculum. [AL]
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jungletrekker.com
http://www.jungletrekker.com/
This home page for eco-tourism company jungletrekker.com focuses on Brazilian Amazonia. Although the site is designed to advertise their travel services, those who are just interested in learning general facts about the geography, culture, flora, and fauna of Amazonia may also find this site useful. The photo gallery contains some fabulous images that should not be missed. [AL]
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Virtual Labs
http://www.hhmi.org/biointeractive/vlabs/index.htm
These virtual labs from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute allow students to experience laboratory procedures as if they were a professional scientist. Students can isolate and analyze bacterial DNA sequences, examine cardiac patients, dissect a leech, or diagnose diseases by detecting the presence of antibodies. These virtual labs include animated steps that must be performed, along with textual instructions and explanations so that students understand not only what they are doing, but also why they are doing it. This is an extensive Web site that offers a lot to learn, and a chance to have fun in the process. [AL]
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Enter the Hive [Flash]
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/alienempire/multimedia/hive.html
This flash animation of a honeybee hive is part of the larger Alien Empire site (last mentioned in the August 10, 2001 Scout Report) from PBS's Nature series. Site visitors can view the bees inside their hive developing through egg, larvae, and pupa stages before emerging into either a worker, drone, or queen bee. The structure and engineering of the hive, and behavior within -- including making honey, the social structure, and communication systems -- are also explained. The section on pollination touches on many biological functions including flower adaptations, the number of food crops dependent on pollination, and biodiversity. [AL]
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Sea Urchin Embryology
http://www.stanford.edu/group/Urchin/contents.html
This site, associated with the Hopkins Marine Station of Stanford University, is designed to help high school classrooms learn about fertilization and development using sea urchin lab experiments. Teachers can choose from either the core lab, or several slightly longer labs, all of which include step-by-step instructions. Additional lesson plans to ensure students have all of the necessary skills to complete the labs are also included, along with background information to help instructors. The Path of Development animation is an especially useful feature, allowing the students to see a more detailed view of some early development stages observed in the lab. [AL]
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Science Knows No Boundaries
http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/kids/globalscitech/index.html
The US Department of Agriculture's Agriculture Research Service has created this Web site, highlighting some of the biological research conducted in far reaching parts of the world. Presented in story format, the site describes research projects that take scientists to Nepal, France, Australia, and other nations. The site includes a link to additional stories about science careers, which may be a good way to incorporate it into the classroom. [AL]
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The Firefly Files
http://iris.biosci.ohio-state.edu:80/projects/FFiles/top.html
Summer is coming, and the Fireflies will soon be out. This Web site from the Museum of Biological Diversity at Ohio State University contains a variety of information about the biology of these bioluminescent bugs. The site includes various facts in non-scientific language and answers questions ranging from where they live to what makes them glow. Firefly Fun explains steps people can take to make their yard or garden more hospitable, and to increase the chances of observing fireflies in your own yard. [AL]
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